Rowdy Rally Forces Thaksin To Cancel Meeting In Los Angeles

[rubl]

My Big Question: How much did Thaksin "donate" to BO's campaign to get a visa??? BO and Thaksin are birds of the same corrupt feather. As an American, I am ashamed this jackwagon was allowed in the US without being arrested and deported.

I seriously doubt Thaksin gave anything. As an Obama supporter of course I don't agree with everything that the government does under his administration. That's an unrealistic expectation of any president.

"an unrealistic expectation of any president"???? C'mon....I hate to be judgmental, but really, listen to what you're saying. A president of the USA not accepting donations....okay....I understand what you mean, not from a convicted despot, but, who will know? Most of the donations given to candidates in Ameriker are off the books anyway.....heard of superpacs, yet? SlowBama is as sleazy as the rest......do you think he really has the lower classes in mind? I don't. I know fer sure he is a corporate "feel good daddy" staus quo, empire building, puppet slave (no racism intended), JUST like the rest since time immortal. Grow your own!

Not sure how this relates to the topic of "Rowdies rally, Thaksin forces to the rescue" ?

[hellodolly]

Are the yellow shirts now causing problems in the U.S? What next a blockade of the Los Angeles Airport? I bet that if 2,000 Americans conducted themselves the same way in Thailand they would quickly be rounded up, thrown into jail and deported.

Which US fugitive is planning to visit Thailand?

Have a stroll down walking street in Pattaya or come visit Phuket, you are bound to met a few.

Difference hough, is that the fugitives in Thailand were not convicted in a politically influenced trial, but were nailed for things like pedophilia, theft, and violent crime.

You really are loosing it aren't you. Name one of those US fugitive's. You can't because there is no headlines about them. These so called bad men you talk about look like a angel compared to Thaksin. There are bad people walking down the streets all over the world. But most of them are not making a spectacle of themselves like Thaksin is. Doesn't that tell you something when he can't even go in a food court. There was no talk of guns or rocket launchers even though the Red Shirts were there.

The Yellow shirts put on a peaceful demonstration and it was backed up by American citizens who were not Thai.

What do you think of the idea of rounding up all those red shits who watched the Yellow Shirts put on a peaceful demonstration and sending them back to Thailand to teach in the Red Shirt schools for teaching about Democracy.

They could give instructions on how to do it with out rocket launchers. No need to invade hospitals. In General the democratic way

Like I say just name one of them. Then show me 100s of articles on how he is running from a honestly earned jail sentence. And besides that publicly announcing his coming and trying to set up press conferences. Maybe he can get a visa for Lapland and talk to the reindeer herders.

The man is a joke. And will always be one as long as people like you keep feeding him.

[Thaddeus]

Reading the posts on this thread, the embedded pictures and watching the videos on Youtube gives a clear indication of a human frailty, not only a Thai one.

With enough money, you can buy something that looks and feels like love and adoration. But it is very localised and only affects around 48% of people.

Once outside that circle of influence, the rancid smell of a despot becomes apparent and the scales tip very heavily to the trash can side.

Time to take out the trash please Uncle Sam.

[harrry]

Are the yellow shirts now causing problems in the U.S? What next a blockade of the Los Angeles Airport? I bet that if 2,000 Americans conducted themselves the same way in Thailand they would quickly be rounded up, thrown into jail and deported.

No kidding; another example of Thai double standards. If they want to protest they should do it in their own country.

How would they react if a couple thousand westerners converged on wireless road to protest Obama or Bush etc? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Mr Thaksin is quite free to protest in his own country and say anything he wishes. THe venue though should be provided by the prison authorities.l

[hellodolly]

Apparently some people have there eyes closed or they think that there is nothing wrong with the US Government allowing a convicted criminal to come into their country and preach his nonsense against all in his home country who do not believe he should be the dictator Prime Minister.

What he forgot was that there was a large number of Thai's here who did not buy in to his nonsense and were capable of stopping it with a peaceful protest.

Keep feeding the clown.

[Scott]

Grammar, spelling, and poetic posts have been removed. Please stay on topic.

[MAJIC]

It's really good to see that Thai Expats who have settled in America,can voice their minds about Thaksinism,without intimidation and suppression by the Red Shirt Mob of thugs,back in their own Country,they obviously, now know the true meaning of Democracy,and perhaps they can also educate their kin in Thailand of the real meaning of Democracy also?

