Ex-Thai PM Thaksin To Address Rally In Cambodia

[WackySomchai]

So, if you wish to discuss Thaksins relationship with Hun Sen and his inglorious past, at least realise the truth of political expediency. Politicians the world over, do it, it ain't pretty, but it's reality.

I think everyone appreciates what you say about political expediency, and that pretty much all politicians are guilty to some degree, but when the hypocrisy is not mentioned or questioned, as i think it rarely is in the case of Thaksin and Hun Sen - at least by red shirts - well then i'm not sure why you would say ""if you wish to discuss Thaksin's relationship with...". Why the "if"? Surely you agree that people who like to call others "coupists", should not be allowed to hide from answering to this matter.

But as with pretty much all Thaksin type defences, you seem much more interested in finding other examples of similar behaviour with which to point the finger.

IMO, the point being made is less that there are other examples, as to simply point out through their existence that posters do not "visit the sins" of the burma junta on Abhisit, for example, presumably because they don't find it valid, yet do so with regularity with Thaksin & Hun Sen, presumably because they find that it is valid....

As a Khmer Rouge commander, the fugitive's eternal friend ordered the killings of thousands of Cambodians. Maybe you should think about why Hun Sen blocks any further UN investigations into the Khmer Rouge massacres ...

There is well-known that the fugitive was very close to the Burmese military during his latest dictatorship, giving them soft-loans and making corrupt telecom deals.

[hyperdimension]

So, if you wish to discuss Thaksins relationship with Hun Sen and his inglorious past, at least realise the truth of political expediency. Politicians the world over, do it, it ain't pretty, but it's reality.

Thaksin's close relationship with Hun Sen extends further than mere "political expediency", to the point that Hun Sen calls Thaksin his "eternal friend", and invites him for golf. Hun Sen even offered Thaksin the position of Economic Advisor, which Thaksin accepted, and only later resigned from. They are like best friends having fun together.

Abhisit's meetings and dealings with other country's leaders have just been part of his job for the country that he leads, and not social visits based on friendship. Which despot has unofficially invited him for a game of golf to which Abhisit accepted?

Which despots has Abhisit physically embraced?

Edited April 11, 2012 by hyperdimension

[tlansford]

IMO, the point being made is less that there are other examples, as to simply point out through their existence that posters do not "visit the sins" of the burma junta on Abhisit, for example, presumably because they don't find it valid, yet do so with regularity with Thaksin & Hun Sen, presumably because they find that it is valid....

I think you presume a lot, and i think you presume wrong. Calling Thaksin and red supporters out, on the hypocrisy of the situation regarding Hun Sen, is not condoning other examples of hypocrisy. A rather twisted logic if you don't mind me saying so, but one rather common with any debate that highlights Thaksin's "short comings".

there is nothing twisted about it except that (1) visiting the sins of one person upon another is not sound logic in the first place, and (2) it is applied on TVF selectively.

IMO, it is best to stick to what Thaksin did if you want to discuss Thaksin, and to what Hun Sen did if you want to discuss Hun Sen. But to conclude that one is as bad as the other and offer as proof that they, for example, played golf together or hugged, is not logical.

[hyperdimension]

there is nothing twisted about it except that (1) visiting the sins of one person upon another is not sound logic in the first place, and (2) it is applied on TVF selectively.

IMO, it is best to stick to what Thaksin did if you want to discuss Thaksin, and to what Hun Sen did if you want to discuss Hun Sen. But to conclude that one is as bad as the other and offer as proof that they, for example, played golf together or hugged, is not logical.

People judge your character in part by who you choose to be friends with. If you choose to be close friends with criminals and spend time with them, do you think other people will ignore that?

Edited April 11, 2012 by hyperdimension

[rixalex]

there is nothing twisted about it except that (1) visiting the sins of one person upon another is not sound logic in the first place, and (2) it is applied on TVF selectively.

IMO, it is best to stick to what Thaksin did if you want to discuss Thaksin, and to what Hun Sen did if you want to discuss Hun Sen. But to conclude that one is as bad as the other and offer as proof that they, for example, played golf together or hugged, is not logical.

