I Am Not Evil

[thaimeup]

I am not evil, Thaksin should tells LA Thais

Dr. Pol. Lt, General Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with Thai children born and raised in the United States who visited Government House yesterday, sadly, totally unaware of the damage he has done long before they were born.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday told tried desperately to convince overseas Thais living in Los Angeles that he is not evil, as his critics have portrayedknow him to be, and that the current political conflict has come about because the various changes evil plans he has introduced have caused unease among certain groups of people who used to enjoy special privileges he had not yet deceived or turned against in the past.

“There has been I have caused severe distortion to Thai politics at present for years,” he should have told a Los Angeles-based cable network catering to Thais living there that also broadcasts via its internet website. “I am quite tired, but I have to fend off [various obstacles] get rid of some people first so that democracy can no longer exist side by side with in Thailand.”

Speaking after receiving at Government House a group of Thai children who were born and grew up in the United States, Thaksin said: “You can be sure that I am not evil as being accused even though I can't help lying about something once a day. I am determined and dedicated [to work for the country], but not so sure if it implies breaking rocks in Bang Kwang for the rest of my life, .”

The caretaker premier stated that Thai politics in the past was characterized by a system of patronage with his own personal interest groups while the majority of the people was left out. “This has resulted in the bulk of the benefits being concentrated among the interest groups in my own pocket but not being distributed among the people.”

He should have added that things have changed and the people are being patronized and receiving direct benefits today. will no longer take it. “In a real democracy, political parties must clearly spell spill out their platforms wallets and what they will do for buying the people's votes.”

Thaksin told his audience that Thailand has come a long way since the 1997 financial crisis and is well accepted in the international community should maybe have added that the loop has almost been completed. He noted that the country’s his candidate for the post of United Nations secretary-general – caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai – stands a good chance since many countries that he visited recently have expressed their support, except the US, "George seems to be avoiding me like the bird flu nowadays..."

He should have added that the fact that Thailand is fielding Surakiart to contest the post has enhanced badly hurt the country’s reputation since no Thai has assumed this prestigious position before Surakiart praised the U.S. in a "schoolgirl meets rock star" fashion, instead of answering properly when interviewed by the U.S about the responsibilities of this position..

Thaksin revealed yesterday that he had canceled plans to fly to Germany tomorrow to watch the final of the World Cup, alone, in his hotel room, along with lifesize cardboard cutouts of world leaders in Berlin on Sunday.

He said he will be spending the weekend in Thailand with his family. Thaksin said that Germany’s failure to reach the final match after losing to Italy on Tuesday played a big part in his decision, even though he did mention publicly that he cheered for all teams earlier this week.

Source: ThaiDay - 6 July 2006

Reality added by Penzman

Well written Penzman. Funny but uncomfortably true!

[Jai Dee]

Prime Minister will take family to Pattaya over the weekend

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is preparing to take his family on a trip to Pattaya over the long weekend, without allowing the press to follow.

Dr. Thaksin said he will take his family to Pattaya in Chonburi province and will not allow members of the press to follow him because he will not be giving out any news over the weekend period. The premier disclosed that his family will depart from Bangkok after he finishes his “Prime Minister Thaksin Talks to the People” radio program, and will be back in the capital for the candle procession on Asarahabucha Day.

Today, Dr. Thaksin still declined to return an answer to reporters' questions about the "influential figure" outside of the Constitution's power.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 7 July 2006

[John K]

Well there goes my long weekend at the beach.

[John K]

Protests scheduled at Thai Embassies this Sunday

The anti-Thaksin movement in the US has campaigned for Thais overseas to stage protests on Sunday in front of each Thai Embassy in their respective countries.

The movement said in a statement dated July 5 that the Sunday rally is being called to protest against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's speech on June 29 in which claimed that "a leading figure with clout" has secretly campaigned to topple his government.

The statement said Thaksin, however, refused to name the figure when asked. His accusation led people to assume that he meant Privy Councillor President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda or HM the King. This is not the first time that Thaksin has made this kind of remark, read the movement's statement.

Therefore all Thais, no matter where they are, should gather to protest in front of the Thai Embassies of their countries on Sunday from 10am to midday.

