I Am Not Evil

[hammered]

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.

If what he said is not important why dont you try publically repeating it with a large number of listeners including the police? Actually I wouldnt advise that.

[hammered]

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

In the small and totally Thai village I live in in the East it may surprise that People now openly talk of Thaksin as various things usually prefixed with "ai" and often including references to lizards and acts that should not be performed with ones mother. One year ago if anyone criticized Thaksin they were likely to be beaten up or killed. Now even the local mafia have given up trying to enforce respect for the great one. This is in a province where every MP was TRT in the last real election. However, informattion is readily available and unlike in some places the loca cable TV was not cut. Just shows the power of information.

[lukamar]

Being new to this village I am loathe to address politics TOO much with the locals ...

Jd you should get out there and educate all them new locals and sell them some PAD bumper stickers and bandannas. You you express strong views here, so it should be your duty to pass those thoughts along to all the villagers at every opportunity to protect democracy especially in the bars as I'm sure they would be open to you or maybe not

[Martin]

This 'serial' is going to run for a long, long time.

Writing Thaksin out of the script, even if it happens, will take a few instalments.

And then what?

An election that fills a few more instalments, but is inconclusive in its results, is my guess.

So some instalments of ex- Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers trying to cobble together a coalition, and so on.......and on.....and on.....

[chownah]

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

I think they are watching Sondhi because he is the one creating all the fuss.....it alleviates the boredom...lets face it...sitting in a bar watching tv is not the most exciting thing in most people's lives....or maybe it is. My guess is that they were mostly farangs.

[chownah]

In the small and totally Thai village I live in in the East it may surprise that People now openly talk of Thaksin as various things usually prefixed with "ai" and often including references to lizards and acts that should not be performed with ones mother. One year ago if anyone criticized Thaksin they were likely to be beaten up or killed. Now even the local mafia have given up trying to enforce respect for the great one. This is in a province where every MP was TRT in the last real election. However, informattion is readily available and unlike in some places the loca cable TV was not cut. Just shows the power of information.

My goodness....what kind of people do you hang out with that talk that way in public. Where I live no respected Thai would exhibit such hot headedness in a public venue. Sounds like you are hanging out with some really sleazy people...mafia????

[Heng]

PAD leaders convene to discuss Sondhi’s views

In a sign that cracks may be forming in the loose alliance formed to push Thai Rak Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra from office, fellow leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy yesterday declined to comment on Sondhi Limthongkul’s controversial call for the nation to “take sides” in an alleged dispute between the Palace and the prime minister.

“Sondhi’s press conference [on Wednesday] was the opinion of Khun Sondhi alone and has nothing to do with the PAD,” Suriyasai Katasila, PAD’s spokesman, said in an interview yesterday. “The alliance gives the freedom to every leader to express their opinion. We cannot move forward if we all have to agree on the same thing.”

It's not just folks from the PAD that are distancing themselves from Sondhi. Folks that are indifferent either way as to what happens to Thaksin - after all, it's not like it's going to change the status quo - are commenting how Sondhi has gone a bit overboard. 'len kong soong boy pai noi leaw' (playing with/involving himself with things from a higher plane a few too many times now) is a phrase often heard regarding Sondhi after his most recent comments.

[lukamar]

An election that fills a few more instalments, but is inconclusive in its results, is my guess.

Now that the courts have overturned the last election and they have set that precedent in motion, I'd guess that you will see a rash of complaints from the losers to annul future elections, as well, on constitutional grounds. You can find something unconstitutional with every election if you look hard enough.

[otherstuff1957]

Unless something unexpected happens I think that this soap opera will go on for a long time. Thaksin has no morals or ethics whatsoever, but he has proven himself to be much smarter than any one of his opponents! IMHO the only think that could bring Thaksin down would be his own arrogence. As Abraham Lincoln once said "you can fool most of the people most of the time, but you can't fool all the people all of the time".

I asked my wife about the word "borom' and she said it would never be applied to someone like Sondhi (Who, like Thaksin, should learn to keep his mouth shut). It would only be used to refer to the king or someone very close to the king!

If that is who Thaksin was indeed referring to, he seems to be following Sondhi's mistakes, rather than avoiding them!

[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

I think they are watching Sondhi because he is the one creating all the fuss.....it alleviates the boredom...lets face it...sitting in a bar watching tv is not the most exciting thing in most people's lives....or maybe it is. My guess is that they were mostly farangs.

