Fugitive Former PM Voices Concern about Conflicts in Thailand

DUBAI: -- The ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has expressed concern about the conflicts in Thailand, and called the Constitution unfair.

According to the Korean Times website, European Journalist Tom Plate interviewed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai.

The former premier said the political conflict has been continuing in Thailand, the 2006 coup was a tragedy to democracy, and some parts of the constitution are unfair. However, the fugitive premier believes forgiveness is the key to reconciliation in the country. He insisted he will not take revenge against others.

He also admitted he wants to return to Thailand, even though he will not be elected as the prime minister.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-09

Return to serve his jail term, or return to cause more conflicts?

Apart from the paragraph on absolving those involved in the coup I don't think the 2007 Constitution is worse than the 1997 version. Probably even a little better. To continue shaping / refining, the 2007 version is a good starting point.

BTW the news item is really international: Korean newspaper has a European reporter reporting an interview with a Thai ex-PM and fugitive criminal in Dubai.

Tom plates interview is a joke. He lacks any background knowledge about events or laws.

Apart from the paragraph on absolving those involved in the coup I don't think the 2007 Constitution is worse than the 1997 version. Probably even a little better. To continue shaping / refining, the 2007 version is a good starting point.

BTW the news item is really international: Korean newspaper has a European reporter reporting an interview with a Thai ex-PM and fugitive criminal in Dubai.

The 2007 constitution was voted for by the majority of the Thai people as indeed was Thaksin in his election victories so surely if one is democratically legitmate so is the other. Thaksin shouldn't feel so bad, having earned his place in Thai history and the only man to run the country from another country..... quite an achievement when you think about it.

Edited February 9, 201214 yr by bigbamboo

Not sure I'm allowed to quote, or even post the link, but here it is:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2012/02/172_104413.html

Tom plates interview is a joke. He lacks any background knowledge about events or laws.

Can't agree with this observation. I'd rather think the interview shows some of the 'megalomaniacal side' of k. Thaksin. Upon returning he'll forgive all and those who don't like him will feel at ease.

"He insisted he will not take revenge against others."

These types always say the opposite of what they will do.

AS IF he NEVER took revenge before he decided to opt for SELF EXILE.

"He also admitted he wants to return to Thailand"

Then turn yourself in to the local embassy or consulate and start serving your SENTENCE.

Edited February 9, 201214 yr by wxyz

Why I am lost for words, All this mans problems are self inflicted, he even forgets what he has done, this is Thai way, forget easily all is forgiven ,don't think too much about it all-BULLS###t, The problems here could have been resolved, IF he had not run away, served the sentence, The loss of face was too much to bear, for this man,so drunk with power, even said all that he has made a mountain out of a molehill by creating more havoc and divide from exile.

He lacks any background knowledge about events or laws.

Hardly the case.

Not that it makes the interview more than a joke, perhaps even more so.

Edited February 9, 201214 yr by Morch

mr T should return so they can convict him on terrorist charges for the events of the last riots.

Edited February 9, 201214 yr by wxyz

What come around go's around , The Thaskin one still talks with fork toungue.

The root cause of conflict in the country lamenting conflict? How ironic.

the 2006 coup was a tragedy to democracy

Hilarious, coming from the PM who actually said "democracy is not our aim", while in-power.

the 2006 coup was a tragedy to democracy

Hilarious, coming from the PM who actually said "democracy is not our aim", while in-power.

“Where in the world is a single-party government called a dictatorship? What's wrong with it when people have faith in me?”

Thaksin Shinawatra

Edited February 9, 201214 yr by wxyz

Perfect opportunity for the interviewer to ask "why don't you just go back to Thailand then?"

he didn't though

That's a response I'd like to hear

(perhaps the PTP supporters would like to speculate on the answer... and yes, by definition, if you support the PTP then you support Taksin - you're fooling yourself to deny that)

Edited February 9, 201214 yr by weka

He lacks any background knowledge about events or laws.

Hardly the case.

Not that it makes the interview more than a joke, perhaps even more so.