[gemini81]

Are the yellow shirts now causing problems in the U.S? What next a blockade of the Los Angeles Airport? I bet that if 2,000 Americans conducted themselves the same way in Thailand they would quickly be rounded up, thrown into jail and deported.

Sorry, but they know when to say enough is enough to a terribly corrupt and selfish criminal waltzing around arrogantly...evidently the Thais around LA have more education than...you?! Why, they can move mountains with..what??!! a PEACEFUL protest! Now that is something to behold! And something Thailand should take note of. In addition, what a coward to run away from some peaceful opposition, knowing his terrible wrongdoing on the backs of the Thai working class.

It's a protest, now take note and do your homework my friend: they're NOT burning down a shopping mall nor building bamboo stakes...they're merely reminding the square faced little man what he did..(and they didn't even mention the 13 charges awaiting the despot when he returns, if he returns alive).

Edited August 17, 2012 by gemini81

[hellodolly]

Are the yellow shirts now causing problems in the U.S? What next a blockade of the Los Angeles Airport? I bet that if 2,000 Americans conducted themselves the same way in Thailand they would quickly be rounded up, thrown into jail and deported.

Sorry, but they know when to say enough is enough to a terribly corrupt and selfish criminal waltzing around arrogantly...evidently the Thais around LA have more education than...you?! Why, they can move mountains with..what??!! a PEACEFUL protest! Now that is something to behold! And something Thailand should take note of. In addition, what a coward to run away from some peaceful opposition, knowing his terrible wrongdoing on the backs of the Thai working class.

It's a protest, now take note and do your homework my friend: they're NOT burning down a shopping mall nor building bamboo stakes...they're merely reminding the square faced little man what he did..(and they didn't even mention the 13 charges awaiting the despot when he returns, if he returns alive).

It just occurred to me that they didn't have to hire buses and trucks to bring the protesters in from the hinterlands. Truly a lesson for the red shirts. But probably to complicated for them to understand.

[MAJIC]

Are the yellow shirts now causing problems in the U.S? What next a blockade of the Los Angeles Airport? I bet that if 2,000 Americans conducted themselves the same way in Thailand they would quickly be rounded up, thrown into jail and deported.

Sorry, but they know when to say enough is enough to a terribly corrupt and selfish criminal waltzing around arrogantly...evidently the Thais around LA have more education than...you?! Why, they can move mountains with..what??!! a PEACEFUL protest! Now that is something to behold! And something Thailand should take note of. In addition, what a coward to run away from some peaceful opposition, knowing his terrible wrongdoing on the backs of the Thai working class.

It's a protest, now take note and do your homework my friend: they're NOT burning down a shopping mall nor building bamboo stakes...they're merely reminding the square faced little man what he did..(and they didn't even mention the 13 charges awaiting the despot when he returns, if he returns alive).

It just occurred to me that they didn't have to hire buses and trucks to bring the protesters in from the hinterlands. Truly a lesson for the red shirts. But probably to complicated for them to understand.

Very true,and they didn't need any bribes either,to show up and make their feelings known to Thaksin,and his Mob of henchmen! and Restaurant Booking Skivvies,that they were there to (symbolicly) Bury Caesar not praise him.

And of course they need to be released from the Payroll,before they understand anything about freedom and Democracy.

Edited August 17, 2012 by MAJIC

[bunuel]

" The yellow shirts were joined by many other Americans etc.."

Knowing that the great majority of Americans could not locate Thailand, Vietnam or Australia on a map, much less distinguish a red shirt from a yellow shirt, the assertion that there were "many other Americans" demonstrating is completely devoid of any credibility, and instead reveals the heavy-handed bias of the

"journalist" who tried to make this tempest in a teapot into a news story.

As for those who expect the American government to apprehend and then extradite Mr. Thaksin, I suggest

they do more homework on the nature of the American political system. If they did, they would learn that money talks, and that everything has a price. Since Mr. Thaksin appears to still be a man of wealth, with

a host of network connections around the world, he remains, as Don Corleone of "The Godfather" would say, " A man of respect..."

