Prayuth Promises Not to Arrest Thaksin at Lee Kuan Yew's Funeral

[oneday]

"It's his business. How will it affect me? … I don't have anything [against him]. And I cannot go arrest anyone on my own anyway. He will attend the funeral on his own. It's up to him. Please don't write news that mixes up the issues."

This doesn't match up at all with this article's headline. Very misleading headline.

[ExPratt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I suppose it would be inappropriate for Prayuth to wear a side-arm during the funeral, but it would certainly ensure the "people's hero" stayed well away from him.

Why would a FORMER Army officer, now a diplomat be allowed to wear a sidearm? Especially in a foreign country ?

Prayuth isn't going alone, he NEVER travels alone, he, as a head if state will travel with his own close protection team, that can be anything from 2 bodyguards and upwards.

He along with his security team have to RESPECT the laws of the land in which he visits.

He may secrete a butterfly net and a stun gun on his person

[jayboy]

"It's his business. How will it affect me? … I don't have anything [against him]. And I cannot go arrest anyone on my own anyway. He will attend the funeral on his own. It's up to him. Please don't write news that mixes up the issues."

This doesn't match up at all with this article's headline. Very misleading headline.

I agree.The General almost certainly has been misquoted.There are other absurdites to this story.Lee Kwan Yew was on record as professing great regard for Thaksin placing him streets ahead against other Thai politicians in terms of astuteness and intelligence.Although LKW manipulated democracy he understood very clearly that a modern leader must obtain a mandate from the people.He had in this regard little respect for the selfish unelected Thai elites and their contempt for the people of the North and North East, and the Thai majority in general.He reserved a particular distate for the Thai military, their uselessness, their propensity to interfere through coup and counter coup.It's doubtful whether the present Singapore leadership think much differently.Indeed in terms of criminality (in any meaningful sense) they will silently ponder who is the biggest Thai offender when surveying the high level Thais who come to pay respects.

[NanLaew]

"It's his business. How will it affect me? … I don't have anything [against him]. And I cannot go arrest anyone on my own anyway. He will attend the funeral on his own. It's up to him. Please don't write news that mixes up the issues."

This doesn't match up at all with this article's headline. Very misleading headline.

TV may have a new click baiter headline writer working in their News office?

[Bakseeda]

Thaksin was convicted by a court that had little option but to find him guilty. All they could get him on was a conflict of interest, that is not corruption, but a minor charge the same as they got Samak on for appearing on a cooking program. Quite right Prayuth nor any other Thai could arrest Mr T in Singapore, that's a civilized country governed by the rule of law, and not the rule of thugs and force and illegal coups.

Obviously far too much Sangsom being swallowed here.. Thaksin is a criminal on the run .. He has 12 further charges awaiting him if he does ever return to Thailand.. And who are you calling a thug "be careful".. or you might be on the run..! And the Thai government could if they wanted to, arrest Mr T in Singapore .. albeit with that governments approval. Please remember Thaksins "war on drugs" when over 2500 peoples were shot dead without trial .. surely the blackest of times in Thailands history. Thats your beloved leader..! A thief , a coward , and a murderer....

[jamesjohnsonthird]

Thaksin was convicted by a court that had little option but to find him guilty. All they could get him on was a conflict of interest, that is not corruption, but a minor charge the same as they got Samak on for appearing on a cooking program. Quite right Prayuth nor any other Thai could arrest Mr T in Singapore, that's a civilized country governed by the rule of law, and not the rule of thugs and force and illegal coups.

Obviously far too much Sangsom being swallowed here.. Thaksin is a criminal on the run .. He has 12 further charges awaiting him if he does ever return to Thailand.. And who are you calling a thug "be careful".. or you might be on the run..! And the Thai government could if they wanted to, arrest Mr T in Singapore .. albeit with that governments approval. Please remember Thaksins "war on drugs" when over 2500 peoples were shot dead without trial .. surely the blackest of times in Thailands history. Thats your beloved leader..! A thief , a coward , and a murderer....

Singapore and most of us know why those drug war deaths were never investigated by the Democrats or the Army.

They hate Thaksin but refuse to look into this atrocity. Funny eh?

[Baerboxer]

Thaksin was convicted by a court that had little option but to find him guilty. All they could get him on was a conflict of interest, that is not corruption, but a minor charge the same as they got Samak on for appearing on a cooking program. Quite right Prayuth nor any other Thai could arrest Mr T in Singapore, that's a civilized country governed by the rule of law, and not the rule of thugs and force and illegal coups.

