'Ministry Or USA Should Confirm Thaksin Visa'

[Lite Beer]

THAKSIN TRAVEL PLANS

'Ministry or USA should confirm visa'

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Ex-foreign minister says people should sever ties with US

Former foreign minister Kasit Piromya urged the Foreign Ministry and the United States yesterday to clarify a claim by many figures in the ruling Pheu Thai Party that ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra was given a visa to enter the US a few months ago.

Kasit, a party-list MP of the opposition Democrat Party, said the US always says that it is a world leader that respects the law and human rights under democratic principles. When the US asked Thailand to extradite alleged Russian weapons trader Viktor Bout to face trial in the US, the Thai government led by the Democrat Party adhered to the request, he said.

He wondered why the US granted a visa to a fugitive former leader who had fled a jail term at home.

"If the claim is true, it means the US does not respect Thailand's justice system but insults the country's law and integrity,'' he said.

In 2008, Thaksin was sentenced in absentia by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division on Political Office Holders to two years in jail for a conflict of interest over a land deal.

A former Thai ambassador to the US, Kasit refused to confirm the Democrat Party's comment earlier that Thaksin had received a visa to enter the US under a deal that the US would get access to use U-tapao airport.

Kasit said the party had only made an observation and it was not sure what had actually happened, so the US must clarify the matter.

"We have always given the US our cooperation. If the US does not cooperate with us [and extradite Thaksin], we must condemn and all Thais must sever ties with the US,'' he said.

Pheu Thai Party deputy spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said Thaksin had been given a visa from the US and European countries two to three months ago. He said Thaksin would go to the US for a business trip very soon.

"There is no need for the Democrats to be excited over that. Sometimes, Thaksin is so close by Thailand,'' he said.

Senior Democrat figure Suthep Thaugsuban, on his 63rd birthday yesterday, urged Thaksin to stop hurting Thailand, saying if the ex-leader wants to fulfil all of his wishes and desires by bullying Thais, the country would never succeed.

Asked if he was worried about a possible political crisis regarding the Constitution Court ruling about the charter amendment, Suthep said all people had to respect to the court decision.

Asked if he still trusted House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont after a voice clip that showed that he was influenced by Thaksin, Suthep said he had lost faith and trust in Somsak long ago and he had said in Parliament that as Somsak did not respect the Constitution, he would not respect him as Speaker.

Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama dismissed Suthep's statement, saying it is a pity Suthep could not say anything positive on his birthday but he was not angry because no matter what Suthep said, Thais still voted for the Pheu Thai Party.

"These people are like those in a reality show. When no one votes for them, they cry out and do not respect the people's decision,'' he said.

-- The Nation 2012-07-08

[Notstupid30]

Mr Kasit Piromya it's none of your business as you are the former foreign minister .. So you may as well shut the hell up ...

Edited July 7, 2012 by Notstupid30

[Scott]

The Foreign Ministry would not necessarily have information on someone getting a US visa and thus a comment from them would be out of line.

The Department of State usually doesn't comment on matters such as this. They have commented on certain occasions, but it is usually done to clear up misinformation.

Quite a few years ago, there was an MP from Thailand who was denied a visa because he had links to drug trafficking, although he had never been arrested. I believe there was a comment made about his visa being denied by the Embassy.

In this case, the visa was not issued from the Embassy in Thailand so there is little reason for a comment to be made.

As for the use of U-Tapao in exchange for a visa, that is unlikely since the NASA request was turned down, although it is used for other military purposes by the US.

[Reasonableman]

The Foreign Ministry would not necessarily have information on someone getting a US visa and thus a comment from them would be out of line.

The Department of State usually doesn't comment on matters such as this. They have commented on certain occasions, but it is usually done to clear up misinformation.

Quite a few years ago, there was an MP from Thailand who was denied a visa because he had links to drug trafficking, although he had never been arrested. I believe there was a comment made about his visa being denied by the Embassy.

In this case, the visa was not issued from the Embassy in Thailand so there is little reason for a comment to be made.

As for the use of U-Tapao in exchange for a visa, that is unlikely since the NASA request was turned down, although it is used for other military purposes by the US.

Quite true, for the average Joe. This matter goes beyond normal privacy issues, and potentially affects international relations, treaties, legal agreements, mutual trust, and the current political imbroglio. Once it enters the political sphere, it has its own, different, dynamic.

