Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport In Doubt

[Plus]

Generals played their part as gentlemen and they expect Thaksin to behave like a gentleman, too.

You have been telling us for months that Thaksin is no gentleman. So why would you expect him to all of a sudden act like one? AND Gentlemen do not act like thieves breaking into a vacant house at gunpoint in the dead of the night, that's definitely not gentlemanly.

If you read my post it says THEY expect him to behave like a gentleman. "Thieves breaking into a vacant house..." - no, the coup was conducted extremely delicately. No violence, no damage to property, no arrests. It doesn't even fit the definition of the coup someone posted here earlier.

I actually appreciate that generals are trying to treat Thaksin as a gentleman - it shows class. It takes a real gentleman to treat others with such respect.

Of course they won't publicly admit spying on Thaksin but I'm sure they have people to keep an eye on his movements. Maybe the story about revoking his passport was intentionally leaked to the press to show Thaksin what options they have if he doesn't "cooperate" and stays in one place.

If he slips in, he won't be marching on Bangkok, of course, but I think we all agreed that dealing with him here will be a real headache for the government they don't need at all.

[Old Man River]

If people would stop to read the OP, the PM never said he was considering revoking the diplomatic passport. The OP says only that it been recommended to him to do so.

Unlike the very real contradictions so prevalent in the previous administration, this does not seem to be the case here:

No Plan To Cancel Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport, Says Thai PM

BANGKOK, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Thai Government has no plan to cancel ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's diplomatic passport.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont dismissed newspaper reports that he planned to ask the Foreign Ministry to revoke the privilege still enjoyed by the former premier despite being ousted by the Sept 19 coup.

-- BERNAMA

The thread is called "Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport in Doubt". A bit misleading, if it isn't in doubt.

[Jai Dee]

PM perceives ex-PM Thaksin has the right to travel to other countries

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is confident that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's trips to other countries will cause no problems, and will confer with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the appropriateness of granting the diplomatic passport to him.

The Prime Minister talked about the case where a former senior ambassador expressed concern of the ousted premier and proposed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke his diplomatic passport, as foreign countries may misunderstand his status. Gen. Surayud said he would firstly consult with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter, but in general, Pol. Lt. Col Thaksin can still hold his passport since he is already a former Prime Minister of Thailand. In addition, other foreign countries have no misunderstandings at the moment, and Gen. Surayud has no suspicions that Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin's trips to other countries will cause problems.

Prime Minister Surayud insisted that Pol. Lt. Col Thaksin should return to Thailand following the emergence of the new government next year. Gen. Surayud said this is his personal opinion and Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin may disagree with it. He further said that the best solution is for the ex-Prime Minister to consult with the Thai authority before he decides to return. However, Gen. Surayud said Pol. Lt. Col Thaksin has not contacted him yet.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 November 2006

[sriracha john]

If people would stop to read the OP, the PM never said he was considering revoking the diplomatic passport. The OP says only that it been recommended to him to do so.

Unlike the very real contradictions so prevalent in the previous administration, this does not seem to be the case here:

No Plan To Cancel Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport, Says Thai PM

BANGKOK, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Thai Government has no plan to cancel ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's diplomatic passport.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont dismissed newspaper reports that he planned to ask the Foreign Ministry to revoke the privilege still enjoyed by the former premier despite being ousted by the Sept 19 coup.

-- BERNAMA

The thread is called "Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport in Doubt". A bit misleading, if it isn't in doubt.

yes, I agree and it's why a precise reading is necessary for many news items. A misreading tends to lead the topic astray as follow on posts reinforce the erroneous reading.

Edited November 15, 2006 by sriracha john

[Heng]

So what advantages/priveliges come with a diplomatic passport?

for one, he gets diplomatic immunity.don't know what it is like now, but in the old days you could waltz through customs....no bag search etc.

Assuming that is the case, and assuming that what heng posted above is also correct (I've no reason to doubt him), why would Paradorn or his father qualify for a diplomatic passport?

It's often repeated as one of those 'interesting facts' that have to be compiled for all players during his broadcasted tennis matches. Googling "paradorn diplomatic passport" confirms. If I recall, it was Thaksin would gave it to him, hence part of the joke that Paradorn's should be cancelled too. The only real benefits it bestows are visa free travel to many countries and almost always having access to the shortest (diplomatic) passport lines at every airport.

[LaoPo]

What a lot of fuzz about nothing.

If his diplomatic passport would be take from him, being in a foreign country...than what ? ...leaving him as a stateless citizen ?

Whatever he did wrong, he was a 'democratical' elected PM and ousted while abroad.