Guess you couldn't read my post ..... it clearly says I was shopping ... (in markets etc) and the folks were giving the "thumbs up to Sondhi" ... and not one was farang ...<agenda here Chownah?>

In the small and totally Thai village I live in in the East it may surprise that People now openly talk of Thaksin as various things usually prefixed with "ai" and often including references to lizards and acts that should not be performed with ones mother. One year ago if anyone criticized Thaksin they were likely to be beaten up or killed. Now even the local mafia have given up trying to enforce respect for the great one. This is in a province where every MP was TRT in the last real election. However, informattion is readily available and unlike in some places the loca cable TV was not cut. Just shows the power of information.

My goodness....what kind of people do you hang out with that talk that way in public. Where I live no respected Thai would exhibit such hot headedness in a public venue. Sounds like you are hanging out with some really sleazy people...mafia????

Guess you didn't read Hammer's post either ... says clearly who he was referring to ... and what local enforcers would have done a year ago and are not doing now

<agenda here Chownah?>

[jdinasia]

Being new to this village I am loathe to address politics TOO much with the locals ...

Jd you should get out there and educate all them new locals and sell them some PAD bumper stickers and bandannas. You you express strong views here, so it should be your duty to pass those thoughts along to all the villagers at every opportunity to protect democracy especially in the bars as I'm sure they would be open to you or maybe not

These folks aren't uneducated ... and compared to YOUR comments from Canada ... my comments are pretty tame If you read my WHOLE post instead of just quoting a tidbit of it you would see they were WATCHING Sondhi ... now that the TV isn't offlimits to the opposition.

[ando]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I was under the impression that the Phuket district was strongly Democrat.

[chownah]

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

I think they are watching Sondhi because he is the one creating all the fuss.....it alleviates the boredom...lets face it...sitting in a bar watching tv is not the most exciting thing in most people's lives....or maybe it is. My guess is that they were mostly farangs.

Guess you couldn't read my post ..... it clearly says I was shopping ... (in markets etc) and the folks were giving the "thumbs up to Sondhi" ... and not one was farang ...<agenda here Chownah?>

In the small and totally Thai village I live in in the East it may surprise that People now openly talk of Thaksin as various things usually prefixed with "ai" and often including references to lizards and acts that should not be performed with ones mother. One year ago if anyone criticized Thaksin they were likely to be beaten up or killed. Now even the local mafia have given up trying to enforce respect for the great one. This is in a province where every MP was TRT in the last real election. However, informattion is readily available and unlike in some places the loca cable TV was not cut. Just shows the power of information.

My goodness....what kind of people do you hang out with that talk that way in public. Where I live no respected Thai would exhibit such hot headedness in a public venue. Sounds like you are hanging out with some really sleazy people...mafia????

Guess you didn't read Hammer's post either ... says clearly who he was referring to ... and what local enforcers would have done a year ago and are not doing now

<agenda here Chownah?>

You're right. I did misinterpret your post. Sorry for that. Somehow I got the "lots of expats and visitors to genuine night entertainment " part mixed up with your "wandering" while shopping and my mind had you peaking into bars to see what was happening......upon rereading your post it is clear that you did not say that. Sorry for my misunderstanding.

I have no real agenda here....if you think I do please tell me what you think it is. I don't root for Toxin or any other politician in Thailand. On the other hand sometimes I like to refute the viewpoint of those who seem to have an agenda.

I don't think my response to Hammer is so far off the mark. He doesn't really say who he was talking with as you suggest....perhaps you should read his posts more carefully.

To get back on topic...since our posting style really isn't the topic here...I'm not surprised that shop keepers in Phuket or even bar owners in Phuket would be watching Sondhi on the tube. I think they are watching Sondhi because he is the one creating all the fuss.....it alleviates the boredom...lets face it...sitting in the market all day is not very exciting so I imagine that seeing Sondhi in action would alleviate the boredom. Perhaps they support Sondhi too. This does not surprise me since I think Phuket is generally thought (just as ando does) that Phuket is mostly a Democratic Party region...do you know if this is correct?

And please do let me know what my agenda is if you really feel that I have one.

Chownah

[VanZam]

I'm still amused that the Thai media only think there are 2 charismatic and respected people in the Thai government.