Edited July 7, 2012 by Reasonableman

[Scott]

An inflammatory post has been removed.

[theblether]

Mr Kasit Piromya it's none of your business as you are the former foreign minister .. So you may as well shut the hell up ...

Garbage.......he's right.

He doesn't have to be a Foreign Minister to be right.

[Reasonableman]

In a democracy, an MP has the right to speak. Actually, its almost a requirement of the position. ;-)

[Yunla]

to clarify a claim by many figures in the ruling Pheu Thai Party

If he has no US visa then PTP have deceived the public. If he has been granted a US visa then it is, in my opinion, a great mistake by the US to do so. Thaksin is already convicted of one relatively minor crime, and has yet to face a whole host of other far more serious charges which were delayed by him going on-the-run. He still has to be questioned for his anti-drug policy, policy in the South, both of which led to massive loss of innocent life and are certainly human-rights abuses by any length of stick. He also has to face questioning relating to his very overt involvement with the armed uprising in 2010, in addition to his vast state-fund nepotistic overspending in office.

I also wondered why PTP claimed to have had this visa information for a fairly long time but chose to announce it 48 hours after Independence Day, if that was supposed to show that Thaksin is an all-American friend of constitutional rights. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but a lot of public announcement 'coincidences' are infact subliminal messaging.

Edited July 8, 2012 by Yunla

[coma]

All that time in the foriegn ministry and you don't know how the US operates ? WoW!! That surprises me more than it surprises you that the US would do such a thing. It is called " double standards " my friend. You should be used to this by now.

[Notstupid30]

All that time in the foriegn ministry and you don't know how the US operates ? WoW!! That surprises me more than it surprises you that the US would do such a thing. It is called " double standards " my friend. You should be used to this by now.

Love it

[jayboy]

The former foreign minister, Kasit, has shown an odd sense of proportionality in suggesting that if Thaksin obtains a US visa then Thais should sever all ties with the United States.Even after losing office he is still clearly mad as a box full of frogs.

[Reasonableman]

Agree, but hyperbole is the life-blood of polispeak, so keep your knickers untwisted. ;-)

Edited July 8, 2012 by Reasonableman

[ttelise]

Haha, do it. Hurt Thailand way more than US. How many millions in foreign aid did we give Thailand last year and how many did they give us? Thailand severing ties would save US tax payers a lot of money.

Let's see if China comes running to assist next time there is a natural disaster or who will bail Thailand out if Chinese currency credit swaps implode, their currency appreciates rapidly and causes instability in Asian markets with heavy reliance and dependence upon them. Haha, Thailands needs a reality check as its national language could become Chinese without US backing or support.

Thailand apparently has no comprehension of the economic pressure we can place on both China and Japan. We have 3.2 trillion of China's currency. We can also cause their currency to rapidly appreciate thereby making their products no longer cheaper than US products. Japan, well Japan will play ball with US even without economic pressures. I am seeing visions of Japanese plants in Mexico.

[JurgenG]

In a democracy, an MP has the right to speak. Actually, its almost a requirement of the position. ;-)

It depends ..

When you are such an embarrassment for your party and your country, it's wise to shut up.

[JurgenG]

Haha, do it. Hurt Thailand way more than US. How many millions in foreign aid did we give Thailand last year and how many did they give us? Thailand severing ties would save US tax payers a lot of money.

Let's see if China comes running to assist next time there is a natural disaster or who will bail Thailand out if Chinese currency credit swaps implode, their currency appreciates rapidly and causes instability in Asian markets with heavy reliance and dependence upon them. Haha, Thailands needs a reality check as its national language could become Chinese without US backing or support.

Thailand apparently has no comprehension of the economic pressure we can place on both China and Japan. We have 3.2 trillion of China's currency. We can also cause their currency to rapidly appreciate thereby making their products no longer cheaper than US products. Japan, well Japan will play ball with US even without economic pressures. I am seeing visions of Japanese plants in Mexico.

You're barking up the wrong tree.

It's not Thailand that want to sever ties with the USA but a nutcase who happened to be the foreign minister of the previous democrat government and a PAD leader, which shows how out of touch with the reality these two organizations are.

Edited July 8, 2012 by JurgenG

[ttelise]

Haha, do it. Hurt Thailand way more than US. How many millions in foreign aid did we give Thailand last year and how many did they give us? Thailand severing ties would save US tax payers a lot of money.

