Sorry for so many posts, but I think the “Thaksin corruption conviction” issue is such an interesting and misunderstood story. I would love to do a poll asking people what exactly he was convicted of. I bet 1 in ten actually know. Here are a few other sources.
After Thaksin was deposed by a military coup, the junta-appointed Assets Examination Committee accused her of irregularities in the purchase of government-owned land. However, the Bank of Thailand, which supervised the sale of the land, claimed that the sale was conducted properly.[10]
In January 2007, the Financial Institutions Development Fund complied with the Assets Examination Committee request to file a charge against Thaksin and his wife over their purchase of four 772 million baht plots of land from the FIDF in 2003. The charge was based on alleged violation of Section 100 of the National Counter Corruption Act, which specifies that government officials and their spouses are prohibited from entering into or having interests in contracts made with state agencies under their authorisation. However, Section 4 of the Act indicates that persons committing malfeasance must be direct supervisors of the damaged party – in this case, the FIDF. At the time, Bank of Thailand Governor Pridiyathorn Devakula directly supervised the FIDF, not Thaksin.[11] Section 29 of the Bank of Thailand Act of 1942 stated that the Prime Minister did not have jurisdiction to oversee the FIDF, because those managing the fund had sole authority for policies, control, oversight and regulations governing the agency.[12] Pridiyathorn’s testimony to the court occurred in secret – Thaksin’s legal team was not allowed in the room. The FIDF later noted that the land was sold to the Shinawatras at a price greater than its appraised value.[13] The case went to the Supreme Court 10 July 2007.[14]
Michael MacLeod is, I believe, correct in saying that Thaksin’s untouchability is an unnecessary provocation. The movement is far larger than a single benefactor, and despite the success of his policies and party discipline, he should be just as subject to justice as Suthep, Abhisit, Newin and Chalerm, among a long list of others.
“Furthermore, you predict “violence and blood spilled” by the “extremist Red/Black Shirt elements”, and yet to date these dark forces have been remarkably self-constrained.”-Arthurson
Well then Arthurson, you could have a reason to be jubilant because Thaksin’s “dark forces have been remarkably, as you hoped, self-constrained” to-date. But they are there Arthurson … they are waiting … and they could strike anytime.
But it would be foolish to be too celebratory too early (and lower one’s guards). Just because Thaksin’s UDD followers are rebranding from their Red Shirts (much abhorred color at Rajprasong area and nearly every corners and centers of Bangkok) to their new pristine White colors (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/389412/udd-rebrands-urges-faithful-to-don-white) does not necessarily mean Thaksin had defanged his vicious lethally armed Black Shirts mercenaries, and/or, Thaksin had seen/embraced a new non-violent religion, does it Arthurson? The very recent murderous rampage by Red/Black Shirts at the Ramkhamhaeng U/Rajmangala stadium should be instructive to be heeded. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE3iRMXL6_A). The ongoing long-running crisis (created by the sister/brother act of Yingluck/Thaksin) has killed at least eight people in the last two months, with scores injured. Sunday night, an unidentified gunman opened fire on protesters camped near a vast government complex, shooting one man in the neck. Overnight another gunman fired about 10 shots at the headquarters of the opposition Democrat party, shattering windows but no casualties thankfully.
Yes definitely Suthep’s running Shut-Down Bangkok protests (could last till the Kamnan or Yingluck drops, make your bets) is hurting business, but it could be worse. At Rachaprasong area, the shops are very thankful while Suthep’s crowds bring them brisk business, and, tips at the lavatories. Very thankful indeed because the Red Shirts crowds of Year2010 are still burned in their memories … “burned in their memories”, get it Arthurson?
Astute observation indeed. In fact PAS’ policies are based on Wahhabi principles which are diametrically opposed to democracy. PKR is neither democratic in principles or practice. Only DAP has some democratic crendentials. However the new leadership of DAP has eschewed democratic principles and embraced practices that are almost dictatorial.
Excellent article, Phakin, I couldn’t agree more. Do you have this article in Thai? My wife’s English reading is very basic, and she wants to share it with her friends.
A large majority of the people up here in the hills above Chiang Mai agree with the principle outlined by Thaksin in 2001, and the goals of the UDD, but are not Red Shirts, but support their ideals.
Thanks, Ron.
I fail to see what you can be so proud of. What exactly has Suthep and his mindless minions suceeded in accomplishing, other than adversely affecting the livelihoods and studies of millions of ordinary Thai citizens and students?
