Thai Democrat Tallies 'Disastrous' Cost Of Supporting Thaksin

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POLITICS

Democrat tallies 'disastrous' cost of supporting Thaksin

THE NATION

Chavanont

BANGKOK: -- The government has been trying to do everything to favour fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra - and the result has been a range of disasters, Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said yesterday.

The first is a moral disaster, Chavanond said, pointing to the damaged morality and conscience of many government officials.

As an example, while Thaksin - a court-convicted fugitive - was in Laos he was welcomed warmly by the Thai ambassador.

Chavanond also quoted Thaksin's claim in an address that national police chief General Priewpan Damapong had sent him a bulletproof vest. "It turned out that the court's ruling is meaningless to anyone winning the election," he said.

The second disaster was one of logic, Chavanond said. Thaksin sang the song "Let It Be" and told the media the mother of Kamolgade Akkahad - who was among the 91 who died in the political turmoil of 2010 - should accept amnesty and sacrifice. He also sang the adapted version of the song for her. It meant Thaksin, like red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua, could ignore the deaths of 91 people and the country's damage so that Thaksin could celebrate Songkran in Thailand next year, Chavanond said.

Chavanond said another disaster was to the rule of law. Thaksin and his supporters accused the Supreme Court's ruling of being illegal and tried to scrap the cases against Thaksin. Thaksin's fight against the organisations established under the 1997 Constitution was so determined it led to the dropping of Bt2 million in a pastry box.

"Pheu Thai party-list MP Pichit Chuenban was jailed for six months and Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail and his Bt4.6 billion assets seized. That is what they call a double standard," Chavanond said. "According to Thaksin's standard, was the court supposed to accept the pastry box so it would rule correctly?"

Pichit served a six-month jail term for contempt of court over the controversial Bt2 million pastry box bribery attempt before the scheduled ruling on Thaksin's Ratchadapisek land case.

The fourth disaster has been to democracy. The Pheu Thai Party claimed the 15 million votes were justification for the party to bring Thaksin home. This appears to be so because the government has not been serious in implementing the other policies it announced during its election campaign.

Chavanond said the Democrat Party was not a rival to Thaksin nor the Pheu Thai Party - but is a political party that sticks to the rule of law and wants to save the system.

He said the Democrats would not be able to stop Pheu Thai's attempts to help Thaksin as they did not have enough votes in Parliament. However, if Pheu Thai is confident it is doing the right thing, it can continue and see whether the 15 million voters still support it.

Chavanond said his party did not oppose Thaksin's return if he came and served his penalty. "The younger sister of Thaksin is the prime minister. His brother-in-law is the national police chief. Thaksin is the most powerful person in the country. What blocks Thaksin from returning to the country is the justice system. Thaksin cannot be above the law."

-- The Nation 2012-04-18

[Buchholz]

Thaksin's claim in an address that national police chief General Priewpan Damapong had sent him a bulletproof vest.

A brother-in-law protecting family members is not unusual.

Thaksin sang the song "Let It Be" and told the media the mother of Kamolgade Akkahad - who was among the 91 who died in the political turmoil of 2010 - should accept amnesty and sacrifice.

Afterall, Kamolgade's sacrifice pales in comparison to Thaksin's.

.

[yumidesign]

excellent mr Chavanont, i wonder if Thailand is reading this tho.

[drdoom6996]

Thaksin's claim in an address that national police chief General Priewpan Damapong had sent him a bulletproof vest.

A brother-in-law protecting family members is not unusual.

Thaksin sang the song "Let It Be" and told the media the mother of Kamolgade Akkahad - who was among the 91 who died in the political turmoil of 2010 - should accept amnesty and sacrifice.

Afterall, Kamolgade's sacrifice pales in comparison to Thaksin's.

.

Another Rich Red looking for more money.

[Colin Yai]

Thaksin's claim in an address that national police chief General Priewpan Damapong had sent him a bulletproof vest.

A brother-in-law protecting family members is not unusual.

Thaksin sang the song "Let It Be" and told the media the mother of Kamolgade Akkahad - who was among the 91 who died in the political turmoil of 2010 - should accept amnesty and sacrifice.

Afterall, Kamolgade's sacrifice pales in comparison to Thaksin's.

.

A bullet proof vest is totally useless against a Barrat .50 caliber Sniper rifle, taking "some one out" at a mile is baby,s work to some one who knows how to use one

[waza]

All very good points for further scrutiny of the Thaksin reconcilliation bill by a referendum.

PS: Add to these costs the Thai public funded bullet proof vest, surely this Convicted criminal and fugitive of justice corrupted enough public money to afford his own.

Edited April 18, 2012 by waza

[animatic]

Thaksin's claim in an address that national police chief General Priewpan Damapong had sent him a bulletproof vest.

A brother-in-law protecting family members is not unusual.

Thaksin sang the song "Let It Be" and told the media the mother of Kamolgade Akkahad - who was among the 91 who died in the political turmoil of 2010 - should accept amnesty and sacrifice.