Let's see if China comes running to assist next time there is a natural disaster or who will bail Thailand out if Chinese currency credit swaps implode, their currency appreciates rapidly and causes instability in Asian markets with heavy reliance and dependence upon them. Haha, Thailands needs a reality check as its national language could become Chinese without US backing or support.

Thailand apparently has no comprehension of the economic pressure we can place on both China and Japan. We have 3.2 trillion of China's currency. We can also cause their currency to rapidly appreciate thereby making their products no longer cheaper than US products. Japan, well Japan will play ball with US even without economic pressures. I am seeing visions of Japanese plants in Mexico.

You're barking up the wrong tree.

It's not Thailand that want to sever ties with the USA but a nutcase who happened to be the foreign minister of the previous democrat government and a PAD leader, which shows how out of touch with the reality these two organizations are.

Your right, but unfortunately nut cases in or with perceived power tend to have a knack for messing it up for all the rest. Thailand seems like such a bandwagon population. They hear something from their guy so it must be true and then they jump on for the ride.

People like this guy are just keeping Thailand so messed up. Really sucks for all the good people in Thailand who deserve better.

Edited July 8, 2012 by ttelise

[Reasonableman]

In a democracy, an MP has the right to speak. Actually, its almost a requirement of the position. ;-)

It depends ..

When you are such an embarrassment for your party and your country, it's wise to shut up.

In that case, some places would resemble mausoleums.

[Buchholz]

No need to involve Thailand's Foreign Ministry nor the American State Department. As stated previously regarding Noppadon's claim that Thaksin has a USA visa, the whole matter can be cleared up quickly and simply by Noppadon proving what he said is true, but that's never been Noppadon's forte.

He prefers grandiose claims, subterfuge, and innuendo rather than factual proof.

.

Edited July 8, 2012 by Buchholz

[takatukaland]

All that time in the foriegn ministry and you don't know how the US operates ? WoW!! That surprises me more than it surprises you that the US would do such a thing. It is called " double standards " my friend. You should be used to this by now.

Nothing to do with double standards,at the time when the military junta toppled thaksin,most free world countries did not accept the coup, the junta government or any sentences against thaksin after he got toppled,thaksin was free elected Pm of Thailand,junta government or democratic government not free elected.Thats also the reason why thaksin can travel almost anywhere he want to travel,seems like US government has a higher understanding of the situation in Thailand than many thaivisa members

[nurofiend]

If the claim is true, it means the US does not respect Thailand's justice system but insults the country's law and integrity

Nail on head!

[jayboy]

No need to involve Thailand's Foreign Ministry nor the American State Department. As stated previously regarding Noppadon's claim that Thaksin has a USA visa, the whole matter can be cleared up quickly and simply by Noppadon proving what he said is true, but that's never been Noppadon's forte.

He prefers grandiose claims, subterfuge, and innuendo rather than

factual proof.

.

Not really. The only real proof will be whether Thaksin visits the US or not.In practice he seems to be able travel freely to wherever he likes.

We were told not so long ago he could only travel to third world hell holes.Naturally those who broadcast this nonsense are keeping quiet now, or dreaming up obscure ways of making political capital.

[ballpoint]

In a democracy, an MP has the right to speak. Actually, its almost a requirement of the position. ;-)

It depends ..

When you are such an embarrassment for your party and your country, it's wise to shut up.

Ah. Now I understand Yingluck's strategy.

[phl]

Theoretically he is right, however how can he ask US to respect Thailand's justice system and not insult country's law and integrity, when its own government does not respect the justice system and has no integrity.

[coma]

All that time in the foriegn ministry and you don't know how the US operates ? WoW!! That surprises me more than it surprises you that the US would do such a thing. It is called " double standards " my friend. You should be used to this by now.

Nothing to do with double standards,at the time when the military junta toppled thaksin,most free world countries did not accept the coup, the junta government or any sentences against thaksin after he got toppled,thaksin was free elected Pm of Thailand,junta government or democratic government not free elected.Thats also the reason why thaksin can travel almost anywhere he want to travel,seems like US government has a higher understanding of the situation in Thailand than many thaivisa members

Nonsense. The high court of Thailand found Thaksin guilty. Not the government. The constitution is the high authority of any democracy and the courts can only make judgements consistant with the constitution. The US should know this as they are the self appointed "leaders of world democracy". However they prefer to practice hypocrisy.

