Ousting Thaksin

[bulmercke]

Taksin changed the way the country is run so that no one can do his job but he himself. That's how Thais see it, and that's how it is - try putting anyone in that position now. Who will keep TRT together? It's a one man party, they'll be at each other throats in no time. Put Democrats in the government? What about nearly 400 MPs that Democrats don't control? Are they going to retire peacefully? Senate is going to be filled with government people by June. Are they going to let democrats run the country freely?

If Taksin is gone there will be a big fight for power for many years and a big mess before the next generation establishes itself.

Like it or not TRT is also a political institution appealing to masses, much like a communist party, and it will have lots of followers forever, just like communists in Eastern Europe and Russia.

There's no easy way out - everyone will have to pay for letting Taksin get the tight grip on the country. Can't live with him, can't live without him.

"Can't live with him, can't live without him.".......well from a personal perspective, I need this guy like I need a hole in the head and, I guess, the same applies to any sane thinking Thais with more than a modicum of intelligenc

An issue that has been over-looked here, is the personality and nature of Thaksin. If bullying, arrogance, hypocrisy, vitriol, enmity and animosity aimed at anyone who dares to question or criticize his policies are what you're looking for in a leader, then obviously Thaksin's the man for you.

Aside from his government's self-serving actions, everytime I see the guy's photo in the paper or on television, which, nowadays, seems to be almost every time I switch on the television or open a newspaper, I feel revulsion for him.....for the Thais that have needlessly died "at his hands" since he and his government came to power in January of 2000. I never had this feeling about other recent Thai prime ministers......Chuan Leekpai, Chaowalit or Banharm, for despite their failings and in some cases ineptitude and incompetence, they were fairly decent and civil human beings....despite their being a part of Thailand's murky political system.

BUT this guy, Thaksin, is something else....the phrase " a nasty piece of work" springs to mind!

Ordinary, hard-working, decent, Thais deserve a whole lot better than Thaksin and what he stands for. Which is unabashed self enrichment of himself, family and close associates.... and the ruthless repression of any criticism of himself and his government's policies. And the systematic dismantling of free speech, here, in Thaksin's Thailand.

And I know, from talking to friends (both Thai and western) that my strong sentiments about this truly abominable situation that now exists under this dictatorship is shared by many other outraged foreigners and Thais alike, if truth be told!

[Butterfly]

Thais would certainly deserve better, but do they really ?

If they are happy with that crook then we need to respect that choice. Not our country, not our choice.

[opothai]

various reasons for taxin getting in power i.e paying for votes , genuine votes but the one i find interesting is thai logic,

the wifes family voted for taxin because he was rich and successful therefor he would be good for the country and as he had so much money to begin with he would be honest

i wonder what logic will be used for the next term of office

Edited January 26, 2006 by opothai

[penzman]

It sure looks like some people are after Sondhi for good.

Yesterday a wreath was placed outside his office.

During his last show, in Khon Kaen, a policeman (identified as a lieutenant general dressed as a civilian) walked up on stage while teachers were talking to the crowd and seized the microphone, ordering the teacher to stop what he was doing. The crowd reacted by standing up and booing him off the stage.

After the show, a truck without a licence plate was spotted, following Sondhi to the airport. Who happens to be in the truck? The same lieutenant general. He asked to speak with Sondhi (they "happened" to be flying back on the same plane back to Bangkok ). They talked and the colonel was informed that he was on camera the whole time. Lawyers are looking into this as we speak.

The lieutenant general will be apparently be sued.

He also tried intimidation at the airport on the two ASTV journalists who were reporting this event on this morning's news.

Let's now wait and see if Thaksin will step forward and ask his followers not to intervene in these events again or if he will just take advantage of these situations. The latter has been his option so far...

I could not find a newspaper article but one will surely pop up sometime this week.

[Jai Dee]

TRT DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: SONDHI AND THE DEMOCRAT PARTY MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IF THE DEMONSTRATION HAS ADVERSE IMPACT ON NATION

Deputy spokesperson of the Thai Rak Thai party Jatuporn Prompan (จตุพร พรหมพันธ์) indicated that media tycoon Sondhi Limtongkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) and the Democrat party must take responsibility if the demonstrations planned on February 4th negatively impact the country.

