Thaksin's Visa Could Be Japan's Big Mistake

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Thaksin's visa could be Japan's big mistake

By The Nation

Thailand's long-time friend and ally is putting its diplomatic credibility at risk by pandering to the request of the new foreign minister

Impeachment threats looming over Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul have confirmed that the decision by Japan to allow the fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra to visit Tokyo next week harbour some unpredictable consequences. The decision is quite uncharacteristic of Japan, which, all along, has been pursuing a straightforward policy toward Thailand without any misstep. Thaksin has been granted a visa at the request of the Thai government, which is strongly linked to him, and that could be a lapse in Japan's diplomatic decision-making.

If the visa was granted based on how the political wind blows in Thailand, Japan may find itself stuck in a vicious cycle. Thaksin won power, then lost it, and now is trying to regain it after his political party won the election. Whether he succeeds in retaking power or not, the court verdict against him stays.

In other words, although the Pheu Thai Party won the election on July 3 and is now governing Thailand, it does not mean that Thaksin has immediately become an innocent man. He has yet to serve his jail sentence and no amnesty has been put in effect to absolve him.

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was right in saying that any Thai who is helping Thaksin could be implicated in the future. The Democrats have launched an impeachment move against Surapong, who they say, in his capacity as foreign minister, is supposed to go after a fugitive if that person's overseas whereabouts become clear - not aid his or her travel. Surapong may soon be facing charges of negligence or malfeasance.

While Japan has the right to grant or deny entry for foreign passport-holders, it has been disclosed through Japan's own cabinet secretariat that Tokyo was granting the visa as requested by the Yingluck government with Surapong as foreign minister. The new foreign minister's first "accomplishment" has apparently been scored in bringing pressure to bear on Japan regarding the visa. He left no room for us to understand otherwise. All indications are that he did it at the behest of Thaksin. That alone has clouded the future of Thai foreign policy. When a personal agenda becomes a national agenda, nobody can be really optimistic.

Thaksin has been convicted and sentenced to a two-year imprisonment term, charged with political malfeasance in connection with the Ratchadapisek land scandal. His supporters have been trying to describe the case as "political". Others view it as a corruption case, pure and simple. The fact that the plot of land his ex-wife bought (and which was seized by the state after the coup that ousted Thaksin) has now fetched Bt1billion more than when she purchased it has lent weight to the laws prohibiting such purchases by people in power.

To say that he wanted to visit Fukushima with donations and also give a lecture is not a sufficient reason. Giving him a visa despite his conviction by a Thai court puts Japan's diplomatic creditability at risk. Thailand and Japan have maintained excellent relations through the rough and tumble of world affairs. Since the tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan, the Thai people have shown great sympathy and donated over one million dollars in cash and in kind to the Japanese victims. Likewise, Japan often helps Thailand in our times of need.

Obviously, Japan could argue its decision was based on the new government's request. To preserve good ties with Thailand under the Yingluck government, Japan has been put in a dilemma. It remains to be seen how other countries will react to similar requests. Major countries such as the US, China, and those in Europe will be included in future destinations as Thaksin challenges the country's legal system. If more and more agree to such requests, it will achieve his primary objective in discrediting the decision to convict him. It's a Thaksin game being played out on the world stage for his domestic interests.

Absurdly, the Foreign Ministry has become the first to do the dirty work under the new government. The visa issue must have generated a great deal of confusion within the diplomatic community, and further complicates all negotiations on Thai foreign policy. It is clear that Surapong does not care about the big picture that much, but that doesn't mean Japan should play along to his tune.

-- The Nation 2011-08-19

[mca]

The new foreign minister's first "accomplishment" has apparently been scored in bringing pressure to bear on Japan regarding the visa.

I thought the only " pressure" successive Thai governments could bring to bear were on the Thai people.

[JurgenG]

Thailand's long-time friend and ally is putting its diplomatic credibility at risk

Who is putting its credibility at risk ?

Japan who owns half of Thai industries ?

Or The Nation who should stop putting young graduates fresh for the university in charge of its editorials ?

[AngelofDeath]

Japan sound like a sinking ship with their nuclear problems and cover up. It doesn't matter if this is one of their biggest mistake or not.

