Thaksin's Passport Might Be Returned: Thai Foreign Minister

[louse1953]

There is no solution without solving the Thaksin conundrum. Very few would dispute that. Either he has to beaten electorally (his turf) or a deal has to be cut or he wins. A deal would seem the most likely as he looks unbeatable electorally even after a quick gerrymandering of the constituencies and party list system and full use of state power to coerce votes by his opponents and I doubt his opponents would be silly enough to force things to his total victory when even he seems amenable to a deal. And of course the country is going to continue to suffer until the thing is resolved and him doing jail time or stating away while his opponents go scott free and continue to manage Thai democracy is not going to fly as they have also done far too much wrong without any form of sanction and that is now openly seen.

I don't see as quite the conundrum you do. Were there a self-organised group with the sole purpose of bringing Thaksin back free of all charges, whatever it took, that wasn't being funded, led or overseen by Thaksin himself, that would be a conundrum. Were there a group with the sole purpose of bringing Thaksin back and putting him behind bars, whatever it took, that would be a conundrum.

Fact is, neither of these types of groups exist.

If Thaksin simply stays away, ok the anti Thaksin people will grumble about him evading justice, and the pro Thaksin people will grumble about him being unfairly treated, but it is a status quo of sorts that all on both sides can learn to live with. Well, all except for one. All we need do now is find a way of getting Thaksin to accept the sacrifice of him living a quiet life outside of Thailand as being in the best interests of the country. How difficult can that be?

Impossible,huge loss of face.Also he wants his money back,if anything is left.

[AleG]

There is no solution without solving the Thaksin conundrum. Very few would dispute that. Either he has to beaten electorally (his turf) or a deal has to be cut or he wins. A deal would seem the most likely as he looks unbeatable electorally even after a quick gerrymandering of the constituencies and party list system and full use of state power to coerce votes by his opponents and I doubt his opponents would be silly enough to force things to his total victory when even he seems amenable to a deal. And of course the country is going to continue to suffer until the thing is resolved and him doing jail time or stating away while his opponents go scott free and continue to manage Thai democracy is not going to fly as they have also done far too much wrong without any form of sanction and that is now openly seen.

I don't see as quite the conundrum you do. Were there a self-organised group with the sole purpose of bringing Thaksin back free of all charges, whatever it took, that wasn't being funded, led or overseen by Thaksin himself, that would be a conundrum. Were there a group with the sole purpose of bringing Thaksin back and putting him behind bars, whatever it took, that would be a conundrum.

Fact is, neither of these types of groups exist.

If Thaksin simply stays away, ok the anti Thaksin people will grumble about him evading justice, and the pro Thaksin people will grumble about him being unfairly treated, but it is a status quo of sorts that all on both sides can learn to live with. Well, all except for one. All we need do now is find a way of getting Thaksin to accept the sacrifice of him living a quiet life outside of Thailand as being in the best interests of the country. How difficult can that be?

Impossible,huge loss of face.Also he wants his money back,if anything is left.

He already got part of the money back, apparently in exchange of stopping the daily bomb attacks in Bangkok last year.

As reported here it was part of a deal he forged to get some money back and get the then government of his back.

The calm before the proposed polls is the result of a behind-the-scenes accommodation reached late last year...

...

...soon after high-level meetings between known Thaksin allies and international mediators, the string of anonymous bombings across Bangkok and surrounding areas came to an unexplained halt last October.

...

Based on analysis of the targets hit, several diplomats and analysts interpreted the bombings as part of a campaign of instability to maintain Thaksin’s negotiating leverage vis-a-vis the government.

...

At around the time the bombings stopped, the government pulled back its previous vigorous pursuit of Thaksin’s extradition...

Near the end of last year, Abhisit’s government also allowed Thaksin to repatriate a portion of the US$900 million that was not seized in last February’s landmark court decision

So, according to this, the way the cookie crumbles is that Thaksin used a terror campaign (dozens of attacks, several injured, some dead) to get back some money and avoid prosecution.

It boggles the mind that some people still think that man is good for the country.