The fact that he won a few elections by a landslide, as did his sister, seals the deal. This is a foreign policy issue, and since neither the US nor Thailand like to be subject to international law as interpreted by the ICC or the World Court, the legal arguments here, regardless of their merits, are completely moot.

This is strictly an internal Thai matter, in official American eyes. Should political opponents of Mr. Thaksin wish to change this position, they should invite a well-respected man of substance like casino mogul Sheldon Adelson to open a few resorts in Thailand with exemptions from all irritating Thai laws. Only then an they can hope to have access to a President, just as the Chinese of Macau hope to have with Mr. Romney if he is elected.

Such is the game of American politics today.

[Jingthing]

" The yellow shirts were joined by many other Americans etc.."

Knowing that the great majority of Americans could not locate Thailand, Vietnam or Australia on a map, much less distinguish a red shirt from a yellow shirt, the assertion that there were "many other Americans" demonstrating is completely devoid of any credibility, and instead reveals the heavy-handed bias of the

"journalist" who tried to make this tempest in a teapot into a news story.

...

Of course there were non-Thai Americans there. There are pictures. Nobody said there were thousands of them. I reckon most of them had some personal connection to Thailand. I agree very few Americans are up on Thai politics but Thailand politics did make the news big time during the redshirt burning of Bangkok. As far as your predictable American bashing tripe about poor geographical knowledge there, please spare us. Edited August 17, 2012 by Jingthing

[Thaddeus]

" The yellow shirts were joined by many other Americans etc.."

Knowing that the great majority of Americans could not locate Thailand, Vietnam or Australia on a map, much less distinguish a red shirt from a yellow shirt, the assertion that there were "many other Americans" demonstrating is completely devoid of any credibility, and instead reveals the heavy-handed bias of the

"journalist" who tried to make this tempest in a teapot into a news story.

As for those who expect the American government to apprehend and then extradite Mr. Thaksin, I suggest

they do more homework on the nature of the American political system. If they did, they would learn that money talks, and that everything has a price. Since Mr. Thaksin appears to still be a man of wealth, with

a host of network connections around the world, he remains, as Don Corleone of "The Godfather" would say, " A man of respect..."

The fact that he won a few elections by a landslide, as did his sister, seals the deal. This is a foreign policy issue, and since neither the US nor Thailand like to be subject to international law as interpreted by the ICC or the World Court, the legal arguments here, regardless of their merits, are completely moot.

This is strictly an internal Thai matter, in official American eyes. Should political opponents of Mr. Thaksin wish to change this position, they should invite a well-respected man of substance like casino mogul Sheldon Adelson to open a few resorts in Thailand with exemptions from all irritating Thai laws. Only then an they can hope to have access to a President, just as the Chinese of Macau hope to have with Mr. Romney if he is elected.

Such is the game of American politics today.

I have thought long and hard about a repost to this post that would convey some sort of sentiment, the whole difference between the Thai political system and the American one, and I still keep reaching the same conclusion.

Thaksin is a cancer.

Given the showing of his supporters in the USA a fairly feeble cancer.

[scotbeve]

My Big Question: How much did Thaksin "donate" to BO's campaign to get a visa??? BO and Thaksin are birds of the same corrupt feather. As an American, I am ashamed this jackwagon was allowed in the US without being arrested and deported.

I seriously doubt Thaksin gave anything. As an Obama supporter of course I don't agree with everything that the government does under his administration. That's an unrealistic expectation of any president.

"an unrealistic expectation of any president"???? C'mon....I hate to be judgmental, but really, listen to what you're saying. A president of the USA not accepting donations....okay....I understand what you mean, not from a convicted despot, but, who will know? Most of the donations given to candidates in Ameriker are off the books anyway.....heard of superpacs, yet? SlowBama is as sleazy as the rest......do you think he really has the lower classes in mind? I don't. I know fer sure he is a corporate "feel good daddy" staus quo, empire building, puppet slave (no racism intended), JUST like the rest since time immortal. Grow your own!

Temple,

There were a few (very few) presidents that were good "for the people, by the people" - not ALL were of the same ilk....

[hellodolly]

" The yellow shirts were joined by many other Americans etc.."

Knowing that the great majority of Americans could not locate Thailand, Vietnam or Australia on a map, much less distinguish a red shirt from a yellow shirt, the assertion that there were "many other Americans" demonstrating is completely devoid of any credibility, and instead reveals the heavy-handed bias of the

"journalist" who tried to make this tempest in a teapot into a news story.