Afterall, Kamolgade's sacrifice pales in comparison to Thaksin's.

.

Where is that irony smiley when you REALLY, REALLY need it??????

[RogueExpat]

It is illegal for mere mortals to own, or wear bullet proof vests, you may only wear one in police custody, and yet the messiah gets one express sent so feed the paranoia of his accolytes.

Whenever you need ratings, pretend to blow yourself up, or that their is impending assasination atempt.

[Colin Yai]

It is illegal for mere mortals to own, or wear bullet proof vests, you may only wear one in police custody, and yet the messiah gets one express sent so feed the paranoia of his accolytes.

Whenever you need ratings, pretend to blow yourself up, or that their is impending assasination atempt.

If Thaksins life is in Danger should he return , a veritable Martyr for the poor , which would appear he likes to portray to the "faithful" as a distinct possibility , all though IMHO he's just "playing to the gallery" ,he may well be far nearer to the truth than he imagine's Edited April 18, 2012 by Colin Yai

[americaninbangkok]

It is illegal for mere mortals to own, or wear bullet proof vests

See disaster #3: Chavanond said another disaster was to the rule of law

[AleG]

I'm thinking Thaksin should aggiornate a little, instead of an oldie like Let It Be he should have butchered sung this, it fits him so well it would had as well been written for him:

[americaninbangkok]

excellent mr Chavanont, i wonder if Thailand is reading this tho.

Not to make this into a class issue (but it might be rightfully viewed as such)...

Those who are able to read this already agree with this line of thinking.

Those whose minds this article is trying to enlighten/change may not be able to read this.

[Gillespie]

All of Chavanond's claims may well be true. But the fact remains that Thaksin and/or his supporters win every election that comes their way; something that the Democrats haven't managed in 20 years. While I don't doubt that vote-buying and patronage play a major part in this, that's how the Democrats hang on to their own fiefdoms in Bangkok and the South, so they can hardly compain.

The Dems increasingly remind me of small children pounding the floor with their fists, squealing "It's not fair!" Come up with some policies that people like, guys. That's how democracy works. Remember democracy? You're named after it.

[tragickingdom]

At least this government is not lying to the Thai people like Chavanond and his buddies did. They claimed that there was an international arrest warrant for Thaksin (Interpol Denied) they claimed they were busy collecting taxes from him (They did not, they could not because it would set a precedent that would have meant their supporters including their biggest sponsors who defrauded banks and creditors, TPI, and pyramid scheme organizers had to pay up too).

[hellodolly]

All of Chavanond's claims may well be true. But the fact remains that Thaksin and/or his supporters win every election that comes their way; something that the Democrats haven't managed in 20 years. While I don't doubt that vote-buying and patronage play a major part in this, that's how the Democrats hang on to their own fiefdoms in Bangkok and the South, so they can hardly compain.

The Dems increasingly remind me of small children pounding the floor with their fists, squealing "It's not fair!" Come up with some policies that people like, guys. That's how democracy works. Remember democracy? You're named after it.

The Dems have come up with far more polices that work for the poor.

Problem is the poor are not interested in policies that work they are interested in talk.

It is amazing how munch they cry about needing more money when the government they elected told them they would all be rich in 6 months and they would all get a minimum wage of 300 baht a day.

This is what you get when the tail wags the dog, 15,000,000 people out of 66,000,000 voted them in.

[473geo]

Apart from the Democrats, some red shirts, family, and a handful of obsessive posters on Tvisa, I doubt many others are too bothered about the fate of Thaksin, yes perhaps some that would claim to be directly affected by his'crimes' .......it is not as if millions went to his songran celebration........

Problem with the Democrats is they are trying to solve the 'money talks' situation in Thailand with the constant criticism and persecution of "one man" but it is much more widespread than their "one man" campaign......so the Democrats appear to be consistently highlighting the values of "one man".......while telling the government they are all about "one man".................in short, Democrats are lacking a little credibility as they appear to have one target only

Edited April 18, 2012 by 473geo

[waza]

Things are different now than they were in 2001. Thaksin's government doesnt have a budget surplus that was created by the Dems after the 97 Asian crisis to feed their corruption with enough left to trickle down to the lower orders. Or the funds generated in the global boom years to continue this and perpetuate the misconcieved myth that Thaksin is an economic guru. Following the coup, GFC and the economic responsable democrat government the PTP were elected because of this concept of a Thaksin government combined with the incredable election promises they made. However since the GFC everyone is feeling the pinch, none more so than Thaksin who has mismanaged his way through most of the funds he had corrupted from the Thai public purse. Now the Thaksin government has corrupted all available fund and are spending the country into debt. This the reason the PTP cant fund their election promises and continue to corrupt more funds for themselves, something has to give and we now see its the promises. The electrate are starting to see that life isnt improving under a PTP led government as they promisesd and in fact is getting worse. I feel that the next election will result in a big backlash against the PTP if public demonstrations dont bring it down first.

Edited April 18, 2012 by waza

[Thai at Heart]

For a country with 17 coups in less than a century, I would suggest that this is just another one of the "disasters" to add to the list.

