Thai Army strongly slams Thaksin’s lawyer, Robert Amsterdam

[Asiantravel]

I wonder when the army will slam Suthep who by now should be facing charges of Les Majeste ?

[DGIE]

On the Army’s neutral role to the current political crisis, Amsterdam said “Of course, “neutral” in the Thai context, means that you tacitly and explicitly accept anti-democratic forces as a given, natural part of the political discourse. Neutrality in this instance is a non-existent opportunistic chimera created purely to divert a proper analysis of the real conditions within which the Thai Army operate.”

I do recall the army was called upon by a former PM and they did came out to protect the country against non-democratic forces. I remember that particular mob attempted to burn Bangkok. Mr. Amsterdam, do you know who the paymaster of that mob was?

Now, this government also has a puppeteer. Mr. Amsterdam, do you know who this puppeteer is?

You need look no further, just raise you head and look up above you!

Perhaps you may like to teach us your definition of Democracy, and we will gladly listen when your strings are no longer being pulled.

Of course Amsterdam spoke in behalf of Thaksin. He is paid by Thaksin, right? So,why should he speak in favor of the army?

[Thait Spot]

I wonder when the army will slam Suthep who by now should be facing charges of Les Majeste ?

Les who?

Patterson?

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[daboyz1]

robert amsterdam is an absolute asshol_e!

Nail meet head. Another one of Thaksin's puppets. R.A. probably gets paid better than his others.

[daboyz1]

Almost sounds like Thaksin is pushing for a coup through his lawyer.

[phutoie2]

Prayuth says jump and YS say how high. That's: what matters here. Ignore what this Amsterdam says. Is that really his surname?, must be a Yank.

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[Prbkk]

I certainly agree with Mt Amsterdam's comment about the silence of groups like Amnesty International. Who is the local director? Deafening silence from her on a whole range of issues to do with Thailand othe than a weak media release urging govt restraint. Get real, lady....it's not the govt engaging in abuse here

[Pawpcorn]

Simply Thaksin throwing money around (again).

Does Amsterdam write this if not being paid? I don't think so, I don't think he pays any attention without Thaksin pay.

It's just the same as the 500thb for a vote, many talk "Democracy" but how can you have "Democracy" when poor, il-educated people cast their votes for the one that gives them 500thb and buys a couple rounds of beers?

Mr. Amsterdam has not represented the former PM for quite some time. I believe he was speaking from his position as an internationally recognized expert in human rights law.

The Thaksin Boiler-Room Writer's award of 2014!!!

[daboyz1]

I must have missed Amsterdam's op-ed on Democracy in 2006 when the Prime Minister at the time refused to step aside after the elections were declared invalid, and he never got a royal endorsement.

[moonao]

Nothing wrong with the article and its pretty accurate. The military could easily say there will be no blocking roads, shutting down govt buildings and utilities. This could stop any future circus type protest events which we all agree which ever side does it is completely unacceptable.

It's so bloody obvious the army wants the current government to fall. If the Reds staged the same BS, they'd be mowed down to a nub. The Army's actions are laughable. "we will not stage a coup but do everything in our power to ensure chaos reigns until it's absolutely necessary to send in the boots and the bullets. Crap!"

Spot on.

For the benefit of casual and unregistered Thai visa, readers, the army and a lot of Thai Visa posters don't like what Amsterdam writes because it cuts too close to the bone.

Those posters are a vocal minority on Thai Visa and certainly don't represent the majority of Thai opinion.

[Zooheekock]

Those posters are a vocal minority on Thai Visa and certainly don't represent the majority of Thai opinion.

The latter part is self-evidently true but I'm not so sure about the first half, and in any case, The Nation dictates the party line on this forum.

[Mentors]

The Thai Army has a big problem this first time, because their bosses behind the thick wall are strong divided. So the Army have to wait for that outcome.

[daboyz1]

It's so bloody obvious the army wants the current government to fall. If the Reds staged the same BS, they'd be mowed down to a nub. The Army's actions are laughable. "we will not stage a coup but do everything in our power to ensure chaos reigns until it's absolutely necessary to send in the boots and the bullets. Crap!"

Spot on.

For the benefit of casual and unregistered Thai visa, readers, the army and a lot of Thai Visa posters don't like what Amsterdam writes because it cuts too close to the bone.

Those posters are a vocal minority on Thai Visa and certainly don't represent the majority of Thai opinion.