[John K]

For those of you that are in Bangkok, have you noticed a subtle change in some of the campaign posters that started going up about 10 days ago? Some of the ones with the number 2 had a small cameo of Thaksin in the upper right corner. In face I remembered where a few were because I walked past them daily. Now they have been replaced with ones without Thaksin on them, and the ones with Thaksin have been moved or removed. I suspect that’s a significant read of happenings behind the scene in that guilt by association may be occurring. They more than likely were printed some time ago.

[John K]

Lese majeste complaint filed against the prime minister

Thaksin accused of violating Article 112

The anti-government Isan Koo Chat Network yesterday filed a lese majeste complaint against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Four members of the network, secretary-general Sawet Thinkul, Warin Athnak, Thaikorn Polsuwan and Sarawut Thongphen, lodged the complaint with Pol Lt-Col Bunloet Phiriyakul of Dusit police station, accusing the caretaker premier of violating Article 112 of the Criminal Code.

If found guilty, Mr Thaksin would be liable to between three and 15 years' imprisonment.

Mr Sawet also gave Pol Lt-Col Bunloet a copy of Mr Thaksin's speech that he addressed to senior government officials on June 29, during which he alleged that an ''extra-constitutional and charismatic figure'' had intervened in the country's politics.

Mr Sawet said the only extra-constitutional organisation and person in Thailand is the monarchy and the monarch. He concluded that Mr Thaksin had implicated the monarchy and the monarch in his speech.

Mr Thaikorn, also a former Democrat party member, said his group wanted police to arrest Mr Thaksin. ''We'll closely monitor the development of a police investigation in the case. A lot of people in the Northeast are now dissatisfied with Mr Thaksin's remark and would soon demonstrate their disapproval,'' he said.

Pol Lt-Col Bunloet said he would refer the case to the Metropolitan Police Commission. Normally, a complaint related to the monarchy must go through a committee chaired by the Metropolitan Police commissioner.

In the South, Kriangsak Lewjanpattana, leader of the Southern Alliance of National and Democracy Liberation Network, said yesterday that his group is encouraging government officials in the region, particularly military officers, to take part in the anti-Thaksin movement, including the July 14 mass rally being arranged by the People's Alliance for Democracy(PAD).

''Mr Thaksin has made an inappropriate remark and challenged the royal authority by using the term 'extra-constitutional, charismatic figure'. Civil servants can see for themselves what is really going on,'' he said.

Government officials who agree with the anti-Thaksin movement had previously only covertly supported the movement for fear of being punished by invisible forces, he said.

''Now, it's time for all government officials to come out and fight side by side with the people. It'll also set an example for government officials in other regions,'' he added.

Reacting on the charismatic figure controversy, Chat Thai party leader BanharnSilpa-archa said he felt tired and sorry for Mr Thaksin, as he can turn to no-one for help right now.

''This issue has created a political crisis, and the public needs clarification from Mr Thaksin,'' he said.

Aat Pisanwanich, director of the Centre for International Trade Studies at the Thai Chamber of Commerce University, said the PAD rally set for next Friday July 14 will affect the economy due to worsening investor confidence.

The centre estimated the economy this year would grow by between 3.8% and 4.1% only. Next year, the economy would continue to suffer from this year's political repercussions and rising fuel prices, and grow at the rate of between 3.5% and 3.8%, according to Mr Aat.

once at the centre of the electoral fraud charges against the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties, yesterday filed a police complaint accusing Constitution Court judge Sak Techacharn of malfeasance while serving as a government official.

As leader of the anti-government Isan Ku Chat (the Northeast Liberation Front), Thaikorn filed the complaint with national police chief General Kowit Watana at the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

In a counter maneuver, a Thai Rak Thai legal team sued the Democrat Party for hiring the Progressive Democratic Party to contest the election, laying the blame for this on former Democrat Party member Thaikorn Polsuwan.

Thai Rak Thai claimed Thaikorn had hired the small party to frame Thai Rak Thai

more at link below.

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/09Jul2006_news004.php

[John K]

Democrats: Did Thaksin try to plot with Bush?

Thailand's major opposition Democrat Party Sunday urged the government to officially disclose the text of a heretofore secret letter sent by caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to US President George W. Bush in April, believing it contains important information in the public interest.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon told journalists that his party is concerned that conflicting information was released to the public and why the Foreign Ministry's Information Department whose duty is to make contacts with people and foreign governments still did not know the content of the letter.

