Exiled Thaksin Inches Closer To Return To Thailand

[george]

EXILED THAKSIN INCHES CLOSER TO RETURN TO THAILAND

VIENTIANE, Laos: -- Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra took some small but symbolic steps towards the fringes of his homeland on Wednesday after five years in self-exile and at the heart of a bitter and bloody power struggle.

The tycoon arrived on his personal jet in the Lao capital Vientiane and waited seven hours before greeting a crowd of 1,000 of his cheering "red shirt" supporters, who crossed the nearby border to greet the populist hero as legal moves to bring him home a free man gather steam in Thailand's parliament.

"I think about home all the time," a smiling Thaksin told a scrum of Thai reporters, photographers and TV cameramen.

"I'm here because there are so many people I haven't seen for a long time. I will come back home, but in a smooth way."

With his 44-year-old sister Yingluck Shinawatra installed as prime minister and backed by three-fifths of parliament, Thaksin's return, whitewashed of his graft conviction, is looking increasingly likely, but could be anything but smooth.

But while his homecoming might unnerve his powerful and uncompromising enemies among the military and establishment elite who might try to thwart him, those who elected him in 2001 and 2005 landslides are counting down the days.

"This is the most exciting moment of my life. When I see him, I want to tell him to fight, fight and to hurry back home," said red shirt Somboon Chaiyasuth, wearing a T-shirt and necklace bearing pictures of a smiling Thaksin.

Thaksin's visit to Vientiane, just 20 km (12 miles) from Thai soil, is the closest he has been to home since fleeing into exile for a second time in August 2008 to evade a two-year jail term for a conflict of interest case levelled by graft-busters appointed by the military junta that toppled him in a 2006 coup.

He pleads innocence and insists he wants to stay out of the limelight and has no political ambitions.

His chief aide, Kwanchai Praipana, a radio deejay who commands Thaksin's vast network of northeastern red shirts and led bloody confrontations with the army in 2009 and 2010, insists Thaksin has officially retired.

"If Thaksin returns it won't be as prime minister," he told Reuters on Tuesday, dressed in red bathtowel at his radio station in Udon Thani, a city he calls the "red shirt capital" an hour's drive across the border from Laos.

"Yingluck is the best replacement for Thaksin."

Thaksin, 62, met politicians, businessmen and loyalists in Vientiane on Wednesday, adding fuel to opposition claims he is a "remote-control premier", running a government from his Dubai mansion via his proxy, the politically inexperienced Yingluck.

DIVISIVE FIGURE

While Yingluck has utilised her charisma to uphold an unspoken truce with Thaksin's enemies since coming to power last July in the third Shinawatra election landslide in a decade, her elder brother remains an divisive figure seen by many Thais as capable of derailing the fragile peace.

To the rural and urban working classes, Thaksin was a mould-breaking premier who prioritised millions of downtrodden poor, but for the army top brass and the elite in faraway Bangkok, he is crony capitalist who manipulated the masses and orchestrated the violent red shirt uprisings to try to re-take power.

Thaksin is racing to consolidate power and shore-up allegiances with big business and politicians as Yingluck's government pursues changes to the constitution and a reconciliation programme to strengthen democracy and heal rifts.

The current parliament session has been extended to allow debates over the formation of a 99-member Constitution Drafting Assembly and a peace bill that has sparked widespread anger, with the opposition warning of an imminent "reconciliation war".

A house reconciliation committee, chaired by retired General Sonthi Boonyaratakalin, who led the coup against Thaksin, has selectively picked out two recommendations by an independent research body to put to debate: an amnesty for political offenders since 2005 and the nullification of probes by the now-defunct Assets Scrutiny Committee, appointed by the army to investigate alleged graft by Thaksin and his cabinet.

Commentators see trouble brewing and warn of a return of devastating "yellow shirt" street protests or even a coup if Yingluck's "parliamentary dictatorship" - as the anti-Thaksin camp calls it - moves to rescue the multi-millionaire.

-- Yahoo News 2012-04-11

[Soutpeel]

He is not in self-exile....he is a fugitive....he can come back to Thailand any time he wishes

[Buchholz]

His chief aide, Kwanchai Praipana, a radio deejay who commands Thaksin's vast network of northeastern red shirts and led bloody confrontations with the army in 2009 and 2010, insists Thaksin has officially retired.

"If Thaksin returns it won't be as prime minister," he told Reuters on Tuesday, dressed in red bath towel at his radio station in Udon Thani

is that all he wears at his radio station?