[kp66]

Thailand's long-time friend and ally is putting its diplomatic credibility at risk

Who is putting its credibility at risk ?

Japan who owns half of Thai industries ?

Or The Nation who should stop putting young graduates fresh for the university in charge of its editorials ?

Reading this is so much fun indeed...

I also love reading people calling for boycott of Japan. I look forward to seeing Thai people walking

[KhunBJ]

I think it will take some time before the credibility of Thailand is even at the same level as Japan ...

[OzMick]

Thailand's long-time friend and ally is putting its diplomatic credibility at risk

Who is putting its credibility at risk ?

Japan who owns half of Thai industries ?

Or The Nation who should stop putting young graduates fresh for the university in charge of its editorials ?

Heaven forbid that idealism should replace cronyism !

[hammered]

Japan kept the "evil" Thaksin out when Thailand had a government that hated him. Japan lets him in now Thailand has a freshly elected government that is basically his friends, family and supporters. It is just Japan securing its interests in Thailand. They no doubt also note that in every election his supporters win, so its probably a safe bet that being nice to him is a good bet for their interests in the future

[MILT]

Thailand's long-time friend and ally is putting its diplomatic credibility at risk

Who is putting its credibility at risk ?

Japan who owns half of Thai industries ?

Or The Nation who should stop putting young graduates fresh for the university in charge of its editorials ?

My question JergenG is what makes you think that a graduate is the one writing the editorial and second what does you comment have to do with the obvious strategies being put into action for the interest one man? Thanks

[ginjag]

Thailand's long-time friend and ally is putting its diplomatic credibility at risk

Who is putting its credibility at risk ?

Japan who owns half of Thai industries ?

Or The Nation who should stop putting young graduates fresh for the university in charge of its editorials ?

My question JergenG is what makes you think that a graduate is the one writing the editorial and second what does you comment have to do with the obvious strategies being put into action for the interest one man? Thanks

Don't understand you JurgenG at all, why you do not see the wrongs in all these Thaksin interferences.

He has nearly taken over the elected party, using his own sister for his own benefits, causing chaos within the country he said he loves, creating diplomatic problems, and he doesn't care one monkeys.

The actual elected /appointed primeminister dare not speak about her brothers actions, and is covering up for him-in denial, and just playing for time. The P.M. is playing a game with the Thai people who she thinks are that dumb they cannot see through the ploy.

You carry on JergenG it's your view, OR a Total wind up, there were wrongs with the Abhisit government but not on a scale and as blatant as this.

[tlansford]

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was right in saying that any Thai who is helping Thaksin could be implicated in the future.

This coming from the man who, as opposition leader, walked into the middle of a police action to clear the Government House of PAD protestors, encouraging the PAD to more violence that very night to continue & not end a protest which led to an eventual take over of the BKK airports, dissolution of the PPP, and his election as PM...

Yeah, right...

[whybother]

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was right in saying that any Thai who is helping Thaksin could be implicated in the future.

This coming from the man who, as opposition leader, walked into the middle of a police action to clear the Government House of PAD protestors, encouraging the PAD to more violence that very night to continue & not end a protest which led to an eventual take over of the BKK airports, dissolution of the PPP, and his election as PM...

Yeah, right...

Abhisit did what?

[Thai at Heart]

I am waiting for the day (which will inevitably come) when one of the countries that blocked him, comes out and honestly says, "We had to do what the Democrat government said, or we feared it effecting the companies we had which had invested in Thailand".

There is no way on gods green earth, that anyone from the Democrat government can say 100%, that there wasn't any political influence based on the convictions of Thaksin. I didn't particularly like the man, but the process was not transparent, and was completely wide open to accusation of political interference. So when the Dems get in, the foreign governments have to play ball a little bit and make it hard for Thaksin to get visas and move around.

Now that has gone, they let him in. Why?

Because the Thai legal system cannot be held up to any sort of public scrutiny. If Thailand wants governments around the world to respect the legal decisions that are created here, then stop making expedient decisions. Just as we hear now that the "terrorism" charges were trumped up, the same can be said for any thousand of judgements over the last 20 years.