You've been reading the little book of Shin lies again. Keep on saying it was only a small law, they had no option to find him guilty and that it doesn't really matter for a PM to lie and cheat to enrich his family.

Eventually you'll believe it.

Or you could check. See he was found guilty because, er well, he actually did it. He and wifey wanted to give it all back and let's pretend nothing happened. When that didn't work the lawyers tried some nice pastries. Unfortunately his attempts at sweeping it all under the carpet as nothing, followed by bribery didn't work. And nor should they. Samak went because the tried to lie his way out. What a coincidence a mate of Thaksin lying, cheating and showing nothing but contempt for the law.

What is questionable is the failure to extradite the criminal Thaksin to serve his sentence and face the 15 more serious outstanding charges waiting in the courts; or to cancel his illegally issued passport, the one his cousin hand delivered at tax payer's money illegally and that the Ombudsman has been questioning for years.

Shame on Singapore if they allow a convicted criminal fugitive to taint their former leader's funeral. Albeit, Thaksin did do some dodgy deals with Singapore, which benefited Singapore and the Shin family, at the expense of Thailand, but that's business for you.

[kinmaew]

He can't arrest him "Not your country" how do you like that Pon Ek?

[Neeranam]

the way i read this is, thaksin will attend a memorial service the day before the state funeral Prayut will attend.

there is no big deal here, just thaksin pr bs and media hype, imho

thaksin is a coward with thai blood on his hands

Absolutely. He only became PM because of buying votes. This is not Democratic in the slightest bit. Guess where he got his money from? Many people weren't here in 1997 and before or don't remember what happened. Who became Deputy Prime Minister under Big Jiew in 1997? Who failed to defend the baht against international speculator? Who made billions from the Asian Financial Crisis? Who then gave Big Jiew a return to politics in return for The ex chief of the army using his army friends and contacts to ease the friction between Thaksin and Gen. Prem (President of the Privy Council).

So Thaksin used the Thai people's money to buy their votes. He had so much money that he had to conceal shares by giving his gardener and other servant millions of shares(CRIME).

His CRIMES against humanity - for example the extra judicial killing around 2002/3. Hundred of innocent people killed by the police and also NOT by the police.

Also his CRIMES against the "unspeakable" - with his power-hungry selfish greedy ambition to become President.

Corruption CRIME - almost too many to mention but the whole Shinawatra family sold ALL their shares netting almost $2 billion just after Thaksin made a new law preventing hm from paying capital gains tax.

He is a very dangerous criminal who must be jailed for his crimes. His "dictator parliament' puts even the current situation to shame.

[jayboy]

Thaksin was convicted by a court that had little option but to find him guilty. All they could get him on was a conflict of interest, that is not corruption, but a minor charge the same as they got Samak on for appearing on a cooking program. Quite right Prayuth nor any other Thai could arrest Mr T in Singapore, that's a civilized country governed by the rule of law, and not the rule of thugs and force and illegal coups.

Obviously far too much Sangsom being swallowed here.. Thaksin is a criminal on the run .. He has 12 further charges awaiting him if he does ever return to Thailand.. And who are you calling a thug "be careful".. or you might be on the run..! And the Thai government could if they wanted to, arrest Mr T in Singapore .. albeit with that governments approval. Please remember Thaksins "war on drugs" when over 2500 peoples were shot dead without trial .. surely the blackest of times in Thailands history. Thats your beloved leader..! A thief , a coward , and a murderer....

I agree with you that the war on drugs was the great abuse of human rights during the Thaksin administration.The rest of your post is hysterical fantasy.Here are some aspects for you to consider.

1.Why has he never been charged with this offence?

2.Why was nothing done during the Abhisit administration to follow up?

3.Why when the Thai government was casting around for an extradition offence was this charge not considered?

4.Who provided moral and actual support for the drugs war? Did it include high level military, bureaucratic, judicial elements?

5.Did it have support from any other highly influential quarters?

6.Did it have support from the Thai people?

7.Is the Singapore Government known for its soft approach to drug offences?

For all the considerations listed here the Singapore Government nor the visiting Thai delegation would dream of an arrest scenario you fantasise about.

[halloween]

I suppose it would be inappropriate for Prayuth to wear a side-arm during the funeral, but it would certainly ensure the "people's hero" stayed well away from him.

Why would a FORMER Army officer, now a diplomat be allowed to wear a sidearm? Especially in a foreign country ?

Prayuth isn't going alone, he NEVER travels alone, he, as a head if state will travel with his own close protection team, that can be anything from 2 bodyguards and upwards.