I don't think anyone is attributing Hun Sen's sins to Thaksin, just because of their friendship - that would be twisted. This is about the utter hypocrisy involved.

[siampolee]

Perhaps some intrepid person at the rally might ask the following questions of Thaksin ?

Are you happy in what you are doing Mr. Thaksin ?

Mr. Thaksin. Is what you are doing going to add more confusion to the current situation in Thailand ?

Mr. Thaksin, .What are you actually personally doing to bring about peace, contentment and reconciliation to Thailand and its peoples ?

Mr. Thaksin. How do you think you will be remembered when you are gone, or how would you like to be remembered after you have shuffled off of this mortal coil ?

'Twould indeed be interesting to hear the answers to those questions, no doubt the reaction would be thus.

We need to remember that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a constant ongoing effort to maintain a harmonious existence between individuals, the state and all the people of Thailand. That is the path to the survival of a peaceful united Thai nation and its peoples.

Edited April 11, 2012 by siampolee

[AleG]

So, if you wish to discuss Thaksins relationship with Hun Sen and his inglorious past, at least realise the truth of political expediency. Politicians the world over, do it, it ain't pretty, but it's reality.

I think everyone appreciates what you say about political expediency, and that pretty much all politicians are guilty to some degree, but when the hypocrisy is not mentioned or questioned, as i think it rarely is in the case of Thaksin and Hun Sen - at least by red shirts - well then i'm not sure why you would say ""if you wish to discuss Thaksin's relationship with...". Why the "if"? Surely you agree that people who like to call others "coupists", should not be allowed to hide from answering to this matter.

But as with pretty much all Thaksin type defences, you seem much more interested in finding other examples of similar behaviour with which to point the finger.

IMO, the point being made is less that there are other examples, as to simply point out through their existence that posters do not "visit the sins" of the burma junta on Abhisit, for example, presumably because they don't find it valid, yet do so with regularity with Thaksin & Hun Sen, presumably because they find that it is valid....

It's absolutely disingenuous to equate in any form Thaksin's and the Red Shirts relationship and attitude to Hun Sen to Abhisit and the Myanmar Junta.

For example did Abhisit organize a friendly football match between Democrat MPs and the Myanmar Junta, to great cheers from Democrat supporters?

Did Than Shwe offer Abhisit a position in his government?

Did Myanmar became a safe heaven to PAD members on the run from justice?

Does Abhisit conduct regular, personal meetings with members of the Myanmar Junta?

Should I go on or should we at last bury this idiotic tu quoque for good?

[rixalex]

there is nothing twisted about it except that (1) visiting the sins of one person upon another is not sound logic in the first place, and (2) it is applied on TVF selectively.

IMO, it is best to stick to what Thaksin did if you want to discuss Thaksin, and to what Hun Sen did if you want to discuss Hun Sen. But to conclude that one is as bad as the other and offer as proof that they, for example, played golf together or hugged, is not logical.

People judge your character in part by who you choose to be friends with. If you choose to be close friends with criminals and spend time with them, do you think other people will ignore that?

I think the idea isn't that we ignore it, but rather we shouldn't make mention of it, unless we also go through a list of all the other politicians through the history of time who have ever also committed such an act. As i say, with regards Thaksin and his support team, this is the usual defence; point the spotlight elsewhere, or at the very least, spread the blame around to the point where it is spread so thin, that it is deemed as fairly normal and acceptable. "Thaksin is best buddies with Hun Sen? Yeah well, so what, Thatcher was friends with Pinochet".

As i say, twisted logic.

[phiphidon]

So, if you wish to discuss Thaksins relationship with Hun Sen and his inglorious past, at least realise the truth of political expediency. Politicians the world over, do it, it ain't pretty, but it's reality.

Thaksin's close relationship with Hun Sen extends further than mere "political expediency", to the point that Hun Sen calls Thaksin his "eternal friend", and invites him for golf. Hun Sen even offered Thaksin the position of Economic Advisor, which Thaksin accepted, and only later resigned from. They are like best friends having fun together.