I read the so-called mainstream English media in Bangkok daily; I also watch Channel 3 news every morning, and although the Bangkok Post and The Nation are obviously very biased toward the anti-government, anti-democracy protestors, I don’t see the proof within those pages that you say is so self-evident, that “Yingluck and Thaksin Shinawatra are deeply corrupt, the Shinawatras are deeply self-serving and conflicted in their conducts of the Thai PM office.”
I hear a great deal of raised voices on the TV, but no persuasive arguments coming from the PCAD that electoral democracy should be suspended indefinitely. I think you are living in an echochamber reveberating with the same chants repeated over and over again on the Blue Sky Network News, because I also saw on Channel 3 this morning pro-government counter-demonstrations attended by thousands in over 16 provinces, including Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Nakhon Sawan, and much closer to home, Pathum Thani.
Furthermore, you predict “violence and blood spilled” by the “extremist Red/Black Shirt elements”, and yet to date these dark forces have been remarkably self-constrained. Two days into the Bangkok shutdown, the streets have by-and-large been without violence. Are you disappointed that your prediction has been incorrect, that the protests have not precipitated reprisals that could be used to justify a military coup?
Again and again Suthep and his followers reiterate that the government will have to be held responsible for any violence, regardless of whom it is caused by. Does this mean that we can expect an escalation in the coersion?
I have read that protesters from the militant faction of Suthep’s supporters, the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), promised to blockade the entrance to Aerothai (Aeronautical Radio of Thailand) unless caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra steps down by Wednesday, January 15. They have also threatened to close the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)because the SET is ignoring them.
I have a friend who works as an air traffic controller at Aerothai; in fact, she is so well-respected that she is always the ATC called in to handle the flights whenever the Crown Prince flies his private jet. She would tell you that this would be much worse than simply closing the airports, because it would essentially close the skies over Thailand for every commercial air carrier passing through Thai airspace. For a country that would like to become the airline hub for Southeast Asia, I think this is the height of insanity. I can’t think of a tactic that would more damage Thailand’s international reputation.
Closing the SET would no doubt also hurt long term investor confidence in Thailand. These protesters bizarrely believe that “the stock market is the heart of the ‘Thaksin regime’, according to the Bangkok Post article.
So, in essence, what is being accomplished by the “Kamnan” other than damaging the Bangkok economy and Thailand’s international reputation?
Have been reviewing the those Gini index numbers recently also as an indicator for income inequality but have found them very frustrating.
But because of nature of not knowing the actual distribution of income of the Gini we get that relatively flat line, when in actuality there could be much more movement below “the curve” over time–which I think there is.
One way to break apart the annoyingly flat line pictured above is by quintiles, which the Thai National Statistical Office has already done for us.
Actually, I do not think that quintiles go far enough in trying to spot real economic inequality that you are searching for, whether within Thailand or any national state.
This from the Economist (http://www.economist.com/node/17957381) a few years back points to my frustration with Gini as a measurement for either poverty or inequality. Though I don’t particularly agree with their conclusion the following is correct: “Greater inequality can happen either because the wealthier are getting wealthier, or the poor are falling behind, or both.” The problem is that Gini index is unable to tell us which one is happening.
For myself I am also looking for better data on all of this.
One can harldy point a finger at Thaksin for endorsing cheap credit and government promoted lending policies when the very same policies have been espoused by the US Federal Reserve to drag the US economy out of the 2008 abyss.
The finances of many western countries are in a far more perilous state than those of Thailand.
Under Harold Wilson the UK government had to go to the IMF with a begging bowl just like Thailand after the Asian Crisis of 1997 and it is much to Thailand’s credit that it was able to repay the IMF loan much sooner than expected under Thaksin’s leadership.
Reuters in HuffPost reports that YL’s government is keeping calm and being productive. The government will pull through if there is no break out in violence. I am hoping for the best outcome for the YL’s government and the Thai people.
I agree the country should not be perceived as being run by a man in exile, wrongly convicted or not.
PTT went to the polls in 2011 with the slogan Thakin thinks PT does. which was fair enough. Now I think it is time for Yingluk and PT to stand on their own feet.
If some sort of assurance could be got from Thaksin not to interfere in the running of the government it would be a good first step to alleviate the tension.
Nevertheless I’m sure that any such assurance would not satisfy Suthep and co. They would still want to set up their unelected government because they know that that the Democrat Party is incapable of winning an election.