It would create an enormous international -political- scandal which would be bad for the 'face' of the Thai government in place.

They don't want that. They don't want to lose face towards other countries....

Better to leave it as it is for the moment.

LaoPo

Edited November 15, 2006 by LaoPo

[cclub75]

If his diplomatic passport would be take from him, being in a foreign country...than what ? ...leaving him as a stateless citizen ?

Whatever he did wrong, he was a 'democratical' elected PM and ousted while abroad.

It would create an enormous international -political- scandal which would be bad for the 'face' of the Thai government in place.

The idea is not to refuse him a passport. Just to scrap his diplomatic passeport.

You seem to think that a diplomatic passport is just a piece of paper with a different color, that should be given away like candy bar.

http://www.un.int/usa/host_dip.htm

It gives immunity. Along many other privileges.

So the question is : Thaksin is not a member of the thai government/state apparatus anymore, he is a lambda thai citizen, and furthermore he is supposed to be a "really bad guy" that "nice military" have ousted during a coup. So what ?

So why let him continue enjoying such privileges ?

"Tradition" ? Being "sweet and gentleman" like some wrote here ?

This is bullshit. To let him this passport is a very... political decision. In total contradiction with the official agenda to nail him.

[STEELINOX]

Thats what I wanna know too! Why the frak didnt they revoke all that diplomatic "fluff" on day one. Sheeze, dont you people have more important things to do now that you are two months post coup?

[skippybangkok]

This is bullshit. To let him this passport is a very... political decision. In total contradiction with the official agenda to nail him.

You would always wanna keepa few spare bullets just in case. Use em all now, nothing left.

[sriracha john]

If his diplomatic passport would be take from him, being in a foreign country...than what ? ...leaving him as a stateless citizen ?

Whatever he did wrong, he was a 'democratical' elected PM and ousted while abroad.

It would create an enormous international -political- scandal which would be bad for the 'face' of the Thai government in place.

The idea is not to refuse him a passport. Just to scrap his diplomatic passeport.

You seem to think that a diplomatic passport is just a piece of paper with a different color, that should be given away like candy bar.

http://www.un.int/usa/host_dip.htm

It gives immunity. Along many other privileges.

Like so many other rules or obligations supposedly imposed by the U.N., they are just pieces of paper. According to Article 29 of the cited U.N. agreement:

The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity.

In light of the above and when compared to the below, it would seem that the U.K. is in serious breach of its U.N. responsibilities and obligations.

Thaksin's departure from London would be a big blow to the Thai community there. They would be deprived of the fun of having someone to vent their fury on. Their otherwise dull life has been made more colourful by the anticipation that they might run into the former prime minister on the street or in restaurants.

A group of Thais had the thrill of their life recently when they encountered Thaksin in a Thai restaurant. Their lunch suddenly turned into a feisty party with all the booing and name calling. Shouting "Thaksin get out!", one lady hurled a half-full glass at the stunned former strongman. Embarrassed - and without security guards to help him break the nose of his assailant - Thaksin timidly walked out of the restaurant in his water-stained jacket followed by two aides.

... but then, perhaps Thaksin could have used the paper containing the U.N. agreement to dry himself off with.

btw, Thailand apparently DOES hand them out like candy bars.... or at least like a can of tennis balls as in Paradorn's case...

Edited November 15, 2006 by sriracha john

[ColPyat]

This is bullshit. To let him this passport is a very... political decision. In total contradiction with the official agenda to nail him.

Everything here in politics and games of power is bullshit, all smoke and mirrors.

All are made to believe that at any particular time someone is great, and the other evil, and a shift in power turns everything around. In reality though we don't get no proof of anything, only propaganda, and are left to speculate.

Why is the investigation of the may massaker not yet made public? Some of the most important players of today's government did have a signifiant role in it. The public is entitled to know the finding of this report.

[cclub75]

You would always wanna keepa few spare bullets just in case. Use em all now, nothing left.

It could be that.

Anyway, it's interesting to see that thai opponents have the same "reading" of the situation. It shows that we are not a bunch of -totally- crazy farangs...

From the secretary-general of Campaign for Popular Democracy :

"Thai diplomats in foreign countries where Thaksin has made public appearances accommodate him as if he were still prime minister,'' he alleged.

Suriyasai claimed Thaksin's recent overseas appearances were intentional acts in a "psychological war" to give hope to people who supported him.

He criticised the government for not removing the former premier's diplomatic passport. "This reflects government confusion about how to deal with Thaksin."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/16...cs_30019113.php

[VanZam]

I had a diplomatic passport up until the age of 21 due to family.