Abhisit's meetings and dealings with other country's leaders have just been part of his job for the country that he leads, and not social visits based on friendship. Which despot has unofficially invited him for a game of golf to which Abhisit accepted?

Which despots has Abhisit physically embraced?

Newin?

[bigbamboo]

So, if you wish to discuss Thaksins relationship with Hun Sen and his inglorious past, at least realise the truth of political expediency. Politicians the world over, do it, it ain't pretty, but it's reality.

Thaksin's close relationship with Hun Sen extends further than mere "political expediency", to the point that Hun Sen calls Thaksin his "eternal friend", and invites him for golf. Hun Sen even offered Thaksin the position of Economic Advisor, which Thaksin accepted, and only later resigned from. They are like best friends having fun together.

Abhisit's meetings and dealings with other country's leaders have just been part of his job for the country that he leads, and not social visits based on friendship. Which despot has unofficially invited him for a game of golf to which Abhisit accepted?

Which despots has Abhisit physically embraced?

Newin?

Newin was desperate, not a despot!

[phiphidon]

there is nothing twisted about it except that (1) visiting the sins of one person upon another is not sound logic in the first place, and (2) it is applied on TVF selectively.

IMO, it is best to stick to what Thaksin did if you want to discuss Thaksin, and to what Hun Sen did if you want to discuss Hun Sen. But to conclude that one is as bad as the other and offer as proof that they, for example, played golf together or hugged, is not logical.

People judge your character in part by who you choose to be friends with. If you choose to be close friends with criminals and spend time with them, do you think other people will ignore that?

I think the idea isn't that we ignore it, but rather we shouldn't make mention of it, unless we also go through a list of all the other politicians through the history of time who have ever also committed such an act. As i say, with regards Thaksin and his support team, this is the usual defence; point the spotlight elsewhere, or at the very least, spread the blame around to the point where it is spread so thin, that it is deemed as fairly normal and acceptable. "Thaksin is best buddies with Hun Sen? Yeah well, so what, Thatcher was friends with Pinochet".

As i say, twisted logic.

Well if those are the rules of debate what is the point.

Scenario 1 - You say one thing about A - we point out that that has also occured with B - You say we cant say that.

Scenario 2 - You say something about A - we defend what A has done - you say thats typical A apologist behaviour. There is an unseemly scramble as several other B supporters fight amongst themselves to be next to to say something bad about A and/or about A apologists.

Edited April 11, 2012 by phiphidon

[moe666]

Big T is being tutored by Hun Sen on how to run a dictatorship if Marcos where still alive he would probably be visiting the Philippines

[hyperdimension]

So, if you wish to discuss Thaksins relationship with Hun Sen and his inglorious past, at least realise the truth of political expediency. Politicians the world over, do it, it ain't pretty, but it's reality.

Thaksin's close relationship with Hun Sen extends further than mere "political expediency", to the point that Hun Sen calls Thaksin his "eternal friend", and invites him for golf. Hun Sen even offered Thaksin the position of Economic Advisor, which Thaksin accepted, and only later resigned from. They are like best friends having fun together.

Abhisit's meetings and dealings with other country's leaders have just been part of his job for the country that he leads, and not social visits based on friendship. Which despot has unofficially invited him for a game of golf to which Abhisit accepted?

Which despots has Abhisit physically embraced?

Newin?

He is not a despot.

Despotism is:

a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. That entity may be an individual, as in an autocracy, or it may be a group,^[1] as in an oligarchy.

If Abhisit were to often socialize with Than Shwe during his regime in Myanmar, then you would have something to compare with, and the Red Shirts would have some good dirt against him for their anti-Abhisit propaganda. But the best you (and the Red Shirts) could come up with is Newin, leader of one of the minor Thai political parties, which is a weak comparison.

The fact that the Red Shirt movement worship their idol Thaksin who has a strong friendship with a pro-coup despot adds weight to the notion that the Red Shirt movement is not necessarily anti-coup, nor pro-democracy; it's simply pro-Thaksin. The movement would obviously protest if a coup was staged against Thaksin or one of his proxy governments like the current one, but would they still protest against a coup that is staged against any other non-Thaksin government? I don't think so.