If this is documented elsewhere I would lime to see a link to it as it has to be the most misunderstood major fact in Thailand (that is not obscured by law)
I can fully understand why Thaksin and his family do not think he should go to prison for what is clearly a politically motivate charge enforced by a junta established legal system. Particularly when it is obvious that pretty much everyone involved in rigging the charge have themselves done much worse. Military budget increases and procurement booms following the coup alone dwarf this single charge against Thaksin. Additionally, at various time, there has been the real fear that Thaksin confied in prison, would be an easy assassination target.
I can also fully understand why people who see Thaksin’s corruption as excessive want to see him punished, and even if the one charge is illegitimate, disproportionate and politically motivated see it as just. I personally would like to see him out of politics forever. But anger in this regard should be directed at the junta who threw him out for corruption and then could not produce (and didn’t even appear to attempt to produce) a single legitimate charge against him. I would also like to see this equally corrupt group of thugs out of politics forever.
My belief is that the reason for this is that the vast majority of corruption in Thailand is done in a patronage system that involves many players on all sides of the political debate. Charging Thaksin for corruption, while not impacting the “good people” was described by an astute Thai political analysis in 2008 as trying to bleach half of a swimming pool.
1) There is absolutely nothing wrong with a foreigner commenting on Thai politics, exactly like there is nothing wrong with a foreigner commenting on American, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian or other country’s politics. There is nothing unique about Thailand.
2) I would love to see Thaksin tried and convicted for the corrupt acts he has clearly been involved in, much like I would like to see Suthep, Prayuth, senior civil servants, judges, and scores of other Thai civil servants and especially businessmen. However, the single conviction against him is trivial and politically motivated.
My understanding is that Thaksin’s wife bought property in Bangkok from a unit of the bank of Thailand in which she placed the winning bid in an auction process. Thaksin, as her husband, was required by law to cosign. There have never been any substantiated claims that the bid was rigged or the price unfair.
I further understand that at the time this was done it was not against the law, but the the military made it illegal retroactively under the junta administration.
Finally, no public is Thai history has gotten sentenced to a jail sentence for an offense this minor, and particularly one that was not suspended.
If Thaksin came back to Thailand under the control of the Yellows he would be assassinated like Seh Daeng. He would not survive a Thai prison. He would conveniently have a “heart attack” while under incarceration.
For the amaat, dealing with the backlash of Thaksin’s untimely death is preferable to having Thaksin alive as an opponent. He’s the only one strong enough to challenge them, and that’s the reason the Red Shirts have not abandoned him. He’s the only person in that country powerful enough to advocate for their interests.
Actually if only both Red and Yellow and those so keen in keeping Government in check, could set up something that could check on any Government wrong doing instead of taking to the street.
If there is an additional list for foreign academics to sign and endorse the “2 YES 2 NO” campaign include my name!
Major applause to these academic and intellectual leaders of Thailand for championing the principles of legitimate constitutional process and peaceful democratic resolution in spite of their political differences and personal views.
You could argue that all all heads of emerging market governments are responsible for the same thing over the same period. Without any analysis of the money supply growth, this is rather superficial analysis. In the post 2008 period, the Fed, through its massive contribution to the foreign component of money supply should take far more credit than Thaksin. Only government debt is discussed with no mention of household debt which at 80% of GDP is more worrying. Both numbers suggest a lack of sustainability, just as global liquidity is drying up and the foreign component of money supply has already turned negative.
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This is our struggle, no doubt
When les majeste law is removed truth will overcome lies then liberation in Thailand will begin.