As for those who expect the American government to apprehend and then extradite Mr. Thaksin, I suggest

they do more homework on the nature of the American political system. If they did, they would learn that money talks, and that everything has a price. Since Mr. Thaksin appears to still be a man of wealth, with

a host of network connections around the world, he remains, as Don Corleone of "The Godfather" would say, " A man of respect..."

The fact that he won a few elections by a landslide, as did his sister, seals the deal. This is a foreign policy issue, and since neither the US nor Thailand like to be subject to international law as interpreted by the ICC or the World Court, the legal arguments here, regardless of their merits, are completely moot.

This is strictly an internal Thai matter, in official American eyes. Should political opponents of Mr. Thaksin wish to change this position, they should invite a well-respected man of substance like casino mogul Sheldon Adelson to open a few resorts in Thailand with exemptions from all irritating Thai laws. Only then an they can hope to have access to a President, just as the Chinese of Macau hope to have with Mr. Romney if he is elected.

Such is the game of American politics today.

How little you know. Common sense tells us that the yellow shirts living there would let many of their friends know. It is a sign of how low Thaksin has sunk to have to cancel rallies in a food court in a country where he is not even a citizen.

Your thinking that he has so much money means nothing to the states Bernie Madhof ( not sure of the spelling ) had a lot more and he is in jail. Thaksin isn't even on the list of people who have enough money to influence the American government. Any one on that list would not be calling for a rally in a food court.

You are just feeding the clown.

Remember all his BS is said in countries other than his home country. And that is for a good reason. He is a convicted criminal there and had enough smart lawyers to tell him he did not have a leg to stand on legally in any appeal he might choose to launch and would face other charges if he stuck around. Hense the self imposed exile.

[Skywalker69]

Mr. (Dr.) Thaksin I really hope it´s downhill from here, for you.

[scorecard]

" The yellow shirts were joined by many other Americans etc.."

Knowing that the great majority of Americans could not locate Thailand, Vietnam or Australia on a map, much less distinguish a red shirt from a yellow shirt, the assertion that there were "many other Americans" demonstrating is completely devoid of any credibility, and instead reveals the heavy-handed bias of the

"journalist" who tried to make this tempest in a teapot into a news story.

As for those who expect the American government to apprehend and then extradite Mr. Thaksin, I suggest

they do more homework on the nature of the American political system. If they did, they would learn that money talks, and that everything has a price. Since Mr. Thaksin appears to still be a man of wealth, with

a host of network connections around the world, he remains, as Don Corleone of "The Godfather" would say, " A man of respect..."

The fact that he won a few elections by a landslide, as did his sister, seals the deal. This is a foreign policy issue, and since neither the US nor Thailand like to be subject to international law as interpreted by the ICC or the World Court, the legal arguments here, regardless of their merits, are completely moot.

This is strictly an internal Thai matter, in official American eyes. Should political opponents of Mr. Thaksin wish to change this position, they should invite a well-respected man of substance like casino mogul Sheldon Adelson to open a few resorts in Thailand with exemptions from all irritating Thai laws. Only then an they can hope to have access to a President, just as the Chinese of Macau hope to have with Mr. Romney if he is elected.

Such is the game of American politics today.

From above: '..... The fact that he won a few elections by a landslide, as did his sister, .....' This is far from the truth, replace won with bought.

I suggest he American Dept. of state would outwardly embrace anything that remotely looks like democracy but in the backroom there would be plenty of background information making them well aware of the details of how an election was won.

[Buchholz]

The wheels seem to have fallen off the Grand Victory Tour.... with nothing of note published from any side on the issue for the past couple of days.

He's supposed to still be meeting American politicians and American businessman and getting his message out in the USA for the next 6 days, but one wonders if he hasn't already departed unceremoniously and quietly out the backdoor.

.

[scorecard]

The wheels seem to have fallen off the Grand Victory Tour.... with nothing of note published from any side on the issue for the past couple of days.

He's supposed to still be meeting American politicians and American businessman and getting his message out in the USA for the next 6 days, but one wonders if he hasn't already departed unceremoniously and quietly out the backdoor.

.