He along with his security team have to RESPECT the laws of the land in which he visits.

DOH! That's why "I suppose it would be inappropriate........"

BTW As a FORMER Thai Army officer he is entitled to both his rank and to wear his uniform, and it is highly likely he will on this occasion. Have you ever BEEN to Thailand?

[Baerboxer]

"It's his business. How will it affect me? … I don't have anything [against him]. And I cannot go arrest anyone on my own anyway. He will attend the funeral on his own. It's up to him. Please don't write news that mixes up the issues."

This doesn't match up at all with this article's headline. Very misleading headline.

I agree.The General almost certainly has been misquoted.There are other absurdites to this story.Lee Kwan Yew was on record as professing great regard for Thaksin placing him streets ahead against other Thai politicians in terms of astuteness and intelligence.Although LKW manipulated democracy he understood very clearly that a modern leader must obtain a mandate from the people.He had in this regard little respect for the selfish unelected Thai elites and their contempt for the people of the North and North East, and the Thai majority in general.He reserved a particular distate for the Thai military, their uselessness, their propensity to interfere through coup and counter coup.It's doubtful whether the present Singapore leadership think much differently.Indeed in terms of criminality (in any meaningful sense) they will silently ponder who is the biggest Thai offender when surveying the high level Thais who come to pay respects.

Singapore lent Thaksin the money to pay off the IMF loan, but at a higher interest rate and for a longer time period. Thaksin then changed the law so his telecommunications company could be sold to Singapore, and changed the tax laws at the same time so he could avoid having to pay tax on the sale.

No doubt they have a high regard for his abilities. He certainly knew how to make buck at other's expense and risk.

Thaksin had a golden opportunity to become one of the top achieving leaders in Asia - LKW would have seen that potential. He would then have seen it lost due to the personality flaws, the greed, conceit, and lack of morals and ethics. Thaksin, is one of the selfish non elected Thai Chinese elites and has become more immersed in the sought of activities the Singaporeans will find very distasteful. Coups and terrorist insurgencies are something Singapore has managed to avoid.

[chooka]

I suppose it would be inappropriate for Prayuth to wear a side-arm during the funeral, but it would certainly ensure the "people's hero" stayed well away from him.

Why would a FORMER Army officer, now a diplomat be allowed to wear a sidearm? Especially in a foreign country ?

Prayuth isn't going alone, he NEVER travels alone, he, as a head if state will travel with his own close protection team, that can be anything from 2 bodyguards and upwards.

He along with his security team have to RESPECT the laws of the land in which he visits.

will his team be shutting down all the major roads for his vehicle as they do in Thailand?

[Baerboxer]

I suppose it would be inappropriate for Prayuth to wear a side-arm during the funeral, but it would certainly ensure the "people's hero" stayed well away from him.

Why would a FORMER Army officer, now a diplomat be allowed to wear a sidearm? Especially in a foreign country ?

Prayuth isn't going alone, he NEVER travels alone, he, as a head if state will travel with his own close protection team, that can be anything from 2 bodyguards and upwards.

He along with his security team have to RESPECT the laws of the land in which he visits.

will his team be shutting down all the major roads for his vehicle as they do in Thailand?

That will be a matter for the Singaporean authorities. I'm sure they will have a list of all VIPs who will be attending and making suitable arrangements for travel and security, particularly given the proximity of countries which terrorists could be located in.

The Singaporean security services regularly win awards for their knowledge management capabilities so they are highly trained and very capable.

[Baerboxer]

Thaksin was convicted by a court that had little option but to find him guilty. All they could get him on was a conflict of interest, that is not corruption, but a minor charge the same as they got Samak on for appearing on a cooking program. Quite right Prayuth nor any other Thai could arrest Mr T in Singapore, that's a civilized country governed by the rule of law, and not the rule of thugs and force and illegal coups.

Obviously far too much Sangsom being swallowed here.. Thaksin is a criminal on the run .. He has 12 further charges awaiting him if he does ever return to Thailand.. And who are you calling a thug "be careful".. or you might be on the run..! And the Thai government could if they wanted to, arrest Mr T in Singapore .. albeit with that governments approval. Please remember Thaksins "war on drugs" when over 2500 peoples were shot dead without trial .. surely the blackest of times in Thailands history. Thats your beloved leader..! A thief , a coward , and a murderer....

I agree with you that the war on drugs was the great abuse of human rights during the Thaksin administration.The rest of your post is hysterical fantasy.Here are some aspects for you to consider.

1.Why has he never been charged with this offence?

