Japan Visa Request For Thaksin Came From Bangkok

[webfact]

ANALYSIS

Visa request came from Bangkok

By The Nation

Japan says it was asked to allow Thaksin to visit country; Interpol never issued arrest warrant; ex-PM visited Germany

Doubts about the intentions of the Yingluck administration emerged on her first day in office, with Japan confirming yesterday it granted Thaksin Shinawatra an entry visa at the request of the Thai government.

This left Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul facing the glare of scrutiny, hot on the heels of a poll rating him the "most disappointing" name in her Cabinet.

The Japanese visa dominated the front pages, followed by a story about an alleged Yingluck Shinawatra pledge to give the families of red-shirt protesters killed last year Bt10 million in compensation each.

Coming third was a report that Interpol had removed Thaksin from its wanted list, although it became clear yesterday Interpol never issued a warrant for his arrest.

For a prime minister who vowed on her inauguration never to work for any particular group of people, it was hardly an ideal start.

Are there connections between the Japanese visa, the German visa and the Interpol issue? Some analysts link them with Thaksin's wish to come home and not go to jail. His increased freedom to travel internationally and greater recognition overseas flies in the face of a Supreme Court verdict sentencing him to two years jail for the Ratchadapisek land case, and could be followed by a push for an amnesty.

Over the past few days, Yingluck and Surapong have been evasive over who requested a visa for Thaksin to visit Japan, after the foreign minister led Thai reporters to believe the initiative came from the Japanese side. The answer emerged from Tokyo yesterday, when Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told reporters the visa was granted at Bangkok's request. The fugitive PM will travel to Japan next week to give speeches on democracy and economy - the former to local and foreign media and the latter to the Japan-China-Asean Institute of Economy.

Japanese Ambassador to Thailand Seiji Kojima had met with Surapong, who at first made it sound as if the envoy was seeking his advice on an institute invitation the Thai government knew nothing about. Japan had banned Thaksin's entry after he was convicted over the Ratchadapisek land scandal in 2008.

If Japan's chief cabinet secretary is to be believed, their envoy did not seek Surapong's advice but was given the message the Thai government wanted Thaksin to enter Japan. The institute's invitation was reportedly extended to Thaksin in June. He sought the visa from the Japanese consulate in Dubai and will use his Montenegrin passport to visit the Asian country next week.

Bloomberg, which reported yesterday on Thaksin's impending trip, also quoted a German official who spoke on condition of anonymity that Germany had lifted a travel ban on Thaksin. Khao Sod reported on August 11 that Thaksin travelled to Munich by private jet on August 5 and met with supporters in Hamburg on August 9. According to a report in the Helsinki-based Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, Thaksin also visited Finland in July.

Yesterday's report that Interpol removed Thaksin from its wanted list was strongly denied by Yingluck. She sounded confident on this one, probably because Interpol never took the Thaksin case as a criminal matter in the first place and there was never an arrest warrant. What remained unclear as of yesterday was whether Thai authorities "withdrew" their request for a warrant from Interpol entirely.

Remaining a thorn in Yingluck's side is the question whether her government, the Foreign Ministry in particular, will give Thaksin back his Thai passport. She has been absolutely ambiguous about this issue, whereas Surapong has been slightly more open, saying he was ready to "study" the whole implication of passport return. Carrying a Thai passport while travelling, Thaksin's freedom abroad won't be much different from what the Montenegrin document can give him, but his dignity will rise.

The Interpol news along with Thaksin's greater independence overseas will not change his legal status domestically, however. Thaksin, no matter how many countries he can enter, will have to go to jail if he returns home. Unless an amnesty is already in place, that is. Talks about a homeward-bound Thaksin, therefore, can come true only on one condition - that major legal changes are undertaken to keep him out of prison when he comes back.

-- The Nation 2011-08-16

related topic:

Yingluck Govt Requests Japan Visa For Thaksin: Edano

[Buchholz]

For a prime minister who vowed on her inauguration never to work for any particular group of people, it was hardly an ideal start.

But very typical and unexpected for Thaksin, ver. 4.0

Surapong's lies being exposed so quickly is also traditional.

.

[Ricardo]

Japan confirming yesterday it granted Thaksin Shinawatra an entry visa at the request of the Thai government.

Hardly in-office, and already being caught-out telling 'porkies', it appears that the new FM is fully up to (or should that be 'down to' ?) the standard of the previous one. Still, diplomats are expected to lie, for their country (and family ?) aren't they ?

The new government's priorities are indeed being made clear now.

[siampolee]

One man and his party went to fleece a country.

[Siripon]

Thaksin wants to visit Japan partly because he donated some money there after the tsunamu.

But when the tsunami happened in Thailand during his tenure as PM he said he didn't want any foreign assistance.

[siampolee]

Thaksin wants to visit Japan partly because he donated some money there after the tsunami.But when the tsunami happened in Thailand during his tenure as PM he said he didn't want any foreign assistance.

But no objection to foreign passport assistance though.