Mr. Jatuporn commented on the report that people in the provinces are being mobilized to join the planned rally this Friday that this is not right according to democratic system. He commented on the Democrat party’s intention to join the rally that it is good that the Democrat Party is expressing its clear stance. However, he said that the Democrat party and Mr. Sondhi must jointly take responsibility for whatever damage caused to the country resulting from the demonstration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 January 2006

[Jai Dee]

INTERIOR MINISTRY STATED THAT IT WAS NOT TRYING TO PREVENT A GATHERING OF PEOPLE UNDER SONTHI LIMTHONGKUL'S SCHEDULED RALLY ON FEBRUARY 4TH

The Ministry of Interior has stated that it was not preparing to obstruct the demonstration of Mr. Sonthi Limthongkul's (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) group on February 4th.

Deputy Minister of Interior Sermsak Pongpanit (เสริมศักดิ์ พงษ์พานิช) insisted the Interior Ministry was not trying to prevent the gathering of people from all over the country who will be joining the demonstration at led by Thailand Weekly show host Sonthi at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) in Bangkok. He said that if a gathering does indeed take place, then the Ministry of Interior would have to supervise over the orderliness as well as facilitate convenience for the demonstrators.

However, the Deputy Minister of Interior is asking for cooperation from those who will join the gathering to carry out their demonstration with orderliness. He is also asking them to prevent any third party from exploiting the situation to create chaos.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 January 2006

[sriracha john]

Deputy spokesperson of the Thai Rak Thai party Jatuporn Prompan commented on the report that people in the provinces are being mobilized to join the planned rally this Friday that this is not right according to democratic system.

Is Khun Jackofftoporn saying that public rallies are un-democratic?? That constitutionally-guranteed rights are not in keeping with TRT's policy??

[Jai Dee]

DEMOCRAT PARTY LEADER ABHISIT SAID THE PARTY WILL NOT RESTRICT THE RIGHTS OF MEMBERS WHO WILL JOIN MR.SONDHI’S PROTEST

Democrat Party leader ABHISIT VEJJAJIVA (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) has urged people, who will attend the demonstration led by media mogul SONDHI LIMTHONGKUL (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) at the King Rama V Equestrian Statue on February 4th, not to create chaotic situation. However, he stated that it is the responsibility of the government to take care of the gathering. He added that the government has never paid attention to the issue, as he referred to the two rounds of the rally at Lumphini Park.

Mr. ABHISIT said he has no idea about Mr. SONDHI’s decision to gather signatures to submit a petition to the Crown, but it is deemed inappropriate according to the party’s regulations.

However, the Democrat Party leader stated that if Mr. SONDHI’s demands are against the status of Party MP, then the party members will not be permitted to join the rally.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 January 2006

[bulmercke]

It sure looks like some people are after Sondhi for good.

Yesterday a wreath was placed outside his office.

During his last show, in Khon Kaen, a policeman (identified as a lieutenant general dressed as a civilian) walked up on stage while teachers were talking to the crowd and seized the microphone, ordering the teacher to stop what he was doing. The crowd reacted by standing up and booing him off the stage.

After the show, a truck without a licence plate was spotted, following Sondhi to the airport. Who happens to be in the truck? The same lieutenant general. He asked to speak with Sondhi (they "happened" to be flying back on the same plane back to Bangkok ). They talked and the colonel was informed that he was on camera the whole time. Lawyers are looking into this as we speak.

The lieutenant general will be apparently be sued.

He also tried intimidation at the airport on the two ASTV journalists who were reporting this event on this morning's news.

Let's now wait and see if Thaksin will step forward and ask his followers not to intervene in these events again or if he will just take advantage of these situations. The latter has been his option so far...

I could not find a newspaper article but one will surely pop up sometime this week.

Yep....you can bet your bottom dollar the lieutnant general and all his mates will be at this Saturday's rally.....with malicious intentions......

Got a feeling this Saturday's going to be a red letter day for Thailand, one way or another!

I"ll be attending, but not with the misses.

[sriracha john]

It sure looks like some people are after Sondhi for good.

Yesterday a wreath was placed outside his office.

