Thaksin Returns As Pm

John K · May 21, 2006

Bangkok post Sunday May 21, 2006

Thaksin to go back to work

Country needs me before poll, he says

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will take the helm back from his deputy Chidchai Wannasathit next week. ''I have to work. There are several months to go before the general election. If I don't work, the country will be in trouble,'' he said.

Mr Thaksin took indefinite leave after the April 2 snap election, saying he would return when the new government was formed.

He said security authorities would discuss the situation in the deep South tomorrow following the hostage situation in Narathiwat's Rangae district.

Mr Thaksin yesterday accepted a petition from 200 operators of Subaru mini-vans who gathered in front of his residence on Charan Sanitwong road to seek help.

The Subaru operators faced a crackdown after being accused by private bus and minibus operators of providing services on their routes and stealing their income.

Mr Thaksin promised to bring the matter to the attention of the Transport Ministry and the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

Meanwhile, Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon yesterday raised concerns about the caretaker government's plan to hasten spending of the 30-billion-baht fund.

He also demanded the caretaker government ensure the budget is not spent in a way that benefits a particular party.

On Friday the caretaker government ordered governors to speed up disbursement of the 30-billion-baht fund to shore up the economy.

The government also revived the war on drugs and offered scholarships, in what was seen as a sign that Mr Thaksin wants to take back the national leadership.

Sondhi Limthongkul, leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said Mr Thaksin had gone back on his word. A few days after the April 2 general election, Mr Thaksin had gone on television pledging to step aside as prime minister to defuse escalating political tension.

John K · May 21, 2006

This is simply just one of the events that could be predicted. In fact I would bet that Helen Keller could see this coming with her cane. At this point he has in my mind totally discredited himself as his word is worthless. With this action I feel he truly believes that everyone else in government is just a bunch of idiots and only he has the ability to run things. But come to think of it according to the Wikipedia encyclopedia:

Cronyism is partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to public office without regard for their qualifications.

Dig a little deeper and you will see a lot more. He I am sure will be doing his best to stop the pending extinction of the TRT party by changing laws quickly.... oops, I forgot he fired everyone a few months ago.

Future headlines:

“Anti government rallies start again”

“PM moving his fortune out of reach of asset freezing”

“Government sanctioned police action escalates”

“Court rules against TRT”

“PM Thaksin indited”

“Democratic party HQ bombed again”

“Military intervenes”

“Political chaos hurts Thailand’s tourism”

“New EC seated”

“Election date set for late July”

RAMPAGE · May 21, 2006

I've been told by a Thai with very senior connections in the international law enforcement community that the reason Thaksin and his wife are hanging on by their fingertips to power is because they fear being charged with money-laundering (the penalty for which is asset confiscation). Don't forget that for the past five years 10% of every department's budget has been padded with this amount going direct to TRT. Apparently a lot of this money is now in the Cayman Islands.

The Phillippines had Ferdinand and Imelda and we have Thaksin and Pojaman. Some things never change.

John K · May 21, 2006

Yes I am sure that is very true, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. It would seem right now he is like a duck. Above the water he appears graceful moving about. Below the water he is paddling like crazy.

I think things in the next 2 weeks will be like cluster bomb going off. Bits and pieces of his empire exploding all around by one of the few laws he forgot to change.

I think this is a good time to make some popcorn then sit back and watch.

ilyushin · May 21, 2006

Back by popular demand !?!

Work? Country? Election? Need me?

bkkjosh · May 21, 2006

Back by popular demand !?!
Work? Country? Election? Need me?

Whats the general thought? Sondhi's going to do a fantastic job? He's got the brains to lift economic growth? He's going to put pressure on major markets to accept thailands rice and other important exports?

Anyone taken any notice of what Thaksin has actually achieved since being in office and compared that to the last 3 or 4 prime ministers in Thailand?

Maybe there'll even be an attempt made to start the mega-projects again, cause lets face it, thailand (bangkok in particular) needs more infrastructure.

I'd like to know from all the people who hate Thaksin out there who they're top 3 candidates to take over his job (from other parties mind you, I'm not going to make it that easy) and why they think these candidates could do a suitable job.

Prakanong2005 · May 21, 2006

Thaksin might have moved his own money through the Caymans but I bet its in a safer haven.