2.Why was nothing done during the Abhisit administration to follow up?

3.Why when the Thai government was casting around for an extradition offence was this charge not considered?

4.Who provided moral and actual support for the drugs war? Did it include high level military, bureaucratic, judicial elements?

5.Did it have support from any other highly influential quarters?

6.Did it have support from the Thai people?

7.Is the Singapore Government known for its soft approach to drug offences?

For all the considerations listed here the Singapore Government nor the visiting Thai delegation would dream of an arrest scenario you fantasise about.

The Singaporean authorities won't arrest Thaksin as AFAIK he has not committed any crimes there yet, and Thailand has not processed any extradition or requested any action from Interpol with member countries. Thailand also chooses not to cancel the passport his sister and cousin issued illegally to him. So he's free to come and go as usual. Whether they invite him to the funeral is a matter the themselves.

He has jumped bail, has a prison sentence waiting, has 15 serious charges waiting in courts (I believe some warrants have been issued), and travels on a passport the Ombudsman questions is legal; but Thailand does nothing about it. So why should anyone else?

[recycled]

Thaksin was convicted by a court that had little option but to find him guilty. All they could get him on was a conflict of interest, that is not corruption, but a minor charge the same as they got Samak on for appearing on a cooking program. Quite right Prayuth nor any other Thai could arrest Mr T in Singapore, that's a civilized country governed by the rule of law, and not the rule of thugs and force and illegal coups.

Are you referring to a different Singapore. I suggest you check your history on this country and read up about the recently departed leader.

[jayboy]

"It's his business. How will it affect me? … I don't have anything [against him]. And I cannot go arrest anyone on my own anyway. He will attend the funeral on his own. It's up to him. Please don't write news that mixes up the issues."

This doesn't match up at all with this article's headline. Very misleading headline.

I agree.The General almost certainly has been misquoted.There are other absurdites to this story.Lee Kwan Yew was on record as professing great regard for Thaksin placing him streets ahead against other Thai politicians in terms of astuteness and intelligence.Although LKW manipulated democracy he understood very clearly that a modern leader must obtain a mandate from the people.He had in this regard little respect for the selfish unelected Thai elites and their contempt for the people of the North and North East, and the Thai majority in general.He reserved a particular distate for the Thai military, their uselessness, their propensity to interfere through coup and counter coup.It's doubtful whether the present Singapore leadership think much differently.Indeed in terms of criminality (in any meaningful sense) they will silently ponder who is the biggest Thai offender when surveying the high level Thais who come to pay respects.

Singapore lent Thaksin the money to pay off the IMF loan, but at a higher interest rate and for a longer time period. Thaksin then changed the law so his telecommunications company could be sold to Singapore, and changed the tax laws at the same time so he could avoid having to pay tax on the sale.

No doubt they have a high regard for his abilities. He certainly knew how to make buck at other's expense and risk.

Thaksin had a golden opportunity to become one of the top achieving leaders in Asia - LKW would have seen that potential. He would then have seen it lost due to the personality flaws, the greed, conceit, and lack of morals and ethics. Thaksin, is one of the selfish non elected Thai Chinese elites and has become more immersed in the sought of activities the Singaporeans will find very distasteful. Coups and terrorist insurgencies are something Singapore has managed to avoid.

LKY's favourable view is a matter of record.The "subsequent reflections" are simply invented by you - LKY had no such second thoughts.He did have some reservations about Thaksin related to the latter's over optimistic even simplistic ideas about the speed Thailand could be modernised.

[fxe1200]

1. He doesn't have any authority to arrest someone on Singapore soil.

So when he gonna learn that it's better to put his foot in his mouth before he starts talking?

2. Of course he doesn't arrest him, the deal was done several months ago.

Singapore is a member of the INTERPOL. If Thailand decides to issue an arrest warrant for Thaksin, then Thaksin can be taken in custody and deported to Thailand by Singaporean authorities only. But Thailand has never sought an arrest warrant with INTERPOL. On the other hand, it is probably the best, to keep Thaksin out of the country.

[Emster23]

Have we heard anything from Thaksin's camp about whether they will arrest general for illegal coup, plus those who coup'ed him out? Seems a bit more serious charge than just the usual pillaging of the people...

[elgordo38]

Maybe they could have a beer together and review the scorecard on who has screwed Thailand more. TS has a big head start but the General is doing his best to catch up.

Turmoil is the order of the day not tranquil

[elgordo38]

Please don't write news that mixes up the issues.

Prayuth Promises Not to Arrest Thaksin at Lee Kuan Yew's Funeral

It seems that they didn't listen to him.

