No Report On Thaksin's Attempt To Sneak In To Chiang Mai

[george]

Boonrawd says no report on Thaksin's attempt to return to Chiang Mai

BANGKOK: -- Defence Minister Gen Boonrawd Somtas said Friday that he has received no official reports that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would try to sneak into the country through Chiang Mai.

"So far, we have received no such report," Boonrawd said when asked to comment on speculation in the press that Thaksin would travel from China to Chiang Mai.

-- The Nation 2006-11-03

[tuky]

If somebody as high profile as Thaksin could sneak in to the country it highlights serious border control issues.

[Scott]

I wonder what exactly they mean by "sneak" into. He is a Thai citizen and I am not sure if they can legally bar his entry to the country. Being the country is under military rule, they could detain him, but I don't know if they keep him out without creating a really big international furor.

My guess is that he might plan to enter the country "discreetly."

[Thaising]

If somebody as high profile as Thaksin could sneak in to the country it highlights serious border control issues.

Take a look at Wolfgang Ullrich case, and the way he sneak in.

[hammered]

I wonder what exactly they mean by "sneak" into. He is a Thai citizen and I am not sure if they can legally bar his entry to the country. Being the country is under military rule, they could detain him, but I don't know if they keep him out without creating a really big international furor.

My guess is that he might plan to enter the country "discreetly."

There is a previous case in Thailand where an ousted leader tried to "sneak" back in dressed as a monk iirc. The word sneak probably implies disguised rather than openly entering through a proper checkpoint.

[chownah]

I wonder what exactly they mean by "sneak" into. He is a Thai citizen and I am not sure if they can legally bar his entry to the country. Being the country is under military rule, they could detain him, but I don't know if they keep him out without creating a really big international furor.

My guess is that he might plan to enter the country "discreetly."

I'm just wanting to do a reality check here. Thailand now has a group of military people making the ultimate decisions....they have abolished the constitution and have suggested interim rules which give them the ultimate authority to veto any actions in administering the country and in creating the new constitution.....they are at least temporarily basically make up the laws as they wish.....so.....how is it that you think that perhaps they can not "legally" bar his entry into the country?

Chownah

[Briggsy]

Is it just me or is this story sort of surreal? If he did secretly enter the country, how would he benefit?

[adjan jb]

My guess is that he might plan to enter the country "discreetly."

Or maybe he could borrow Ullrich's Elite Card.

[Scott]

There are international laws and regulations regarding citizens being denied entry to their own country. Does it happen, yes, but it is highly problematic in the eyes of the international community. If you are deported from somewhere they need to send you somewhere--that is to your country of origin.

Over the years, even refugees have not been denied entry to their original country--they may be persecuted if they return, but they are allowed to return.

There are people who are stateless and whose true place of origin is either unknown or disputed--Some of the Hmong fall into this category as do a few other groups and individuals world wide. These people are generally afforded special status by the UN because of this and countries are strongly urged to settle the issue of citizenship.

I highly doubt that Thailand would like to have Mr. Thaksin afforded any special status by the UN because of the treatment of his home country.

So, if he shows up at any immigration with a Thai passport, do you really think someone is going to deny him entry?

[Briggsy]

He won't turn up in the near future. If he did, some sort of house arrest arrangement would ensue.

[lukamar]

If he did, some sort of house arrest arrangement would ensue.

Couldn't that make him a worldwide folk hero like Au Sung Su Chi ? That's probably the last thing the Junta would want to see happen.

[Briggsy]

If he did, some sort of house arrest arrangement would ensue.

Couldn't that make him a worldwide folk hero like Au Sung Su Chi ? That's probably the last thing the Junta would want to see happen.

Yes, that's possible but I can't see what other options they would have. If he was allowed to do whatever he liked, the division of the country would worsen. This is what the coup was trying to prevent. If he was arrested on some charge and put in Bang Khwang, it would break the taboo on locking up the elite so that wouldn't happen. They might escort him to the nearest airfield and stick him on a plane to, well, where? I'm just speculating here but I think a sort of unpublicised house arrest is the most likely option. Thaksin is I think not seen as a champion of democracy like Aung San Su Chi.

[sriracha john]

He's not coming back any time soon. That's the 100% gospel truth.

His lawyer said so. What could be more credible and honest than a lawyer for Thaksin???

The Pope himself is less trustworthy.