2 Yeses 2 Nos
Sorry for so many posts, but I think the “Thaksin corruption conviction” issue is such an interesting and misunderstood story. I would love to do a poll asking people what exactly he was convicted of. I bet 1 in ten actually know. Here are a few other sources.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potjaman_Shinawatra#Ratchadaphisek_land_purchase_controversy
Ratchadaphisek land purchase controversy
After Thaksin was deposed by a military coup, the junta-appointed Assets Examination Committee accused her of irregularities in the purchase of government-owned land. However, the Bank of Thailand, which supervised the sale of the land, claimed that the sale was conducted properly.[10]
In January 2007, the Financial Institutions Development Fund complied with the Assets Examination Committee request to file a charge against Thaksin and his wife over their purchase of four 772 million baht plots of land from the FIDF in 2003. The charge was based on alleged violation of Section 100 of the National Counter Corruption Act, which specifies that government officials and their spouses are prohibited from entering into or having interests in contracts made with state agencies under their authorisation. However, Section 4 of the Act indicates that persons committing malfeasance must be direct supervisors of the damaged party – in this case, the FIDF. At the time, Bank of Thailand Governor Pridiyathorn Devakula directly supervised the FIDF, not Thaksin.[11] Section 29 of the Bank of Thailand Act of 1942 stated that the Prime Minister did not have jurisdiction to oversee the FIDF, because those managing the fund had sole authority for policies, control, oversight and regulations governing the agency.[12] Pridiyathorn’s testimony to the court occurred in secret – Thaksin’s legal team was not allowed in the room. The FIDF later noted that the land was sold to the Shinawatras at a price greater than its appraised value.[13] The case went to the Supreme Court 10 July 2007.[14]
http://asiancorrespondent.com/?s=FIDF+Pojaman&submit=Search
Several Bangkok Pundit stories with additional detail
2 Yeses 2 Nos
Michael MacLeod is, I believe, correct in saying that Thaksin’s untouchability is an unnecessary provocation. The movement is far larger than a single benefactor, and despite the success of his policies and party discipline, he should be just as subject to justice as Suthep, Abhisit, Newin and Chalerm, among a long list of others.
Another big weekend for Thailand
“Furthermore, you predict “violence and blood spilled” by the “extremist Red/Black Shirt elements”, and yet to date these dark forces have been remarkably self-constrained.”-Arthurson
Well then Arthurson, you could have a reason to be jubilant because Thaksin’s “dark forces have been remarkably, as you hoped, self-constrained” to-date. But they are there Arthurson … they are waiting … and they could strike anytime.
But it would be foolish to be too celebratory too early (and lower one’s guards). Just because Thaksin’s UDD followers are rebranding from their Red Shirts (much abhorred color at Rajprasong area and nearly every corners and centers of Bangkok) to their new pristine White colors (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/389412/udd-rebrands-urges-faithful-to-don-white) does not necessarily mean Thaksin had defanged his vicious lethally armed Black Shirts mercenaries, and/or, Thaksin had seen/embraced a new non-violent religion, does it Arthurson? The very recent murderous rampage by Red/Black Shirts at the Ramkhamhaeng U/Rajmangala stadium should be instructive to be heeded. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE3iRMXL6_A). The ongoing long-running crisis (created by the sister/brother act of Yingluck/Thaksin) has killed at least eight people in the last two months, with scores injured. Sunday night, an unidentified gunman opened fire on protesters camped near a vast government complex, shooting one man in the neck. Overnight another gunman fired about 10 shots at the headquarters of the opposition Democrat party, shattering windows but no casualties thankfully.
Yes definitely Suthep’s running Shut-Down Bangkok protests (could last till the Kamnan or Yingluck drops, make your bets) is hurting business, but it could be worse. At Rachaprasong area, the shops are very thankful while Suthep’s crowds bring them brisk business, and, tips at the lavatories. Very thankful indeed because the Red Shirts crowds of Year2010 are still burned in their memories … “burned in their memories”, get it Arthurson?
Princess Chulabhorn’s politics
Her father seemed quite comfortable with guys like Sarit & Thanom when she was younger, so maybe she sees something of them in Suthep?
Non-government actors advancing democracy in Malaysia
Astute observation indeed. In fact PAS’ policies are based on Wahhabi principles which are diametrically opposed to democracy. PKR is neither democratic in principles or practice. Only DAP has some democratic crendentials. However the new leadership of DAP has eschewed democratic principles and embraced practices that are almost dictatorial.
This is our struggle, no doubt
Excellent article, Phakin, I couldn’t agree more. Do you have this article in Thai? My wife’s English reading is very basic, and she wants to share it with her friends.
A large majority of the people up here in the hills above Chiang Mai agree with the principle outlined by Thaksin in 2001, and the goals of the UDD, but are not Red Shirts, but support their ideals.
Thanks, Ron.
Another big weekend for Thailand
We keep hearing Suthep and his backers want reforms before elections take place.
Does anyone know exactly what these reforms are?
Another big weekend for Thailand
I fail to see what you can be so proud of. What exactly has Suthep and his mindless minions suceeded in accomplishing, other than adversely affecting the livelihoods and studies of millions of ordinary Thai citizens and students?