[phiphidon]

Newin?

He is not a despot.

Despotism is:

a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. That entity may be an individual, as in an autocracy, or it may be a group,^[1] as in an oligarchy.

If Abhisit were to often socialize with Than Shwe during his regime in Myanmar, then you would have something to compare with, and the Red Shirts would have some good dirt against him for their anti-Abhisit propaganda. But the best you (and the Red Shirts) could come up with is Newin, leader of one of the minor Thai political parties, which is a weak comparison.

The fact that the Red Shirt movement worship their idol Thaksin who has a strong friendship with a pro-coup despot adds weight to the notion that the Red Shirt movement is not necessarily anti-coup, nor pro-democracy; it's simply pro-Thaksin. The movement would obviously protest if a coup was staged against Thaksin or one of his proxy governments like the current one, but would they still protest against a coup that is staged against any other non-Thaksin government? I don't think so.

It was a joke <deleted>, lighten up a little.

[metisdead]

A slanderous name calling post of the PM has been removed.

[hyperdimension]

Newin?

He is not a despot.

Despotism is:

a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. That entity may be an individual, as in an autocracy, or it may be a group,^[1] as in an oligarchy.

If Abhisit were to often socialize with Than Shwe during his regime in Myanmar, then you would have something to compare with, and the Red Shirts would have some good dirt against him for their anti-Abhisit propaganda. But the best you (and the Red Shirts) could come up with is Newin, leader of one of the minor Thai political parties, which is a weak comparison.

The fact that the Red Shirt movement worship their idol Thaksin who has a strong friendship with a pro-coup despot adds weight to the notion that the Red Shirt movement is not necessarily anti-coup, nor pro-democracy; it's simply pro-Thaksin. The movement would obviously protest if a coup was staged against Thaksin or one of his proxy governments like the current one, but would they still protest against a coup that is staged against any other non-Thaksin government? I don't think so.

It was a joke <deleted>, lighten up a little.

Since you can't argue against the facts, you resort to jokes. This is no laughing matter. Thaksin and his clan are not good for Thailand. The Red Shirts are his "people's" army, not a pro-democracy movement acting in the interests of the country and the people of Thailand. If they truly were a pro-democracy movement, they would be speak out against Hun Sen and the close friendship he has with Thaksin. Hun Sen has welcomed the masses of Red Shirts into his country probably because he knows that they are not truly pro-democracy, but simply pro-Thaksin, his eternal friend. Would Hun Sen allow 10,000 true pro-democracy activists into his country? If a good number of such pro-democracy activists knew about his history, it may pose a threat to him and his government. But Thaksin has probably explained to him that they aren't really pro-democracy activists, they are just his useful idiots.

Edited April 11, 2012 by hyperdimension

[Buchholz]

Abhisit, due to his unfortunate choice of bed mates, the PAD, and even more unfortunate choice of Foreign Minister, refused to cosy up with Hun Sen thus achieving a "double whammy" of playing to the nationalistic vote and attacking his nemesis, Thaksin, at the same time. He even went to the extreme of provoking an incident by sending his secretary over the Cambodian border along with the Pad extermist Veera. Claims of innocence by Abhisit were disproved by video and aural proof. This event, along with playing dangerous games on the nervous border with flag poles and the ongoing stormy rhetoric over the (Hindu) Preah Vihear temple didn't help the situation with exchanges of gunfire across the border resulting in several unnecessary deaths. Thailands International standing was not enhanced by the use of cluster bomb artillery shells.

Historical revision x 5

.

[phiphidon]

Abhisit, due to his unfortunate choice of bed mates, the PAD, and even more unfortunate choice of Foreign Minister, refused to cosy up with Hun Sen thus achieving a "double whammy" of playing to the nationalistic vote and attacking his nemesis, Thaksin, at the same time. He even went to the extreme of provoking an incident by sending his secretary over the Cambodian border along with the Pad extermist Veera. Claims of innocence by Abhisit were disproved by video and aural proof. This event, along with playing dangerous games on the nervous border with flag poles and the ongoing stormy rhetoric over the (Hindu) Preah Vihear temple didn't help the situation with exchanges of gunfire across the border resulting in several unnecessary deaths. Thailands International standing was not enhanced by the use of cluster bomb artillery shells.