Other than a 5 minute session with kissinger, has anybody see details of any other meetings with US officials or businessmen, in fact any meetings at all?

Edited August 18, 2012 by scorecard

[ratcatcher]

I would have thought that someone of the international stature of Mr Thaksin would have had a convoy of reporters following his every move. He seems to have "gone off the radar" for a moment. Odd for him.

After all he is the ex-Prime Minister of Thailand, albeit a disgraced ex.

The lack of reportage regarding his States visit is interesting though not surprising.

Surely with as well oiled a PR machine as this man, we should have heard about every move he makes.

On the other hand, he may have scurried back to his mountain retreat in Montenegro or his desert palace in Dubai to rethink his next adventure into the limelight.

I cannot imagine the pain he must be experiencing being away from his native land for so long, missing his family, friends and loving supporters.

Maybe he has gone to England as the Premiership season starts today and he may be having dinner with Mancini?

[Buchholz]

I would have thought that someone of the international stature of Mr Thaksin would have had a convoy of reporters following his every move. He seems to have "gone off the radar" for a moment. Odd for him.

After all he is the ex-Prime Minister of Thailand, albeit a disgraced ex.

The lack of reportage regarding his States visit is interesting though not surprising.

Surely with as well oiled a PR machine as this man, we should have heard about every move he makes.

On the other hand, he may have scurried back to his mountain retreat in Montenegro or his desert palace in Dubai to rethink his next adventure into the limelight.

I cannot imagine the pain he must be experiencing being away from his native land for so long, missing his family, friends and loving supporters.

Maybe he has gone to England as the Premiership season starts today and he may be having dinner with Mancini?

Your right about his PR machinery. That's been an extraordinary dearth of information over this whole tour. Its very atypical of him to not highlight every contact, every meeting, and every "success".

Not surprising that from that void are a number of non-evidenced supported rumors.

One that was disproved was a couple of Red Shirt websites put out that 8 yellow shirts were arrested in LA. The reality was that none were, supported with pictorial and documentary evidence.

One that has not been disproved was that Thaksin was asked to leave the USA after the LA fiasco. That the US government wanted no part of Thailand's dispute on its territory and that had been a condition of his visa approval. That the US was not going to cancel his visa (as that would send out a political statement), but just that he should leave. That way he can claim it was all of his own accord. Cancel it for whatever reason he chose to come up with.

As said, its all just rumors, some disproved, others not... but their existence is a reflection of the lack of official notices, press releases, main stream media involvement, and the associated clarity they bring.

Instead, up to now, it's all been a hodge-podge of mish-mash.

[jayboy]

As said, its all just rumors, some disproved, others not... but their existence is a reflection of the lack of official notices, press releases, main stream media involvement, and the associated clarity they bring.

Instead, up to now, it's all been a hodge-podge of mish-mash.

Have you and Ratcatcher considered the possibility that the lack of publicity is simply because his visit is neither very newsworthy or interesting.

Most Thai people (with an interest in politics) are vaguely aware Thaksin obtained a US visa and was met by PAD protestors at some locations - not very dramatic and not very surprising.

We regulars - including myself - on Thai Visa political threads tend to get a bit obsessive (some markedly more than others) but let's have a little self awareness.Thaksin's foreign trips are not very controversial now.

[Buchholz]

As said, its all just rumors, some disproved, others not... but their existence is a reflection of the lack of official notices, press releases, main stream media involvement, and the associated clarity they bring.

Instead, up to now, it's all been a hodge-podge of mish-mash.

Have you and Ratcatcher considered the possibility that the lack of publicity is simply because his visit is neither very newsworthy or interesting.

Most Thai people (with an interest in politics) are vaguely aware Thaksin obtained a US visa and was met by PAD protestors at some locations - not very dramatic and not very surprising.

We regulars - including myself - on Thai Visa political threads tend to get a bit obsessive (some markedly more than others) but let's have a little self awareness.Thaksin's foreign trips are not very controversial now.

This one is controversial as it involves the lone superpower country left. One that he hasn't visited to in 6 years.

It's also the first one where he noticeably appealed to the local Thais living in a foreign country. Coincidentally, it's also the first one where he was noticeably rejected by the local Thais living in a foreign country.

He goes to Cambodia he hugs the head of state like a long lost brother and is given a position within the Cambodian government.