I read the so-called mainstream English media in Bangkok daily; I also watch Channel 3 news every morning, and although the Bangkok Post and The Nation are obviously very biased toward the anti-government, anti-democracy protestors, I don’t see the proof within those pages that you say is so self-evident, that “Yingluck and Thaksin Shinawatra are deeply corrupt, the Shinawatras are deeply self-serving and conflicted in their conducts of the Thai PM office.”
I hear a great deal of raised voices on the TV, but no persuasive arguments coming from the PCAD that electoral democracy should be suspended indefinitely. I think you are living in an echochamber reveberating with the same chants repeated over and over again on the Blue Sky Network News, because I also saw on Channel 3 this morning pro-government counter-demonstrations attended by thousands in over 16 provinces, including Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Nakhon Sawan, and much closer to home, Pathum Thani.
Furthermore, you predict “violence and blood spilled” by the “extremist Red/Black Shirt elements”, and yet to date these dark forces have been remarkably self-constrained. Two days into the Bangkok shutdown, the streets have by-and-large been without violence. Are you disappointed that your prediction has been incorrect, that the protests have not precipitated reprisals that could be used to justify a military coup?
Again and again Suthep and his followers reiterate that the government will have to be held responsible for any violence, regardless of whom it is caused by. Does this mean that we can expect an escalation in the coersion?
I have read that protesters from the militant faction of Suthep’s supporters, the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), promised to blockade the entrance to Aerothai (Aeronautical Radio of Thailand) unless caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra steps down by Wednesday, January 15. They have also threatened to close the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)because the SET is ignoring them.
I have a friend who works as an air traffic controller at Aerothai; in fact, she is so well-respected that she is always the ATC called in to handle the flights whenever the Crown Prince flies his private jet. She would tell you that this would be much worse than simply closing the airports, because it would essentially close the skies over Thailand for every commercial air carrier passing through Thai airspace. For a country that would like to become the airline hub for Southeast Asia, I think this is the height of insanity. I can’t think of a tactic that would more damage Thailand’s international reputation.
Closing the SET would no doubt also hurt long term investor confidence in Thailand. These protesters bizarrely believe that “the stock market is the heart of the ‘Thaksin regime’, according to the Bangkok Post article.
So, in essence, what is being accomplished by the “Kamnan” other than damaging the Bangkok economy and Thailand’s international reputation?
Thaksinomics, poverty and inequality
Have been reviewing the those Gini index numbers recently also as an indicator for income inequality but have found them very frustrating.
But because of nature of not knowing the actual distribution of income of the Gini we get that relatively flat line, when in actuality there could be much more movement below “the curve” over time–which I think there is.
One way to break apart the annoyingly flat line pictured above is by quintiles, which the Thai National Statistical Office has already done for us.
I cannot seem to get this link to work today, but here it is(See “Table 8.2, Share of Household Current Income by 5 Quintile Groups and Gini Coefficient of Household and Person: 2004-2009.” at http://web.nso.go.th/en/survey/bts/datafiles/560619_10_8.%20Household%20Income,%20Expenditure%20and%20Debt )
Actually, I do not think that quintiles go far enough in trying to spot real economic inequality that you are searching for, whether within Thailand or any national state.
This from the Economist (http://www.economist.com/node/17957381) a few years back points to my frustration with Gini as a measurement for either poverty or inequality. Though I don’t particularly agree with their conclusion the following is correct: “Greater inequality can happen either because the wealthier are getting wealthier, or the poor are falling behind, or both.” The problem is that Gini index is unable to tell us which one is happening.
For myself I am also looking for better data on all of this.
How bad is Thaksinomics?
One can harldy point a finger at Thaksin for endorsing cheap credit and government promoted lending policies when the very same policies have been espoused by the US Federal Reserve to drag the US economy out of the 2008 abyss.
The finances of many western countries are in a far more perilous state than those of Thailand.
Under Harold Wilson the UK government had to go to the IMF with a begging bowl just like Thailand after the Asian Crisis of 1997 and it is much to Thailand’s credit that it was able to repay the IMF loan much sooner than expected under Thaksin’s leadership.
2 Yeses 2 Nos
Reuters in HuffPost reports that YL’s government is keeping calm and being productive. The government will pull through if there is no break out in violence. I am hoping for the best outcome for the YL’s government and the Thai people.