Historical revision x 5

.

Do tell me where my facts are wrong, Buchholz, always eager to learn. By the way you forgot to tell people you altered my post (again). Rule 30.

[hyperdimension]

I urge everyone to ask Thai people how much they know about Hun Sen and his rise to power in Cambodia. If the Thais are Red Shirt supporters, tell them what you know about Hun Sen, and ask them whether they think it's OK that Thaksin is such a close friend of him.

Here is one excellent article about Hun Sen: To live and die with Hun Sen By Paul Vrieze

Here are some notable quotes from the article:

"Hun Sen has outstanding capacities. His intellect is strong, but he has no morals to go along with it." Sovann said he was "not surprised" by Hun Sen's world-beating political longevity. "Hun Sen likes power; he wants to increase his power. He doesn't listen to anyone ... If anyone criticizes him, he will do anything to defend his power."

Despite his political skills, Hun Sen did not shy away from using violence against political opposition. In 1997, he took over the government by force and the ensuing fighting killed about 100 people, mostly from the rival Funcinpec Party, according to a 2008 US Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, which referred to the takeover as an "unlawful seizure of power".

Before the military takeover, a grenade attack hit a peaceful opposition rally in Phnom Penh, which killed 16 children, men and women and wounded more than 100 others. Recent disclosures of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) probe into the attack, which was conducted because an American citizen was injured in the blast, were made under a Freedom of Information Act request filed by The Cambodia Daily, a local English-language newspaper.

The investigation, which was cut short due to intensifying threats to the FBI agent, found evidence that directly implicated Hun Sen's bodyguard unit and the CPP, while highly placed witnesses declined to cooperate with the FBI, according to the records disclosed to the newspaper. The US government reacted to the violent events of 1997 by banning direct aid to Cambodia for a decade. As the US Congressional Research Service noted, "The autocratic tendencies of Prime Minister Hun Sen have discouraged foreign investment and strained US-Cambodian relations."

"Hun Sen has had only two ways in dealing with his political opponents: Buy them or eliminate them either physically, [through] grenade attack, military coup [...] or politically, [through] sham lawsuits ... There is no example in the whole world of any country being a democratic and prosperous one with the same top leader for decades," Rainsy added.

"Hun Sen's greatest failure is his failure to promote, in fact, his willingness to undermine democratic institutions such as an independent judiciary, accountable security forces and a professional civil service," he added. According to Gottesman, three qualities are central to Hun Sen's hold on power: The first is ideological flexibility, which he said became apparent when Hun Sen decided to quickly abandon communist orthodox ideas in the late 1980s when it suited the situation.

"The second is a willingness to be absolutely ruthless with his opponents when he feels it necessary. The third is his cultivation of a patronage system that supports him," Gottesman wrote. "[A] lack of an independent judiciary or accountability for human-rights abuses persist because these hallmarks of modern democracies do not serve the interests of leaders who intend to remain in power indefinitely," he added. Reflecting on how the character of the 1980s communist PRK regime, many of whose officials are still in the government, influences Cambodia today, Gottesman said, "Cambodia's government is still built on patronage systems that support top officials, with Hun Sen at the top."

Edited April 11, 2012 by hyperdimension

[Buchholz]

Red-shirt People Set to Meet Thaksin in Cambodia

Representatives of the red-shirt group in Surin Province have held a meeting with the provincial administration to discuss preparations for their trip to meet former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Cambodia on April 14.

Chutimaporn Chuaychupongpan, represented the red-shirt group in Surin Province in a meeting with Surin Governor Yutthana Wiriyakitti, administration officials, soldiers and immigration officials from Chong Jom border pass.

The meeting is meant to create better understanding of documents to be used for their planned trip to meet fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Siem Reap Province in Cambodia on April 14.

The group will hold an event to offer well-wishes to the ex-prime minister on the occasion of the Songkran festival.