Meanwhile the People's Alliance for Democracy announced in Bangkok that it would hold another massive rally at Sanam Luang next Friday to pressure caretaker prime minister to resign.

The five PAD decision makers told a press conference that the rally would begin at Sanam Luang and the demonstrators would parade to Government House.

The press conference was held by Sondhi Limthongkul, Pipop Thongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk, Chamlong Srimuang, and Suriyasai Katasila.

The PAD leaders said the rally would be peaceful but the group would decide that day whether to prolong their rally or not.

The Nation

More at link below

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/07...es_30008224.php

[John K]

Did Thaksin say the President George Bush did not want to see him but he did meet with his father former President Bush? If that is the case then it must be that “Axis of Evil” thing.

[lukamar]

The anti-Thaksin movement in the US has campaigned for Thais overseas to stage protests on Sunday in front of each Thai Embassy in their respective countries.....Therefore all Thais, no matter where they are, should gather to protest in front of the Thai Embassies of their countries on Sunday from 10am to midday

The Thai Association of BC will not be holding any protest, maybe a few people will protest in LA but it won't make the news.

[ando]

I have to wonder if Thaksin didn't just lite a fire with his ambiguous statement about "the charismatic person", and is now just standing back and watching it burn?

There is no way even a really dumb politician in Thailand would make any statement derogatory of HM. However with Sondhi constantly trying draw HM into the political crisis, one would expect Sondhi and a few other Thaksin opponents to take the bait and start putting their own spin on the statement in order to try and gain some support from a public that is devoutly loyal to the monarchy.

I doubt Sondhi would have picked up any more support from other than those already anti-Thaksin voters with his personal interpretation of who the charismatic is. In fact it appears to have only damaged Sondhis credibility by trying to drag the Kings name into a political scandal for obvious personal political motives.

Though TRT ministers have stated that Thaksins remark was aimed at a common person, Thaksin himself refuses to comment on the matter. And of course Thaksins silence only spurs Sondhi and other opponents on to keep the issue alive and in the headlines. -- An issue that really isn't doing Thaksin any harm at all with the voters, but does serve to damage the credibility of Sondhi and the like who continue to attempt to keep the issue alive. I recall a poll from a newspaper posted somewhere back in another thread here which indicated that even in Bangkok the majority of people majority of people believed Thaksin was referring to someone other than royalty.

Then there is "the group of aristocratic ladies", who held a meeting covered by the media to call for Thaksins resignation on the grounds that "he was being chased" (if my memory serves me correctly), and also on the grounds that he wouldn't identify "the charismatic person . It was also reported these group of ladies said something along the lines that they didnt hold it against the poor uneducated farmers supporting Thaskin on the basis of being ill-informed.

I seriously doubt the recommendations of this group of aristocratic ladies would have done much to change the way Thaksins supporters will vote. No doubt these ladies, after leaving their politically motivated meeting complete with press coverage, went out an steped into their chauffeur driven limos and went back to their mansions to be served tea by their (politically ignorant and uneducated) house maids being paid 100 baht a day.

Yes, Thaksin really started some controversy with his statement alright. But has the controversy caused him to loose support from the countries voters? I doubt it. Has the controversy caused those accusing him of an unforgivable sin, to loose credibility? I think so.

Edited July 7, 2006 by ando

[lukamar]

I have to wonder if Thaksin didn't just lite a fire with his ambiguous statement about "the charismatic person", and is now just standing back and watching it burn?

I agree with you ando. There are many on this forum that think Thaksin is stupid bumbling idiot always contradicting himself and thinking others have him constantly off balance. It well may appear that way but the guy is anything but stupid, bumbling or an idiot. In anything be it business, a fight or politics misunderstanding your opponent is often the major cause of your own downfall.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you want to know how TS thinks read and understand SUN TZU's - The Art of War. There is nothing that he has done since the beginning of the year that does not follow Sun Tzu.

[Martin]

('lukamar')

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you want to know how TS thinks, read and understand SUN TZU's - The Art of War. There is nothing that he has done since the beginning of the year that does not follow Sun Tzu.

I would not be surprised if someone told me that Thaksin has 'read, marked, learnt and inwardly-digested' Sun Tzu's writings as part of his upbringing and education.