The Japanese will lose their credibility? Coming from a country where the system decided that having your maid own shares doesn't constitute ownership, and has only just decided that gifting shares to your kids does, or was it doesn't just beggars belief.

[ginjag]

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was right in saying that any Thai who is helping Thaksin could be implicated in the future.

This coming from the man who, as opposition leader, walked into the middle of a police action to clear the Government House of PAD protestors, encouraging the PAD to more violence that very night to continue & not end a protest which led to an eventual take over of the BKK airports, dissolution of the PPP, and his election as PM...

Yeah, right...

Walked into the middle of===Ha,,,,,,,,,,,,,,encouraging the pad to more violence Ha Ha .............are you in cuckoo land-he wasn't brilliant but was NOT the type of person to incite and encourage mass violence. P.A.D. were wrong for the airport incident, protest -yes..... to stop the running of a vital service no..... But where was YOUR mass P.A.D. violence. If you want to talk about violence talk about the blood coloured shirts. GET REAL... WHY are you bashing Abhisit when things going on like they are and you don't speak about these actual happenings-

[YellowFeverCAD]

Thailand's long-time friend and ally is putting its diplomatic credibility at risk

Who is putting its credibility at risk ?

Japan who owns half of Thai industries ?

Or The Nation who should stop putting young graduates fresh for the university in charge of its editorials ?

As per usual you have completely avoided the actual topic of the OP.

Do you think that it is sound policy for the new FM to be "requesting" Special travel Visa's for a Thai national that at this point is still considered a fugitive??? Simple question really.

If they give him amnesty different ball game of course but for right now you deem this action is somehow good for the working poor of Thailand that these people rode to victory???

[whybother]

I am waiting for the day (which will inevitably come) when one of the countries that blocked him, comes out and honestly says, "We had to do what the Democrat government said, or we feared it effecting the companies we had which had invested in Thailand".

There is no way on gods green earth, that anyone from the Democrat government can say 100%, that there wasn't any political influence based on the convictions of Thaksin. I didn't particularly like the man, but the process was not transparent, and was completely wide open to accusation of political interference. So when the Dems get in, the foreign governments have to play ball a little bit and make it hard for Thaksin to get visas and move around.

Now that has gone, they let him in. Why?

Because the Thai legal system cannot be held up to any sort of public scrutiny. If Thailand wants governments around the world to respect the legal decisions that are created here, then stop making expedient decisions. Just as we hear now that the "terrorism" charges were trumped up, the same can be said for any thousand of judgements over the last 20 years.

The Japanese will lose their credibility? Coming from a country where the system decided that having your maid own shares doesn't constitute ownership, and has only just decided that gifting shares to your kids does, or was it doesn't just beggars belief.

Considering the Democrats weren't in power when Thaksin was convicted, AND the court detailed their decision quite clearly, where did the political influence come from?

[rixalex]

There is no way on gods green earth, that anyone from the Democrat government can say 100%, that there wasn't any political influence based on the convictions of Thaksin.

Convictions?

How many does he have? I thought just the one. As for political influence, well his own party were in power during his trial, so i'm sure they had some influence. Then there was the attempted "influence" of 2 million baht in a pastry box. Then there was the influence of those opposed to Thaksin. Perhaps it all even itself out. Certainly when you look at the facts of the trial, it's hard to see in what way it can be argued that he didn't break the law. Can you?

I didn't particularly like the man, but the process was not transparent, and was completely wide open to accusation of political interference.

Ahhhh, the old "i don't like him but..." chestnut. It's an old'en but a good'en.

So what was not transparent?

As for wide open to accusation of political interference, well of course for his supporters, any verdict other than not guilty, and this was bound to be the reaction. What else could they say? "It's a fair cop, you got 'im good"?

[OzMick]

I am waiting for the day (which will inevitably come) when one of the countries that blocked him, comes out and honestly says, "We had to do what the Democrat government said, or we feared it effecting the companies we had which had invested in Thailand".