[Plus]

That's why they staged the coup while he was out of the country. They surely don't want to deal with him if he suddenly shows up at a border checkpoint.

Is there any benefit in it for him? Maybe if he wants to become a martyr for democracy, like that taxi driver. Otherwise he wouldn't dare to provoke the generals, unless he has a clear working plan to overthrow the junta.

[hammered]

If he did, some sort of house arrest arrangement would ensue.

Couldn't that make him a worldwide folk hero like Au Sung Su Chi ? That's probably the last thing the Junta would want to see happen.

Luk. Mr. Thaksin has never been that popular internationally especially around SE Asia. He is generally seen as arrogant, egotistic and corrupt (even without charges). The international community would prefer to see him just fade away and Thailand get back to some kind of democracy even if it is less than before.

[ozterix]

heard he was there this morning for 2 hours and moved to another undisclosed location...

oz

[ratcatcher]

He's not coming back any time soon. That's the 100% gospel truth.

His lawyer said so. What could be more credible and honest than a lawyer for Thaksin???

The Pope himself is less trustworthy.

Last week Mr Thaksin's wife, Pojaman Shinawatra, met Prem Tinsulanonda, the top adviser to Thailand's revered king, in what reports suggest was an attempt to ease the way for her husband to fly back to Bangkok.

But Mr Thaksin's legal adviser, Noppadol Pattama, insisted his client had no immediate plans to return home.

"Thaksin is in Beijing to meet with friends. He just arrived a few hours ago, and that was after Prime Minister Surayud returned to Thailand," Mr Noppadol told reporters earlier on Thursday.

FROM B.B.C. website.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6108722.stm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There it is folks, his lawyer has admitted Thakky has no "immediate" plans to return home.

What could be more straightforward?

After all he's quite happy knocking around a few golf balls with his Chinese elite cronies and when he's in London probably enjoys shopping at Harrods.

Aside from the fact that he's probably homesick and itching to get his hands on some of the things he left behind he must also be missing his kids. Som nam nar.

He knows if he came back, there would be major protests against him as well as probable rallies of support. This is what the military chaps don't want to see happen.

Any comparisons between Tacky Shinawatra and The Lady in Burma are an insult to her.

She has morals, ethics and dignity. He has none of these!

She has been detained under house arrest for many years, he has been free to swan around the world at will. Whether he, as a deposed Prime Minister, has garnered any respect from world leaders is a moot point.

Edited November 3, 2006 by ratcatcher

[sriracha john]

I would just add as a pre-emptive comment that Thaksin is ALSO not like another Asian female stalwart, Mother Teresa.

[Rinrada]

heard he was there this morning for 2 hours and moved to another undisclosed location...

oz

My gardener has just called from Sankhampeng and confirmed that we have agreed a short term rental of our mountain gatehouse to a guy who looks a bit like Mr T but assures us that he is only up for the golf

[Thaising]

heard he was there this morning for 2 hours and moved to another undisclosed location...

oz

My gardener has just called from Sankhampeng and confirmed that we have agreed a short term rental of our mountain gatehouse to a guy who looks a bit like Mr T but assures us that he is only up for the golf

If you could take a picture of this real T-guy and send it over to the world media, that were definitely get you some tea money.

If he is really the T-guy, hope he did not hide in a bunker hole like saddam hussien.

[Briggsy]

heard he was there this morning for 2 hours and moved to another undisclosed location...

oz

How many suitcases can you pack in 2 hours?

[Rinrada]

heard he was there this morning for 2 hours and moved to another undisclosed location...

oz

How many suitcases can you pack in 2 hours?

Believe that he either still owns or at least has a majour stake in Air Asia (with Tony F)so sneaking into that new secret airfield ..not far from Lampoon..just off the Mae On road...the one that will be built as the New C.M.international airp...etc...? on a dark moonless night wouldnt be a problem..

Not suggesting anything .... ...land still cheap but .....

[chownah]

There are international laws and regulations regarding citizens being denied entry to their own country. Does it happen, yes, but it is highly problematic in the eyes of the international community. If you are deported from somewhere they need to send you somewhere--that is to your country of origin.

Over the years, even refugees have not been denied entry to their original country--they may be persecuted if they return, but they are allowed to return.

There are people who are stateless and whose true place of origin is either unknown or disputed--Some of the Hmong fall into this category as do a few other groups and individuals world wide. These people are generally afforded special status by the UN because of this and countries are strongly urged to settle the issue of citizenship.