Edited September 23, 2011 by AleG

[Beetlejuice]

Yingluck is the key to open the door that will be Thaksin`s entrance back into Thailand.

There are several barriers in front of the door that are being broken down a piece at a time.

2 months ago I said that our Mr Thaksin will return within a year.

I predict that he will be back on the scene by next July at the latest.

Anyone like to place any bets?

[TAWP]

The statement Foreign minister says world community aware cases against ex-PM are political must be upsetting for some of you.

That's the reality. Deal with it.

Just because he claims it doesn't make it the truth.

[cardholder]

Anyone know what the expiry date of the passport is ?

As Thai passports are for 5 years he may soon be in the position of having to apply for a new one !!

[a99az]

Wow! What took them so long. I know it's called diplomacy 5555.

[gemini81]

The statement Foreign minister says world community aware cases against ex-PM are political must be upsetting for some of you.

That's the reality. Deal with it.

Just because he claims it doesn't make it the truth.

He was convicted by the judge in a court of law, done by the books. As far as political, hey, what he did was gain unusual wealth through dishonesty. Political or not, he has broken many laws. We all know it and reiterate it, but some geriatrics on here have no other hobby, so they become neurotic trollers.

[Siam Simon]

He already got part of the money back, apparently in exchange of stopping the daily bomb attacks in Bangkok last year.

As reported here it was part of a deal he forged to get some money back and get the then government of his back.

The calm before the proposed polls is the result of a behind-the-scenes accommodation reached late last year...

...

...soon after high-level meetings between known Thaksin allies and international mediators, the string of anonymous bombings across Bangkok and surrounding areas came to an unexplained halt last October.

...

Based on analysis of the targets hit, several diplomats and analysts interpreted the bombings as part of a campaign of instability to maintain Thaksin’s negotiating leverage vis-a-vis the government.

...

At around the time the bombings stopped, the government pulled back its previous vigorous pursuit of Thaksin’s extradition...

Near the end of last year, Abhisit’s government also allowed Thaksin to repatriate a portion of the US$900 million that was not seized in last February’s landmark court decision

So, according to this, the way the cookie crumbles is that Thaksin used a terror campaign (dozens of attacks, several injured, some dead) to get back some money and avoid prosecution.

It boggles the mind that some people still think that man is good for the country.

Didn't the string of bombings stop after the bomber accidentally blew himself (and several innocents) up in his apartment block ?

[britwolfie]

If they give thaksins passport back.Its a slippy road.first the passport then a pardon and finally get his money back.Which is the only thing that thakin,his family and his cronies.

[rubl]

He already got part of the money back, apparently in exchange of stopping the daily bomb attacks in Bangkok last year.

As reported here it was part of a deal he forged to get some money back and get the then government of his back.

The calm before the proposed polls is the result of a behind-the-scenes accommodation reached late last year...

...

...soon after high-level meetings between known Thaksin allies and international mediators, the string of anonymous bombings across Bangkok and surrounding areas came to an unexplained halt last October.

...

Based on analysis of the targets hit, several diplomats and analysts interpreted the bombings as part of a campaign of instability to maintain Thaksin’s negotiating leverage vis-a-vis the government.

...

At around the time the bombings stopped, the government pulled back its previous vigorous pursuit of Thaksin’s extradition...

Near the end of last year, Abhisit’s government also allowed Thaksin to repatriate a portion of the US$900 million that was not seized in last February’s landmark court decision

So, according to this, the way the cookie crumbles is that Thaksin used a terror campaign (dozens of attacks, several injured, some dead) to get back some money and avoid prosecution.

It boggles the mind that some people still think that man is good for the country.

Didn't the string of bombings stop after the bomber accidentally blew himself (and several innocents) up in his apartment block ?

