The Growing Influence Of Social Media: Thaksin Assassination Plot

[webfact]

The growing influence of social media

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Is the latest Thaksin assassination plot genuine or a mere publicity stunt? Is it a bid for sympathy or a plan to scrap a meeting with disappointed red shirts who failed to secure ministerial seats as reported in local media?

Although reports about an assassination plot against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had emerged in the Thai press at least three to four times since 2001, the latest released on Sunday and Monday through www.facebook.com/oakpanthongtae has made sensational front-page headlines in several mainstream Thai newspapers.

The fact that previous reports of Thaksin murder plots had earlier met with scepticism among his critics and some members of the press, including key security figures (for instance, the car-bomb case in 2009 and an explosion on a plane in 2001), a question has cropped up over what factors contributed to some media professionals throwing weight behind the new report.

An article titled "See through Pheu Thai's three cyber-experts and track Oak Panthongtae fan page" written by Nattawut Karanyaso was published last month in Rajadamnern, a monthly political and media publication by the Thai Journalists Association. It featured an investigative report about people behind the Facebook page of Panthongtae "Oak" Shinawatra, Thaksin's son.

Since he posed a question on the webpage in August, "Oak, do you post messages here by yourself or do you have a team do it for you?" Nattawut said he had not received a reply from anyone.

Although in his Facebook profile, Panthongtae has indicated that politics is among his topics of interest, he has rarely taken to a major political rally stage or given interviews to showcase his political competence.

Before the writer started his probe, Panthongtae's Facebook page had seen 100,000 "likes" and it is undeniable the page has played a political role as significant as that of the Pheu Thai Party and its networks.

At the order of an "overseas person", Phumtham Wechayachai, chief of a 10-member special force named "Cyber Warriors", has opened a new political battlefront in the social networks with a "war room" at the Pheu Thai Party's headquarters. Their daily routine is to screen information from the cyber-world and forward it to the party's strategic team, which will order the party's spokesman team to call a press conference to counter or inform the public on certain issues.

The cyber-team also sends spokesmen's messages to Web boards, Facebook and Twitter and text messages to television stations.

Apart from Oak's fan page, the Pheu Thai Party has another team led by Chayika Wongnapachan, Yaowaret Shinawatra's daughter, to manage Yingluck Shinawatra's Facebook page by posting all positive information about the prime minister.

As the country's political struggles intensify and take on more complexity, are the Thai media being too naive to the fact they can be used by playing up stories without running checks? Thai Rat Online's political editor Wattana Pimolsiripol said his website did not publish everything posted on the Panthongtae Facebook page but only items with news value that had been approved by Thai Rat's editorial team.

Daily newspaper Ban Muang political editor Chingchai Runglapo said newspapers picked up stories from Oak's fan page because he is a major character representing his father, who is the key figure in the country's long and ongoing political conflicts. "What Panthongtae says carries more weight than Pheu Thai Party MPs," he said.

Nation Channel political desk editor Orathai Thongcharoen, however, said most of the messages posted on Oak's fan page had been focused on hitting back at political opponents.

"Panthongtae has never clarified or denied allegations that he has allowed others to post messages on his behalf on the page. The page therefore serves only as a political tool to counter political rivals. The information there should not be blown out of proportion," she said.

-- The Nation 2012-11-09

[Siripon]

Let's see Oak on one of the free TV channels, joining a group discussion with the likes of Apisit, korn or Jurin. He wouldn't last 2 minutes.

[LuckyLew]

I think the media should ignore all convicted felons currently living in Dubai

Buy continuing to run stories about him the media are simply filling his need

and desire to feel important.

He would come back to Thailand but there is no plane or shipping vessel that

is big enough to hold his ego

[OzMick]

The social media gives opportunity for morons to make absolutely stupid statements so that the idiots that follow it can laugh at them.

Besides the farcical assassination plot, there was also an American girl who "tweeted" after Obama's victory "I am moving to Australia where the president is a christian who does what he says" (more or less) completely missing that the Oz PM is a woman and an atheist. D'oh!

[Thaddeus]

If someone really wanted him dead, he'd be dead already ...... end of.

[ratcatcher]

Let's see Oak on one of the free TV channels, joining a group discussion with the likes of Apisit, korn or Jurin. He wouldn't last 2 minutes.

Well, would you pay attention to this chap?

[Buchholz]

Let's see Oak on one of the free TV channels, joining a group discussion with the likes of Apisit, korn or Jurin. He wouldn't last 2 minutes.

Well, would you pay attention to this chap?

Don't forget his prestigious academic background.

Cheating on a university exam like a 5th grader on a math test is difficult to top.

.

Edited November 9, 2012 by Buchholz

[bigbamboo]

Oak, old chap.... this was an epic fail.

[whybother]

Let's see Oak on one of the free TV channels, joining a group discussion with the likes of Apisit, korn or Jurin. He wouldn't last 2 minutes.

Well, would you pay attention to this chap?

Apparently Oak's living in exile now too. ("too" might not be the appropriate word to use)

Edited November 9, 2012 by whybother

[bendejo]

Is the latest Thaksin assassination plot genuine or a mere publicity stunt? Is it a bid for sympathy... ?