It is best for the prime minister himself to disclose whether his letter to President Bush did say that Thai democracy was destroyed by "extra-constitutional charismatic figure" with an aim to overthrow his

government, said Mr Ong-art.

In a confusing statement, Thai Rak Thai Party spokesman Sita Divari said there was a letter from Mr Thaksin to Mr Bush, but it was "considered just a type of communication."

Mr Sita said the letter was a normal contact between national leaders, and urged everyone to consider facts and evidence before believing claims such as those raised by outgoing Senator Kraisak Choonhavan. He said the party was taking advice, and could sue anyone who raised the issue in order to defame the party or the reputation of the prime minister.

The secretary general of the PM's Office Prommin Lertsuridej said the letter was diplomatic correspondence, not a personal missive, and was outside the government authority. Mr Prommin said the Foreign Ministry could decide to make it public, either in part or in whole.

The latest offensive by the opposition party came after Mr Kraisak alleged on Friday that the embattled prime minister had sent a secret message telling Mr Bush a charismatic figure was trying to unseat him by unconstitutional means.

Mr Thaksin stirred up local political tension on Monday when he portrayed himself as the defender of democracy and blamed the unnamed charismatic figure for attempting to topple him.

In defending the prime minister, Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister, said yesterday that Mr Thaksin sent a letter to Mr Bush through proper diplomatic channels to explain that he had won the election held in April, but had been prevented from forming a government.

Charging that Mr Thaksin has remained tight-lipped on revealing the identify of the charismatic figure, Mr Ong-art said his party had come to the conclusion that what the prime minister had said was aimed purely at protecting his own interests rather than of the people and simultaneously charging others of destroying the democratic system in the country.

Touching on a planned rally to be organized by anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy this Friday, Mr Ong-art said he believed the rally would not last long if Mr Thaksin disclosed the name of the "charismatic figure" to whom he referred. (TNA)

More at link below

http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=108023

[John K]

I tend to doubt that Thaksin is doing things with Bush. This unofficial transcript of President Bush talking to The Secretary of State tends to lend support to that.

George : Condi! Nice to see you. What's happening?

Condi: Sir, I have the report here about the new leader of China.

George : Great. Lay it on me.

Condi: Hu is the new leader of China .

George : That's what I want to know.

Condi: That's what I'm telling you.

George : That's what I'm asking you. Who is the new leader of China?

Condi: Yes.

George : I mean the fellow's name.

Condi: Hu.

George : The guy in China.

Condi: Hu.

George : The new leader of China.

Condi: Hu.

George : The main man in China!

Condi: Hu is leading China.

George : Now whaddya' asking me for?

Condi: I'm telling you, Hu is leading China.

George : Well, I'm asking you. Who is leading China?

Condi: That's the man's name.

George : That's who's name?

Condi: Yes.

George : Will you, or will you not, tell me the name of the new

leader of

China?

Condi: Yes, sir.

George : Yassir? Yassir Arafat is in China? I thought he's dead in

the

Middle East.

Condi: That's correct.

George : Then who is in China?

Condi: Yes, sir.

George : Yassir is in China?

Condi: No, sir.

George : Then who is?

Condi: Yes, sir.

George : Yassir?

Condi: No, sir.

George : Look Condi. I need to know the name of the new leader of

China.

Get me the Secretary General of the U.N. on the phone.

Condi: Kofi?

George : No, thanks.

Condi: You want Kofi?

George : No.

Condi: You don't want Kofi.

George : No. But now that you mention it, I could use a glass of

milk.

And then get me the U.N.

Condi: Yes, sir.

George : Not Yassir! The guy at the U.N.

Condi: Kofi?

George : Milk! Will you please make the call?

Condi: And call who?

George : Who is the guy at the U.N?

Condi: Hu is the guy in China

George : Will you stay out of China?!

Condi: Yes, sir.

George : And stay out of the Middle East! Just get me the guy at the

U.N.

Condi: Kofi.

George : All right! With cream and two sugars.

[Netfan]

In the South, Kriangsak Lewjanpattana, leader of the Southern Alliance of National and Democracy Liberation Network, said yesterday that his group is encouraging government officials in the region, particularly military officers, to take part in the anti-Thaksin movement, including the July 14 mass rally being arranged by the People's Alliance for Democracy(PAD).

This is a scary little paragraph......this is really turning into a battle of wills between two guys (i'll be clear on who i mean - Sondhi and Dr. T) who both seem unwilling to do what's right for the country and not their own egos.