First time I have heard the 10% of all Govt money going to him but then its a friend of a freind being asked as being a credible witness

tettyan · May 21, 2006

Anyone taken any notice of what Thaksin has actually achieved since being in office and compared that to the last 3 or 4 prime ministers in Thailand?
Maybe there'll even be an attempt made to start the mega-projects again, cause lets face it, thailand (bangkok in particular) needs more infrastructure.

There are certainly many lines you can use to defend Thaksin, but you've gotta be kidding me if you're trying to defend him on the matter of "infrastructure" development! This is the guy who promised as Deputy PM in Banharn's government in 1995 that he would solve BKK's traffic problems in six months!

The Skytrain was started in 1995 under the Chuan I government. Construction of the subway started in 1999 under Chuan II. So what has Thaksin done in his five years? Well, for one, he delayed the subway project in order to give his cronies a better shot at winning a piece of the contract. Also, don't forget his attempt to VETO the Democrat-let Bangkok city administration's efforts to extend the Skytrain to Thonburi and Samrong, despite widespread public support for the plans. So, aside from that how many tracks been laid for new rail projects during his five years? ZERO! Well, if you want to judge Thaksin on his "achievements" in Bangkok, there you have it!

BTW - The mega-projects have always been a ruse to lure guillible voters. After announcing the projects three years ago, the gov't still hasn't even gotten around to putting together a financing plan. The dirty little secret is that the money for the projects was never there in the first place (esp after squandering 100 billion baht on the oil subsidy)...

Edited May 21, 2006 by tettyan

John K · May 21, 2006

Back by popular demand !?!

Work? Country? Election? Need me?

Whats the general thought? Sondhi's going to do a fantastic job? He's got the brains to lift economic growth? He's going to put pressure on major markets to accept thailands rice and other important exports?

Anyone taken any notice of what Thaksin has actually achieved since being in office and compared that to the last 3 or 4 prime ministers in Thailand?

Maybe there'll even be an attempt made to start the mega-projects again, cause lets face it, thailand (bangkok in particular) needs more infrastructure.

I'd like to know from all the people who hate Thaksin out there who they're top 3 candidates to take over his job (from other parties mind you, I'm not going to make it that easy) and why they think these candidates could do a suitable job.

It is not what he did, but how he did it that is the issue.

In a democratic society it takes time to debate and then vote on any change. The fact that he can put changes in place in the amount of time it takes to type the document is not democratic. There is only one type of government that can do that and that too starts with the letter “D.”

When you are in public office your job is to serve the people. The moment you forget that and start serving yourself you cease being a politician and become something else. It would only seem that changes that occurred directly benefitted him. If the people of Thailand benefitted it was simply by chance.

The fact he is so arrogant and simply says everything he does is for him. He is not even trying to hid that anymore, it’s right out in the open. His approach is so predictable, he knows he is in trouble and he will try to use the power of the PM office to put it down as he has done so many times in the past. He must have a set so big you could use them to anchor a cruse ship.

Edited May 21, 2006 by john Krukowski

britmaveric · May 21, 2006

Good news!!!

sriracha john · May 21, 2006

Back by popular demand !?!

Work? Country? Election? Need me?

Whats the general thought? Sondhi's going to do a fantastic job? He's got the brains to lift economic growth? He's going to put pressure on major markets to accept thailands rice and other important exports?

Anyone taken any notice of what Thaksin has actually achieved since being in office and compared that to the last 3 or 4 prime ministers in Thailand?

Maybe there'll even be an attempt made to start the mega-projects again, cause lets face it, thailand (bangkok in particular) needs more infrastructure.

I'd like to know from all the people who hate Thaksin out there who they're top 3 candidates to take over his job (from other parties mind you, I'm not going to make it that easy) and why they think these candidates could do a suitable job.

Better candidates than Thaksin *in ranked order*:

1) The older woman who scavenges plastic out of the neighborhood rubbish bin.

Why: She's honest and hard-working.

2) The ice-delivery worker who brings the big blocks of ice to a neighborhood store in his motorcycle sidecar.

Why: He contributes postively to Thailand's betterment

3) The local post office clerk.

Why: She's diligent, sincere, and fair.

Edited May 21, 2006 by sriracha john

bkkjosh · May 21, 2006

Anyone taken any notice of what Thaksin has actually achieved since being in office and compared that to the last 3 or 4 prime ministers in Thailand?

Maybe there'll even be an attempt made to start the mega-projects again, cause lets face it, thailand (bangkok in particular) needs more infrastructure.