Many that I met in Singapore, who were from 'business families' not dissimilar to the Shinawatra, had done so.

They would spot, and mention to each other how some event was an example of something pointed out by Sun Tzu, like we might allude to there being a parallel to something that was dealt with in the Bible, or by Shakespeare.

Thaksin's strategy and tactics to build TRT, and to get it to electoral victory, were masterful.

However, all conspiracies are vulnerable to cock-up, and, in my opinion, Thaksin 'cocked up' when he underestimated the size of the opportunity to 'stir things' that he was giving to the Dmocrats by selling Shin Corp to Singapore.

Since it was a prepared speech, and not an off-the-cuff remark that he never meant to be broadcast, I presumed that it did not refer to any member of the royalty, and I thought he meant Sondhi by his reference to a 'charismatic figure'---do his words misfit Sondhi to the extent that Sondhi is definitely ruled out?

To be realistic, if Thaksin isn't brought down by the Courts, and is allowed to go on leading TRT, he will win the election.

Voters will 'hold their noses' and go for the rather-smelly-but-competent candidate, rather than the sweet-but-incompetent one, every time.

(Margaret Thatcher got elected time and again in spite of her ideology, not because of it. She did so because Labour were seen as incompetent, though they had the more-attractive policies.)

[ratcatcher]

I totally agree with the two previous posters regarding Thaksin's durability and strategy. I too am no fan of this man evidenced by some of my previous posts but maybe he has read "The Art Of War" by Sun Tzu and is merely following the wise counsel.

At the risk of offending fans of Rudyard Kipling, I am attaching the poem "IF" as there are many lines in it that may apply to Thaksin Shinawatra,he may even have read it,being the erudite chap that he portrays himself as..

[iF]

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

But make allowance for their doubting too,

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,

If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;

If all men count with you, but none too much,

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling

[hammered]

Re some of the above posts. Lets put this in perspective.

On one side we have Mr. Thaksin and TRT. Initially they were sitting in parliament with a massive overall majority. They have virtually all the state institutions at both national and local level to do their bidding. hy have virtully all of the police behind an rumors suggest half the military. The EC, OAG are their people. The consttutional court has overturned precedent in the past to find Mr. Thaksin not guilty. They have immense amounts of money. They have control over most of the countries influential ones. All of the TV media is more inclined towards them. Radio is a virtual TRT monopoly. Even the newspapers have to be careful or they lose their advertising. They have the their diplomats to spread the gospel woldwide. They allegedly have tootal cotrol of both the caretaker and incoming senate. They even have some of the ultra nationalists like Samak backing them.

On the other side we have: the PAD which is an uneasy alliance of a few aging nationalists, some academics, a few senators, some blue blood goups and the democracy activists. Also we have, but not really working with the PAD the ex-parliamentary opposition. When parliament stood they did not have much more than one hundred seats. Now the Democrats have to spend as much time watching what Chart Thai will do as opposing Thaksin. This whole so called opposition alliance is totally fractious. The oppsition has virtuallly no access to any national media or local media that will reach the villages of the North or North-East or for that matter half the central or eastern regions.

If we want to get into the strategies and tactics of war it is worth comparing the battle line up of the two sides. In this case it is a total mismatch and anyone with any modicum of strategy would have won this long ago. The question is why is Mr. Thaksin struggling so badly to finish off what has always been on paper a slam dunk? This art of war stuff is a distraction away from a mishandled campaign on the level of that of Xerxes although in this case it remains to be seen if the outcome will be the same as the one that befell Xerxes.

[lukamar]

The question is why is Mr. Thaksin struggling so badly to finish off what has always been on paper a slam dunk? .

Read up on the battle of Dien Bien Phu, you will find your answer there.

[ratcatcher]

hammered wrote:

"""If we want to get into the strategies and tactics of war it is worth comparing the battle line up of the two sides. In this case it is a total mismatch and anyone with any modicum of strategy would have won this long ago. The question is why is Mr. Thaksin struggling so badly to finish off what has always been on paper a slam dunk? This art of war stuff is a distraction away from a mishandled campaign on the level of that of Xerxes although in this case it remains to be seen if the outcome will be the same as the one that befell Xerxes."""