Yes love, most thought the failed '101 bomb making' caused the end of the bombing / grenade lobbing campaign. The article suggests k. Thaksin told the culprits to stop because he reached a deal with the then government which got him a few 100 million baht back. All in good faith of course, no relation with criminalpolitical activities,. All in good spirit and obviously for the benefit of the common people and especially the poor

(edit: add: I still have a funny feeling passing through BTS Saladaeng. From your remarks I guess you were not here on the 22nd of April 2010? I was lucky, passed a few hours before)

Edited September 24, 2011 by rubl

[nurofiend]

The statement Foreign minister says world community aware cases against ex-PM are political must be upsetting for some of you.

That's the reality. Deal with it.

Just because he claims it doesn't make it the truth.

He was convicted by the judge in a court of law, done by the books. As far as political, hey, what he did was gain unusual wealth through dishonesty. Political or not, he has broken many laws. We all know it and reiterate it, but some geriatrics on here have no other hobby, so they become neurotic trollers.

being a non-geriatric myself, can you show me evidence of the many laws he has broken?

i really want to be informed on these claims that are made left, right and centre on here.

[slapout]

The only evidence I have had access to was the front page photo, of his riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The Judges who ruled on the assets concealment had evidence (this info from the court itself) even though he was found innocent. The charge he was found guilty of and those cases awaiting his return, likely have evidence on file, but doubt if its avaliable to the public.

On the other hand I have seen no evidence that he is innocent of any of the various charges. Innocent people normally present via a legal group, evidence/arguments of their innocence, prior to charges being filed.

[geriatrickid]

The statement Foreign minister says world community aware cases against ex-PM are political must be upsetting for some of you.

That's the reality. Deal with it.

Just because he claims it doesn't make it the truth.

He was convicted by the judge in a court of law, done by the books. As far as political, hey, what he did was gain unusual wealth through dishonesty. Political or not, he has broken many laws. We all know it and reiterate it, but some geriatrics on here have no other hobby, so they become neurotic trollers.

And by your logic, if and when his conviction is vacated by the courts or by a pardon you will accept that as well since it will have been done by the book.

[AleG]

Didn't the string of bombings stop after the bomber accidentally blew himself (and several innocents) up in his apartment block ?

The daily bombings. mostly grenade attacks to bank branches that held Thaksin's frozen assets, around Bangkok ceased at about the time of this alleged deal. There were still occasional bombs going off that ended when the Red Shirt bomber scored an own goal, unfortunately taking some innocent people with him.

P.S: By the way, anyone knows what happened with the PTP MP that was found to have been transferring money to that butter fingered bomber?

Edited September 25, 2011 by AleG

[Buchholz]

Didn't the string of bombings stop after the bomber accidentally blew himself (and several innocents) up in his apartment block ?

The daily bombings. mostly grenade attacks to bank branches that held Thaksin's frozen assets, around Bangkok ceased at about the time of this alleged deal. There were still occasional bombs going off that ended when the Red Shirt bomber scored an own goal, unfortunately taking some innocent people with him.

P.S: By the way, anyone knows what happened with the PTP MP that was found to have been transferring money to that butter fingered bomber?

Pheu Thai Party MP Wisut Chainarun was voted in by fellow party members to become Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives on August 3, 2011.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=487859&view=findpost&p=4600436

Red Shirt Bomber Samai Wongsuwan...

and ended all their aspirations.

A staunch red shirt supporter, Samai Wongsuwan, was earlier identified as the suspect in the bomb blast. Samai was arrested last year in connection with an assault on a group of yellow shirt supporters.

Police found a severed arm in the room rented by Samai Wongsuwan, a man earlier identified as the suspect. A driver's license with Samai's name was found near the body part, according to an officer at the Crime Suppression Division involved in the case.

Also dead at the scene were Apirak Sajjabanyongkij, age 20 and two others, who were a married couple, Jaturong Khamrod and Thassanee Larpcharoen, who all resided in adjoining rooms.

[Crushdepth]

The statement Foreign minister says world community aware cases against ex-PM are political must be upsetting for some of you.

That's the reality. Deal with it.

Just because he claims it doesn't make it the truth.

He was convicted by the judge in a court of law, done by the books. As far as political, hey, what he did was gain unusual wealth through dishonesty. Political or not, he has broken many laws. We all know it and reiterate it, but some geriatrics on here have no other hobby, so they become neurotic trollers.