There are certainly many lines you can use to defend Thaksin, but you've gotta be kidding me if you're trying to defend him on the matter of "infrastructure" development! This is the guy who promised as Deputy PM in Banharn's government in 1995 that he would solve BKK's traffic problems in six months!

The Skytrain was started in 1995 under the Chuan I government. Construction of the subway started in 1999 under Chuan II. So what has Thaksin done in his five years? Well, for one, he delayed the subway project in order to give his cronies a better shot at winning a piece of the contract. Also, don't forget his attempt to VETO the Democrat-let Bangkok city administration's efforts to extend the Skytrain to Thonburi and Samrong, despite widespread public support for the plans. So, aside from that how many tracks been laid for new rail projects during his five years? ZERO! Well, if you want to judge Thaksin on his "achievements" in Bangkok, there you have it!

BTW - The mega-projects have always been a ruse to lure guillible voters. After announcing the projects three years ago, the gov't still hasn't even gotten around to putting together a financing plan. The dirty little secret is that the money for the projects was never there in the first place (esp after squandering 100 billion baht on the oil subsidy)...

I wasn't defending him on infrastructure development (it was more lack of any better choices), but do you really feel that things are going to progress at all in the current set of circumstances?

Have you seen Lat Phrao junction? Did you see it 18 months ago? That maze of new roads came up very quickly, even by western standards.

You mention tracks not being laid. Once again you seem to have your facts wrong. There was a total rail rehabilitation (It really needed it too) on the southern line (from bangkok to hat yai) that was completed in 2002. How do I know this? Because a close friend of mine was an engineer on the job and was located in chumphon.

BTW - I know some of the contractors that have been "gullible" enough to tender bids on these mega-projects.

Your kidding yourself if you think a a new leader is going to stop corruption in government. Your absolutely kidding yourself. A few cheap cracks about corruption? Thats the best you've got?

bkkjosh · May 21, 2006

Back by popular demand !?!

Work? Country? Election? Need me?

Whats the general thought? Sondhi's going to do a fantastic job? He's got the brains to lift economic growth? He's going to put pressure on major markets to accept thailands rice and other important exports?

Anyone taken any notice of what Thaksin has actually achieved since being in office and compared that to the last 3 or 4 prime ministers in Thailand?

Maybe there'll even be an attempt made to start the mega-projects again, cause lets face it, thailand (bangkok in particular) needs more infrastructure.

I'd like to know from all the people who hate Thaksin out there who they're top 3 candidates to take over his job (from other parties mind you, I'm not going to make it that easy) and why they think these candidates could do a suitable job.

Better candidates than Thaksin *in ranked order*:

1) The older woman who scavenges plastic out of the neighborhood rubbish bin.

Why: She's honest and hard-working.

2) The ice-delivery worker who brings the big blocks of ice to a neighborhood store in his motorcycle sidecar.

Why: He contributes postively to Thailand's betterment

3) The local post office clerk.

Why: She's diligent, sincere, and fair.

Your hilarious. I guess you don't have to worry though right, because you don't have to vote anyway, and I'm sure your probably retired and don't work or pay tax (in this coutry), so I'm sure your helpful little list doesn't add up to great deal. Thanks for the laugh anyway

tettyan · May 21, 2006

Anyone taken any notice of what Thaksin has actually achieved since being in office and compared that to the last 3 or 4 prime ministers in Thailand?

Maybe there'll even be an attempt made to start the mega-projects again, cause lets face it, thailand (bangkok in particular) needs more infrastructure.

There are certainly many lines you can use to defend Thaksin, but you've gotta be kidding me if you're trying to defend him on the matter of "infrastructure" development! This is the guy who promised as Deputy PM in Banharn's government in 1995 that he would solve BKK's traffic problems in six months!

The Skytrain was started in 1995 under the Chuan I government. Construction of the subway started in 1999 under Chuan II. So what has Thaksin done in his five years? Well, for one, he delayed the subway project in order to give his cronies a better shot at winning a piece of the contract. Also, don't forget his attempt to VETO the Democrat-let Bangkok city administration's efforts to extend the Skytrain to Thonburi and Samrong, despite widespread public support for the plans. So, aside from that how many tracks been laid for new rail projects during his five years? ZERO! Well, if you want to judge Thaksin on his "achievements" in Bangkok, there you have it!

BTW - The mega-projects have always been a ruse to lure guillible voters. After announcing the projects three years ago, the gov't still hasn't even gotten around to putting together a financing plan. The dirty little secret is that the money for the projects was never there in the first place (esp after squandering 100 billion baht on the oil subsidy)...