I am tempted to think of the might of the United States military as a comparison to TRT and we all know the difficulties [/i] mishandled campaigns) they (the U.S.A.) have had whenever they are engaged in a war with a perceived weaker power. Vietnam, Somalia and Iraq.

Thaksin may have the numbers (the rural peasants and uneducated masses) and the might (the police and some sectors of the military), but does he have the moral right?

John K is right in pointing out that the courts and judges have a serious task ahead tacitly given to them by the King. "Sort out this mess or quit"

Mr T. is still under heavy pressure to clarify his statement about someone with บารม

'baaramee"

popularity ; merit ; virtue

* [ N ] prestige ; influence ; grandeur

* [ N ] ten virtues ;

He has yet to do so in a satisfactory manner.

[lukamar]

So the fight between good and Thaksin is ongoing in their heads.

I think you are oversimplifying it. The fight is not between the "good" and "Thaksin". If Thaksin comes, goes or stays has little relevance now. The fight the judiciary has is between good, bad and ugly. They have been put between a rock and a hard place, some of it their own doing. The decisions they make over the next while could strengthen Thailand's fragile democracy or it could spiral the country into a civil war or military coupe. No matter what they decide there will be large groups that feel totally let down by the system. They are in a no win situation - unless, they can manage to walk the tightrope of Thai ambiguity and not offend any group, person or thing which is the most likely outcome.

[ando]

Mr T. is still under heavy pressure to clarify his statement about someone with บารม

'baaramee"

popularity ; merit ; virtue

* [ N ] prestige ; influence ; grandeur

* [ N ] ten virtues ;

He has yet to do so in a satisfactory manner.

But why should he name the intended person while the situation is playing in his favour? Ordinary Thai voters know it would be beyond belief for any politician to speak of the monarchy in such a way, and therefore dismiss that possibility out of hand.

The only people getting in a tizz about it are Thaksins hardcore opponents who are mainly intellectuals and media. And their efforts to bring HMs name down to the level of political point soring would surely be seen as being as in extremely bad taste by the overwhelming majority of ordinary Thais. This must lessen the credibility of some of their other arguments against Thaksin.

Assuming, Thaksin did have some individual in mind when he made the statement (and by that I mean a non-royal), what possible advantage would it be to him to name that person in public? All it would do is put an end to the corner his opponents are painting themselves into and open himself up to criminal libel charges which may be difficult to defend.

Things are going along nicely for Thaskin while he keeps silent on the issue.

This is not a matter of justice. It is more a game of verbal tactics in which Thaksin is under no obligation to answer his critics.

Does anyone recall that story about how to trap a monkey? -- Monkeys are smart and hard to trap, but there is an easy way which is based on exploiting their greed. The farmer cuts the tip of small end off one of those large gourds. He then places some peanuts inside it and securely ties it to a tree. The monkey places his open hand into the gourd and grasps the peanuts making a fist which is too large to be withdrawn. With the monkeys hand securely held in the gourd, the farmer then approaches and dispenses the monkey with a big stick. There is a parallel here with current events I think.

[John K]

I have been thinking about the issue of not naming the person from a psychological point of view.

First it does provide a distraction for Thaksin watchers. Think of it as if a bear was chasing you. You toss your backpack with the hopes it will distract the bear long enough to get away.

Sondhi from post #2

Although some feel what he said is controversial about choosing, essentially he came to that conclusion on his own and he just wanted to be sure the casual observer saw that too. The people that are saying it is controversial are just posturing themselves in case the courts view in differently regarding article 8. But certainly they too see the same thing.

The fact that this may be just one step in the Finland plan is a possibility, however as yet I can’t see how driving this wedge will work for Thaksin. It would appear that the wedge has found the wrong place and is more apt to separate Thaksin from the people and not the intended target outlined in the Finland plan.

This certainly could come from Thaksin refusing to accept what was going on and convincing himself that a different reality exists behind what is in the public’s eye. Such a move certainly suggests desperation on his part as he is firing his gun without taking proper aim.

By not naming the person and recent statements that it was a commoner only fuel the fire of doubt in his words and suggests otherwise.

Essentially the initial gut feeling people get about this is often the most accurate. Once the conscious mind starts to apply logic the picture becomes blurred. What you need to consider is the underlying nature of the players here.