There is no way on gods green earth, that anyone from the Democrat government can say 100%, that there wasn't any political influence based on the convictions of Thaksin. I didn't particularly like the man, but the process was not transparent, and was completely wide open to accusation of political interference. So when the Dems get in, the foreign governments have to play ball a little bit and make it hard for Thaksin to get visas and move around.

Now that has gone, they let him in. Why?

Because the Thai legal system cannot be held up to any sort of public scrutiny. If Thailand wants governments around the world to respect the legal decisions that are created here, then stop making expedient decisions. Just as we hear now that the "terrorism" charges were trumped up, the same can be said for any thousand of judgements over the last 20 years.

The Japanese will lose their credibility? Coming from a country where the system decided that having your maid own shares doesn't constitute ownership, and has only just decided that gifting shares to your kids does, or was it doesn't just beggars belief.

Your whole argument collapses when you realise that Thaksin's actions for which he was convicted are also criminal in most other democracies. Serving politicians ARE NOT allowed to purchase government assets, or sell them to family members, to avoid the perception of corruption. The huge profit that would have been made on the re-sale of the land changes perception to fact.

[bubba]

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was right in saying that any Thai who is helping Thaksin could be implicated in the future.

This coming from the man who, as opposition leader, walked into the middle of a police action to clear the Government House of PAD protestors, encouraging the PAD to more violence that very night to continue & not end a protest which led to an eventual take over of the BKK airports, dissolution of the PPP, and his election as PM...

Yeah, right...

Really? Abhisit walked into the middle of a PAD rally and encouraged them to commit violence? Perhaps you could provide a link regarding that, as I was previously unaware of it.

I could, however, provide you with several links, including video, of current PT Members of Parliament who stood on stages at public rallys and encouraged their fellow redshirts to burn Bangkok.

[Thai at Heart]

I am waiting for the day (which will inevitably come) when one of the countries that blocked him, comes out and honestly says, "We had to do what the Democrat government said, or we feared it effecting the companies we had which had invested in Thailand".

There is no way on gods green earth, that anyone from the Democrat government can say 100%, that there wasn't any political influence based on the convictions of Thaksin. I didn't particularly like the man, but the process was not transparent, and was completely wide open to accusation of political interference. So when the Dems get in, the foreign governments have to play ball a little bit and make it hard for Thaksin to get visas and move around.

Now that has gone, they let him in. Why?

Because the Thai legal system cannot be held up to any sort of public scrutiny. If Thailand wants governments around the world to respect the legal decisions that are created here, then stop making expedient decisions. Just as we hear now that the "terrorism" charges were trumped up, the same can be said for any thousand of judgements over the last 20 years.

The Japanese will lose their credibility? Coming from a country where the system decided that having your maid own shares doesn't constitute ownership, and has only just decided that gifting shares to your kids does, or was it doesn't just beggars belief.

Your whole argument collapses when you realise that Thaksin's actions for which he was convicted are also criminal in most other democracies. Serving politicians ARE NOT allowed to purchase government assets, or sell them to family members, to avoid the perception of corruption. The huge profit that would have been made on the re-sale of the land changes perception to fact.

We have raked the coals over a million times concerning the sale of the land. His wife shouldn't have been involved in the bidding, etc etc.

However, and I am a little rusty on the figures, but if I remember, the bidding was concluded in an apparently competitive manner, and the price was signed off as sufficient. They got him on a technicality so be it. Now, why didn't Thaksin simply take his punishment and leave? Megalomania?

Do all of us outsiders believe that every single bit of business carried out by the Thai government on a daily basis buying and selling things is completely clean, transparent, above board and legal? I take the view that of politicians on all sides, they are all at it. Some within the law, most not. They are all taking a clip, influencing the outcome of laws largely for their own personal benefit day after day after day. Thaksin couldn't believe that he was the only one being singled out, when they are all at it. Not right, but would certainly go a long way to explaining his rather extreme reaction at apparently being the only one singled out for special treatment.

Call me jaded, but the problem in the country comes from the judicial system which has been proven to be able to be moved to create expedient decisions when needed. So the accusation that it is open to double standards in my opinion stands, hence why governments are now softening their stance towards issuing him a visa. Cases rise and fall up the priority of the judiciary depending on who is in government at the time. Just look how the fire truck cases get brushed off in a second the moment that PTP return to the table. I am not saying this is right, but, it isn't very easy for any Thai government to get foreign government or organisation to support decisions in the Thai legal system when they are so obviously politicised.