During his last show, in Khon Kaen, a policeman (identified as a lieutenant general dressed as a civilian) walked up on stage while teachers were talking to the crowd and seized the microphone, ordering the teacher to stop what he was doing. The crowd reacted by standing up and booing him off the stage.

After the show, a truck without a licence plate was spotted, following Sondhi to the airport. Who happens to be in the truck? The same lieutenant general. He asked to speak with Sondhi (they "happened" to be flying back on the same plane back to Bangkok ). They talked and the colonel was informed that he was on camera the whole time. Lawyers are looking into this as we speak.

The lieutenant general will be apparently be sued.

He also tried intimidation at the airport on the two ASTV journalists who were reporting this event on this morning's news.

Let's now wait and see if Thaksin will step forward and ask his followers not to intervene in these events again or if he will just take advantage of these situations. The latter has been his option so far...

I could not find a newspaper article but one will surely pop up sometime this week.

Yep....you can bet your bottom dollar the lieutnant general and all his mates will be at this Saturday's rally.....with malicious intentions......

Got a feeling this Saturday's going to be a red letter day for Thailand, one way or another!

I"ll be attending, but not with the misses.

Perhaps one of the 100,000 teachers planning to attend in support of Sondhi can use a little of their infamous corporal punishment on the "errant school boy" general.

I'd love to see him up on stage standing on one leg with a pencil lengthwise in his mouth and made to squawk, followed by a nice rap on his knuckles from a ruler... then told to go sit in a corner by himself.

say bulmercke... might be there myself... I'm desperately searching for a Flak jacket first.

Edited January 30, 2006 by sriracha john

[bulmercke]

Notice in The Nation today there appears to be no mention of this Saturday's forthcoming Sondhi rally.

Me thinks, The Nation are distancing themselves from any violence which may occur there, which unfortunately seems to be likely now - judging by a few of the postings on this forum and elsewhere.

[sriracha john]

The Nation was waiting for Thaksin to discuss the issue with his wife and see how she.... errrr, I mean he was going to handle it. It's nice that people vote in 1 person and get 2 heads (ok, ok... one and half):

PM, party discuss ways to manage big Sondhi rally

Published on February 01, 2006

The prime minister and his wife met last night with senior party figures to discuss how to deal with the rally being organised for Saturday by his arch-critic Sondhi Limthongkul, a source said.

Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said later that they had discussed safety measures to prevent any violence.

Meanwhile, the Administrative Court will today examine additional evidence following an inconclusive session yesterday on whether to lift a ban against ASTV satellite broadcasts.

The case is seen as a landmark fight that could influence the impact of Saturday's rally, which Sondhi wants to provide live coverage of.

As Sondhi prepared for his rally at the Royal Plaza, the Public Relations Department and state-run CAT Telecom clamped down on satellite broadcasts on grounds they were operated like unauthorised television stations.

In his court complaint filed yesterday, Sondhi argued that the authorities had wrongfully blocked the satellite network and its uplink in Hong Kong via a website run by Thaiday Dot Com Co.

In its rebuttal, the government said Sondhi had bypassed the government appeal process, and was thus not entitled to lodge his case as an administrative dispute.

Speaking in defence of the government, PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva said officials had not interfered with the media but tried to enforce the law on broadcasting.

"I caution rally organisers to avoid inciting the crowd by blowing up (nice choice of words ) certain issues, such as the sale of Shin Corp," he said.

Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratklin was optimistic the rally would not spin out of control.

- The Nation

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*edit*... I've found myself a size XL Flak jacket at the Army surplus store, but they didn't have any size 7-1/2 Kevlar helmets with the optional full-face riot facemask. Anyone know where one can be purchased?

Edited January 31, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

ARMY COMMANDER BELIVES THAT VIOLENCE WILL NOT BE TAKEN PLACE DURING THE PROTEST ON FEB 4TH

Army Commander SONTHI BOONYARATGLIN (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) has expressed his belief that violence will not be taken place during the demonstration on February 4th. However, he has assigned officials to follow up the movement so as to prevent possible unrest situations.

Gen. Sonthi said that his officials are trying to search for news and details about the gathering so that they can take care of the entire situation and be able to consider the possibility of disorderly events. Nonetheless, he said that violence will not happen on that day. Can I get that in a written guarantee?