If you are right then the article is just disturbing, since he is specifically highlighting that 'no new cases' has been brought, 'no other sentences'...when the fact is that all trials have to wait for Thaksin to return.

So he is either clueless or writing propaganda.

Edited February 9, 201214 yr by TAWP

BIG T COME ON BACK WE ALL LOVE YOU.

BIG T COME ON BACK WE ALL LOVE YOU.

Love to jail you. hehehe

Anyone wanna explain what in the constitution that is so unfair?

From a viewpoint of 'citizens of today and forward'. (It allows uneducated farmers to be MPs, something the 1997 constitution does not...maybe that is why Thaksin want the old one back.)

Anyone wanna explain what in the constitution that is so unfair?

From a viewpoint of 'citizens of today and forward'. (It allows uneducated farmers to be MPs, something the 1997 constitution does not...maybe that is why Thaksin want the old one back.)

Is it unfair because the convicted fugitive crim has to abide by the law?

Anyone wanna explain what in the constitution that is so unfair?

From a viewpoint of 'citizens of today and forward'. (It allows uneducated farmers to be MPs, something the 1997 constitution does not...maybe that is why Thaksin want the old one back.)

Is it unfair because the convicted fugitive crim has to abide by the law?

You are truly wise Yoda.

“Do or do not... there is no try.” - Yoda

Edited February 9, 201214 yr by wxyz

"He insisted he will not take revenge against others."

These types always say the opposite of what they will do.

AS IF he NEVER took revenge before he decided to opt for SELF EXILE.

My thoughts also. If you've followed the Saga or Thaksin for the past 10 years, you'll know that whenever he emphasizes something, it's actually the opposite of what he thinks/does. Put simply; the man lies like a rug.

Perfect opportunity for the interviewer to ask "why don't you just go back to Thailand then?"

I have no doubt that anyone who interviews T is given a list of 'no go' topics. I'm sure that any awkward questions would result in the termination of the interview and confiscation of tapes, resulting in the loss of a potential scoop for any budding journalist. Shame T won't go live or on 'Hardtalk' (although it's not what it used to be). Indeed, many TV members could crucify him with a couple of well chosen questions. He probably has nightmares about a live debate with Abhisit, well at least we can hope so

This is a substandard unprofessional journalistic interview. Tom Plates is clearly "shilling" for his subject. The interview is not to be taken seriously.

Anyone wanna explain what in the constitution that is so unfair?

From a viewpoint of 'citizens of today and forward'. (It allows uneducated farmers to be MPs, something the 1997 constitution does not...maybe that is why Thaksin want the old one back.)

The Democrats asked Pheua Thai the same question 2 days ago.Pheua Thai keep saying the present constitution was bad because it came from a coup but they've never said which parts are bad and why.

human rights abuser "Fugitive Former PM Thaksin Voices Concern About Conflicts In Thailand calls Constitution unfair"

Don't you just hate a whiny corrupt dictator.

The Constitution is unfair, just for criminals like you, thankfully.

Edited February 10, 201214 yr by wxyz

Today, however, Thailand’s most controversial political figure even admits that as its ambitious leader he was sometimes a hard man to like. He told me: “I was so angry then ... so full of anger. And in my speed of reaching my anger and in showing it to everyone ... I was too fast with all that.” He says this with a kind of resigned sadness.

“That is my bad quality. My good part is being very constructive and creative in my thinking. But when I cannot stand the pressure, I’m too easily angered.” It is clear that this is the part of his psyche he has come to regret.

Thaksin the angryman

A disappointing message from Thaksin; in order to really develop Thailand needs to take a strong departure from the old ways of army-backed feudalism. Such a meek message from Thaksin is very disappointing for everyone who wants Thailand to develop in a freer and fairer society.

It shows -if that wasn't blatantly obvious already- that he cares more about himself than about Thailand. Thailand needs an Aung San Suu Kyi, someone who doesn't waver also when being under arrest. He/she would be in jail in a second of course, just like they do in Burma with people who don't tout the official line.

Edited February 10, 201214 yr by WinnieTheKhwai