Thaksin's Return Is Overdue: Yongyuth

[webfact]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Thaksin's return is overdue : Yongyuth

By THE NATION

In one of the clearest statements of intent from the Yingluck government in regard to the plan to bring back Thaksin Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit yesterday defended the former PM's potential return as somewhat overdue.

The Pheu Thai Party leader told The Nation in an exclusive interview that when people slammed the new government for scrambling to bring Thaksin home, they forgot that "nothing happened" when his political enemies were in power.

"When justice is concerned, a one-day delay matters as much as any longer delay," he said. "If you look at it using the same old perspective, then this government is moving so quick in a bid to help Thaksin. But the fact that nothing happened under the previous government is overlooked."

Yongyuth reiterated Pheu Thai's argument that Thaksin's exile was a result of injustice that brought Thailand to the brink of a major national tragedy last year. Giving an analogy for the country's political divide, he said two trains - one an anti-Thaksin brigade and the other his grass-root supporters - brushed against each other last year, but they would definitely collide if nothing was done.

"These two trains are supposed to run, or even race, side by side. Undeniably, there are people who still don't like Thaksin, but their number has not increased or is even declining. The other side, on the other hand, is getting bigger and bigger in an alarming manner," he said, pointing to the July 3 poll result.

Asked how the government planned to bring back Thaksin, Yongyuth refused to elaborate, saying only that the Yingluck administration would not resort to legal changes or take any action that could be perceived as serving just one man.

He strongly implied that helping Thaksin would not be seen by the red shirts as using the election mandate to assist just one man. Absolving Thaksin had become a common symbol of justice for the reds, he said.

A high-ranking Pheu Thai source who is close to Thaksin backed Yongyuth, saying the rush to get the former PM home was linked to the party's election pledge. As well as promising economic and welfare programmes, Pheu Thai candidates won support because they promised people that a Pheu Thai government would make it a priority to bring Thaksin back, the source claimed.

The source said Thaksin still insists he will only return to Thailand if his jail sentence is revoked. "He always said he wouldn't spend even a day in prison, and that remains his stance as of today.

"Personally, I don't think Thaksin is ready to return right now, when a lot of matters are still waiting to be sorted out."

Legally speaking, the quickest way for Thaksin to return to Thailand is for him to be included in the annual royal pardon from His Majesty the King. Otherwise, the Yingluck government will have to include Thaksin in a blanket amnesty deal that benefits all involved in the Thai political crisis, a scheme that might need at least a year to complete.

-- The Nation 2011-09-13

[janverbeem]

Pheu Thai candidates won support because they promised people that a Pheu Thai government would make it a priority to bring Thaksin back, the source claimed.

Must go see an eye doctor today as I have always been reading exactly the opposite.

[whybother]

Pheu Thai candidates won support because they promised people that a Pheu Thai government would make it a priority to bring Thaksin back,

But it was just a promise during campaigning, and it didn't mean anything.

[Buchholz]

Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit yesterday defended the former PM's potential return as somewhat overdue.

Yongyuth sounds confused. What has delayed Thaksin's return is Thaksin himself.

There are frequent airline flights from Dubai. He could have gotten on any one of them over the last 3 years.

The source said Thaksin still insists he will only return to Thailand if his jail sentence is revoked. "He always said he wouldn't spend even a day in prison, and that remains his stance as of today.

The source sounds much less confused as that is the true reason that the return of Thaksin is "somewhat overdue."

.

edit to add: Isn't Yongyuth about due to submit yet another of his multiple resignations???

-------------------------------------------------

Puea Thai Party Leader wants to step down

Puea Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit plans to step down so that his Party could be revamped and better prepared to fight back against the government.

"I've tried to resign three times already, but I was asked to hang on because of legal technicalities," Yongyuth said.

The Nation - January 19, 2009

-------------------------------------------------

followed by:

Yongyuth departs Pheu Thai

Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit on Thursday resigned his leadership with immediate effect on the ground that he wanted to pave way for party restructuring to gear for the next general election.

"Today I tender my resignation in order to ensure my party's readiness for the next poll," he said.

The Nation - September 9, 2010

--------------------------------------------------

followed just 5 days later with:

Yongyuth reinstated as Pheu Thai leader

Members of the opposition Pheu Thai Party have re-elected Yongyuth Wichaidit as the Party Leader.

The reappointment of Yongyuth as Pheu Thai Party Leader was today supported by the Party members with a vote of 267 with 4 abstentions and 2 voided ballots during the confidential voting session.