2 Yeses 2 Nos
I agree the country should not be perceived as being run by a man in exile, wrongly convicted or not.
PTT went to the polls in 2011 with the slogan Thakin thinks PT does. which was fair enough. Now I think it is time for Yingluk and PT to stand on their own feet.
If some sort of assurance could be got from Thaksin not to interfere in the running of the government it would be a good first step to alleviate the tension.
Nevertheless I’m sure that any such assurance would not satisfy Suthep and co. They would still want to set up their unelected government because they know that that the Democrat Party is incapable of winning an election.
2 Yeses 2 Nos
(The text below was cut off in the first posting)
If this is documented elsewhere I would lime to see a link to it as it has to be the most misunderstood major fact in Thailand (that is not obscured by law)
I can fully understand why Thaksin and his family do not think he should go to prison for what is clearly a politically motivate charge enforced by a junta established legal system. Particularly when it is obvious that pretty much everyone involved in rigging the charge have themselves done much worse. Military budget increases and procurement booms following the coup alone dwarf this single charge against Thaksin. Additionally, at various time, there has been the real fear that Thaksin confied in prison, would be an easy assassination target.
I can also fully understand why people who see Thaksin’s corruption as excessive want to see him punished, and even if the one charge is illegitimate, disproportionate and politically motivated see it as just. I personally would like to see him out of politics forever. But anger in this regard should be directed at the junta who threw him out for corruption and then could not produce (and didn’t even appear to attempt to produce) a single legitimate charge against him. I would also like to see this equally corrupt group of thugs out of politics forever.
My belief is that the reason for this is that the vast majority of corruption in Thailand is done in a patronage system that involves many players on all sides of the political debate. Charging Thaksin for corruption, while not impacting the “good people” was described by an astute Thai political analysis in 2008 as trying to bleach half of a swimming pool.
2 Yeses 2 Nos
1) There is absolutely nothing wrong with a foreigner commenting on Thai politics, exactly like there is nothing wrong with a foreigner commenting on American, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian or other country’s politics. There is nothing unique about Thailand.
2) I would love to see Thaksin tried and convicted for the corrupt acts he has clearly been involved in, much like I would like to see Suthep, Prayuth, senior civil servants, judges, and scores of other Thai civil servants and especially businessmen. However, the single conviction against him is trivial and politically motivated.
My understanding is that Thaksin’s wife bought property in Bangkok from a unit of the bank of Thailand in which she placed the winning bid in an auction process. Thaksin, as her husband, was required by law to cosign. There have never been any substantiated claims that the bid was rigged or the price unfair.
I further understand that at the time this was done it was not against the law, but the the military made it illegal retroactively under the junta administration.
Finally, no public is Thai history has gotten sentenced to a jail sentence for an offense this minor, and particularly one that was not suspended.
How bad is Thaksinomics?
The situation in Thailand is closer to South African apartheid than it is to Great Britain.
If Thailand guaranteed equality for all it would not be a problem. But in Thailand, the Lao have been helots for 200 years and they are tired of it.
2 Yeses 2 Nos
If Thaksin came back to Thailand under the control of the Yellows he would be assassinated like Seh Daeng. He would not survive a Thai prison. He would conveniently have a “heart attack” while under incarceration.
For the amaat, dealing with the backlash of Thaksin’s untimely death is preferable to having Thaksin alive as an opponent. He’s the only one strong enough to challenge them, and that’s the reason the Red Shirts have not abandoned him. He’s the only person in that country powerful enough to advocate for their interests.
2 Yeses 2 Nos
Actually if only both Red and Yellow and those so keen in keeping Government in check, could set up something that could check on any Government wrong doing instead of taking to the street.
2 Yeses 2 Nos
If there is an additional list for foreign academics to sign and endorse the “2 YES 2 NO” campaign include my name!
Major applause to these academic and intellectual leaders of Thailand for championing the principles of legitimate constitutional process and peaceful democratic resolution in spite of their political differences and personal views.
How bad is Thaksinomics?
You could argue that all all heads of emerging market governments are responsible for the same thing over the same period. Without any analysis of the money supply growth, this is rather superficial analysis. In the post 2008 period, the Fed, through its massive contribution to the foreign component of money supply should take far more credit than Thaksin. Only government debt is discussed with no mention of household debt which at 80% of GDP is more worrying. Both numbers suggest a lack of sustainability, just as global liquidity is drying up and the foreign component of money supply has already turned negative.