.

[supashot]

how come he stills pretend to be Thai while he got several passports from other countries?

[Buchholz]

I'll be home this year, Thaksin tells supporters

Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra told his 'Red Shirt' supporters on Wednesday that he expects to set foot in his homeland again in 2012.

"With all your support, I'm likely to return home this year. You probably think I've said often I'll come home. If I can't, please come to get me," he said in video address from neighbouring Laos.

Continues:

http://www.straitsti...ory_787700.html

Straits Times - 19 minutes ago

.

[h90]

His chief aide, Kwanchai Praipana, a radio deejay who commands Thaksin's vast network of northeastern red shirts and led bloody confrontations with the army in 2009 and 2010, insists Thaksin has officially retired.

"If Thaksin returns it won't be as prime minister," he told Reuters on Tuesday, dressed in red bath towel at his radio station in Udon Thani

is that all he wears at his radio station?

.

Why not it is red, that should be enough....

[attrayant]

The tycoon arrived on his personal jet in the Lao capital Vientiane...

I'm sorry sir the cabin is full, you'll have to climb on top and hold on tight!

[Buchholz]

His chief aide, Kwanchai Praipana, a radio deejay who commands Thaksin's vast network of northeastern red shirts and led bloody confrontations with the army in 2009 and 2010, insists Thaksin has officially retired.

"If Thaksin returns it won't be as prime minister," he told Reuters on Tuesday, dressed in red bath towel at his radio station in Udon Thani

is that all he wears at his radio station?

Why not it is red, that should be enough....

I'm sure that the svelte Thaksin chief aide cuts quite a dashing figure attired in nothing but a flimsy bath towel.

.

Edited April 11, 2012 by Buchholz

[coconutter]

wow hes still topping the headlines seconds after the tsunami warning was lifted ,i didnt sense any worry for his fellow country men an women ,maybe its because there all in the north,,,

[MAJIC]

I'll be home this year, Thaksin tells supporters

Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra told his 'Red Shirt' supporters on Wednesday that he expects to set foot in his homeland again in 2012.

"With all your support, I'm likely to return home this year. You probably think I've said often I'll come home. If I can't, please come to get me," he said in video address from neighbouring Laos.

Continues:

http://www.straitsti...ory_787700.html

Straits Times - 19 minutes ago

.

"Please come to get me"

Shell out 500 Bahts a head,and they probably will,....what a pathetic,heart rending,desperate, statement.

[Thaddeus]

wow hes still topping the headlines seconds after the tsunami warning was lifted ,i didnt sense any worry for his fellow country men an women

Empathy is not his middle name.

[Thaddeus]

I'll be home this year, Thaksin tells supporters

.

He said that last year.

He can come home any time he feels like, no problem.

[hellodolly]

1,000 people I thought there was supposed to be in the ten's of thousands, I guess they didn't do to well with every thing he gave them,

[rubl]

Yingluck's government pursues changes to the constitution and a reconciliation programme to strengthen democracy and heal rifts.

More drivel from theNation? Where's Tom when you need him

[Buchholz]

1,000 people I thought there was supposed to be in the ten's of thousands, I guess they didn't do to well with every thing he gave them,

April 10, 2012

Red Shirt Leader Nisit Sinthuphrai said about 50,000 Thaksin supporters are expected to leave for Laos to meet him there as he pays a brief visit to Laos and Cambodia during the festival.

[rubl]

1,000 people I thought there was supposed to be in the ten's of thousands, I guess they didn't do to well with every thing he gave them,

April 10, 2012

Red Shirt Leader Nisit Sinthuphrai said about 50,000 Thaksin supporters are expected to leave for Laos to meet him there as he pays a brief visit to Laos and Cambodia during the festival.

These numbers can't be right. I'm sure our dear member Cagaryll will update us on precise numbers having counted the busses passing. We may have to wait a bit though, C may still be stuck in the traffic jam or moving to Cambodia to do some more counting there.

Let me finish with wishing you all good people get a 'wee bit' wet

Edited April 11, 2012 by rubl

[GentlemanJim]

Well, everyday is a school day, the collective noun for a group of reporters is a 'scrum'. I quite like that.

Anyway maybe this is how the reds made their numbers up, and is Thaksin really there or is it one of these blighters! All wearing Thaksin masks, how quaint! Something tells me some dull entrepreneur is going to be left with a lot of Thaksin masks! Will you be buying some CalgaryII?