The Army Commander affirmed that his officials realize their duties, and they will not get involved in the upcoming protest. He said that he would like some officials to stay at the office in case an accident may arise.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department

[penzman]

Still waiting for the opportunist PM himself to instruct his followers not to get involved and ignore the rally...

We all know he won't.

[Jai Dee]

ACM Kongsak assigns provincial governors to informs the govt's fact to their people

Interior Minister KONGSAK WANTANA (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) spoke about the order he gave to the provincial governors to clarify Mr. SONDHI LIMTHONGKUL’s (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) demonstration to the general public. He said this order did not imply that it would obstruct residents outside Bangkok to participate in this gathering.

Referring to this order, Air Chief Marshal KONGSAK stated that Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA and his wife have expressed their concern over the gathering, as they fear that a third party will stir up an unrest situation. He insisted that he did not instruct the provincial governors to hinder the residents to attend the protest. However, he told them to create a mutual understanding in regard to this demonstration, which is scheduled to take place at the King Rama V Equestrian Statue on February 4th.

The Interior Minister also said the discussion between the ministers of the Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday was not about the assessment on the number of demonstrators on February 4th. The meeting also did not consider this issue as a political issue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 Febuary 2006

[george]

19 Thammasat lecturers call on Thaksin to resign

BANGKOK: -- A group of 19 Thammasat University lecturers Wednesday called on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign, saying he has lost legitimacy to govern.

The lecturers said the people earlier gave Thaksin mandate to run the country with expectation that he would respect the Constitution and use political stability to solve the country's problems.

However, they said, it turned out that Thaksin had had abused the mandate to key principles of the Constitution and used power and interference to dominate the Senate as well as controlling independent organisations, rendering them unable to become check-and-balance mechanism against the administration.

The lecturers said in the open letter that Thaksin also tried to destroy press freedom and try to prevent the people from using their constitutional right to demonstate peacefully.

They said Thaksin had also been tolerating corruption, letting relatives and closed associates to reap interest from public projects and abused national policies and negotiations with foreign countries to reap vested interest.

--The Nation 2006-02-01

[george]

Activists call on premier to resign

BANGKOK: -- It is time for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to step down because he no longer has the legitimacy to continue in his post, the Confederation for Democracy said yesterday.

The confederation is studying relevant laws to find a way to annul the sale of the stake in Shin Corp that was held by the premier’s family, its chairman Weng Tojitrakarn said after filing a complaint with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to probe the deal.

Weng said the sale of shares through Ample Rich Investment Ltd needed to be investigated by the DSI because it was complex. He described it as a crime involving laws on currency exchange and securities as well as the tax code.

Thaksin should resign to prevent further damage to the constitutional monarchy, Weng said.

“He sold the shares of Shin Corp, which controls five main arteries – satellites, a mobile phone network, iTV, Thai AirAsia and a high-speed Internet network. The confederation is studying the law to find a way to invalidate the deal as it involves state concessions and not private property [that have been sold],” Weng said.

– The Nation 2006-02-02

[thailien8]

Sondhi's great achievment on Feb. 4, or any day, will be if he can find a way to explain in simple, memorable, sound-bite terms to the average Thai Somchai rice farmer, just how Toxin's selfish, complex, financial tax-evading shenanigans have screwed the likes of Khun Somchai.

[penzman]

Still waiting for the opportunist PM himself to instruct his followers not to get involved and ignore the rally...

We all know he won't.

ACM Kongsak assigns provincial governors to informs the govt's fact to their people

Interior Minister KONGSAK WANTANA (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) spoke about the order he gave to the provincial governors to clarify Mr. SONDHI LIMTHONGKUL’s (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) demonstration to the general public. He said this order did not imply that it would obstruct residents outside Bangkok to participate in this gathering.

Referring to this order, Air Chief Marshal KONGSAK stated that Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA and his wife have expressed their concern over the gathering, as they fear that a third party will stir up an unrest situation. He insisted that he did not instruct the provincial governors to hinder the residents to attend the protest. However, he told them to create a mutual understanding in regard to this demonstration, which is scheduled to take place at the King Rama V Equestrian Statue on February 4th.