[lukamar]

Being new to this village I am loathe to address politics TOO much with the locals ...

Jd you should get out there and educate all them new locals and sell them some PAD bumper stickers and bandannas. You you express strong views here, so it should be your duty to pass those thoughts along to all the villagers at every opportunity to protect democracy especially in the bars as I'm sure they would be open to you or maybe not

These folks aren't uneducated ... and compared to YOUR comments from Canada ... my comments are pretty tame If you read my WHOLE post instead of just quoting a tidbit of it you would see they were WATCHING Sondhi ... now that the TV isn't offlimits to the opposition.

JD I was making a joke, thus all the smiley faces. I like Chownah took your "but lots of expats and visitors to genuine night entertainment" comment incorrectly, probably just our totally wrong view of genuine expat Phuket night entertainment, and I also apologize.

[otherstuff1957]

I'm going off topic here, and nitpicking as usual, but did anyone else notice that the Bangkok Post spelled 'Isan Ku Chat' - 'Isan Koo Chat' two different ways in one article? Up to their usual high standards of journalism!

[Plus]

There's some interesting information in this Opinion piece from Sunday's Nation:

Ambassadors from powerful nations were asked to meet Thaksin at the Thai Rak Thai headquarters one by one. This was clearly against protocol, because diplomats are not supposed to go to the headquarters of political parties. At that time, Thaksin did not have any official duty. His status was also dubious in terms of validity and legality.

According to diplomatic insiders, Thaksin asked each of the visitors a similar question: "Would it be acceptable to your government if Mrs [guess who] succeeded me as prime minister?" This sounds inexplicable of course, but with Thaksin anything is possible.

Each of the diplomats made it clear enough to Thaksin that she certainly would not be a wise choice even though she is quite powerful within the party, and there was no need for them to explain why and create unnecessary embarrassment and misgivings.

Summoning ambassadors to his party headquarters was inappropriate enough, but insult was added to injury when news of the meetings was released.

The events were supposed to be discreet, but Thaksin chose to highlight the encounters, claiming that the talks were about his planned visits to the countries represented by the ambassadors for chats over coffee with their leaders.

Also this little item was apparently left unnoticed by board members today: Surapong said Thaksin would reveal the identity of the charismatic figure once he had gathered sufficient evidence for prosecution.

Imagine Thaksin trying to prosecute Prem , and yes, Van Zam, there are very very few people in Thailand fitting Thaksin's description.

Thaksin's face is all but gone from TRT campaign posters - it's Mrs S now all over the place, as she is the leader of Bangkok MPs.

I doubt Friday rally will be very big, but it's a start. Last year Sondhi started from renting auditorium at Thammasat University, but even when rallies got big he struggled. It's only when he put his personal agenda aside and PAD was formed, hundreds of thousands joined in.

Ando, you are right, "charismatic" person is not an electoral issue - it's an attack on a person, but in many people's eyes also on the whole institution. While most people can't actually do anything about it, those with power are stepping in, quite rightfully. Note that last week poll was split on the identity of the "charismatic' person, but EVERYONE had an opinion.

Thaksin might be playing with his life on this one. Incindentally, recently there was a conference on death penalty in Bangkok, and Democrats were against abolishing it for offending monarchy.

As for elections - Democrats are working on their platform, just last week there were updates in the papers. Let's see what they will come with, I have no idea, except that it takes very long. TRT hasn't got any policies out either, not for elections, not even for "saving" the country from the current crisis. Wasn't it what Thaksin came back for? What has he done or promised to do? Nothing.

[John K]

MESSAGE TO BUSH

Prommin changes his tune on letter

Aide now says it's up to Foreign Ministry to decide if what Thaksin really said can be disclosed

The top aide of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday passed responsibility to the foreign ministry to deal with growing calls on the government to reveal the content of a controversial letter the premier sent to US President George W Bush.

Prommin Lertsuridej, the prime minister's secretary-general, said the ministry would decide whether the contents of the letter could be released.

Kiattikhun Chartprasert, a deputy spokesman at the ministry, said it was not in line with diplomatic protocol to reveal the content of letters between the heads of government.

He indicated it would be up the person who wrote the letter to decide whether it should be released.

The ministry will continue to look into the matter after the long weekend, he said.

Prommin reiterated yesterday that the letter was not personal and that it had been sent through proper diplomatic channels.