And by your logic, if and when his conviction is vacated by the courts or by a pardon you will accept that as well since it will have been done by the book.

Whereas you only accept court judgements that are in your hero's favour. So lame.

Would you care to comment on the issue of nepotism here? Or are you determined to overlook that the Foreign Minister is Thaksin's cousin?

[geriatrickid]

Whereas you only accept court judgements that are in your hero's favour. So lame.

Would you care to comment on the issue of nepotism here? Or are you determined to overlook that the Foreign Minister is Thaksin's cousin?

Getting desperate and mingling issues aren't you? The original court judgement was tainted by politics. To argue that there was no political pressure applied during the first court case is to deny the reality. That being said, the court decision is what it is and stands until it is reversed or vacated.

Mr. Thaksin is not my hero. Why even make that reference? Just deal with the facts of the case. What is lame is when people have to interject childish claims such as saying someone is a hero, to bolster a weak argument,

Nepotism? There are two sides to the claims of nepotism. I am always leery when a relative assumes a position, but sometimes the person assuming the position is just as qualified as any other candidate and one goes with an intangible such as knowing the candidate can be trusted. It is unfair to penalize a family member because of a relationship. A classic example of this was when Raymond Chretien nephew of the Canadian PM who was appointed to the most important foreign posting as Ambassador to the USA. It could be argued to have been nepotism, but it wasn't as Raymond had been a career diplomat. Many families have politics in their blood and that is the case in Thailand. Was it nepotism when a 25 year old Abhisit was annoited as a Democrat MP because his father had been a big wig in the government? Probably, but that is how it works in Thailand.Look at the Thai military HQ. It is filled with assorted relatives of classmates from the designated class year of the big shots.

[lannarebirth]

Whereas you only accept court judgements that are in your hero's favour. So lame.

Would you care to comment on the issue of nepotism here? Or are you determined to overlook that the Foreign Minister is Thaksin's cousin?

Getting desperate and mingling issues aren't you? The original court judgement was tainted by politics. To argue that there was no political pressure applied during the first court case is to deny the reality. That being said, the court decision is what it is and stands until it is reversed or vacated.

Mr. Thaksin is not my hero. Why even make that reference? Just deal with the facts of the case. What is lame is when people have to interject childish claims such as saying someone is a hero, to bolster a weak argument,

Nepotism? There are two sides to the claims of nepotism. I am always leery when a relative assumes a position, but sometimes the person assuming the position is just as qualified as any other candidate and one goes with an intangible such as knowing the candidate can be trusted. It is unfair to penalize a family member because of a relationship. A classic example of this was when Raymond Chretien nephew of the Canadian PM who was appointed to the most important foreign posting as Ambassador to the USA. It could be argued to have been nepotism, but it wasn't as Raymond had been a career diplomat. Many families have politics in their blood and that is the case in Thailand. Was it nepotism when a 25 year old Abhisit was annoited as a Democrat MP because his father had been a big wig in the government? Probably, but that is how it works in Thailand.Look at the Thai military HQ. It is filled with assorted relatives of classmates from the designated class year of the big shots.

Did you listen to the verdict at that trial? The judges, when rendering their verdict, spelled out the law and the justifications of the verdict and the minor sentence given, so that even a 2 year old could understand it and follow the reasoning. Did you find even a single flaw in the reasoning of the judges? What was it? Surely this was not politcal as the law had been on the books for a great long time and the administration under which the court worked was his brother in law's. He was convicted IN SPITE of all the political advantages he held at the time. He miscalculated and thought the judges would roll over as they did in 2001. Well, he was wrong.

[MAJIC]

"A passport is an important official document required when you travel overseas. It is not different from an identification card. Do convicts get their ID cards seized?"

Of course if convicts get to keep their ID cards, by all means give Dr. Thaksin a national ID card. He needs it for identification. It they start giving convicts passports, then by all means give Dr. Thaksin a passport.