For New Zealand it was simply a bit of paper, and allowed entry without going through customs, no bag checks, immunity, and no visa requirements.

A diplomatic passport does not replace your old one, I can't see any reason why Thuksin would have issues if they removed his, he would just have to apply for visas like every other Thai.

[sumrit]

So what advantages/priveliges come with a diplomatic passport?

I know a Thai monk in the UK who has a diplomatic passport. He said it meant he could travel anywhere without the need for visa's and going through customs was quick and problem free but the thai government would know exactly where he was because every time he entered/left a country the thai government were informed. If this is true I would think they would be happy to let Taksin keep his diplomatic passport because it would mean they would get regular updates on his movements.

[Jai Dee]

Globe-trotting thaksin makes waves for his accusers

As graft-busters look to uncover hard evidence of corruption, ousted premier rattles junta with his Asian holidays

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has declared publicly that it is too soon to return to Thailand, but his globetrotting and current presence in Southeast Asia has got people wondering: What's he up to?

Thaksin was forced to live in exile in London shortly after the September 19 coup but has hardly been out of the spotlight. He is as newsworthy today as in his five years in power.

Unlike former Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan or outspoken politician Chalerm Yoobamrung - who sought exile respectively in London and Denmark after the 1991 coup - Thaksin has travelled non-stop on his diplomatic passport.

Believe it or not, since the coup Thaksin has racked up 33,000 air kilometres - from the streets of London to the beaches of Bali. That is just 7,000 kilometres short of a global circumnavigation along the Equator.

From New York, where he was when overthrown, he jetted to London and holed up in his luxury Kensington apartment, which is his eldest daughter's base to attend university.

Thaksin was then spotted in a Miami coffee shop. He then flew to China and Hong Kong, and is now in Bali.

The Hong Kong Oriental Daily News splashed his picture on its front page on Tuesday Thaksin was seen holding his wife Pojaman's hand as they shopped in the island's high-priced Central district.

And yesterday he checked into a luxury resort on the Indonesian getaway island of Bali.

Popping up around the world is, of course, Thaksin's right. He can go on forever, at his own expense. His trip from West to East is commonplace for jet-set millionaires with time to kill and money to burn.

Wintertime in London with the boos of expatriate Thais ringing in his ears was probably not to his liking. He needed to find somewhere with a warm welcome and climate. Somewhere more like Thailand, somewhere in Asia.

But, politically, his world jaunts - London to Miami, London to China and Hong Kong and then Bali - are significant to the military-backed government in Bangkok.

Thaksin might be seeking sympathy from his political base - the grass-roots people in rural the North and Northeast. He has tried to create an impression that the junta and its government are bullying him.

Thaksin has opted for countries close to his homeland where he will be sure to catch the attention of the news media with an eye on Thai politics - not the biggest deal in Europe.

Last week he was in Beijing, this week it's Hong Kong and Bali - all just a few hours by plane from Bangkok. He has plans to return to Hong Kong, but he is still denied a return to Thailand.

More importantly, Thaksin's waltz through in many countries might be to show he is a free man and not a prisoner of the junta. He may want to be seen entering and exiting any nation he wishes - to cement the idea he has done nothing wrong.

Thaksin's activities could be deemed a political disturbance for the military-backed administration. His reappearance in the region may have made officials at Government House nervous and prompted them to recommend diplomatic travel privileges be revoked to make it harder for him to get around.

Thaksin and his activities may unsettle the army chiefs and their government as long as the former prime minister remains indictment-free in courts here.

For, despite a slew of allegations, the junta has yet to prosecute the former premier on charges of abuse of power and corruption - which were some of the reasons it cited for seizing power.

Thaksin is quick to exploit uncertainty for his own political gain and the junta appears on the defensive and insecure in handling this novel situation.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has shut the door on a Thaksin return until after general elections scheduled a year from now. But the ousted leader has still rattled the Council for National Security (CNS) and its government with his presence close to Thailand.

With Thaksin in the region, the CNS and government may lack the confidence to lift martial law and restrictions on political activity due to fears he may seek to encourage subversive activities in the Kingdom while he is abroad.

The junta is facing all kinds of political waves. "Undercurrents", or subversive acts, by Thaksin supporters may be easy to arrange and could well shake the junta.

Former PM and Cabinet minister during the Thaksin era, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, created his own wave last week - above ground, you could say - when he attacked the appointment of generals to state-enterprise boards and supported a return home for Thaksin.

Now, Thaksin himself is exploiting the media to unsettle the waters.

So, until the graft-busters find something of substance, the top brass is unlikely to be able to strike back. They will have to endure the waves.

Source: The Nation - 16 November 2006