Thaksin to return and 'fix the government'

buksida

Mr Thaksin's presence at home will remind Mr Samak who is really in charge.

The "Big Boss" is coming home! Finally, after more than a year of self-imposed exile shuttling between England and Hong Kong, deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was reported to be returning to his motherland next month, about two months ahead of schedule.

It was also reported he will be given a hero's welcome at Suvarnabhumi airport by his faithful followers.

Why the early return? Well, I guess the current political situation requires his personal presence, even temporarily, to take care of it.

First, rifts in the People Power party (PPP) between Newin Chidchob's faction and the faction led by Sudarat Keyuraphan, both one of the 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives banned from politics for five years, has become so bad that if allowed to spin out of control it could threaten the government of Mr Thaksin (sorry, Samak Sundaravej).

As an outsider, and a loner in the PPP, Mr Samak is completely powerless to deal with factional in-fighting. Thus, the presence of Mr Thaksin, as de facto PPP leader, is needed to settle disputes.

Mr Thaksin's presence at home will remind Mr Samak who is really in charge. Recent conduct by Mr Samak, as evidenced by his statements that he is not a nominee prime minister and by his failed attempt to meddle with the cabinet lineup and lists of ministerial aides may have caused the Big Boss some unease.

But inside sources insist Mr Thaksin will not permanently resettle here, but shuttle back and forth between Thailand and England where he has the Manchester City football club to take care of. That, perhaps, would be a wise move for both him and Mr Samak.

Why? Just imagine how embarrassing it would be for Mr Samak if his cabinet ministers parade into Mr Thaksin's mansion instead of Government House for a "cabinet meeting".

This would cause a lot of public confusion about who is really prime minister, or if we have two prime ministers, one a nominee, the other a puppet master. This impression would not be good for either of the two men.

Just as the Big Boss is about to return to put his house in order, it appears a house cleaning has started to rid the government of elements deemed hostile to him.

The first head to roll was that of Sunai Manomai-udom, head of the Department of Special Investigation. He was transferred to head the Office for the Protection and Suppression of Corruption in the State Sector, a new agency to be set up in the Justice Ministry. He was replaced by Pol Col Thavee Sodsong, a Thaksin loyalist.

Sunai is regarded as an opponent of the Thaksin regime and his department has been investigating a share concealment case against Thaksin's clan.

Sunai's ouster signals the start of what seems to be a purge to cleanse government bureaucracy of anti-Thaksin elements. The next head speculated to roll is that of Jarun Pukditanakul, the Justice permanent secretary, another staunch Thaksin opponent.

Many heads are expected to follow, and could include Public Relations Department chief Pramoj Ratthavinij and national police chief Pol Gen Sereepisut Taemeeyaves.

Why has the purge started before even the cabinet seats have been warmed? My guess is that this is seen as the right time, with the government still enjoying strong public support and the anti-Thaksin alliance still in disarray.

If the prelude to the apparent purge raised eyebrows, the next step may be more exciting. That is the mid-year reshuffle of the middle-ranking military officers in May. Will the commanding officers awarded by the coup makers for their role in the overthrow of the Thaksin regime in 2006 be axed from key troop-commanding positions, replaced by officers close to Thaksin's former mates in Class 10.

And with another major military reshuffle in September which will likely see the reinstatement of most Class 10 officers to powerful positions, the power shift will be firmly in the hands of the Big Boss.

One may wonder aloud is this apparent purge a part of the government's pronounced national reconciliation plan?

Source: Bangkok Post

Thought: Maybe another chance to go back and have a look at my last years predictions which seem to be coming true now. Deja vu anyone?
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Luctor et Emergo

STEVE G · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:02 pm Post subject:

buksida · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:19 pm Post subject:

I reckon all of the military made plenty of money during their occupation: a dual baht system, now theres a good idea.