This guy's twisted logic reminds me of the witch scene in the Monty Python movie 'Holy Grail' where the woman was accused of being a witch and the logic said 'if she weighs the same as a duck, she is a witch and can be burned'

Why give Thaksin anything,he is a fugitive from Justice and Thai Laws,and criminal convictions, and consequently should forfeit all normal Citizens rights,until he has been brought to Justice. So it's irrelevant what Convict concessions are! at this point in time.

[Siam Simon]

Didn't the string of bombings stop after the bomber accidentally blew himself (and several innocents) up in his apartment block ?

The daily bombings. mostly grenade attacks to bank branches that held Thaksin's frozen assets, around Bangkok ceased at about the time of this alleged deal. There were still occasional bombs going off that ended when the Red Shirt bomber scored an own goal, unfortunately taking some innocent people with him.

P.S: By the way, anyone knows what happened with the PTP MP that was found to have been transferring money to that butter fingered bomber?

So..... we have the cast iron evidence that an apartment block was blown to smithereens due to one of the apartments being laden with bombs and bomb making equipment which went off unexpected, and the Bangkok bombings immediately ceased. And then we have the conspiracy theory that the bombings are tied to an alleged deal with Thaksin, of which we have not one iota of evidence.

Ok, fine.

[Siam Simon]

He already got part of the money back, apparently in exchange of stopping the daily bomb attacks in Bangkok last year.

As reported here it was part of a deal he forged to get some money back and get the then government of his back.

The calm before the proposed polls is the result of a behind-the-scenes accommodation reached late last year...

...

...soon after high-level meetings between known Thaksin allies and international mediators, the string of anonymous bombings across Bangkok and surrounding areas came to an unexplained halt last October.

...

Based on analysis of the targets hit, several diplomats and analysts interpreted the bombings as part of a campaign of instability to maintain Thaksin’s negotiating leverage vis-a-vis the government.

...

At around the time the bombings stopped, the government pulled back its previous vigorous pursuit of Thaksin’s extradition...

Near the end of last year, Abhisit’s government also allowed Thaksin to repatriate a portion of the US$900 million that was not seized in last February’s landmark court decision

So, according to this, the way the cookie crumbles is that Thaksin used a terror campaign (dozens of attacks, several injured, some dead) to get back some money and avoid prosecution.

It boggles the mind that some people still think that man is good for the country.

Didn't the string of bombings stop after the bomber accidentally blew himself (and several innocents) up in his apartment block ?

Yes love, most thought the failed '101 bomb making' caused the end of the bombing / grenade lobbing campaign. The article suggests k. Thaksin told the culprits to stop because he reached a deal with the then government which got him a few 100 million baht back. All in good faith of course, no relation with criminalpolitical activities,. All in good spirit and obviously for the benefit of the common people and especially the poor

(edit: add: I still have a funny feeling passing through BTS Saladaeng. From your remarks I guess you were not here on the 22nd of April 2010? I was lucky, passed a few hours before)

Whether or not most thought it causal, the bombings stopped after *a bomber blew himself up* (fact). The article suggests (with not one single iota of presented fact) that Thaksin was directly involved.

And, quite frankly, Uncle, I find your references to the Saladaeng BTS horror both tiresome and boring. We still don't know what really happened on that fateful day. We have a report from the discredited pathologist Pornthip, then another about-face report from said discredited pathologist. You weren't there when the incident actually happened. You walked past later, so you can provide no more first-hand evidence to this than I can from my walking by a few months later.

Uncle Rubl's claim to fame: He was forty five minutes too late to witness a major incident in the 2010 Bangkok troubles.

Edited September 26, 2011 by Siam Simon

[Thai at Heart]

The statement Foreign minister says world community aware cases against ex-PM are political must be upsetting for some of you.

That's the reality. Deal with it.

The "real" actual quote is a bit different and probably true...

"Some countries can tell what is political and what is not," the foreign minister said.

with the opposite true as well.... some countries can't tell the difference.

I would, however, like to see which country's leader has specifically stated that the charges against Thaksin are political.