Thaksin must stay in office to hold on to his wealth. So in desperation he will say and do anything. If he feels his life and freedom are at risk as well then logic is replaced with panic and mistakes are made. To date all of Thaksin’s moves have been well thought out like a chess game. The timer allowed plenty of time to think out the moves. Now Thaksin is playing against several players and the level of concentration needed requires more time than the timer allows. As a result the game starts to look less like chess and more like poker.

The PAD leaders stand to gain some things each different, but the masses that attended the rallies will have the chance of getting democracy back.

There will be a lot of work to undo what the Thaksin TRT cancer has caused. How that is done will depend of the boldness of the new government when it is formed. A blanket reset of laws back to 2001 may be the fastest way but it certainly will disturb the roots of some good things that occurred.

Edited July 8, 2006 by john Krukowski

[Thaiquila]

The decisions they make over the next while could strengthen Thailand's fragile democracy or it could spiral the country into a civil war or military coupe.

Civil war? A bloodless military coup, highly possible, some street violence and deaths, also possible, but a civil war? That seems very, very remote. Coups unfortunately are nothing new to modern Thailand. It will be very sad if it comes to that, but don't see any rationale to think a civil war is imminent.

[Martin]

The prospect of civil war is unthinable in Thailand, because civil war is unthinkable to all 99.9% who think of themselves as Thais. (There seems to be an odd 0.1% in the four southernmost provinces).

The very unusual power structure of monarchy-paliamentary democracy-bureaucracy-military-business seems to us to work in strange ways, but it does work. Or, if you prefer, it does lurch along. And we are watching a fascinating lurch.

On a different note; we went to a village temple today for a special little service of dedication of a new building that has been donated.

That took place in a small building in the rear part of the temple grounds, because the big 'sala' was in use.

The bid 'sala' was packed with people (mostly women) from all over the 'tambon' who seemed to be listening to a rousing rendition of "Vote for me when the General Election comes".

There was a big pile of sacks of fertilizer, two 'siplors' waiting to be unloaded, and a desk where coupons were being issued.

The grounds were packed with 'walking tractors' with trailers attached, and small groups of men talking together.

As far as I could gather, each family was getting a sack of fertilizer worth about 500 baht as 'a little present to take home from the party'.

As we drove home we met yet another 'siplor' hauling a load in.

When I expressed amazement at something like a quarter-of-a-million baht being spent, my wife said "Oh, he can afford it".

When I asked if 'he' would be TRT at the election, my wife said "Maybe, but maybe not."!!!

The thing that amused me was the parallel with going to the little chapel in our valley when I had a farm in Mid-Wales.

We men looked for any opportunity to give up our seats to a women. We would go to stand at the back, but then surreptiously ease out through the door and talk farming in the graveyard. Listening to sermons was seen as "womens' work"!!!

And the thing it brought home to me was just how much money a Thai politician may feel he has to harvest from being in office, in order to feel he has 'recovered his expenses and broken even'.

[Plus]

It was raised somewhere earlier - Thaksin is smart, but not smart enough - a year ago he was on top of the world, and now he is struggling for survival. It's his own greed that did him in. With his "charismatic" person remark he might even lose his life if it comes to that.

I don't see what benefit he got from it. Only perhaps to distract people from real issues. It misfired, however, 'cos he doesn't know how to stop it now. No one believes Sudarat or Surapong's explanations - they will be the first ones against the wall when revolution comes. "Charismatic person is PAD, Democrats, and the whole media at once" - who's going to believe that crap?

Now Thaksin needs something to distract people from his latest distraction. On Friday there will be the first PAD demonstration in months. Does he need it? I don't think so. Yet he himself gave them the reason to come to the streets again.

Sondhi, btw, is also having problems with his firebrand retoric - PAD needs to seriously tone it down and focus on defending Prem, not the King, or people won't listen to them.

Prem has enough support and "baramee" to survive without PAD's help, I think. He probably doesn't even feel threatened, or feel the need to lower himself down to Thaksin's level for a fight (don't fight with pigs ot fools - they ....), but if PAD can keep the pressure on Thaksin to clear the matter, he's bound to crack, in public, again. It will also keep the affair in public spotlight, perhaps even on TV.