The Interior Minister also said the discussion between the ministers of the Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday was not about the assessment on the number of demonstrators on February 4th. The meeting also did not consider this issue as a political issue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 Febuary 2006

...but still did not instruct third parties not to get involved.

[Jai Dee]

Gov't Spokesperson Believes Political Situation Will Ease After Friday's Gathering

Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) expects that the political situation will ease after the gathering of protesters and the submission of petitions.

Dr. Surapong said that the government did not plan to handle the planned rally on Friday, but reiterated to related officials to provide safety during the demonstrations. He said that the government does not want government supporters to gather in the same areas, adding that they can demonstrate their support through other means. He said that the government does not want conflicts to occur, as it may disrupt the administration. However, Dr. Surapong said that officials should be able to monitor safety, adding that Deputy Prime minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) has been assigned the task. He expressed belief that there may be thousands of protestors on Friday, but after the gathering and the submission of petition, the situation will ease.

The government spokesperson added that the government supporters from other provinces should pledge their support to the Prime Minister in other ways. As for the military’s evaluation of the situation, Mr. Surapong said that there is no problem, adding that providing safety is the police’s responsibilities.

He added that the Prime Minister’s trip to Chiang Mai on Friday has been planned for quite a long time in advance, adding that he is not escaping from the situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 Febuary 2006

[xbusman]

Subject: Public Announcement from U.S. Embassy Bangkok Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2006 10:34:52 +0700

Attention American Citizens:

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) authorities have confirmed that a

large demonstration is expected to occur in the area of the King Rama 5

statue, Rajdamneon Avenue, near Sanam Luang and Government House in

Bangkok on Saturday, February 4. Police estimate up to 100,000 people

will gather in an anti-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin demonstration headed

by Sonthi Limthongkul, a prominent Thai government critic. The crowd

will include several diverse groups of demonstrators and is expected to

start assembling in the morning with no announced starting or ending

times. Organizers have not indicated a marching route, should they

leave the area.

Bangkok demonstrations are usually peaceful in nature, but all

demonstrations are unpredictable and conditions can change unexpectedly.

The RTP has indicated that 2,000 - 3,000 police officers will be on hand

to maintain public order. There are concerns that anti-Sonthi groups

may attempt to confront the demonstrators, which could lead to violence.

For this reason, please do not approach the demonstrators.

The Embassy encourages all Americans to avoid this area. Should you

find yourself in or near the demonstrators, move indoors for shelter

until the demonstration has passed, or ask for police assistance to

leave the area. While the demonstration is not expected to pass near

U.S. Embassy facilities, Embassy entrances and functions may be

restricted depending on circumstances.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling

abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular

Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current

Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be

found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by

calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside

the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These

numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday

through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

[sriracha john]

Doesn't sound like the American Embassy has much faith in the hollow promises of the head of the Thai Army:

"Army Commander SONTHI BOONYARATGLIN has expressed his belief that violence will not be taken place during the demonstration on February 4th.

Gen. Sonthi said that his officials are trying to search for news and details about the gathering so that they can take care of the entire situation and be able to consider the possibility of disorderly events. Nonetheless, he said that violence will not happen on that day."

Who to believe.... who to believe.... ???????

[Jai Dee]

Sondhi names Yongyuth in criminal suit over disturbances

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat and eight government officials were Thursday named as criminal defendants for conspiring to disturb the "Thailand Weekly" talk show at Lumpini Park last month.

The lawsuit was lodged jointly by government critic Sondhi Limthongkul and his company, Thaiday Dot Com, which was responsible for live coverage of the show.

Sondhi claimed that Yongyuth and his accomplices conspired to create a disturbance by dispatching 300 protesters to disrupt the show, and by causing an explosion using a giant firecracker.

He said the protesters were forest rangers and police volunteers mobilised from Chiang Rai, Yongyuth's political stronghold.

The Criminal Court has scheduled a hearing on the matter for April 3, before ruling on whether the case merits judicial review.

Source: The Nation - Feb 02 , 2006

[sriracha john]

So many threads running now on getting Thaksin the frick out....

difficult to keep up... probably the same feeling Thaksin has about now...