I highly doubt that Thailand would like to have Mr. Thaksin afforded any special status by the UN because of the treatment of his home country.

So, if he shows up at any immigration with a Thai passport, do you really think someone is going to deny him entry?

I believe that the head of the junta stated that if Toxin was in an airplane and this was known then it would not be allowed to land....I think this is somewhere here in the news forum.

Chownah

[Rinrada]

There are international laws and regulations regarding citizens being denied entry to their own country. Does it happen, yes, but it is highly problematic in the eyes of the international community. If you are deported from somewhere they need to send you somewhere--that is to your country of origin.

Over the years, even refugees have not been denied entry to their original country--they may be persecuted if they return, but they are allowed to return.

There are people who are stateless and whose true place of origin is either unknown or disputed--Some of the Hmong fall into this category as do a few other groups and individuals world wide. These people are generally afforded special status by the UN because of this and countries are strongly urged to settle the issue of citizenship.

I highly doubt that Thailand would like to have Mr. Thaksin afforded any special status by the UN because of the treatment of his home country.

So, if he shows up at any immigration with a Thai passport, do you really think someone is going to deny him entry?

I believe that the head of the junta stated that if Toxin was in an airplane and this was known then it would not be allowed to land....I think this is somewhere here in the news forum.

Chownah

Rules would only really apply to democratically Elected and recognised Governments...

Juntas (even if they are NICE ones) because of what they are and of how they govern/take over a country can of course do wot they like.

Without pushing it 2 much ...Does ANY other country offically and diplomatically recognise LOS?

[jdinasia]

There are international laws and regulations regarding citizens being denied entry to their own country. Does it happen, yes, but it is highly problematic in the eyes of the international community. If you are deported from somewhere they need to send you somewhere--that is to your country of origin.

Over the years, even refugees have not been denied entry to their original country--they may be persecuted if they return, but they are allowed to return.

There are people who are stateless and whose true place of origin is either unknown or disputed--Some of the Hmong fall into this category as do a few other groups and individuals world wide. These people are generally afforded special status by the UN because of this and countries are strongly urged to settle the issue of citizenship.

I highly doubt that Thailand would like to have Mr. Thaksin afforded any special status by the UN because of the treatment of his home country.

So, if he shows up at any immigration with a Thai passport, do you really think someone is going to deny him entry?

I believe that the head of the junta stated that if Toxin was in an airplane and this was known then it would not be allowed to land....I think this is somewhere here in the news forum.

Chownah

Rules would only really apply to democratically Elected and recognised Governments...

Juntas (even if they are NICE ones) because of what they are and of how they govern/take over a country can of course do wot they like.

Without pushing it 2 much ...Does ANY other country offically and diplomatically recognise LOS?

I don't think any country has pulled Embassy staff etc .........

[sriracha john]

heard he was there this morning for 2 hours and moved to another undisclosed location...

oz

My gardener has just called from Sankhampeng and confirmed that we have agreed a short term rental of our mountain gatehouse to a guy who looks a bit like Mr T but assures us that he is only up for the golf

If you could take a picture of this real T-guy and send it over to the world media, that were definitely get you some tea money.

If he is really the T-guy, hope he did not hide in a bunker hole like saddam hussien.

Hope this reference picture helps to identify the renter of the gatehouse. The most identifying feature, needless to say, is the geometric shape of his cranium:

[Thaising]

heard he was there this morning for 2 hours and moved to another undisclosed location...

oz

My gardener has just called from Sankhampeng and confirmed that we have agreed a short term rental of our mountain gatehouse to a guy who looks a bit like Mr T but assures us that he is only up for the golf

If you could take a picture of this real T-guy and send it over to the world media, that were definitely get you some tea money.

If he is really the T-guy, hope he did not hide in a bunker hole like saddam hussien.

Hope this reference picture helps to identify the renter of the gatehouse. The most identifying feature, needless to say, is the geometric shape of his cranium:

You almost hit the square face golfer

[maxx]

he might parachute in

[jdinasia]

There was no report of any sightings of Elvis in Kamala to day either!

[richard10365]

Last I heard, he was in China. Maybe he will try to sneak into Myanmar as a Chinese tourist. Then enter Thailand at the border check point in Mai Sai carrying a Chinese passport.

Or he can find a bunch or roaming North Koreans and enter with them. They seem to get into Thailand easily enough.