[Buchholz]

No need to involve Thailand's Foreign Ministry nor the American State Department. As stated previously regarding Noppadon's claim that Thaksin has a USA visa, the whole matter can be cleared up quickly and simply by Noppadon proving what he said is true, but that's never been Noppadon's forte.

He prefers grandiose claims, subterfuge, and innuendo rather than

factual proof.

.

Not really. The only real proof will be whether Thaksin visits the US or not.In practice he seems to be able travel freely to wherever he likes.

We were told not so long ago he could only travel to third world hell holes.Naturally those who broadcast this nonsense are keeping quiet now, or dreaming up obscure ways of making political capital.

Why "not really"? Thaksin is a big fan of photo ops and displaying his various travel documents. Providing one more photo op with him flashing his Ugandan, Montenegrin, or Thai passport with an American visa would be good proof.

So for all time (years) he spent bouncing around from "hell hole" places like Nicaragua and Zimbabwe while avoiding non-hell hole places, he did so purely out of his own personal choice?

Talk about "nonsense."

Times and situations change... but it certainly doesn't change what actually occurred in the past.

.

Edited July 8, 2012 by Buchholz

[phl]

All that time in the foriegn ministry and you don't know how the US operates ? WoW!! That surprises me more than it surprises you that the US would do such a thing. It is called " double standards " my friend. You should be used to this by now.

Nothing to do with double standards,at the time when the military junta toppled thaksin,most free world countries did not accept the coup, the junta government or any sentences against thaksin after he got toppled,thaksin was free elected Pm of Thailand,junta government or democratic government not free elected.Thats also the reason why thaksin can travel almost anywhere he want to travel,seems like US government has a higher understanding of the situation in Thailand than many thaivisa members

Nonsense. The high court of Thailand found Thaksin guilty. Not the government. The constitution is the high authority of any democracy and the courts can only make judgements consistant with the constitution. The US should know this as they are the self appointed "leaders of world democracy". However they prefer to practice hypocrisy.

SO far i have not seen or heard anyone from US or anywhere else but Thaksin's puppet making a statement of receiving Visa, so i do not see how you have the right to start accusing US of doing anything hypocritical on the matter

[coma]

All that time in the foriegn ministry and you don't know how the US operates ? WoW!! That surprises me more than it surprises you that the US would do such a thing. It is called " double standards " my friend. You should be used to this by now.

Nothing to do with double standards,at the time when the military junta toppled thaksin,most free world countries did not accept the coup, the junta government or any sentences against thaksin after he got toppled,thaksin was free elected Pm of Thailand,junta government or democratic government not free elected.Thats also the reason why thaksin can travel almost anywhere he want to travel,seems like US government has a higher understanding of the situation in Thailand than many thaivisa members

Nonsense. The high court of Thailand found Thaksin guilty. Not the government. The constitution is the high authority of any democracy and the courts can only make judgements consistant with the constitution. The US should know this as they are the self appointed "leaders of world democracy". However they prefer to practice hypocrisy.

SO far i have not seen or heard anyone from US or anywhere else but Thaksin's puppet making a statement of receiving Visa, so i do not see how you have the right to start accusing US of doing anything hypocritical on the matter

So you are saying that if YOU haven't seen or heard anything then in must be false ? lol!!

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has, for the past few months, sought and received visa to enter the United States, his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said on Friday

Edited July 8, 2012 by coma

[drdoom6996]

In a democracy, an MP has the right to speak. Actually, its almost a requirement of the position. ;-)

It depends ..

When you are such an embarrassment for your party and your country, it's wise to shut up.

Then nobody should be talking at all.

[phl]

So you are saying that if YOU haven't seen or heard anything then in must be false ? lol!!

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has, for the past few months, sought and received visa to enter the United States, his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said on Friday

read again what i said.

There is no confirmation or evidence but just words of a puppet.

I can make a statement that i have 3 brains, but it does not for certain mean i have 3 brains just because i said so, does it?

PS. Have YOU seen the visa?

Edited July 8, 2012 by phl

[Moruya]

If the claim is true, it means the US does not respect Thailand's justice system but insults the country's law and integrity

Nail on head!

It probably means they want to hold him to account for his wrongdoings in the US.

Once he's paid the price there they can forward him to Bang Kwang