NNT - September 14, 2010

--------------------------------------------------

.

Edited September 13, 2011 by Buchholz

[MunterHunter]

I agree whole-heartedly, Thaksin's return is overdue and has been coming for a long time...

.... About time he went to jail and faced all the outstanding charges against him.

[daninthai]

PTP obviously think they are the best judges of guilt in this country. They wouldn't know justice if it hit them in the face and gave them a happy ending.

[nong38]

He could back any time he wants, there is a prisoncell waiting for him, whats the problem. He serves his term, comes out, keps all the promises his chums have made, promises to be good boy from now on and here we al are at the end of the rainbow. Now rewind and check for twist and turns along the way.

[hammered]

Interesting that it is Yongyuth who has said this as he is a Thai "senior", and one whose stock is rising, albeit a Thaksin siding senior. In the past he would never had said this but the momentum seems to be growing as he himself points out. That this momentum is particularly with the red rather than traditional wing of the Thaksin alliance is noticeable too, and of course Yongyuth plays on this being a more traditional player and accepted senior

Already there is a split in the Thai newsprint media with arguably those with the largest circulation moving towards a more neutral/pro-PTP position. Connors before the election predicted if PTP won the liberal wing of the anti-Thaksin alliance would no longer be able to support the level of ever increasing authoritarianism that would be needed to once again unseat Thaksin's allies. It looks as though he is either right, or more have accepted reality, and this may be a good thing as it is gives the chance of a tipping point to see through a deal more chance.

[wales01]

Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit yesterday defended the former PM's potential return as somewhat overdue.

Yongyuth sounds confused. What has delayed Thaksin's return is Thaksin himself.

There are frequent airline flights from Dubai. He could have gotten on any one of them over the last 3 years.

The source said Thaksin still insists he will only return to Thailand if his jail sentence is revoked. "He always said he wouldn't spend even a day in prison, and that remains his stance as of today.

The source sounds much less confused as that is the true reason that the return of Thaksin is "somewhat overdue."

.

edit to add: Isn't Yongyuth about due to submit yet another of his multiple resignations???

-------------------------------------------------

Puea Thai Party Leader wants to step down

Puea Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit plans to step down so that his Party could be revamped and better prepared to fight back against the government.

"I've tried to resign three times already, but I was asked to hang on because of legal technicalities," Yongyuth said.

The Nation - January 19, 2009

-------------------------------------------------

followed by:

Yongyuth departs Pheu Thai

Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit on Thursday resigned his leadership with immediate effect on the ground that he wanted to pave way for party restructuring to gear for the next general election.

"Today I tender my resignation in order to ensure my party's readiness for the next poll," he said.

The Nation - September 9, 2010

--------------------------------------------------

followed just 5 days later with:

Yongyuth reinstated as Pheu Thai leader

Members of the opposition Pheu Thai Party have re-elected Yongyuth Wichaidit as the Party Leader.

The reappointment of Yongyuth as Pheu Thai Party Leader was today supported by the Party members with a vote of 267 with 4 abstentions and 2 voided ballots during the confidential voting session.

NNT - September 14, 2010

--------------------------------------------------

.

That is really funny

[scorecard]

Pheu Thai candidates won support because they promised people that a Pheu Thai government would make it a priority to bring Thaksin back, the source claimed.

Must go see an eye doctor today as I have always been reading exactly the opposite.

Funny how Yingluck has mentioned several times that's it's NOT a priority.

[scorecard]

He could back any time he wants, there is a prisoncell waiting for him, whats the problem. He serves his term, comes out, keps all the promises his chums have made, promises to be good boy from now on and here we al are at the end of the rainbow. Now rewind and check for twist and turns along the way.

And at the same time he could provide details of his promise that everybody will be rich in 6 months.

[webfact]

Push for Thaksin Pardon Meets Strong Opposition

The main opposition party's leader says the ousted premier has no right to petition for royal clemency, given his attacks on the country's justice process and the fact that he has not shown any remorse.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vjeejiva said a convict must show remorse before seeking a royal pardon from the monarchy and that fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has never given any signs that he is ready to repent, pointing out that Thaksin is still attacking the country's judicial system.

Abhisit then asked how the country would be able to move ahead if the government writes a royal decree in favor of Thaksin and seeks a royal pardon for him.

He asked Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung to name any other convicts that have been given royal clemency without needing to express their remorse.