He goes to Nicaragua and he is met and accommodated for by the head of state. He's provided with a passport of that country while there.

What has gotten in the USA? Jeers and shouts of "Go To Jail!" as descends down a rickety staircase from a walk-up noodle shop where he met with 10 supporters over spring rolls.... yeah, this has all been a dramatic change from his normal operation.

Judging by the amount of interest this has generated on the local Thai boards and blogs, its clearly more than a few who are "vaguely aware" of the USA tour and its implications. They're yammering away about it all over.

The thing is, there's been a void created by the aforementioned PR machine seizing up and the worst managed tour in a long time... and that's fertile ground for rumor starting.

.

Edited August 18, 2012 by Buchholz

[Thaddeus]

I think he is readying to spring out of the bushes with an Uzi.

[jayboy]

As said, its all just rumors, some disproved, others not... but their existence is a reflection of the lack of official notices, press releases, main stream media involvement, and the associated clarity they bring.

Instead, up to now, it's all been a hodge-podge of mish-mash.

Have you and Ratcatcher considered the possibility that the lack of publicity is simply because his visit is neither very newsworthy or interesting.

Most Thai people (with an interest in politics) are vaguely aware Thaksin obtained a US visa and was met by PAD protestors at some locations - not very dramatic and not very surprising.

We regulars - including myself - on Thai Visa political threads tend to get a bit obsessive (some markedly more than others) but let's have a little self awareness.Thaksin's foreign trips are not very controversial now.

This one is controversial as it involves the lone superpower country left. One that he hasn't visited to in 6 years.

It's also the first one where he noticeably appealed to the local Thais living in a foreign country. Coincidentally, it's also the first one where he was noticeably rejected by the local Thais living in a foreign country.

He goes to Cambodia he hugs the head of state like a long lost brother and is given a position within the Cambodian government.

He goes to Nicaragua and he is met and accommodated for by the head of state. He's provided with a passport of that country while there.

What has gotten in the USA? Jeers and shouts of "Go To Jail!" as descends down a rickety staircase from a walk-up noodle shop where he met with 10 supporters over spring rolls.... yeah, this has all been a dramatic change from his normal operation.

Judging by the amount of interest this has generated on the local Thai boards and blogs, its clearly more than a few who are "vaguely aware" of the USA tour and its implications. They're yammering away about it all over.

The thing is, there's been a void created by the aforementioned PR machine seizing up and the worst managed tour in a long time... and that's fertile ground for rumor starting.

.

Fair enough.You make a reasonable case though I have yet to see much if any international coverage of the matter.As for local web boards I don't think they reflect much except the views of those who hold very strong opinions, certainly not most Thais.

[Buchholz]

As said, its all just rumors, some disproved, others not... but their existence is a reflection of the lack of official notices, press releases, main stream media involvement, and the associated clarity they bring.

Instead, up to now, it's all been a hodge-podge of mish-mash.

Have you and Ratcatcher considered the possibility that the lack of publicity is simply because his visit is neither very newsworthy or interesting.

Most Thai people (with an interest in politics) are vaguely aware Thaksin obtained a US visa and was met by PAD protestors at some locations - not very dramatic and not very surprising.

We regulars - including myself - on Thai Visa political threads tend to get a bit obsessive (some markedly more than others) but let's have a little self awareness.Thaksin's foreign trips are not very controversial now.

This one is controversial as it involves the lone superpower country left. One that he hasn't visited to in 6 years.

It's also the first one where he noticeably appealed to the local Thais living in a foreign country. Coincidentally, it's also the first one where he was noticeably rejected by the local Thais living in a foreign country.

He goes to Cambodia he hugs the head of state like a long lost brother and is given a position within the Cambodian government.

He goes to Nicaragua and he is met and accommodated for by the head of state. He's provided with a passport of that country while there.

What has gotten in the USA? Jeers and shouts of "Go To Jail!" as descends down a rickety staircase from a walk-up noodle shop where he met with 10 supporters over spring rolls.... yeah, this has all been a dramatic change from his normal operation.

Judging by the amount of interest this has generated on the local Thai boards and blogs, its clearly more than a few who are "vaguely aware" of the USA tour and its implications. They're yammering away about it all over.

The thing is, there's been a void created by the aforementioned PR machine seizing up and the worst managed tour in a long time... and that's fertile ground for rumor starting.