Besides that, I didn't read any promise not to arrest him, just that he can't do it alone.

He could pack a pair of handcuffs anyways and make a citizens arrest.

[elgordo38]

1. He doesn't have any authority to arrest someone on Singapore soil.

So when he gonna learn that it's better to put his foot in his mouth before he starts talking?

2. Of course he doesn't arrest him, the deal was done several months ago.

2 yes....else he would at least cancel his passport.

He more than likely has multiple passports.

[Pimay1]

"Thaksin, the de facto leader of the Redshirt movement, was ousted in a coup in 2006 and is living in self-imposed exile to avoid a corruption conviction over a land purchase."

No he wasn't.

No he isn't, he's a convicted criminal evading justice.

Sorry. Thaksin, the democratically elected PM was ousted by a SE Asian Military coup, that tore up the constitution, gave themselves amnesty, rewrote the constitution, appointed the Senate that stacked the court with Thaksin enemies, then confiscated his wealth.

Funny thing is he was convicted on a technicality 'purchasing' land. The Military General that replaced him was caught red handed with a private home in the national forest.. What happened to him? Nothing.

I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you posted. But if you are in doubt of the facts, a simple Google search is a good place to start.

[pacovl46]

How stupid to even ask Prayuth that question, since Singapore is totally outside Thailand's jurisdiction!

[billd766]

Thaksin was convicted by a court that had little option but to find him guilty. All they could get him on was a conflict of interest, that is not corruption, but a minor charge the same as they got Samak on for appearing on a cooking program. Quite right Prayuth nor any other Thai could arrest Mr T in Singapore, that's a civilized country governed by the rule of law, and not the rule of thugs and force and illegal coups.

Obviously far too much Sangsom being swallowed here.. Thaksin is a criminal on the run .. He has 12 further charges awaiting him if he does ever return to Thailand.. And who are you calling a thug "be careful".. or you might be on the run..! And the Thai government could if they wanted to, arrest Mr T in Singapore .. albeit with that governments approval. Please remember Thaksins "war on drugs" when over 2500 peoples were shot dead without trial .. surely the blackest of times in Thailands history. Thats your beloved leader..! A thief , a coward , and a murderer....

Singapore and most of us know why those drug war deaths were never investigated by the Democrats or the Army.

They hate Thaksin but refuse to look into this atrocity. Funny eh?

So explain to all the "misguided fools" who don't believe a word you say exactly why you believe WHY the drug war deaths were never investigated.

[emilymat]

I suppose it would be inappropriate for Prayuth to wear a side-arm during the funeral, but it would certainly ensure the "people's hero" stayed well away from him.

Why would a FORMER Army officer, now a diplomat be allowed to wear a sidearm? Especially in a foreign country ?

Prayuth isn't going alone, he NEVER travels alone, he, as a head if state will travel with his own close protection team, that can be anything from 2 bodyguards and upwards.

He along with his security team have to RESPECT the laws of the land in which he visits.

Isn't the King Head of State, or are the rules of protocol different in Thailand to say the UK.?

[city]

You can bet that Thaksin will engage the worlds media and they will be eating out of his hand. While Gaff will be sat in the cheap seats hoping some third rate tv station asked him to make some Churchillian soundbite (cant wait). The whole situation will demonstrate the political chasm and international standing between the two protaganists. There can only be one winner.GG (General Gaff) should get a refund on his ticket) to save embarrassment or awkward moments where he may expose his character flaws and punch the nearest reporter.. My piece

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

Maybe they could have a beer together and review the scorecard on who has screwed Thailand more. TS has a big head start but the General is doing his best to catch up.

While Prayut isn;t the best possible PM, he doesn't enrich himself (yet) and he doesn't try to get really absolute control.

So my friend if he hasn't enriched himself yet, how did he accumulate B 680 million on a army salary ?

[mango66]

1. He doesn't have any authority to arrest someone on Singapore soil.

So when he gonna learn that it's better to put his foot in his mouth before he starts talking?

2. Of course he doesn't arrest him, the deal was done several months ago.

2 yes....else he would at least cancel his passport.

he dont travell with his Thai passport,

he bought passports from some drug dealing countries !!

[connda]

From what I can tell by researching the internet, Singapore and Thailand don't have an iron-clad extradition treaty in place.

So basically, it's like Prayuth and company going to Dubai. First, their out of their legal jurisdiction, and second there is not actionable treaty in place so they can't even request assistance from the Singapore government. So the elite get to go to Singapore and play nice nice together. Naa buura