Not spot on at all. I guess some forget that Bangkok was held hostage by a mob in 2010 for TWO MONTHS before the army did anything. All the while being paid by their master in Dubai. The when the army (because the Thaskin owned police agencies wouldn't do anything) stepped in to clear them out, they proceeded to set a bunch of fires. The army didn't just walk in there and start shooting on day 1. It was after two plus months.

[Mentors]

The Thai Army has a big problem this first time, because their bosses behind the thick wall are strong divided. So the Army have to wait for that outcome.

[Prbkk]

It's so bloody obvious the army wants the current government to fall. If the Reds staged the same BS, they'd be mowed down to a nub. The Army's actions are laughable. "we will not stage a coup but do everything in our power to ensure chaos reigns until it's absolutely necessary to send in the boots and the bullets. Crap!"

Spot on.

For the benefit of casual and unregistered Thai visa, readers, the army and a lot of Thai Visa posters don't like what Amsterdam writes because it cuts too close to the bone.

Those posters are a vocal minority on Thai Visa and certainly don't represent the majority of Thai opinion.

Not spot on at all. I guess some forget that Bangkok was held hostage by a mob in 2010 for TWO MONTHS before the army did anything. All the while being paid by their master in Dubai. The when the army (because the Thaskin owned police agencies wouldn't do anything) stepped in to clear them out, they proceeded to set a bunch of fires. The army didn't just walk in there and start shooting on day 1. It was after two plus months.

Well, those questions have not yet been answered. They are the subject of ongoing investigation but it has been difficult to get full cooperation, as far as I understand it

[daboyz1]

Well, those questions have not yet been answered. They are the subject of ongoing investigation but it has been difficult to get full cooperation, as far as I understand it

What questions?

[Maha Sarakham Marty]

And the problem with your argument is that Amsterday is the paid mouthpiece of a convicted fugitive from justice and therefor anything but unbiased.

He no longer represents the former PM.

Then I guess the title to the thread should be changed?

It's valid. He's still Thaksin's lawyer.

Never hurts to have a look for yourself at what some posters on here claim, no matter how assured they may sound.

Thaksin Shinawatra's Canadian lawyer Robert Amsterdam was red-faced last week after a nasty message got loose from his Twitter account.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Thems-fightin-tweets-Thaksin-lawyer-sorry-for-bein-30220916.html

That link goes to a story about

The link was provided simply to point out that Amsterdam remains Thaksin's lawyer. The remaining article itself was immaterial to that point.

This was provided simply because it was near the top of google search results that reflected that and was submitted as direct evidence to refute geriatrickid's erroneous claim.

[Maha Sarakham Marty]

One question:

the press continues to use the adjective "fugitive" before his name. Is that really fair?

Yes. Absolutely.

[Prbkk]

I'd still like to see General Prayuth try to broker a compromise solution through discussions with the PM and the more liberal members of the Democrats (eg, Korn) . I'm sure the 3 or 4 more reasonable ant-Thaksin posters here would agree

Edited January 11, 2014 by Prbkk

[Maha Sarakham Marty]

A question to the Brits, Aussies and canucks out there?

How long do you think this could go on in your country before the military and other people were told to step in and stop it.

Within a few months of his first election in 2001 when billions were found in the accounts of his servants.

[dukebowling]

The army discredits itself when it rips up the country's constitution and forcefully overthrows its democratic form of government in the act of a coup.

People supporting a coup deserve neither liberty nor safety.

..."democratic form of government" ... are you f***ing serious...???!!

Yes, why?

[Zooheekock]

I'd still like to see General Prayuth try to broker a compromise solution through discussions with the PM and the more liberal members of the Democrats (eg, Korn) .

1. It's not the army's job and they have too much influence over politics already. If there were no danger of the army getting involved, Suthep and the fascist movement would be somewhat less keen to run into battle. The way out of this is to keep the army away from power, not make them even more central to the functioning of the state.

2. There's no compromise between democracy and dictatorship. The only thing which needs to be done is for that relatively small section of society who support the fascists simply to grow up. There are obviously problems with Thailand - just as there are with every country - but they are not going to be solved by listening to Suthep. He's been charged with murder and rebellion and his case needs to go to court.

3. Korn is about as liberal as Goebbels (but a lot dumber). Alongkorn, perhaps, but he was voted out of his position in December as the Democrats (sic) finally gave up on democratic politics entirely and threw themselves over totally to acquiring power through street politics and other (more violent or more brazenly undemocratic) extra-parliamentary means.

[Skywalker69]

And the problem with your argument is that Amsterday is the paid mouthpiece of a convicted fugitive from justice and therefor anything but unbiased.