The foreign governments hedged their bets by helping out the Dems by refusing Thaksin visas. Did any of them go so far as to try to arrest him? No. Did Interpol help out? No. Because there was the very obvious accusation that the judicial process was politicised. Now his party is back in power, how long do you think it may take until some legal loophole is found to quash his convictions? So, the foreign governments are simply hedging their bets again, and will kiss his ass to make sure they don't fall foul of the new government.

It isn't Thaksin that is the problem, it is the entire system that is the problem. It can be made to move depending on the climate of the day.

[lovelomsak]

This thread reminds of the huff and bluff printed here about the Walter Bau case. With Abhisit saying Germany better be careful blah blah blah. This whole article is just another poorly thought out piece of rubbish.. It is meant for domestic readers only. On the international readership it is a joke. Pure fiction.

[OzMick]

I am waiting for the day (which will inevitably come) when one of the countries that blocked him, comes out and honestly says, "We had to do what the Democrat government said, or we feared it effecting the companies we had which had invested in Thailand".

There is no way on gods green earth, that anyone from the Democrat government can say 100%, that there wasn't any political influence based on the convictions of Thaksin. I didn't particularly like the man, but the process was not transparent, and was completely wide open to accusation of political interference. So when the Dems get in, the foreign governments have to play ball a little bit and make it hard for Thaksin to get visas and move around.

Now that has gone, they let him in. Why?

Because the Thai legal system cannot be held up to any sort of public scrutiny. If Thailand wants governments around the world to respect the legal decisions that are created here, then stop making expedient decisions. Just as we hear now that the "terrorism" charges were trumped up, the same can be said for any thousand of judgements over the last 20 years.

The Japanese will lose their credibility? Coming from a country where the system decided that having your maid own shares doesn't constitute ownership, and has only just decided that gifting shares to your kids does, or was it doesn't just beggars belief.

Your whole argument collapses when you realise that Thaksin's actions for which he was convicted are also criminal in most other democracies. Serving politicians ARE NOT allowed to purchase government assets, or sell them to family members, to avoid the perception of corruption. The huge profit that would have been made on the re-sale of the land changes perception to fact.

We have raked the coals over a million times concerning the sale of the land. His wife shouldn't have been involved in the bidding, etc etc.

However, and I am a little rusty on the figures, but if I remember, the bidding was concluded in an apparently competitive manner, and the price was signed off as sufficient. They got him on a technicality so be it. Now, why didn't Thaksin simply take his punishment and leave? Megalomania?

Do all of us outsiders believe that every single bit of business carried out by the Thai government on a daily basis buying and selling things is completely clean, transparent, above board and legal? I take the view that of politicians on all sides, they are all at it. Some within the law, most not. They are all taking a clip, influencing the outcome of laws largely for their own personal benefit day after day after day. Thaksin couldn't believe that he was the only one being singled out, when they are all at it. Not right, but would certainly go a long way to explaining his rather extreme reaction at apparently being the only one singled out for special treatment.

Call me jaded, but the problem in the country comes from the judicial system which has been proven to be able to be moved to create expedient decisions when needed. So the accusation that it is open to double standards in my opinion stands, hence why governments are now softening their stance towards issuing him a visa. Cases rise and fall up the priority of the judiciary depending on who is in government at the time. Just look how the fire truck cases get brushed off in a second the moment that PTP return to the table. I am not saying this is right, but, it isn't very easy for any Thai government to get foreign government or organisation to support decisions in the Thai legal system when they are so obviously politicised.

The foreign governments hedged their bets by helping out the Dems by refusing Thaksin visas. Did any of them go so far as to try to arrest him? No. Did Interpol help out? No. Because there was the very obvious accusation that the judicial process was politicised. Now his party is back in power, how long do you think it may take until some legal loophole is found to quash his convictions? So, the foreign governments are simply hedging their bets again, and will kiss his ass to make sure they don't fall foul of the new government.