[robenroute]

A bullet proof vest is totally useless against a Barrat .50 caliber Sniper rifle, taking "some one out" at a mile is baby,s work to some one who knows how to use one

FYI: it's a Barrett (named after Ronnie Barrett, its designer).

[hyperdimension]

The Dems increasingly remind me of small children pounding the floor with their fists, squealing "It's not fair!" Come up with some policies that people like, guys.

So should they have promised 400 baht per day minimum wage, 20k per month minimum salary for university graduates, 200 baht per day for every unemployed person, and free iPhones for every voter? It might put the country into massive debt, but who cares, eh, as long as they get voted into power?

[how241]

Politics ...games = same.

[anterian]

Thaksin's claim in an address that national police chief General Priewpan Damapong had sent him a bulletproof vest.

A brother-in-law protecting family members is not unusual.

Thaksin sang the song "Let It Be" and told the media the mother of Kamolgade Akkahad - who was among the 91 who died in the political turmoil of 2010 - should accept amnesty and sacrifice.

Afterall, Kamolgade's sacrifice pales in comparison to Thaksin's.

.

A bullet proof vest is totally useless against abarrett .50 caliber sniper rifle, taking "some one out" at a mile is baby,s work to some one who knows how to use one

"n 2005 an Israeli company,ApNano, developed a material that was always rigid. It was announced that this nanocomposite based on tungsten disulphide nanotubes was able to withstand shocks generated by a steel projectile traveling at velocities of up to 1.5 km/s. The Barrett muzzle velocity is

853 m/s roughly half of that.

Billionaires tend to buy the best available.

[whybother]

Billionaires tend to buy the best available.

but Thaksin didn't buy it. It was given to him by PTP.

[Thaddeus]

Billionaires tend to buy the best available.

but Thaksin didn't buy it. It was given to him by PTP.

So there is every chance it's made out of cardboard (with a red sticker on it)

[h90]

All of Chavanond's claims may well be true. But the fact remains that Thaksin and/or his supporters win every election that comes their way; something that the Democrats haven't managed in 20 years. While I don't doubt that vote-buying and patronage play a major part in this, that's how the Democrats hang on to their own fiefdoms in Bangkok and the South, so they can hardly compain.

The Dems increasingly remind me of small children pounding the floor with their fists, squealing "It's not fair!" Come up with some policies that people like, guys. That's how democracy works. Remember democracy? You're named after it.

The Dems have come up with far more polices that work for the poor.

Problem is the poor are not interested in policies that work they are interested in talk.

It is amazing how munch they cry about needing more money when the government they elected told them they would all be rich in 6 months and they would all get a minimum wage of 300 baht a day.

This is what you get when the tail wags the dog, 15,000,000 people out of 66,000,000 voted them in.

And not to forget: massive vote buying and perfect organization. Some labor groups who didn't vote at home, got all the paperwork filled out for voting a other place. picked up per bus at working time, and paid. All under the supervision of the party.

Of course they vote right when the supervisor is watching them.

[h90]

Billionaires tend to buy the best available.

but Thaksin didn't buy it. It was given to him by PTP.

he is the owner of the PTP

[Ricardo]

Where is that irony smiley when you REALLY, REALLY need it??????

I believe someone nicked it, and sold it for the scrap-metal content, a common occurance when the price of metal is so high ?

But I may be wrong.

Edited April 18, 2012 by Ricardo

[bigbamboo]

For a country with 17 coups in less than a century, I would suggest that this is just another one of the "disasters" to add to the list.

You can't help feeling that with the political circus that still continues unabated in Thailand the next coup is a statistical certainty.

[ianf]

All of Chavanond's claims may well be true. But the fact remains that Thaksin and/or his supporters win every election that comes their way; something that the Democrats haven't managed in 20 years. While I don't doubt that vote-buying and patronage play a major part in this, that's how the Democrats hang on to their own fiefdoms in Bangkok and the South, so they can hardly compain.

The Dems increasingly remind me of small children pounding the floor with their fists, squealing "It's not fair!" Come up with some policies that people like, guys. That's how democracy works. Remember democracy? You're named after it.

Thaksin personally has never won an election. The only time he did stand for election was years ago in a local election in San Kamphaeng. He was defeated.

[LindsayBKK]

This EX PM is causing this country to fall into the abyss with unrest and uncertainty.

Nobody is running this country, all Pheu Thai + red's time is spent on one person.

It was bad enough seeing people wearing red shirts over songran for another

split in dividing this country into colours once again.

The real cost is unknown and that's something Thailand can not afford.

It is sad that some people can do anything they like and for the rest of us jail for life.

If Thaksin is allowed to return to Thailand, Thais should stop paying Taxes as Thaksin

did not pay his on the sale of Shin-Corp. LOS: no, LOAG : land of anything goes.

Thaksin is lucky there are lots of not so smart people supporting him, plus people who only

care about $$$.

Let us remember what this peron really did. Terrorism means life in jail for most civilised countries.