Pheu Thai MP for Surin Teeyai Poonsrithanakul and President of the red-shirt group in Surin, Theppanom Namlee, are responsible for coordinating with officials at Chong Jom border pass and related agencies on the border crossing.

The Surin governor said that he has ordered related agencies to ensure security for the red-shirt group as a large number of its members are expected to join the trip.

He further said that the OTOP building of the Surin Provincial Administration Organization, which is only one kilometer away from the Chong Jom border pass, will be open to accommodate people who will travel to meet Thaksin from April 12 with around-the-clock security.

The governor expressed confidence that there should not be any violence or third-party intervention to stir chaos.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-11

[AleG]

I urge everyone to ask Thai people how much they know about Hun Sen and his rise to power in Cambodia. If the Thais are Red Shirt supporters, tell them what you know about Hun Sen, and ask them whether they think it's OK that Thaksin is such a close friend of him.

Here is one excellent article about Hun Sen: To live and die with Hun Sen By Paul Vrieze

...

I have the feeling Thaksin would be playing Hun Sen's role in Thailand by now if he wouldn't had been prevented from usurping the PM office by the coup.

The writing is on the wall about his tendencies and objectives. Some people simply refuse to see it.

[Buchholz]

Red Shirts to Attend Bathing Ceremony to Wish Thaksin for Cambodian New Year

A Cambodian newspaper reported that more than 160 rai of farmland are being prepared to accommodate a crowd of 30,000 red-shirt supporters who want to attend a bathing ceremony to give well-wishes to fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during April 14-15.

A Cambodian newspaper reported that authorities in Siem Reap Province of Cambodia are working hard in preparing 25 hectares of land, the equivalent of 162 rai, at the Angkor Kjong Yu town for a crowd of 30,000 red-shirt supporters.

The red-shirts are expected to descend to the town during April 13-15, which marks the New Year Holiday for Cambodia, and reside there temporarily.

Siem Reap provincial hall official Ly Samreth said that they have started to graze the land since April 2 and will complete the operations by April 12, as the red-shirt people are arriving on April 13 to attend a bathing ceremony to give well-wishes to the fugitive Thai premier during April 14-15.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-11

[rixalex]

Well if those are the rules of debate what is the point.

Scenario 1 - You say one thing about A - we point out that that has also occured with B - You say we cant say that.

Pointing out that it has occured with B would make much more sense if you could actually bring yourself to condemn the actions of A first. All the while that you don't, all the while you ignore what A does, even though what A is doing is the actual subject of the thread, it makes your argument simply one of a fanatic.

Scenario 2 - You say something about A - we defend what A has done - you say thats typical A apologist behaviour.

If your defending is weak, then yes, i;m afraid you will be accused of apologist behaviour. And in my opinion, simply telling people that politicians meeting with other people socially who on principle, if their principles are to be believed, they should not wish to be anywhere near, is just a case of political expediency and we should overlook all the contradictions, is extremely weak. Perhaps if you went away for a week and came back, it would dawn on you. Or perhaps not...

[hyperdimension]

I urge everyone to ask Thai people how much they know about Hun Sen and his rise to power in Cambodia. If the Thais are Red Shirt supporters, tell them what you know about Hun Sen, and ask them whether they think it's OK that Thaksin is such a close friend of him.

Here is one excellent article about Hun Sen: To live and die with Hun Sen By Paul Vrieze

...

I have the feeling Thaksin would be playing Hun Sen's role in Thailand by now if he wouldn't had been prevented from usurping the PM office by the coup.

And the people of Thailand may have become as miserable as the people of Cambodia currently are. Here is the bottom part of the World Happiness Report 2012 overall rankings:

Here are the top two parts of the overall rankings:

World happiness report 2012 Figure 2.3 Average cantril ladder by country - part 1

World happiness report 2012 Figure 2.3 Average cantril ladder by country - part 2

[phiphidon]

Well if those are the rules of debate what is the point.

Scenario 1 - You say one thing about A - we point out that that has also occured with B - You say we cant say that.