News of the letter sparked

controversy after outgoing Sena-tor Kraisak Choonhavan said Thaksin had written to Bush to allegedly complain about attempts to topple him by undemocratic means.

Kraisak claimed the letter contained allegations that were similar to those made by Thaksin to top bureaucrats on June 29 when he claimed a person with "undemocratic" power was trying to overthrow him.

Thaksin's opponents have decried the ambiguous allegation, and Kraisak's disclosure has fanned controversy, with the caretaker leader now being accused of trying to defame his rivals on the global stage as well as behaving as though Thailand was "a US colony".

Prommin said on Saturday the letter might be released to the

public after the long weekend, but yesterday he said it was up to the foreign ministry to decide.

"This is because the letter deals with bilateral relations. [The

ministry] will take diplomatic protocol into account when deciding if all or part of the letter can be disclosed," he said.

He said the letter had been sent to Bush to prevent bilateral relations from being disrupted.

Thai Rak Thai Party spokesman Sita Divari said Thaksin's letter was nothing more than normal communication between the two national leaders. He said Thaksin had communicated with other country leaders several times since the Thai Rak Thai became the ruling party.

Sita said Kraisak might be unaware of the real content of the letter.

The spokesman said the party lawyers would consider whether the party should file a defamation suit against Kraisak for damaging its reputation

More here

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/10...es_30008379.php

[John K]

Now would it not be interesting that if a letter is produced, and then shortly after the USA produces the original that does not match. It certainly is a possibility that it will happen to clear the USA from being seen as meddling in Thai affairs. I suspect any letter that is produced will have a Thaksin twist in his favor.

[John K]

Now here is a thought, Thaksin says the methods used to unseat him are undemocratic. So how many ways can we come up with that shows the ways he is trying to stay in office as undemocratic?

I would have to read up on it but I would guess suppression of the media is a good start.

Edited July 9, 2006 by john Krukowski

[John K]

Kingdom 'is on the verge of bloodshed'

The Kingdom is bracing itself for an era of bloodshed that could have more profound consequences than any other crisis in the nation's history, an academic warned yesterday.

Anant Laulertvorakul, a coordinator of Chulalongkorn University's Network for Ethical Democracy, said the political crisis could lead to violence if caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra refused to bow to the courts.

He said the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) rally scheduled for Friday might not be able to force Thaksin from office but could spark further protests.

"The protesters will linger. US groups opposing the Vietnam War grew from university rallies, which forced presidents to change their policies. The rallies will show that people reject Thaksin. Protesting is a constitutional right, not illegal as some government mouthpieces claim," he said.

An arts lecturer, Anant said many CU Network members and academics would join the PAD rally individually so as not to damage Chulalongkorn's reputation.

The network, which includes Chulalongkorn lecturers, officials, students and alumni, called for Thaksin's resignation in March.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party executive Sathit Wongnongtoey said the crisis would increase through the crowded political calendar for the next two months.

"It's impossible to say when the problems will end. Nobody can predict what will happen and how the crises will develop," Sathit said.

He refused to predict the court decisions and the impact of the rulings. While Thai Rak Thai hopes for an October 15 election, many groups will not accept a poll managed by the three current election commissioners, Sathit added.

Even if the Criminal Court hands down a guilty verdict on the commissioners, they can still appeal and keep their positions. Alternatively the EC selection process will be drawn out, allowing political tensions to intensify.

The crisis is a result of five years of Thaksin's rule and the premier's comments about a "charismatic person" demonstrated what dominated his thinking, Sathit said.

Voters had become familiar with Thaksin's strategies, he added, and as a consequence had come to a similar conclusion about the identity of the "charismatic person" and arrived at shared hostility to the remarks.

July and August appear likely to be hot months, which could affect the fate of powerful figures.

On Thursday, the Constitution Court is scheduled to consider whether to accept the electoral fraud case that could lead to the dissolution of five political parties, after receiving 70 boxes of documents, containing more than 140,000 pages from the Office of the Attorney-General.

Acting Constitution Court president Pan Chantaraparn said if accepted, the case would probably be considered urgent.

However, Pan could not guarantee the court would resolve the case before an October 15 election.

Also on Thursday pro-government Caravan of the Poor leaders will meet in Sakon Nakhon to discuss their stance and plan activities.

On Friday the PAD plans to march from Sanam Luang to Government House to call for Thaksin's resignation.