I mean if that is, in fact, "the reality", it should exist, right?

.

I believe actions, or should I say, inactions demonstrate the point. Mr. Thaksin was traveling the world with no attempt by any country to detain or apprehend him. He entered France, Germany and Switzerland during the period where the former Abhisit government claimed they were seeking his arrest. Mr. Thaksin has been traveling between Dubai, Hong Kong and Brunei in the past six months. Yet, no one in these foreign jurisdictions stopped him. Don't you find it somewhat odd that when the Russians or Americans or Europeans want a person, they usually find that person and get him one way or another? Yet, Mr. Thaksin in the words of the the great American songwriter Bob Nolan, kept tumbling along like a tumbleweed.

I think it was pretty obvious that the government realised that it was going to be very difficult to prove conclusively that the cases weren't politically motivated. We have sat around here for years debating whether the cases were correctly processed or not, and Thailand found him guilty. However, that is here. To go around the world explaining all the intricacies of the coup, appointed assets committees for investigation would have been extremely difficult, so it would appear, Abhisit and Kasit gave up bothering to chase him.

That doesn't mean that the rule of law is wrong in Thailand, it is just that the judicial mess that has been created by the coups means that getting anyone around the world to believe that the judgements were completely free of political influence is largely impossible.

[Siam Simon]

I think it was pretty obvious that the government realised that it was going to be very difficult to prove conclusively that the cases weren't politically motivated. We have sat around here for years debating whether the cases were correctly processed or not, and Thailand found him guilty. However, that is here. To go around the world explaining all the intricacies of the coup, appointed assets committees for investigation would have been extremely difficult, so it would appear, Abhisit and Kasit gave up bothering to chase him.

That doesn't mean that the rule of law is wrong in Thailand, it is just that the judicial mess that has been created by the coups means that getting anyone around the world to believe that the judgements were completely free of political influence is largely impossible.

At the expense of sounding like a cheerleader, good post. So good, you made it twice .

[AleG]

Didn't the string of bombings stop after the bomber accidentally blew himself (and several innocents) up in his apartment block ?

The daily bombings. mostly grenade attacks to bank branches that held Thaksin's frozen assets, around Bangkok ceased at about the time of this alleged deal. There were still occasional bombs going off that ended when the Red Shirt bomber scored an own goal, unfortunately taking some innocent people with him.

P.S: By the way, anyone knows what happened with the PTP MP that was found to have been transferring money to that butter fingered bomber?

So..... we have the cast iron evidence that an apartment block was blown to smithereens due to one of the apartments being laden with bombs and bomb making equipment which went off unexpected, and the Bangkok bombings immediately ceased. And then we have the conspiracy theory that the bombings are tied to an alleged deal with Thaksin, of which we have not one iota of evidence.

Ok, fine.

You seem to be ignoring that one of the main targets of the bombing campaign were banks that held Thaksin's frozen assets. You may propose a different theory why they were targeted and for what purpose.

[Siam Simon]

Didn't the string of bombings stop after the bomber accidentally blew himself (and several innocents) up in his apartment block ?

The daily bombings. mostly grenade attacks to bank branches that held Thaksin's frozen assets, around Bangkok ceased at about the time of this alleged deal. There were still occasional bombs going off that ended when the Red Shirt bomber scored an own goal, unfortunately taking some innocent people with him.

P.S: By the way, anyone knows what happened with the PTP MP that was found to have been transferring money to that butter fingered bomber?

So..... we have the cast iron evidence that an apartment block was blown to smithereens due to one of the apartments being laden with bombs and bomb making equipment which went off unexpected, and the Bangkok bombings immediately ceased. And then we have the conspiracy theory that the bombings are tied to an alleged deal with Thaksin, of which we have not one iota of evidence.

Ok, fine.

You seem to be ignoring that one of the main targets of the bombing campaign were banks that held Thaksin's frozen assets. You may propose a different theory why they were targeted and for what purpose.

You seem to be ignoring the fact that the bombing campaign stopped after *a* bomber blew himself up in an apartment full of ordnance.