I wasn't defending him on infrastructure development (it was more lack of any better choices), but do you really feel that things are going to progress at all in the current set of circumstances?

Have you seen Lat Phrao junction? Did you see it 18 months ago? That maze of new roads came up very quickly, even by western standards.

You mention tracks not being laid. Once again you seem to have your facts wrong. There was a total rail rehabilitation (It really needed it too) on the southern line (from bangkok to hat yai) that was completed in 2002. How do I know this? Because a close friend of mine was an engineer on the job and was located in chumphon.

BTW - I know some of the contractors that have been "gullible" enough to tender bids on these mega-projects.

Your kidding yourself if you think a a new leader is going to stop corruption in government. Your absolutely kidding yourself. A few cheap cracks about corruption? Thats the best you've got?

I'm familiar with the Lat Phrao junction project. That's the initiative of the (Democrat-controlled) Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), not TRT.

The rail rehabilitation projects were initiated under previous governments. But anyways, I was talking about mass transit projects in the capital. And aside from the Airport Link project (in which cracks have already been found in the foundation pillars), everything we have now has been the initiative of previous governments. When you consider that this government's term of office has been longer than any previous elected governments' (which did manage to get projects off the ground despite all the odds), this lack of progress is nothing to proud of.

Which mega-projects are you talking about? The Purple and Orange lines? The government hasn't even delivered the terms of reference yet. They blame the delay on the political crisis, but the truth is that they had postponed the deadline at least twice before Sondhi and the PAD came along - they were behind schedule already.

I wasn't really talking corruption, but if you want, I could go on. My point was on the dismal lack of progress on mass transit projects in Bangkok. There was real progress on this front before TRT came to power. After they came to power, all progress has stopped because of incessent political meddling which has caused constant delays to the plans. Sure, with all their talk TRT always gives the impression that they're doing something, but since you point out we should look for concrete results, I have, and I see very little.

And yes, Thaksin has been front and center in stalling the Skytrain extensions (without him, we'd at least have BTS to Thonburi by now). Don't believe me? Come back after you've read this link first: The Skytrain Extension Controversy (after reading the preface, the page should be read from bottom up, as it's in reverse chronological order).

Edited May 21, 2006 by tettyan

ilyushin · May 21, 2006

Back by popular demand !?!

Work? Country? Election? Need me?

Whats the general thought? Sondhi's going to do a fantastic job? He's got the brains to lift economic growth? He's going to put pressure on major markets to accept thailands rice and other important exports?

Anyone taken any notice of what Thaksin has actually achieved since being in office and compared that to the last 3 or 4 prime ministers in Thailand?

Maybe there'll even be an attempt made to start the mega-projects again, cause lets face it, thailand (bangkok in particular) needs more infrastructure.

I'd like to know from all the people who hate Thaksin out there who they're top 3 candidates to take over his job (from other parties mind you, I'm not going to make it that easy) and why they think these candidates could do a suitable job.

Better candidates than Thaksin *in ranked order*:

1) The older woman who scavenges plastic out of the neighborhood rubbish bin.

Why: She's honest and hard-working.

2) The ice-delivery worker who brings the big blocks of ice to a neighborhood store in his motorcycle sidecar.

Why: He contributes postively to Thailand's betterment

3) The local post office clerk.

Why: She's diligent, sincere, and fair.

I like that selection S. John. Get change of faces and background to make a better LoS.

In with the new and out with the old.

jdinasia · May 21, 2006

Your hilarious. I guess you don't have to worry though right, because you don't have to vote anyway, and I'm sure your probably retired and don't work or pay tax (in this coutry), so I'm sure your helpful little list doesn't add up to great deal. Thanks for the laugh anyway

C'mon Josh .... I am guessing YOU don't get a vote here either ....

I don't know if SRJ works or not .... none of my business and a moot point ... the ageist shot at being retired was tacky ... and may be innaccurate but who cares .... chances are SRJ's paid more taxes fees and spent more here than you (or me for that matter). Those of us that ARE invested in Thailand with our homes and cars and lives do have to worry. Pretty simple fact.

The sad fact is that his list is valid for the reasons he stated .... One honest and diligent person even without stellar work references in the way of having been CEO's etc. Can do great things with a country ... I am sure whatever country you came from has a few average Joes that headed up the Gov't at some point.