Idea

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Luctor et Emergo

lomuamart · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject:

I hear that Thursday is the day - the 28th Feb 2008. However, I can't find a link to any news article. Buksi can you help?
Now, should I book my grandstand seat at Swampy airport to welcome him home or to protest?
On second thoughts, I'll just have another beer Cheers

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buksida · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 12:44 pm Post subject:

Heres one:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126148

The PAD have already started organising demonstrations:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126139

The best thing for Toxin to do is pay his taxes and his fines and bugger off back to Manchester!
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Luctor et Emergo

ozuncle · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject:

To be quite honest I should keep my mouth shut as I know very little about Thai politics.
However:
From talking to my family and reading a few newspapers I would think that about 50% of Thais will welcome Mr.T back.
I am also very concerned about some of the crazy talk that is going on at the moment with the new government. 2am closing etc.
Someone is going to have to control this mob and I think Mr T is the only one to do it.
The only other option is another coup.
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buksida · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject:

Many good points there, I'd agree that the country is about a 50:50 split.

Some of the current government "crazy talk" is just reviving Thaksin's policies in the first place.

Sadly I think your last comment is also inevitable - Thailand is a fledgling democracy, it has a lot to learn.
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Luctor et Emergo

The understudy · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject:

Hi thereY'all

Hallo Mr. Lomu there was an adcertisement @ one website that emcouraged all P'Taks lovers to welcome him on Thurday @ Swampypoon airport @ 9 in the morning. above this announcement was a Picture of him all smiling and peoples all around him @ a backdrop Backgroubnd of Swampypoon.
I will probbaly stay in Hua Hin have me some Cerveza and Taco's @ Baja's and let my other Thai collaegues do dirty work of covering his arrival.
For those PAD who aperaently have some axe of grind with P'Taks and planning mass rallies again.

It think I'm a movie called "Ressurection 2007\

Good and Lies in the air,

Your' The under
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Randy Cornhole · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:16 am Post subject:

Whats happened to your sailor moon avatar mr understudy?
Sorry off topic... Embarassed

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STEVE G · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject:

According to the British press there is no mention of Thai politics. Apparently Man. City chairman Thaksin is returning to free up his frozen assets for further investment in the club!

STEVE G · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject:

Feb. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Thaksin Shinawatra said he will return to Thailand tomorrow, almost 18 months after being ousted as prime minister in a military coup.

``Yes, I'm going back,'' Thaksin said in Hong Kong today, declining to speak further. He will arrive at Bangkok airport at 9:40 a.m. on a Thai Airways flight, The Nation reported on its Web site, citing Pichit Chuenban, his legal adviser.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=apEhyqQoedls&refer=asia

clive · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:35 am Post subject: thaksin to return

TV news reports are saying that he has left Hong Kong today. So expect rampant inflation to cover the 30% corruption tax in BKK and ship loads of cows for Isaan.

buksida · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:03 am Post subject:

A sickening display on Thai TV news channels this morning as Thaksin returns, prostrates himself waiing to the ground proving his love for the country that he brazenly ripped off two years ago.

Now lets see if he's going to pay his fines and taxes and show some real love back to Thailand.
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Luctor et Emergo

buksida · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:03 pm Post subject:

Theres a good summary in todays Nation:

Return could see tensions boil over
The mood in the country will be one of confusion and divisiveness when deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra ends his 15-month exile by flying directly into Bangkok early this morning.

Three years of political crisis, a military coup in September 2006, and more recently a general election, have done little to resolve the deep discord in Thailand. Thaksin still finds that while half of the country loves him, the other half hates him.

Nobody knows how the country will handle Thaksin, who is still recognised as the most influential politician in practical terms.

"It depends on Thaksin's behaviour. How will he portray himself before the public now that his party has won the election? It will not bode well if his supporters make raucous noises while his opponents adopt a wait-and-see attitude," said Dr Phairoj Wongviphanond, a well-known academic.

Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party has been resurrected as the People Power Party, which won the election and is now running a coalition government. Remnants of his regime have gradually bounced back to life, from those in the police force, public prosecutors, the military and local politicians, to the vast network of supporters.

Still, Thaksin has been barred from politics for five years by a Constitution Tribunal ruling last May. He is also facing criminal cases that he has to defend himself against.

Full Story: The Nation
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Luctor et Emergo

STEVE G · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:36 pm Post subject:

Surprise! Thaksin got granted bail on charges of concealing assets, straight after reporting to the new DSI chief. http://bangkokpost.com/thaksinhomecoming/thaksin.php?id=126209