[AleG]

You seem to be ignoring the fact that the bombing campaign stopped after *a* bomber blew himself up in an apartment full of ordnance.

There were other bombers, not just the one that blew himself up, for example this batch from late November. I recall a few others being caught at later dates.

By the way I don't recall the one who blew himself up being specifically linked to the bank attacks. I think it was more involved with the IEDs that went off at random places, from the top of my head, a bus stop in the area of Ratchaprasong that killed one and injured some others.

Edited September 26, 2011 by AleG

[Siam Simon]

You seem to be ignoring the fact that the bombing campaign stopped after *a* bomber blew himself up in an apartment full of ordnance.

There were other bombers, not just the one that blew himself up, for example this batch from late November. I recall a few others being caught at later dates.

By the way I don't recall the one who blew himself up being specifically linked to the bank attacks. I think it was more involved with the IEDs that went off at random places, from the top of my head, a bus stop in the area of Ratchaprasong that killed one and injured some others.

The link you provided names arrested suspects. A bomber blew himself up in an apartment full of ordnance. We know this as fact. Anything else at this stage is speculation, no matter how much you think off the top of your head. This doesn't mean you're outright wrong. It just means you're speculating.

[whybother]

Aren't these two different issues - the grenades used to blow up banks, and bombs used to blow up rubbish bins (and who ever was close)?

[rubl]

You seem to be ignoring the fact that the bombing campaign stopped after *a* bomber blew himself up in an apartment full of ordnance.

There were other bombers, not just the one that blew himself up, for example this batch from late November. I recall a few others being caught at later dates.

By the way I don't recall the one who blew himself up being specifically linked to the bank attacks. I think it was more involved with the IEDs that went off at random places, from the top of my head, a bus stop in the area of Ratchaprasong that killed one and injured some others.

The link you provided names arrested suspects. A bomber blew himself up in an apartment full of ordnance. We know this as fact. Anything else at this stage is speculation, no matter how much you think off the top of your head. This doesn't mean you're outright wrong. It just means you're speculating.

True, true, some militants are a bit reluctant to admit guild. Just like UDD MPs I guess.

BTW what happened with the Pheu Thai MP who's House Panel secretary (a good friend of his daughter) transfered 50,000 for a 'businessman' collecting 500 Baht to augment her meagre salary? The amount was transfered to a Kasi Dithanarat, who is named on an arrest warrant for his alleged involvement in the blast at an apartment building in Nonthaburi.

PS this reluctance of some to admit red-shirt involvement in the 2010 Bangkok bombing campaign has nothing to do with either k. Thaksin or the return of his passport of course

Edited September 26, 2011 by rubl

[rubl]

begin removed

...

(edit: add: I still have a funny feeling passing through BTS Saladaeng. From your remarks I guess you were not here on the 22nd of April 2010? I was lucky, passed a few hours before)

Whether or not most thought it causal, the bombings stopped after *a bomber blew himself up* (fact). The article suggests (with not one single iota of presented fact) that Thaksin was directly involved.

And, quite frankly, Uncle, I find your references to the Saladaeng BTS horror both tiresome and boring. We still don't know what really happened on that fateful day. We have a report from the discredited pathologist Pornthip, then another about-face report from said discredited pathologist. You weren't there when the incident actually happened. You walked past later, so you can provide no more first-hand evidence to this than I can from my walking by a few months later.

Uncle Rubl's claim to fame: He was forty five minutes too late to witness a major incident in the 2010 Bangkok troubles.

I guess your English is not what it used to be, dear Simon. I wrote "passed a few hours before".

Your claim to fame of course is more-or-less consistently insisting we still don't know what happened, so the suggestion of red-shirt involvement in acts of terror, like grenade lobbing, bomb blasting, etc., etc. should be off limit.

PS red-shirt rallies with fake deaths and text 'people died here' are no problem of course, that's commemorating fellow reds, not one of the non-red-shirts who just happened to die at the hands of unknowns

Edited September 26, 2011 by rubl