Perhaps taking on Prem is Thaksin's last hope of survival but Prem is untouchable for most Thais - they won't let Thaksin to declare victory over HM's most trusted Privy Councilor. People don't see it as a power triangle - The King, Prem and Thaksin. Attack on Prem is attack on whole institution.

Thaksin has lost all support outside the cicrle of his own henchmen - it's all or nothing for him now, so he tries to battle Prem. How's that for being suicidal?

As for farmers - Thaksin's people on the ground don't have much loyalty to him, there were there for a ride. They'll keep on getting elected and keep on giving out fertilizer with or without Thaksin. When asked where their loyalties lie they will chose the King and to hel_l with Thaksin. There goes "support of millions of farmers" - they will be told to vote different next time.

[hammered]

It was raised somewhere earlier - Thaksin is smart, but not smart enough - a year ago he was on top of the world, and now he is struggling for survival. It's his own greed that did him in. With his "charismatic" person remark he might even lose his life if it comes to that.

I don't see what benefit he got from it. Only perhaps to distract people from real issues. It misfired, however, 'cos he doesn't know how to stop it now. No one believes Sudarat or Surapong's explanations - they will be the first ones against the wall when revolution comes. "Charismatic person is PAD, Democrats, and the whole media at once" - who's going to believe that crap?

Now Thaksin needs something to distract people from his latest distraction. On Friday there will be the first PAD demonstration in months. Does he need it? I don't think so. Yet he himself gave them the reason to come to the streets again.

Sondhi, btw, is also having problems with his firebrand retoric - PAD needs to seriously tone it down and focus on defending Prem, not the King, or people won't listen to them.

Prem has enough support and "baramee" to survive without PAD's help, I think. He probably doesn't even feel threatened, or feel the need to lower himself down to Thaksin's level for a fight (don't fight with pigs ot fools - they ....), but if PAD can keep the pressure on Thaksin to clear the matter, he's bound to crack, in public, again. It will also keep the affair in public spotlight, perhaps even on TV.

Perhaps taking on Prem is Thaksin's last hope of survival but Prem is untouchable for most Thais - they won't let Thaksin to declare victory over HM's most trusted Privy Councilor. People don't see it as a power triangle - The King, Prem and Thaksin. Attack on Prem is attack on whole institution.

Thaksin has lost all support outside the cicrle of his own henchmen - it's all or nothing for him now, so he tries to battle Prem. How's that for being suicidal?

As for farmers - Thaksin's people on the ground don't have much loyalty to him, there were there for a ride. They'll keep on getting elected and keep on giving out fertilizer with or without Thaksin. When asked where their loyalties lie they will chose the King and to hel_l with Thaksin. There goes "support of millions of farmers" - they will be told to vote different next time.

Totally true. Just a visit a few Thai websites to see who they think Mr. Thaksin is referring to. People with acces to the information are not stupid when it comes to carefully worded comments. The problem the opposition have and the one thing helping Mr. Thaksin at the moment is that the information is not circulating in his "powerbases".

It is also an interesting experiment to see if any Thai person you know would publically say what Mr. Thaksin said. I personally havent found anyone who would yet.

[hammered]

The question is why is Mr. Thaksin struggling so badly to finish off what has always been on paper a slam dunk? .

Read up on the battle of Dien Bien Phu, you will find your answer there.

It is nice to know you agree with me that Mr. Thaksin has made a complete mess of playing what was once a strong hand.

[John K]

Based on what you have said, I think the next PAD rally will focus on Thaksin to ID the person he was talking about. In the Nation today there is a piece (segment below) on a letter Thaksin sent to George Bush that may have the name. It also seems to reflect that Thaksin’s perception is his own and may not jive with reality.

As for the other matter the courts will deal with it and I think they are smart enough not to give that more than a casual mention.

Aide backs Thaksin's Bush letter

Caretaker PM contacted US leader to assure him Thailand was still under democratic rule, says Prommin

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra did not dispatch a confidential note to US President George W Bush but sent a letter through proper diplomatic channels to explain that he had won an election but had been prevented from forming a government, his top aide said yesterday.