Appointed Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn remarked that Thaskin is not qualified to receive the royal pardon as he has not served his sentence yet.

Somchai suggested the collection of millions of people's signatures in support of Thaksin's pardon petition is not appropriate as it could lead to social unrest.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrung maintained that the government still has no plans to assist the ousted premier and added that a royal decree is just the imagination of certain parties.

The government has been accused of using the occasion of His Majesty the King 84th birthday, on December 5 th, to propose a draft royal decree concerning the eligibility of convicts seeking royal clemency.

The decree will include convicts who have been sentenced to up to two years in prison, giving Thaksin the right to submit the pardon petition.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-13

[bristolgeoff]

i think if he returns it will start something in thailand that may not be pretty

[jonclark]

My worry is that if PTP submits a write for a royal decree / pardon and it is rejected this could lead to all sorts of unrest. What will PTP do? Go against the wishes of the King?? If they do what role will the military and many people who see the monarchy as the guiding pillar in Thailand take?PTP are gambling in the monarchy submitting to their will, should that gamble fail.....well lets not go there, I'm fairly sure we'd see Jatuporn slapped with a lest ma jest charge as he can rarely shut up when required to do so.

[hammered]

I dont think speculating on the outcome of an accepted request if that indeed occurs is advisable.

[Bakseedaa]

Interesting that it is Yongyuth who has said this as he is a Thai "senior", and one whose stock is rising, albeit a Thaksin siding senior. In the past he would never had said this but the momentum seems to be growing as he himself points out. That this momentum is particularly with the red rather than traditional wing of the Thaksin alliance is noticeable too, and of course Yongyuth plays on this being a more traditional player and accepted senior

Already there is a split in the Thai newsprint media with arguably those with the largest circulation moving towards a more neutral/pro-PTP position. Connors before the election predicted if PTP won the liberal wing of the anti-Thaksin alliance would no longer be able to support the level of ever increasing authoritarianism that would be needed to once again unseat Thaksin's allies. It looks as though he is either right, or more have accepted reality, and this may be a good thing as it is gives the chance of a tipping point to see through a deal more chance.

What in Gods name does this drivel mean... keep taking your medicine ...!

[hammered]

Interesting that it is Yongyuth who has said this as he is a Thai "senior", and one whose stock is rising, albeit a Thaksin siding senior. In the past he would never had said this but the momentum seems to be growing as he himself points out. That this momentum is particularly with the red rather than traditional wing of the Thaksin alliance is noticeable too, and of course Yongyuth plays on this being a more traditional player and accepted senior

Already there is a split in the Thai newsprint media with arguably those with the largest circulation moving towards a more neutral/pro-PTP position. Connors before the election predicted if PTP won the liberal wing of the anti-Thaksin alliance would no longer be able to support the level of ever increasing authoritarianism that would be needed to once again unseat Thaksin's allies. It looks as though he is either right, or more have accepted reality, and this may be a good thing as it is gives the chance of a tipping point to see through a deal more chance.

What in Gods name does this drivel mean... keep taking your medicine ...!

If you dont understand, I doubt you understand the nature of the power games going on. This isnt some black and white issue

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai candidates won support because they promised people that a Pheu Thai government would make it a priority to bring Thaksin back, the source claimed.

Must go see an eye doctor today as I have always been reading exactly the opposite.

Funny how Yingluck has mentioned several times that's it's NOT a priority.

today's version of the often-repeated Yingluck pining...

[Buchholz]

PM: insists she works for the Thai people , and not for one particular person

BANGKOK, 12 September 2011 (NNT)-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra insisted that she came to work for Thai people not for any one in particular, adding that only time would tell.

Yingluck denied the Opposition that she had yet to meet her brother, Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra and that the royal pardon for him had not been discussed between them.

She added that she was not aware of the comment made by Mr. Wanchai Sornsiri, the former Secretary- General of the Law Society of Thailand, about the law governing the royal pardon, saying that the matter depended on the decision of an individual.

Ms. Yingluck also said that this was not the time to criticize whether or not her brother’s return would further instigate problem in the country and that the focus should be on her as she was here for the Thai people.

[LindsayBKK]

Pheu Thai government to start working on anything else other than Mr. T%$#@* " is overdue!

[OzMick]

PM: insists she works for the Thai people , and not for one particular person

BANGKOK, 12 September 2011 (NNT)-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra insisted that she came to work for Thai people not for any one in particular, adding that only time would tell.