He no longer represents the former PM.

R.A. represents the Red Shirts.

[marstons]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

Just for the record he was voted in by winning the majority of the voters, sort of thing that happens in Europe and USA, now an example of what a dictator is take a look at North Korea.

Can really never be the place of the army to take this role. Obviously paving the way for a true dictator.

noun

• a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.

[Skywalker69]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

Just for the record he was voted in by winning the majority of the voters, sort of thing that happens in Europe and USA, now an example of what a dictator is take a look at North Korea.

Can really never be the place of the army to take this role. Obviously paving the way for a true dictator.

noun

• a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.

Just for the record. Buying your way to become PM has nothing to do with democracy.

How Thai tycoon Thaksin bought his way to power.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-KEwNQMQrw

http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2011/07/13/dark-reality-to-vote-buying-in-thailand/

[SaamBaht]

I'd still like to see General Prayuth try to broker a compromise solution through discussions with the PM and the more liberal members of the Democrats (eg, Korn) .

1. It's not the army's job and they have too much influence over politics already. If there were no danger of the army getting involved, Suthep and the fascist movement would be somewhat less keen to run into battle. The way out of this is to keep the army away from power, not make them even more central to the functioning of the state.

2. There's no compromise between democracy and dictatorship. The only thing which needs to be done is for that relatively small section of society who support the fascists simply to grow up. There are obviously problems with Thailand - just as there are with every country - but they are not going to be solved by listening to Suthep. He's been charged with murder and rebellion and his case needs to go to court.

3. Korn is about as liberal as Goebbels (but a lot dumber). Alongkorn, perhaps, but he was voted out of his position in December as the Democrats (sic) finally gave up on democratic politics entirely and threw themselves over totally to acquiring power through street politics and other (more violent or more brazenly undemocratic) extra-parliamentary means.

Yeah, Korn is a bit of a disappointment. I listened to an interview he did with CNN years back before the 2006 coup. He said the Dems had a lot in common with the TRT party, like infrastructure support so forth. But he is no democrat or republican. He's a straight up power grabber.

Did you see his tweat with the Victor Hugo book cover, comparing the latest protest to the French revolution? What a load!!

[SaamBaht]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

Just for the record he was voted in by winning the majority of the voters, sort of thing that happens in Europe and USA, now an example of what a dictator is take a look at North Korea.

Can really never be the place of the army to take this role. Obviously paving the way for a true dictator.

noun

• a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.

Just for the record. Buying your way to become PM has nothing to do with democracy.

How Thai tycoon Thaksin bought his way to power.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-KEwNQMQrw

http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2011/07/13/dark-reality-to-vote-buying-in-thailand/

Why is it that people think Thaksin is the only corrupt politician in Thailand?

[geriatrickid]

Amsterdam is an undesirable person in any country.

Really? Have you informed the UK government where he practices as a solicitor?

Did you advise Canada? He was educated there and his firm maintains an office in Toronto?

Did you call up the US State Department and tell them that Mr. Amsterdam, who was born in the USA, must close his office in the USA?

Oddly enough, Mr. Amsterdam is regularly consulted by the aforementioned countries' government officials and political representatives. He continues to represent people oppressed in some countries and to receive platitudes from various human rights organizations. He must be doing something that makes him worth their support and/or interest.

[daboyz1]

I'd say he's a realist and doesn't look at Thai politics through the lens of western governments.

Well, if one looks at it through the lens of an oppressive totalitarian state such as Zimbabwe or Belarus, then yes, I can see your point.

Nice try. Even you know that comparison is laughable.

[geriatrickid]

Yeah, Korn is a bit of a disappointment. I listened to an interview he did with CNN years back before the 2006 coup. He said the Dems had a lot in common with the TRT party, like infrastructure support so forth. But he is no democrat or republican. He's a straight up power grabber.

Did you see his tweat with the Victor Hugo book cover, comparing the latest protest to the French revolution? What a load!!

He was a financier spinning investment deals before he entered government. It's in their nature to be opportunistic.

I consider former minister Korn to have been one of the most intelligent of the Democrat leadership. Unfortunately, his time spent work with the developed world took the edge of his ruthlessness so he could not compete with brutes like Suthep. He never had much of a powerbase or influence in the party. As much as some people long for a Korn led government, it would be just as dysfunctional as the Abhisit or current PTP government because he doesn't have the means to rein in the redshirts or Suthep factions of Thailand. What we see now are the extreme ends of the political spectrum suffocating those caught in between.