Ah, the audacity of hope!

[waza]

At the order of an "overseas person", Phumtham Wechayachai, chief of a 10-member special force named "Cyber Warriors", has opened a new political battlefront in the social networks with a "war room" at the Pheu Thai Party's headquarters. Their daily routine is to screen information from the cyber-world and forward it to the party's strategic team, which will order the party's spokesman team to call a press conference to counter or inform the public on certain issues.

It obvious that TVF is being monitored by "War room", but I wonder if any of these "Cyber Warriors" are members who regularly post?

[skorchio]

If someone really wanted him dead, he'd be dead already ...... end of.

I don't think so. He has departments managing his family's online image, you can be dam_n sure he has a team of crack commandos working 24/7 on keeping him upright. He has extensive connections in the police and military and access to intelligence. I think it would be quite difficult to take out TS, he can employ serious resources to ensure he stays alive (and I am sure he does). I think only someone in his inner circle could make that happen, or a high ranking police or military officer.

[chainarong]

If someone really wanted him dead, he'd be dead already ...... end of.

I don't think so. He has departments managing his family's online image, you can be dam_n sure he has a team of crack commandos working 24/7 on keeping him upright. He has extensive connections in the police and military and access to intelligence. I think it would be quite difficult to take out TS, he can employ serious resources to ensure he stays alive (and I am sure he does). I think only someone in his inner circle could make that happen, or a high ranking police or military officer.

While he is out of Thailand he's safe , that changes if or when he returns home, the people that will do the deed ,can't afford to travel.

[Buchholz]

At the order of an "overseas person", Phumtham Wechayachai, chief of a 10-member special force named "Cyber Warriors", has opened a new political battlefront in the social networks with a "war room" at the Pheu Thai Party's headquarters. Their daily routine is to screen information from the cyber-world and forward it to the party's strategic team, which will order the party's spokesman team to call a press conference to counter or inform the public on certain issues.

From the same "overseas person" that began manipulation of the Internet with his similarly-sounding "Cyber Cops" that censored the Internet with its screen-replacing warrior boy on horseback.

.

Edited November 9, 2012 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Apart from Oak's fan page, the Pheu Thai Party has another team led by Chayika Wongnapachan, Yaowaret Shinawatra's daughter, to manage Yingluck Shinawatra's Facebook page by posting all positive information about the prime minister.

Chayika's public Google+ profile

https://plus.google....698138137/posts

As the next generation of Shinawatra's move into place.

Shame to think she's doing all this time with the Facebook page tribute for her aunt at taxpayer's expense since being hired during her aunt's first month in office.

Leaders and other key members of the red shirts were rewarded yesterday as the Cabinet endorsed their appointments as officers attached to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister.

They include Paijit Aksornnarong, Thanakrit Cha-emnoi (also known as Wanchana Kerddee), Weera Choosathan, Chavarat Urasayanan, Rangsee Serichaijaimoong, Pol Colonel Sa-ngiem Samranrat, Pipatchai (aka Somchai) Paiboon, Worawut Wichaidit and Atthachai Anantamek.

Government Spokeswoman Titima Chaisang said radio host Anusorn Iamsa-ard had been appointed deputy government spokesman not because he was a red shirt, but because he was a friendly and determined man with extensive political knowledge.

Also among the appointees were key people connected to the Shinawatras, such as Chaiyika Wongnapachan, a daughter of Yaowaret Shinawatra, who is a sister of Prime Minister Yingluck and ex-premier Thaksin.

http://www.thaivisa....d/#entry4653054

Edited November 9, 2012 by Buchholz

[philw]

At the order of an "overseas person", Phumtham Wechayachai, chief of a 10-member special force named "Cyber Warriors", has opened a new political battlefront in the social networks with a "war room" at the Pheu Thai Party's headquarters. Their daily routine is to screen information from the cyber-world and forward it to the party's strategic team, which will order the party's spokesman team to call a press conference to counter or inform the public on certain issues.

It obvious that TVF is being monitored by "War room", but I wonder if any of these "Cyber Warriors" are members who regularly post?

That could be the case, I think.

[philw]

Apart from Oak's fan page, the Pheu Thai Party has another team led by Chayika Wongnapachan, Yaowaret Shinawatra's daughter, to manage Yingluck Shinawatra's Facebook page by posting all positive information about the prime minister.

Chayika's public Google+ profile

https://plus.google....698138137/posts

As the next generation of Shinawatra's move into place.

Shame to think she's doing all this time with the Facebook page tribute for her aunt at taxpayer's expense since being hired during her aunt's first month in office.

Leaders and other key members of the red shirts were rewarded yesterday as the Cabinet endorsed their appointments as officers attached to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister.

They include Paijit Aksornnarong, Thanakrit Cha-emnoi (also known as Wanchana Kerddee), Weera Choosathan, Chavarat Urasayanan, Rangsee Serichaijaimoong, Pol Colonel Sa-ngiem Samranrat, Pipatchai (aka Somchai) Paiboon, Worawut Wichaidit and Atthachai Anantamek.