The group also plans to force Thaksin to reveal the identity of the "charismatic person who has power beyond the Constitution", who is trying to undermine democratic institutions and topple his government, as he claimed recently.

It will be the first major PAD rally after it paused to celebrate His Majesty the King's 60 years on the throne.

Next Monday the two sides in the Election Commission (EC) malfeasance case are due to submit their conclusions to the Criminal Court.

The case, brought by Democrat Party secretary-general Thaworn Senneam, accuses the EC of breaking the electoral law by holding controversial repeat elections on April 23.

On July 25 the court is scheduled to reveal the fate of the three commissioners, Vasana Puemlarp, Prinya Nakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien, who will be forced out of their jobs if they are found guilty and could receive jail sentences.

The Supreme Court might have to nominate 10 EC candidates for the Senate's approval and the court's ruling could scupper plans for an October election.

It will also have an impact on the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties.

When a political party is dissolved, its elected candidates can affiliate themselves with another party and continue to serve as MPs.

But if the party is dissolved before an election, its candidates will not be able to stand unless they have been a member of another party for 90 days before candidate registration.

Moreover, the date of registration must be within 20 days of the Royal Decree for the general election, which is expected on August 15 in time for an October 15 election

Jidakarn Limkhoonset,

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

more here

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/10...es_30008380.php

[John K]

The scary part is it is in Thaksin’s nature to ignore what others say and just do what he wants.

[ando]

Kingdom 'is on the verge of bloodshed'

The Kingdom is bracing itself for an era of bloodshed that could have more profound consequences than any other crisis in the nation's history, an academic warned yesterday.

Anant Laulertvorakul, a coordinator of Chulalongkorn University's Network for Ethical Democracy, said the political crisis could lead to violence if caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra refused to bow to the courts.

Thats a bit hypothetical at the moment I think. This academic is assuming that the courts will find against Thaksin, then that Thaksin will defy the authority of the courts and stage a coup, then that the people will rise up against the tyrant in mass protests which will become violent. Possible, but still a little far fetched at this stage I think. And it would be very brave protesters indeed to stage a protest demonstration against a military dictator

He said the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) rally scheduled for Friday might not be able to force Thaksin from office but could spark further protests.

"The protesters will linger. US groups opposing the Vietnam War grew from university rallies, which forced presidents to change their policies. The rallies will show that people reject Thaksin. Protesting is a constitutional right, not illegal as some government mouthpieces claim," he said.

Sounds very much like this gentleman is not putting forward an impartial academic opinion as much as trying to rally supporters for the PAD demo next Friday.

"the rallies will show that people reject Thaksin". -- I thought thats what elections were for?

And as for university demonstrations forcing US presidents to change policy on the Vietnam war,-- I believe a voter backlash had more to do with it than the demonstrations.

The fact is that in a democracy mass demonstrations by a minority group can not be allowed to over-rule the wishes of the majority of voters.

An arts lecturer, Anant said many CU Network members and academics would join the PAD rally individually so as not to damage Chulalongkorn's reputation.

The network, which includes Chulalongkorn lecturers, officials, students and alumni, called for Thaksin's resignation in March.

Looks like Mr Anant might be one of the guest speakers at the PAD rally on Friday? And is trying to drum up a bit of support with his talk about "Kingdom on the verge of bloodshed"-- unless they follow him of course. . I think he will have to fight Mr Sondhi for the microphone though!

[John K]

I agree with you ando, however you seemed to miss one important two letter word. let me point out just a few facts.

As I have been talking about the fight or flight response, that is part of the survival instinct we all have. Some of the news articles have suggested that Thaksin may not only lose his wealth but also his life when he steps down or is forced out.

If Thaksin or any person suspects that if he was to follow the instructions of another and in doing so he could die, then he would do all he could to fight going. In Thaksin’s case more than likely he would just blow off the judges, and find some way to discredit them to invalidated their ruling.

Again that news post has that wonderful two letter word “if” so is is just a prediction of a possible outcome based on Thaksin’s past actions. I would just file it in the ‘point taken’ category. I see it I as a possibly, but I think most Thais would ignore him. It is the Thaksin supporters particularly the ones who wield guns and tanks that should be watched if this scenario begins to look possible.

[lukamar]

let me point out just a few facts.

As I have been talking about the fight or flight response,

Let me point out one thing to you.... John. General Thai thinking does not necessarily correspond to the western psychobabble you keep posting.