Money and power involved in this trip, like a shark circling its prey Thaksin is getting ready along with the P.T.P. to strike the prey, Thailand and its people

[scorecard]

Quote:

"Japanese Ambassador to Thailand Seiji Kojima had met with Surapong, who at first made it sound as if the envoy was seeking his advice on an institute invitation the Thai government knew nothing about. ......"

Further "..... give lectures on democracy and economy...."

Would be interesting to know how / why these institutes identified the paymaster as an outstanding person to give lectures on these subjects. There is nothing whatever in his past that qualifies him as outstanding, in fact his track record is exactly the opposite.

Bottom line, I find it very difficult to believe that these institutes, out of their own discussions and actions actually 'invited' him.

Is there more to this case that the new FM is not disclosing?

Edited August 16, 2011 by scorecard

[siampolee]

'Twould be interesting to see who or what these mythical organisations may be, origin, controllers policies etc..

[timinphuket]

politics and paperwork are careful partners...

[hammered]

Im more interested in what the government are going to do about flood relief and whether they will implement their policies and promises and if they can bring reconcilliation.

Sure state officials assisting someone found guilty of a crime in Thailand is dodgy maybe even criminal but it is hardly the most important thing in the country and yet the media and the anti-Thaksinistas are positively obsessing over it. What did they expect? The country just elected a government that everyone without exception knows is Thaksins. It was obvious he was going to be able to travel again. It is obvious a lot of people want him back, maybe even a majority. And Abhisit called it a let the people decide election and they did. What was that decision that Abhisit wanted the people to make?

It really is time for the more important issues to come first. The government have prepared a policy document. They say they are going to move forward with almost all of their promises if the leaked version is accurate. That is massive change for the country. And of course reconcilliation is mentioned. When this government were elected it was obvious to all that Thaksin and what happened to him would be part of reconcilliation. The Democrat reconcilliation with Thaksin on the outside of it initiative was rejected. Now it is just a matter of the government doing the technical stuff to see it all through, and the elected government do have that power, or being prevented by external influences or it all becoming such a mess that the people decide to reject the government at the next election. This is the reality. In the meantime lets hope the government get on with the job of running the country, the legislature with making law, the opposition with checking government policies and participating in the legislature, the courts with making legal decisions and the media with reporting and commenting on the important issues. The Thaksin issue doesnt have to be a huge one. It really doesnt matter where he travels, after all his enemies never tried to have him extraditied, and no doubt if some amnesty is planned it will be put to the people for a once and forever up or down vote or at least done via a parliamentary vote as is constitutional.

[mca]

What did they expect? The country just elected a government that everyone without exception knows is Thaksins. It was obvious he was going to be able to travel again. It is obvious a lot of people want him back, maybe even a majority. And Abhisit called it a let the people decide election and they did. What was that decision that Abhisit wanted the people to make?

+1

[SomTumTiger]

Good old Thaksin, never knows when to <deleted> - gonna bury his party again, using his mouth.

[hyperdimension]

The fugitive PM will travel to Japan next week to give speeches on democracy and economy

Thaksin is spreading his "democracy" propaganda again, obviously in an attempt to portray himself as a champion of democracy, when really it is just a facade.

I think we could expect something like his speech at the Council on Foreign Relations on September 18, 2006: A Conversation with Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. The Japanese probably would not notice how broken his English is, as their English isn't so great either.

The Japanese are probably just interested in the extra money that would come about from new trade deals, as their own country is struggling. They are willing to do business with criminals if the return is good.

The topic of the tsunami is really irrelevant to his visit but is done for PR. Thaksin would not waste his time visiting Japan purely just to say some soothing words to the people affected by the tragedy; he is a big businessman and seeks a return on invested time and cash.

[moe666]

So far so good in six months the coffers of Thailand will be empty and Thaksin who knows.

[Oberkommando]

Sure state officials assisting someone found guilty of a crime in Thailand is dodgy maybe even criminal but it is hardly the most important thing in the country and yet the media and the anti-Thaksinistas are positively obsessing over it. What did they expect? The country just elected a government that everyone without exception knows is Thaksins.

Good post.

It gives them some faint hope after the bitter taste of his party predictably and comfortably winning the election.

[lannarebirth]

Anyone want to take odds that Thaksin in his role as Trade Ambassador has a plan to help Japan shift their radiotion tainted foods to Thailand? School lunch program should be a good outlet for it.

[Atoosa07]

Thaksin wants to visit Japan partly because he donated some money there after the tsunamu.

But when the tsunami happened in Thailand during his tenure as PM he said he didn't want any foreign assistance.

And the south still need help to recover from the tsunami

[metisdead]

A post using all caps has been removed. Posting in all capitals is bad netiquette.

[webfact]

Democrat Party to Probe Thaksin's Japan Visa Case

The Democrat Party is set to launch a probe into Japan's decision to grant former PM Thaksin Shinawatra a visa to a request by the new Thai government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajvia said the Democrat Party's legal team will launch a probe into Japan's decision to grant ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra permission to enter the country to the request of the new Thai government.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said the Japanese government decided to grant Thaksin a visa to a request by the Thai government.

Abhisit questioned the timing of the decision and the meeting between the new Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul and the Japanese ambassador to Thailand.