It isn't Thaksin that is the problem, it is the entire system that is the problem. It can be made to move depending on the climate of the day.

"However, and I am a little rusty on the figures, but if I remember, the bidding was concluded in an apparently competitive manner, and the price was signed off as sufficient."

Thaksin held the portfolio, and signed off as sufficient - well he bloody well would when he stood to make a quick billion baht. How can the bidding be apparently competitive when he is the one holding the bids, and deciding which bids will be accepted, or tipping the wink to possible bidders that they need not bother.

Strangely enough, it is redolent of his first big score with the police computers. Leopards and spots, comes to mind. Did he think that nobody would notice, or simply think that he could get away with it?

Last time I tried "everybody else is doing it" my mother told me that it wasn't going to work. It doesn't work on me either.

If the Thai justice system is to gain any credibility, convicting serving politicians accused of blatant corruption is a very good place to start.

[Thai at Heart]

I am waiting for the day (which will inevitably come) when one of the countries that blocked him, comes out and honestly says, "We had to do what the Democrat government said, or we feared it effecting the companies we had which had invested in Thailand".

There is no way on gods green earth, that anyone from the Democrat government can say 100%, that there wasn't any political influence based on the convictions of Thaksin. I didn't particularly like the man, but the process was not transparent, and was completely wide open to accusation of political interference. So when the Dems get in, the foreign governments have to play ball a little bit and make it hard for Thaksin to get visas and move around.

Now that has gone, they let him in. Why?

Because the Thai legal system cannot be held up to any sort of public scrutiny. If Thailand wants governments around the world to respect the legal decisions that are created here, then stop making expedient decisions. Just as we hear now that the "terrorism" charges were trumped up, the same can be said for any thousand of judgements over the last 20 years.

The Japanese will lose their credibility? Coming from a country where the system decided that having your maid own shares doesn't constitute ownership, and has only just decided that gifting shares to your kids does, or was it doesn't just beggars belief.

Your whole argument collapses when you realise that Thaksin's actions for which he was convicted are also criminal in most other democracies. Serving politicians ARE NOT allowed to purchase government assets, or sell them to family members, to avoid the perception of corruption. The huge profit that would have been made on the re-sale of the land changes perception to fact.

We have raked the coals over a million times concerning the sale of the land. His wife shouldn't have been involved in the bidding, etc etc.

However, and I am a little rusty on the figures, but if I remember, the bidding was concluded in an apparently competitive manner, and the price was signed off as sufficient. They got him on a technicality so be it. Now, why didn't Thaksin simply take his punishment and leave? Megalomania?

Do all of us outsiders believe that every single bit of business carried out by the Thai government on a daily basis buying and selling things is completely clean, transparent, above board and legal? I take the view that of politicians on all sides, they are all at it. Some within the law, most not. They are all taking a clip, influencing the outcome of laws largely for their own personal benefit day after day after day. Thaksin couldn't believe that he was the only one being singled out, when they are all at it. Not right, but would certainly go a long way to explaining his rather extreme reaction at apparently being the only one singled out for special treatment.

Call me jaded, but the problem in the country comes from the judicial system which has been proven to be able to be moved to create expedient decisions when needed. So the accusation that it is open to double standards in my opinion stands, hence why governments are now softening their stance towards issuing him a visa. Cases rise and fall up the priority of the judiciary depending on who is in government at the time. Just look how the fire truck cases get brushed off in a second the moment that PTP return to the table. I am not saying this is right, but, it isn't very easy for any Thai government to get foreign government or organisation to support decisions in the Thai legal system when they are so obviously politicised.

The foreign governments hedged their bets by helping out the Dems by refusing Thaksin visas. Did any of them go so far as to try to arrest him? No. Did Interpol help out? No. Because there was the very obvious accusation that the judicial process was politicised. Now his party is back in power, how long do you think it may take until some legal loophole is found to quash his convictions? So, the foreign governments are simply hedging their bets again, and will kiss his ass to make sure they don't fall foul of the new government.

It isn't Thaksin that is the problem, it is the entire system that is the problem. It can be made to move depending on the climate of the day.