Edited April 11, 2012 by GentlemanJim

[Thaddeus]

Can't wait for the other photo's

Edited April 11, 2012 by Thaddeus

[mccw]

From my wondering through my local part of the northern chiang mai countryside it seems most who once dreamed of better things are now seriously pissed off with the government- high prices to buy everything but lower prices when they are selling their vegetables

Only the most brainwashed or financially dependant are still visibly red shirt.

In the self proclaimed "red villages" just as many yellow flags are flying.

[espinoza]

I'll be home this year, Thaksin tells supporters

Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra told his 'Red Shirt' supporters on Wednesday that he expects to set foot in his homeland again in 2012.

"With all your support, I'm likely to return home this year. You probably think I've said often I'll come home. If I can't, please come to get me," he said in video address from neighbouring Laos.

Continues:

http://www.straitsti...ory_787700.html

Straits Times - 19 minutes ago

.

"Please come to get me"

Shell out 500 Bahts a head,and they probably will,....what a pathetic,heart rending,desperate, statement.

Very cheap votes, if you ask me. Maybe he should visit the ditches where he got about 2600 people killed. Send him to Hague is my suggestion.

[webfact]

I'll be home this year, Thaksin tells supporters

BANGKOK, April 12, 2012 (AFP) - Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra told his "Red Shirt" supporters Wednesday that he expects to set foot in his homeland again this year.

"With all your support, I'm likely to return home this year. You probably think I've said often I'll come home. If I can't, please come to get me," he said in video address from neighbouring Laos.

An estimated 2,000 people gathered in the Thai town of Nong Khai, just across the border, to hear the ex-leader speak, police said.

Thaksin was toppled by royalist generals in 2006 and lives in Dubai to avoid a two-year prison sentence for corruption that he contends is politically motivated.

His sister Yingluck Shinawatra became prime minister last year after a resounding election victory by the ousted premier's political allies.

Mass rallies by Thaksin's supporters in the Thai capital in 2010 descended into the kingdom's worst political violence in decades, with more than 90 people -- mostly civilians -- killed in a military crackdown.

"Whether or not I return home, the country must move forward. If everything is over and I return home, I don't necessarily have to become prime minister. I can serve people," Thaksin told his supporters in televised remarks.

On Saturday Thaksin is set to address thousands of supporters who will attend a rally in neighbouring Cambodia.

He remains a much-loved figure for many poor Thais, but is hated by much of the Bangkok-based elite in military, palace and bureaucratic circles who see him as autocratic and a threat to the monarchy.

The former leader, who frequently visits other Asian countries, has previously downplayed suggestions that his political allies are seeking to clear the way for his return to Thailand without going to jail.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-04-12

[webfact]

'Death threat' report disrupts Thaksin's Laos arrival

The Nation

Photo : Watcharachai Klaipong

VIENTIANE: -- Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was given special protection when he arrived in the capital of Laos yesterday, amid rumours of an assassination threat against him, according to people close to the former leader.

Red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana, a coordinator of the red-shirts' trip to Laos during Thaksin's visit, said yesterday the ex-premier's plane was diverted from Vientiane's Wattay International Airport to a military airport at short notice.

"The Laotian authorities took Thaksin to Government House. They cited safety reasons and the need to provide special treatment for him," Kwanchai said.

He said the Laotian government kept Thaksin's schedules in Laos secret and even red-shirt leaders from Thailand were not informed about changes set by Laotian authorities.

"This is understandable. Their culture is different from ours. The rumours of an assassination threat may have worried the Laotian government so they provided special security measures," Kwanchai said.

According to a source close to Thaksin, the Laotian authorities changed Thaksin's original schedules for security reasons. Some were cancelled while the times for others were changed. Even people close to Thaksin were informed of the new schedules at short notice, according to the source.

Kwanchai was among many red-shirt leaders and politicians from the ruling Pheu Thai Party waiting at the Wattay airport yesterday to welcome Thaksin. They included Suporn Atthawong, Jaral Dittha-apichai, Sutham Sangprathum, Sermsak Pongpanit, General Panlop Pinmanee and Sitha Tiwari.

They were informed of the sudden change shortly before Thaksin's plane landed at Vientiane's military airport.

There were also Thaksin supporters from many provinces, as well as his Laotian admirers. Most refrained from wearing red at the suggestion of the Laotian authorities who prohibit political campaigning.

Last night, Thaksin was scheduled to give a lecture on economic matters at a large riverside hotel in Vientiane located opposite the Thai province of Nong Khai. About 1,000 Laotian businesspeople and executives as well as some 300 Thai businesspeople were expected to attend.