Abhisit also commented on a report that the Interpol has removed Thaksin from its wanted list and the fact that it never issued a warrant for his arrest.

The Democrat Party leader admitted his administration was to be blamed for failing to expedite the process concerning the extradition of the ousted premier.

He revealed the extradition petition is still being reviewed and translated.

The matter is currently being handled by the Office of the Attorney General.

Abhisit also expressed his opinion on the new government's monetary policy direction.

He urged the new finance minister to work closely with the Bank of Thailand.

Abhisit added that the central bank should be allowed to operate independently.

The former prime minister also expressed his support for Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit to dissolve red-shirt villages in the rural areas.

Abhisit said the so-called red-shirt villages represent disunity in the country.

Meanwhile, chairman of the United States's Senate Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Jim Webb, met Abhisit this morning to deliver thanks to the latter for his previous government's success in bringing the peaceful election and steering the country through crises.

Webb said the situation in Thailand remains stable compared to other countries in the region.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-16

[Sydebolle]

Too many clowns, not enough circuses - mind boggling indeed! 8-)

[MaiChai]

Welcome back to Taksin corruptonomics. Running Thailand like a business for the benefit of the family.

[ToffeEFCpower]

We want amnesty for Thaksin. We want him back in Thailand.

It will then be easier for us to get to him.

[phiphidon]

Anyone want to take odds that Thaksin in his role as Trade Ambassador has a plan to help Japan shift their radiotion tainted foods to Thailand? School lunch program should be a good outlet for it.

If it wasn't for the fact that gambling was illegal I'd take you up on it. What do you suggest he will do next - pay the red shirts 500 baht to go and clean up the reactors? Where do you get this animosity from? It's unhealthy.

[lannarebirth]

Anyone want to take odds that Thaksin in his role as Trade Ambassador has a plan to help Japan shift their radiotion tainted foods to Thailand? School lunch program should be a good outlet for it.

If it wasn't for the fact that gambling was illegal I'd take you up on it. What do you suggest he will do next - pay the red shirts 500 baht to go and clean up the reactors? Where do you get this animosity from? It's unhealthy.

Where do I get it? From precedent of course:

http://asiancorrespondent.com/19242/chalerm-public-health-and-china/

[Buchholz]

Anyone want to take odds that Thaksin in his role as Trade Ambassador has a plan to help Japan shift their radiotion tainted foods to Thailand? School lunch program should be a good outlet for it.

If it wasn't for the fact that gambling was illegal I'd take you up on it. What do you suggest he will do next - pay the red shirts 500 baht to go and clean up the reactors? Where do you get this animosity from? It's unhealthy.

Where do I get it? From precedent of course:

http://asiancorrespondent.com/19242/chalerm-public-health-and-china/

from link:

"Public Health Minister Chalerm"

LOL.... he performed so well in Thaksin, ver. 2.0 that he's now Deputy Prime Minister in Thaksin, ver. 4.0

.

[TAWP]

from link:

"Public Health Minister Chalerm"

LOL.... he performed so well in Thaksin, ver. 2.0 that he's now Deputy Prime Minister in Thaksin, ver. 4.0

Stands to reason he would know about health since his son Duangchalerm was accused of murder for shooting a cop. Dead.

[Buchholz]

from link:

"Public Health Minister Chalerm"

LOL.... he performed so well in Thaksin, ver. 2.0 that he's now Deputy Prime Minister in Thaksin, ver. 4.0

Stands to reason he would know about health since his son Duangchalerm was accused of murder for shooting a cop. Dead.

Additionally, his other son, Mr. Happy Toilet, endeavored to improve Public Health.

Sadly, I can't believe he lost in the July 3rd election. He would have been a great addition to Thaksin, ver. 4.0 as a father-son MP duo.

[samurai]

Abhisit also commented on a report that the Interpol has removed Thaksin from its wanted list and the fact that it never issued a warrant for his arrest.

.

The Democrat Party leader admitted his administration was to be blamed for failing to expedite the process concerning the extradition of the ousted premier.

He revealed the extradition petition is still being reviewed and translated.

What a loser. Fabricating news how successful they were to hunt Thaksin, the fugitive, the terrorist, was the only thing the Abhisit government was good in. But it were only words who had little in common with reality.

And now he says they didn't even managed to translate an extradition petition.

No one expect PT to hunt Thaksin, but the Democrats screwed it up. Thats should actually be a headline. The big failure of the the previous government.

Good for Thailand that the Democrats and the only good for words( democratic words like "life fire zone") PM are out of office now.

[bino]

What I don't get about this... visa requests are usually related to passports, right? Does this mean that Thaksin is traveling on a Thai passport? Maybe not a red diplomatic one, but a regular one?

[samurai]

What I don't get about this... visa requests are usually related to passports, right? Does this mean that Thaksin is traveling on a Thai passport? Maybe not a red diplomatic one, but a regular one?

Who knows. Probably using his Montenegrin Passport.

What is clear is that not the Thai government or Yingluck gave Thaksin a visa for Japan, but the Japanese authorities.