.

Fair enough.You make a reasonable case though I have yet to see much if any international coverage of the matter.As for local web boards I don't think they reflect much except the views of those who hold very strong opinions, certainly not most Thais.

The lack of international media interest, as well as American media interest, reflects the waning interest in him in general and further his standing in the world. That must irk him tremendously as he's always put so much importance to it.

Its also a failing of his PR machine to initiate their American media contacts (if they have any) when the American media doesn't start the contact. When they can't even get interest from a local television news affiliate while he travels around, something is really amiss. In a nation of multiple 24-hour news channels, no one can spare him 10 seconds.

He seems to have completely misjudged the interest his visit would create. That it has turned out so dismal lends credence to the believability of such rumors like, "Elvis has left the building.... after he was asked to leave."

As for the local media interest, it's there with regular reports from the television news, but more so with the Thai cable/satellite television news, the bloggers, and the Facebookers. The avid participants of those various outlets are a noteworthy total.

.

.

Edited August 18, 2012 by Buchholz

[Thait Spot]

I think he is readying to spring out of the bushes with an Uzi.

I think one of the CM boys borrowed it and turned his wife into a Tetleys tea bag

[waza]

As said, its all just rumors, some disproved, others not... but their existence is a reflection of the lack of official notices, press releases, main stream media involvement, and the associated clarity they bring.

Instead, up to now, it's all been a hodge-podge of mish-mash.

Have you and Ratcatcher considered the possibility that the lack of publicity is simply because his visit is neither very newsworthy or interesting.

Most Thai people (with an interest in politics) are vaguely aware Thaksin obtained a US visa and was met by PAD protestors at some locations - not very dramatic and not very surprising.

We regulars - including myself - on Thai Visa political threads tend to get a bit obsessive (some markedly more than others) but let's have a little self awareness.Thaksin's foreign trips are not very controversial now.

I guess its the contrast between the discrete coverage of his visit compared with the fanfare of publicity Thaksin encouraged over the granted visa.

[hellodolly]

As said, its all just rumors, some disproved, others not... but their existence is a reflection of the lack of official notices, press releases, main stream media involvement, and the associated clarity they bring.

Instead, up to now, it's all been a hodge-podge of mish-mash.

Have you and Ratcatcher considered the possibility that the lack of publicity is simply because his visit is neither very newsworthy or interesting.

Most Thai people (with an interest in politics) are vaguely aware Thaksin obtained a US visa and was met by PAD protestors at some locations - not very dramatic and not very surprising.

We regulars - including myself - on Thai Visa political threads tend to get a bit obsessive (some markedly more than others) but let's have a little self awareness.Thaksin's foreign trips are not very controversial now.

This one is controversial as it involves the lone superpower country left. One that he hasn't visited to in 6 years.

It's also the first one where he noticeably appealed to the local Thais living in a foreign country. Coincidentally, it's also the first one where he was noticeably rejected by the local Thais living in a foreign country.

He goes to Cambodia he hugs the head of state like a long lost brother and is given a position within the Cambodian government.

He goes to Nicaragua and he is met and accommodated for by the head of state. He's provided with a passport of that country while there.

What has gotten in the USA? Jeers and shouts of "Go To Jail!" as descends down a rickety staircase from a walk-up noodle shop where he met with 10 supporters over spring rolls.... yeah, this has all been a dramatic change from his normal operation.

Judging by the amount of interest this has generated on the local Thai boards and blogs, its clearly more than a few who are "vaguely aware" of the USA tour and its implications. They're yammering away about it all over.

The thing is, there's been a void created by the aforementioned PR machine seizing up and the worst managed tour in a long time... and that's fertile ground for rumor starting.

.

Not to mention the states had to ignore their own laws on giving visa's for him to get one.

Why would any one want to down play it. They did not try to down play it when he was making such a big deal of going to America. They must have thought the Americans were stupid and going to make a big deal of it. You know Photo Ops with the president multi billion dolor trade deals.

I am quite sure Thaksin did not have meetings in upstairs noodle shops and press conferences with rallies in food courts as his goals in visiting the states.

[rubl]

Ah well, 358 posts later:

"considered the possibility that the lack of publicity is simply because his visit is neither very newsworthy or interesting."