[bulmercke]

Anyone notice how much attention The Nation gave tomorrow's rally in today's edition. They've gone from hardly giving Sondhi's previous rallies at Lumpini a mention to overwhelming coverage now.

Me thinks an editorial decision was made to get behind Sondhi and the rally in light of the revelations concerning Shin's sale to Temasek - probably see it as their best chance now, in a climate of anger directed at Thaksin for cheating the treasury out of billions of baht.

Also, they appear to be alluding to a quickly diminishing confidence in Thaksin by some TLT party members and others.

The Thaksin power base will crumble.....and built on fear.....it could crumble at the foundations if the defections increase and loyalty melts away in the next week.

[ilyushin]

Will the people who support their postings take a side tomorrow? Will I see you on the field armed with these words? Will you use such words to support or to slander your choice? Will I see eye to eye with you as a member or visitor of this nation? We will see. I will be there not for the cause , but because.

[bulmercke]

Will the people who support their postings take a side tomorrow? Will I see you on the field armed with these words? Will you use such words to support or to slander your choice? Will I see eye to eye with you as a member or visitor of this nation? We will see. I will be there not for the cause , but because.

I will be there. Why?

Well, simply because I absolutely detest Mr T. and everything he stands for, but having said that I absolutely don't condone violence and will behave in a responsible manner; The Nation put it quite nicely today.....an interested observer!

From The Nation just now:

PM appeals Thais not to take part in anti-govt rally

Published on Feb 03 , 2006

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra urged Thais not to take part in an anti-government rally planned for Saturday, insisting his government remained strong despite the sudden resignation of a Cabinet minister and growing calls for him to step down.

"One minister resigning has no impact on the stability of this government," Thaksin said. "I am still prime minister and continue to run the country."

Culture Minister Uraiwan Thienthong announced her departure from the Cabinet on Friday, saying her decision was based on the need to uphold good governance.

Her resignation dealt another blow to Thaksin, whose popularity has sunk to a 10-month low amid a storm of public anger over his family's business dealings.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend a protest Saturday, led by Sondhi Limthongkul, a media mogul and one of Thaksin's fiercest critics.

A one-time supporter of the prime minister, Sondhi has led a vigorous campaign against him, accusing Thaksin's government of widespread corruption and abuse of power.

The American, Australian and British embassies have urged their citizens to steer clear of the rally in Bangkok, citing concerns that it could turn violent.

Thaksin, on a visit Friday to a Bangkok slum, urged a crowd of several thousand to ignore the rally.

"Stay home. Don't go out and join him. Don't listen to that big liar," he said, referring to Sondhi. "Just let the lunatic howl by himself."

[LaoPo]

"Stay home. Don't go out and join him. Don't listen to that big liar," he said, referring to Sondhi. "Just let the lunatic howl by himself."

Just out of curiosity....did he have a mirror in front of him, saying that?

LaoPo

[Cassandra]

Anyone notice how much attention The Nation gave tomorrow's rally in today's edition. They've gone from hardly giving Sondhi's previous rallies at Lumpini a mention to overwhelming coverage now.

Me thinks an editorial decision was made to get behind Sondhi and the rally in light of the revelations concerning Shin's sale to Temasek - probably see it as their best chance now, in a climate of anger directed at Thaksin for cheating the treasury out of billions of baht.

Also, they appear to be alluding to a quickly diminishing confidence in Thaksin by some TLT party members and others.

The Thaksin power base will crumble.....and built on fear.....it could crumble at the foundations if the defections increase and loyalty melts away in the next week.

Listen hard you old coots.Thaksin did not cheat the treasury of one baht.There is no tax payable under Thai regulations on listed share sales.You could argue that the sale was politically unwise, but that's another matter.I'm no Thaksin fan but it's tiresome to read these posts from various codgers who simply haven't bothered to get to grips with the facts of this case.There are various questions outstanding mainly relating to tender offer considerations, but Thaksin is clean on the tax side.

[Heng]

This is a limited sample, but from my friends and siblings of friends still in school (TU, Kasetsart, Chula, Mahidol, etc.) one major difference compared to rallies in the past will be a low student turnout. The general opinion seems to be this will be a "Bangkok old folks" rally.