Pointing out that it has occured with B would make much more sense if you could actually bring yourself to condemn the actions of A first. All the while that you don't, all the while you ignore what A does, even though what A is doing is the actual subject of the thread, it makes your argument simply one of a fanatic.

Scenario 2 - You say something about A - we defend what A has done - you say thats typical A apologist behaviour.

If your defending is weak, then yes, i;m afraid you will be accused of apologist behaviour. And in my opinion, simply telling people that politicians meeting with other people socially who on principle, if their principles are to be believed, they should not wish to be anywhere near, is just a case of political expediency and we should overlook all the contradictions, is extremely weak. Perhaps if you went away for a week and came back, it would dawn on you. Or perhaps not...

So what are your thoughts on Abhisit cosying up to the Burmese Junta; one result of which is the happy coincidence of being able to dump some of Thailands enviromental problems on the even more defenceless Burmese people? Is that the act of an person of principle?

[rixalex]

So what are your thoughts on Abhisit cosying up to the Burmese Junta; one result of which is the happy coincidence of being able to dump some of Thailands enviromental problems on the even more defenceless Burmese people? Is that the act of an person of principle?

I would condemn anyone cosying up to the Burmese Junta, but i'm not sure on a thread entitled:

Ex-Thai PM Thaksin To Address Rally In Cambodia

how much relevance there is.

[hyperdimension]

So what are your thoughts on Abhisit cosying up to the Burmese Junta

When Abhisit starts employing the tactics of Thaksin and the Red Shirts and holds huge rallies in Myanmar and visits General Than Shwe regularly for golf, then it might be slightly on-topic for this thread.

So, who do you like more, Thaksin or Hun Sen?

Edited April 12, 2012 by hyperdimension

[tlansford]

So what are your thoughts on Abhisit cosying up to the Burmese Junta

When Abhisit starts employing the tactics of Thaksin and the Red Shirts and holds huge rallies in Myanmar and visits General Than Shwe regularly for golf, then it might be slightly on-topic for this thread.

So, who do you like more, Thaksin or Hun Sen?

Should Thaksin hold his rally in Burma instead? Malaysia?

How many neighboring countries does Thailand have? The choices are limited.

The fact that the holiday gatherings happen in Cambodia and Laos have nothing to do with their political leaders, but with the practical, logistical aspects of travel. Nothing more, nothing less.

[hyperdimension]

The fact that the holiday gatherings happen in Cambodia and Laos have nothing to do with their political leaders, but with the practical, logistical aspects of travel. Nothing more, nothing less.

You are kidding, surely. The close friendship between Thaksin and Hun Sen is common knowledge and has a lot to do with the fact that Cambodia has welcomed thousands of supporters of a political movement to rally in the country, whereas Laos has been restrictive.

From Thanks for calling me your true friend : Thaksin to Hun Sen:

"I considerThaksin as my eternal friend. Cambodia will welcome him to stay here for anytime. I make the house available for him at any time if he decides to visit Cambodia."

[Thai at Heart]

Red Shirts to Attend Bathing Ceremony to Wish Thaksin for Cambodian New Year

A Cambodian newspaper reported that more than 160 rai of farmland are being prepared to accommodate a crowd of 30,000 red-shirt supporters who want to attend a bathing ceremony to give well-wishes to fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during April 14-15.

A Cambodian newspaper reported that authorities in Siem Reap Province of Cambodia are working hard in preparing 25 hectares of land, the equivalent of 162 rai, at the Angkor Kjong Yu town for a crowd of 30,000 red-shirt supporters.

The red-shirts are expected to descend to the town during April 13-15, which marks the New Year Holiday for Cambodia, and reside there temporarily.

Siem Reap provincial hall official Ly Samreth said that they have started to graze the land since April 2 and will complete the operations by April 12, as the red-shirt people are arriving on April 13 to attend a bathing ceremony to give well-wishes to the fugitive Thai premier during April 14-15.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-11

Glad to see he is attending Cambodian New Year, not some universal buddhist calendar thingymajig.....

Also note that the land is measured not in rai but in hectares, they could have measured it in wah, but then it would get tooooooo big. Very forward thinking.