"As leader of the caretaker government, Thaksin wanted to report the unusual circumstances in Thai politics to the world community," secretary-general to the prime minister Prommin Lertsuridej said.

The letter was sent in April, Prommin said, adding that Thaksin had been concerned

foreign leaders might misunderstand the condition of Thailand's democracy.

"Some foreign leaders might have thought Thailand was no longer a democracy, and Thaksin told them that the Kingdom was still under democratic rule with the King as head of state," he said.

Thaksin chose to send a letter to the US president because he had not met him during his personal visit to Texas in the second week of April, he added.

Prommin confirmed that Thaksin had conveyed a similar message in person to the government leaders of Britain, France, Russia, China and Japan during two private "coffee-diplomacy" trips in April.

He also said the government would have no objection if relevant parties wanted to access the letter via the proper channels. The release of the letter might take place next week, after the long holiday, he said.

Thaksin's top aide stepped

forward to defend his boss after outgoing Senator Kraisak Choonhavan alleged that the embattled prime minister had sent a secret message telling Bush a charismatic figure was trying to topple him by undemocratic means.

Thaksin stirred up a furore on Monday when he portrayed himself as the defender of democracy and blamed the unnamed charismatic figure for attempting to topple him. Confusion deepened as Thaksin refused to identify the person.

Kraisak claimed on Friday that Thaksin's letter to Bush contained the same attack against the charismatic figure that he made on Monday.

It is still unclear whether Thaksin sent his letter before or after April 25, the date His Majesty the King urged judicial intervention to sort out the chaos caused by the controversial April 2 vote.

The judiciary later nullified the election results and ordered a new vote.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said Thaksin had had no secret personal communications with the American leader.

"The letter to President Bush was sent as a dispatch between one government leader and another," he said.

Surapong said Thaksin's key motive was to ensure foreign leaders that democracy had firm roots in Thailand.

He dismissed any link between Thaksin's letter and his remarks on Monday, saying Kraisak might not have been fully informed when he made his allegation.

Commenting on next Friday's mass rally planned by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), he said Thaksin's opponents should push for a new election rather than focus on finding fault with remarks about a charismatic figure.

"The PAD has the right to rally and should exercise this right in a meaningful way for the country. The demand for Thaksin's resignation has no justification, because he is just a caretaker leader whose untimely departure will lead to a power vacuum," Surapong said.

"If Thaksin leaves his caretaker office now it may pave the way for a royally appointed prime minister, and His Majesty has already deemed this undemocratic in the royal statement of April 25," he said.

Surapong said Thaksin would reveal the identity of the charismatic figure once he had gathered sufficient evidence for prosecution.

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said Thaksin had acted inappropriately by raising domestic political issues with the American president.

"If Thaksin has something to say, he should talk to Thais and not to Bush. Thailand is not an American colony," Suthep said.

He said Thaksin appeared to be trying to defend himself at the expense of national unity.

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa said the embattled prime minister had set himself on fire with his remarks about a charismatic enemy.

"The turmoil will persist if Thaksin isn't careful about his words," Banharn said.

Activist Taikorn Pholsuwan filed a police complaint accusing Thaksin of offending the monarch, citing the remarks about a charismatic figure as evidence.

Officers at Dusit Police Station have yet to decide whether to investigate the matter.

Anti-Thaksin campaigner Sondhi Limthongkul has vowed to expose on Friday what Thaksin meant by attacking the charismatic figure. Sondhi is a key PAD organiser

[swervie2000]

Thank you penzman for the correct revisioning! Mr. Boxhead continues his moronic political journey. This numbskull continues to jeopardize the freedom and stability of Thailand by hanging around. Now that the King's anniversary is finished there will be more street protests. The courts need to decide on a new and fair election quickly before more damage is done.

[ando]

Thaksin has really got the imaginations of his detractors running wild on this one

Secret letters to GW Bush naming the charismatic person?

And another PAD demonstration with Sondhi on center stage unveiling his theories on who Thaksin is talking about. All very intriguing, but in the end just preaching to the converted since no one in their right mind would believe TS was referring to HM.

I guess the democracy and corruption issues are being given a lower priority now by the anti-Thaksin crowd. They are really onto something big here (in their own minds).