Do spend a bit of time to research the good things that have been accomplished by Thai governments and see WHICH Gov't actually got it going ... Then spend a few moments looking at who was working in finance in say ... late 96 and 97 ...

Edited May 21, 2006 by jdinasia

bkkjosh · May 21, 2006

Your hilarious. I guess you don't have to worry though right, because you don't have to vote anyway, and I'm sure your probably retired and don't work or pay tax (in this coutry), so I'm sure your helpful little list doesn't add up to great deal. Thanks for the laugh anyway

C'mon Josh .... I am guessing YOU don't get a vote here either ....

I don't know if SRJ works or not .... none of my business and a moot point ... the ageist shot at being retired was tacky ... and may be innaccurate but who cares .... chances are SRJ's paid more taxes fees and spent more here than you (or me for that matter). Those of us that ARE invested in Thailand with our homes and cars and lives do have to worry. Pretty simple fact.

The sad fact is that his list is valid for the reasons he stated .... One honest and diligent person even without stellar work references in the way of having been CEO's etc. Can do great things with a country ... I am sure whatever country you came from has a few average Joes that headed up the Gov't at some point.

Do spend a bit of time to research the good things that have been accomplished by Thai governments and see WHICH Gov't actually got it going ... Then spend a few moments looking at who was working in finance in say ... late 96 and 97 ...

No your right, *I* don't get a vote here either. Sarcastic comments in political threads really don't interest me to be honest. I respect that you have your own opinion, I have been aware of the policital situation here for 10yrs+. I don't believe everything I read in the bangkok post/nation.

Each to their own

george · May 21, 2006

PM must work or quit: Chat Thai

BANGKOK: -- Chat Thai Party deputy leader Weerasak Khowsurat suggested yesterday that caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra either return to work on the country's economic problems or resign.

Weerasak said the economy appeared to be heading towards a crisis as a result of the government's aggressive stimulus packages over the past five years.

The country faced major economic problems, he said, from rising oil prices, a slowdown in exports due to a stronger baht, rising interest rates, declining consumer purchasing power, and a downturn in the tourism sector.

"If we compare the country to a ship, Thaksin is the captain. He is supposed to be steering the ship but instead he has taken leave.

"Now, the ship is heading for an iceberg and the people cannot wait any longer. If the ship hits the iceberg, Thaksin cannot deny responsibility by saying he can't control the ship," Weerasak said.

"We are not calling for his return, but he must resign or come back to work," he said.

Thaksin's taking leave could not be interpreted as "taking a political break". He had promised on April 4 not to accept the post.

Chat Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa suggested last week it was time for Thaksin to return to help solve the worsening economic and drug problems.

But former Constitution drafter Kanin Boonsuwan criticised Banharn's suggestion, saying "it was an easy trick" to argue that worsening economic and drug problems warranted his return. "It's not a good reason. When Thaksin was in power, the drug problem was also there," he said.

--The Nation 2006-05-22

george · May 21, 2006

Update:

'It's just a grab for power'

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party yesterday accused Thaksin Shinawatra of a blatant grab for power, following his announcement he was back on the job.

"The only reason is he wants to maintain the Thaksin regime," Democrat deputy spokesman Satit Pitutecha said at his party headquarters.

"It's clear that strings will be pulled with the ultimate goal of winning the [next] election and retaining power," he said, adding Thaksin wanted to be at the helm in the run-up to the next general election.

Satit said Thaksin would have to be held accountable for unanswered questions which culminated in public pressure that forced him to take "a break from politics".

The ruling Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday defended Thaksin's decision to resume leadership of the government, following his one-month hiatus.

In early April, Thaksin said in a nationally televised address he would only perform certain tasks as prime minister and would not assume the position until a new government was formed.

However, Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan said yesterday there were five major issues that needed Thaksin's urgent attention: the economy; soaring oil prices; a "new" narcotics problem; a "worsening" situation in the deep South; and the upcoming celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

She claimed the political situation had changed tremendously from the day Thaksin announced his sabbatical. The next election was now at least five months away and it would do more harm than good for the country to have no leader.

Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman Sutin Klungsang said Thaksin decided to resume his duties following calls for him to return to resolve the country's problems.

Caretaker Deputy Premier Chidchai Vanasatidya, who has stood in for Thaksin, said the prime minister had to resume office when the need arose.

'It's just a grab for power'

The Democrat Party yesterday accused Thaksin Shinawatra of a blatant grab for power, following his announcement he was back on the job.