Government Spokeswoman Titima Chaisang said radio host Anusorn Iamsa-ard had been appointed deputy government spokesman not because he was a red shirt, but because he was a friendly and determined man with extensive political knowledge.

Also among the appointees were key people connected to the Shinawatras, such as Chaiyika Wongnapachan, a daughter of Yaowaret Shinawatra, who is a sister of Prime Minister Yingluck and ex-premier Thaksin.

http://www.thaivisa....d/#entry4653054

Good of you to devote such time to researching face book.

It helps us a lot.

[Nickymaster]

Apart from Oak's fan page, the Pheu Thai Party has another team led by Chayika Wongnapachan, Yaowaret Shinawatra's daughter, to manage Yingluck Shinawatra's Facebook page by posting all positive information about the prime minister.

Chayika's public Google+ profile

https://plus.google....698138137/posts

As the next generation of Shinawatra's move into place.

Shame to think she's doing all this time with the Facebook page tribute for her aunt at taxpayer's expense since being hired during her aunt's first month in office.

Leaders and other key members of the red shirts were rewarded yesterday as the Cabinet endorsed their appointments as officers attached to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister.

They include Paijit Aksornnarong, Thanakrit Cha-emnoi (also known as Wanchana Kerddee), Weera Choosathan, Chavarat Urasayanan, Rangsee Serichaijaimoong, Pol Colonel Sa-ngiem Samranrat, Pipatchai (aka Somchai) Paiboon, Worawut Wichaidit and Atthachai Anantamek.

Government Spokeswoman Titima Chaisang said radio host Anusorn Iamsa-ard had been appointed deputy government spokesman not because he was a red shirt, but because he was a friendly and determined man with extensive political knowledge.

Also among the appointees were key people connected to the Shinawatras, such as Chaiyika Wongnapachan, a daughter of Yaowaret Shinawatra, who is a sister of Prime Minister Yingluck and ex-premier Thaksin.

http://www.thaivisa....d/#entry4653054

Good of you to devote such time to researching face book.

It helps us a lot.

Don't you think it is amazing that all those kids are political geniuses? They really cover serious topics and know already very well how to highlight their families achievements.

You will be surprised how well educated they are.

Have a look at their pages!

[Buchholz]

Apart from Oak's fan page, the Pheu Thai Party has another team led by Chayika Wongnapachan, Yaowaret Shinawatra's daughter, to manage Yingluck Shinawatra's Facebook page by posting all positive information about the prime minister.

Chayika's public Google+ profile

https://plus.google....698138137/posts

As the next generation of Shinawatra's move into place.

Shame to think she's doing all this time with the Facebook page tribute for her aunt at taxpayer's expense since being hired during her aunt's first month in office.

Leaders and other key members of the red shirts were rewarded yesterday as the Cabinet endorsed their appointments as officers attached to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister.

They include Paijit Aksornnarong, Thanakrit Cha-emnoi (also known as Wanchana Kerddee), Weera Choosathan, Chavarat Urasayanan, Rangsee Serichaijaimoong, Pol Colonel Sa-ngiem Samranrat, Pipatchai (aka Somchai) Paiboon, Worawut Wichaidit and Atthachai Anantamek.

Government Spokeswoman Titima Chaisang said radio host Anusorn Iamsa-ard had been appointed deputy government spokesman not because he was a red shirt, but because he was a friendly and determined man with extensive political knowledge.

Also among the appointees were key people connected to the Shinawatras, such as Chaiyika Wongnapachan, a daughter of Yaowaret Shinawatra, who is a sister of Prime Minister Yingluck and ex-premier Thaksin.

http://www.thaivisa....d/#entry4653054

Good of you to devote such time to researching face book.

It helps us a lot.

You're welcome.

Documenting the expanding ranks of the Shinawatra clan is worthwhile, even if it only took around 45 seconds to find and post the above.

As said, however, as these clan members are part of the billionaire club of Shinawatra, one would hope they could at least carry out their propaganda duties on their own dime, instead of collecting wages from taxpayer public funds for their dubious activities.

.

[OzMick]

You're welcome.

Documenting the expanding ranks of the Shinawatra clan is worthwhile, even if it only took around 45 seconds to find and post the above.

As said, however, as these clan members are part of the billionaire club of Shinawatra, one would hope they could at least carry out their propaganda duties on their own dime, instead of collecting wages from taxpayer public funds for their dubious activities.

For the Shinawatras, it's a version of weaning, though they're only moving from the family tit to the public one.

Leeches might be a closer comparison, except Shinawatras take much longer to drop off. The comparison does however give the appropriate sense of distaste/disgust and dispels any false impression that the donation is willingly given.

[Baerboxer]

The social media gives opportunity for morons to make absolutely stupid statements so that the idiots that follow it can laugh at them.

Besides the farcical assassination plot, there was also an American girl who "tweeted" after Obama's victory "I am moving to Australia where the president is a christian who does what he says" (more or less) completely missing that the Oz PM is a woman and an atheist. D'oh!

I think she meant NZ