Meanwhile the vast majority of the countries voters are too busy trying to earn a living to play this game of the intellectual elite following the cryptic clues as to who this charismatic person might really be. They are more interested in who can come up with policies that will improve their quality of life. In the end it will be the voters who decide who runs the country. And Sondhi has very little influence with the majority of voters where it counts, -- particularly on this issue.

The charismatic person question is not an election issue with the majority of voters. But in the meantime Thaksin keeps putting up proposals and policies that will actually benefit people on the ground. He is gearing up for an election in 3 months (provided he survives the courts).

But what are the opposition doing but chasing their tails trying to expose who the charismatic person is.

[John K]

Ando;

who ever heard of leaders of countries that appear to be less than stable.

In the immediate neighborhood North Korea, Iran, Iraq (former). Losing contact with reality is distinct possibility. Thaksin possibly believes he is untouchable thus the bold statement.

So to coin your phrase “in their right mind” is truly the key.

[penzman]

Thank you penzman for the correct revisioning! Mr. Boxhead continues his moronic political journey. This numbskull continues to jeopardize the freedom and stability of Thailand by hanging around. Now that the King's anniversary is finished there will be more street protests. The courts need to decide on a new and fair election quickly before more damage is done.

You are welcome. Love that crying Swaggart picture. Another liar.

Prommin confirmed that Thaksin had conveyed a similar message in person to the government leaders of Britain, France, Russia, China and Japan during two private "coffee-diplomacy" trips in April.

"He's going there in a personal capacity to meet old friends in their countries." - caretaker Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon this week, on Thaksin's global jaunt to meet leaders of France, Britain, Russia, Japan and China.

Anothert lie exposed. Evil weasel.

[ando]

Ando;

who ever heard of leaders of countries that appear to be less than stable.

In the immediate neighborhood North Korea, Iran, Iraq (former). Losing contact with reality is distinct possibility. Thaksin possibly believes he is untouchable thus the bold statement.

So to coin your phrase “in their right mind” is truly the key.

Surely an easy explanation to suggest that Thaksin in fact was referring to HM simply because he is "not in his right mind" and possibly believes he is untouchable. A bit like adjusting the facts to suit a desired outcome.

The point I was making is that its only a relative handful of anti-Thaksin academics who are involving themselves in the controversy. For the majority of voters and particularly up-country its a non-issue simply because they know it would be unthinkable for any politician to insult the king in such a way. And while the opposition are focusing on this issue of little electoral importance they are being distracted from putting forward policies that might swing some voters their way in an election that is a mere 3 months away.

The Democrats only policy seems to be to get rid of Thaksin, or at least thats the way its coming across from what I read. Gaining political power by eliminating the opposition and without any real policies is not something that I would guess appeals to many voters.

Its been shown in many elections in many democracies that negative campaigning does work to some extent. Some of the mud always sticks, even if its allegations that are later proved to be untrue. But to rely totally on negative campaigning without policy does not offer the voters any incentive to change their vote.

[chownah]

It may surprise many here that in my village no one questions Toxins's state of mind but there is a strong sentiment that Sondhi is a bit off....and really I think if you ignore the truth of what's being said and focus on the type of issues raised and style you will perhaps understand why...

[jdinasia]

it may surprise many in here that in a small ... and not heavily touristed community (but lots of expats and visitors to genuine night entertainment ) here in Phuket that as I wandered and did my shopping on Fri night that EVERY place had Sondhi on TV. They seem to feel that Thaksin's attacks were aimed at Prem and that attacking Prem is much like attacking the King.

Being new to this village I am loathe to address politics TOO much with the locals ... but Thaksin seems to have lost his following in Thailand's richest province <per capita> even amongst those without $$ like this village

[ando]

It will be interesting to see how many people turn up at the PAD demonstration on Friday now that the focus is mainly on the "charismatic person" issue. My guess is that it will be something of a fizzer with only a couple of thousand max of ultra-hardcore PAD people there. I think most people who supported the previous big rally will find Sondhis current stance to be in very poor taste and will want to distance themselves from him. Sondhi is a bit of a loose cannon for PAD now. His actions may well cause the movement to loose credibility with those who previously supported the principles it stood for.