Later in the day, Thaksin was expected to address a gathering of red shirts at the Nong Khai Provincial Stadium through the Skype Internet-based communication network. Many red shirts, mostly from the northeastern provinces, and the movement's leaders yesterday gathered in Nong Khai, just across the Mekong River from Vientiane, in a function held to offer moral support to Thaksin.

Thaksin is scheduled to offer alms to Buddhist monks and to meet his red-shirt supporters this morning in Vientiane. Thousands of red shirts are expected to gather in the Laotian capital during the Songkran festival to attend a ceremony to offer blessings to Thaksin.

Before noon today, Thaksin is scheduled to meet with another group of red shirts at Vientiane's morning market. Later in the day, he is scheduled to fly to the southern Laotian city of Pakse.

According to his schedule, Thaksin will remains in Laos until tomorrow before leaving for Cambodia, where he is scheduled to stay on Saturday and Sunday.

-- The Nation 2012-04-12

[Buchholz]

Can't wait for the other photo's

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/former-thai-prime-minister-thaksin-shinawatra-talks-reporters-photo-133150328.html

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra talks to reporters at a hotel in Vientiane, capital of Laos, April 11, 2012.

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/former-thai-prime-minister-thaksin-shinawatra-talks-members-photo-132145875.html

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra talks to members of the business community over a glass of wine at a hotel in Vientiane.

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/former-thai-prime-minister-thaksin-shinawatra-lives-dubai-photo-181408904.html

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks to journalists as he arrives at a hotel in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Thaksin told his "Red Shirt" supporters Wednesday that he expects to set foot in his homeland again this year.

.

[Buchholz]

1,000 people I thought there was supposed to be in the ten's of thousands, I guess they didn't do to well with every thing he gave them,

April 10, 2012

Red Shirt Leader Nisit Sinthuphrai said about 50,000 Thaksin supporters are expected to leave for Laos to meet him there as he pays a brief visit to Laos and Cambodia during the festival.

These numbers can't be right. I'm sure our dear member Cagaryll will update us on precise numbers having counted the busses passing. We may have to wait a bit though, C may still be stuck in the traffic jam or moving to Cambodia to do some more counting there.

No doubt to report that hundreds of thousands are there in attendance.

.

[kartman]

I'll be home this year, Thaksin tells supporters

Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra told his 'Red Shirt' supporters on Wednesday that he expects to set foot in his homeland again in 2012.

"With all your support, I'm likely to return home this year. You probably think I've said often I'll come home. If I can't, please come to get me," he said in video address from neighbouring Laos.

Continues:

http://www.straitsti...ory_787700.html

Straits Times - 19 minutes ago

.

Supporter could have taken a Turf in a bag for him to stand on, not a Tur..........

[Yunla]

He inches closer, leaving a trail of shed skin.

[siampolee]

An estimated 2,000 people gathered in the Thai town of Nong Khai, just across the border, to hear the ex-leader speak, police said.

Hardly an accolade of approval is it ?

Perhaps the fact of what a born again liar and despot Thaksin is is now beginning to reach peoples minds.

Edited April 11, 2012 by siampolee

[marquess]

If he were assassination or dropped down dead of a heart attack tomorrow, I am sure that in the long term it would save lives in this country, as this selfish egotistical maniac cares only for his money and power and will doing anything to aggrandise both.

[FOODLOVER]

OK, i have figured it out. They are all going to put on Thaksin masks and walk him across the border in "Style". Similar to the movie Anonymous with everyone wearing the same masks. Or not.

[geriatrickid]

His chief aide, Kwanchai Praipana, a radio deejay who commands Thaksin's vast network of northeastern red shirts and led bloody confrontations with the army in 2009 and 2010, insists Thaksin has officially retired.

"If Thaksin returns it won't be as prime minister," he told Reuters on Tuesday, dressed in red bath towel at his radio station in Udon Thani

is that all he wears at his radio station?

.

Are you aroused? Don't be.

My understanding is that the blog posting leaves out that the man was wearing shorts under his "towel" and that he had a shirt on.You understand that it is traditional to wear a sarong in Thailand, don't you? I doubt that the blogger was able to see the difference.

I don't suppose anyone cares, but the article attributed to Yahoo News was in fact issued through Reuters.

It was written by Martin Petty who usually hangs out in Bangkok and who I believe was not reporting from Laos when his blog filler was submitted.