"However, and I am a little rusty on the figures, but if I remember, the bidding was concluded in an apparently competitive manner, and the price was signed off as sufficient."

Thaksin held the portfolio, and signed off as sufficient - well he bloody well would when he stood to make a quick billion baht. How can the bidding be apparently competitive when he is the one holding the bids, and deciding which bids will be accepted, or tipping the wink to possible bidders that they need not bother.

Strangely enough, it is redolent of his first big score with the police computers. Leopards and spots, comes to mind. Did he think that nobody would notice, or simply think that he could get away with it?

Last time I tried "everybody else is doing it" my mother told me that it wasn't going to work. It doesn't work on me either.

If the Thai justice system is to gain any credibility, convicting serving politicians accused of blatant corruption is a very good place to start.

Indeed, it needs to convict lots and lots and lots of them, and then keep going to convict a few more.

Then it should start with the civil service, and then get a few hundred thousand a month out of there, then turn around and go back to the politicians. Then everyone needs a lesson on what the "public good" means, and they should start with CAT. The consumer has to outweigh governmental power. But then it may snow in Bangkok too.

I really did think that he thought he would get away with it, because politicians in this country aren't held to any type of high moral standard, and respect for the law, when you are at the top of the tree is largely non-existent. You do what you want, and pay your way out afterwards. I wouldn't be surprised if in the next 5 or so years there are 100's of cases brought to light of corruption by the other parties over the last few years, just as payback for all the hassle they have caused Thaksin.

For me, the day they decided that his maid holding shares didn't constitute ownership was the start of the very long and slippery slope that has brought the country to where it is today.

[rixalex]

For me, the day they decided that his maid holding shares didn't constitute ownership was the start of the very long and slippery slope that has brought the country to where it is today.

Abso'-f'ing-lutely, although i think deciding that his maid (and his driver, his postman, and his pet chihuahua) holding shares didn't constitute ownership, was just the official version, the unofficial (much closer to the truth) version was; being a popular politician and breaking the law didn't constitute law breaking.

[crazykopite]

Abhisit is no better than Thaksin and visa versa now we have a government that the people voted for so let us let them get on with the job however I feel that this will not be the case as the losing party are a bunch of sore losers and will do everything it can to bring the new government down which I find very sad

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was right in saying that any Thai who is helping Thaksin could be implicated in the future.

This coming from the man who, as opposition leader, walked into the middle of a police action to clear the Government House of PAD protestors, encouraging the PAD to more violence that very night to continue & not end a protest which led to an eventual take over of the BKK airports, dissolution of the PPP, and his election as PM...

Yeah, right...

Walked into the middle of===Ha,,,,,,,,,,,,,,encouraging the pad to more violence Ha Ha .............are you in cuckoo land-he wasn't brilliant but was NOT the type of person to incite and encourage mass violence. P.A.D. were wrong for the airport incident, protest -yes..... to stop the running of a vital service no..... But where was YOUR mass P.A.D. violence. If you want to talk about violence talk about the blood coloured shirts. GET REAL... WHY are you bashing Abhisit when things going on like they are and you don't speak about these actual happenings-

[rixalex]

Abhisit is no better than Thaksin and visa versa

What exactly is your yardstick?

[lannarebirth]

Abhisit is no better than Thaksin and visa versa

Hi crazy k,

May I ask, did you live in Thailand during the Thaksin regime?

[rixalex]

now we have a government that the people voted for so let us let them get on with the job however I feel that this will not be the case as the losing party are a bunch of sore losers and will do everything it can to bring the new government down which I find very sad

We had a government that people voted for last time, and if you recall, the people who are now in power would not let them get on with the job, and went about that with violence and destruction. I found that pretty sad.

What is happening now is also pretty sad, but it is at least in accordance with the law and if the government has done no wrong, where's the problem?

[Asa]

How come TV editor think Japan granting visa for Thaksin is a big mistake? Do they rely on ASTV rice, or owe the last government it fate? The world sees Thaksin as political victim. They can learn something from the man, and maybe a better cooperation from the new government even.

[rixalex]

The world sees Thaksin as political victim.

Thank you Mr World Speaker.