Yingluck denied the Opposition that she had yet to meet her brother, Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra and that the royal pardon for him had not been discussed between them.

She added that she was not aware of the comment made by Mr. Wanchai Sornsiri, the former Secretary- General of the Law Society of Thailand, about the law governing the royal pardon, saying that the matter depended on the decision of an individual.

Ms. Yingluck also said that this was not the time to criticize whether or not her brother's return would further instigate problem in the country and that the focus should be on her as she was here for the Thai people.

Now I understand why she won't spend a night in Cambodia to see her long-separated brother. If she doesn't meet with him, she thinks that she can plausibly deny having discussed a pardon with him - plausible only if you forget that the telephone was invented some years ago.

[lannarebirth]

PM: insists she works for the Thai people , and not for one particular person

BANGKOK, 12 September 2011 (NNT)-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra insisted that she came to work for Thai people not for any one in particular, adding that only time would tell.

Yingluck denied the Opposition that she had yet to meet her brother, Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra and that the royal pardon for him had not been discussed between them.

She added that she was not aware of the comment made by Mr. Wanchai Sornsiri, the former Secretary- General of the Law Society of Thailand, about the law governing the royal pardon, saying that the matter depended on the decision of an individual.

Ms. Yingluck also said that this was not the time to criticize whether or not her brother's return would further instigate problem in the country and that the focus should be on her as she was here for the Thai people.

Now I understand why she won't spend a night in Cambodia to see her long-separated brother. If she doesn't meet with him, she thinks that she can plausibly deny having discussed a pardon with him - plausible only if you forget that the telephone was invented some years ago.

Being bombarded with inane news daily helps people to keep from putting together the larger, regionl picture that's going on here. ASEAN walls fall in 3 years.

[Skywalker69]

Pheu Thai candidates won support because they promised people that a Pheu Thai government would make it a priority to bring Thaksin back, the source claimed.

Must go see an eye doctor today as I have always been reading exactly the opposite.

Funny how Yingluck has mentioned several times that's it's NOT a priority.

She is a cloon of the one ho tell lies every time he opens hi mounth.

[Crushdepth]

PM: insists she works for the Thai people , and not for one particular person

Very credible

[Jingthing]

They can always say it is the will of the Thai people to bring back Thaksin, thus they are working for the Thai people.

[Roadman]

"These two trains are supposed to run, or even race, side by side. Undeniably, there are people who still don't like Thaksin, but their number has not increased or is even declining. The other side, on the other hand, is getting bigger and bigger in an alarming manner," he (Yongyuth) said, pointing to the July 3 poll result.

Amusing how they turn the poll result into a vote for the return of Thaksin. Do they honesty believe anyone with even part of a functioning brain can't figure out that the ฿300/day fairy dust promises might have been more of an incentive for the Isaan vote than returning a fugitive convict to Thailand.

Edited September 13, 2011 by Roadman

[yoshiwara]

PTP have a problem. They can hardly revoke the laws on money laundering to get Thaksin off the hook without looking very silly indeed.

Thaksin wasn't convicted of a political offence which might be amnestied. He was convicted of being a crook and the PTP hardly want to revisit the evidence which was ugly to put it mildly. We amnesty you for laundering money through the family chauffeur? No, no. And as for amnestying all money launderers to give cover to Thaksin? I don't think so. Flying the kite for injustice? Doesn't wash. Making his peace with the establishment (reconciliation)? Hasn't happened. So what do they do now? Bring Jatuporn and the red thugs back on the streets? Hardly what the new government needs, but every day the government functions without the physical presence of Thaksin is another day the country can chug along without him. He will not be happy, so his paid for minions keep piping up to keep show on the road.

[evanson]

Pheu Thai government to start working on anything else other than Mr. T%$#@* " is overdue!

Really rather like the last lot. Squabbling over Taksin and doing very little else FOR the Thai people other than to re-entrench the status quo.

I'm a fan of neither camp which are not unusual in their 'well, who DO we vote for?' platform the world over. They're ALL a bunch of self-serving bastards. The lot of them.

[hyperdimension]

Pheu Thai candidates won support because they promised people that a Pheu Thai government would make it a priority to bring Thaksin back, the source claimed.

Must go see an eye doctor today as I have always been reading exactly the opposite.

Funny how Yingluck has mentioned several times that's it's NOT a priority.

She's a lying bitch.

[whybother]

PM: insists she works for the Thai people , and not for one particular person

Yes. She might be working for the Thai people, but she has everyone else working for one particular person.