Thaksin Shinawatra claimed it was “an honour” to be appointed Cambodia’s economic adviser. As his motherland is staring at a major diplomatic row with a close neighbour and businessmen in both countries are bracing themselves for an unpredictable impact, there is a thin line between “honour” and “shame”.

In his fight to clear his name, Thaksin has stopped at virtually nothing. And even after the Thai ambassador to Phnom Penh was recalled and Bangkok decided to cut assistance to Cambodia, he showed no signs of guilt, concern or remorse. Bangkok was being childish and overreacting, he tweeted. Thaksin’s blurring sense of patriotism is understandable. Having been ousted by a military coup, convicted for a crime he refuses to accept and seen his own political movement neutralised one after another, he can be forgiven for trying to embarrass his opponents who are holding the reins of power. But everything has its boundary – and Thaksin has crossed it.

Only he and Cambodian Premier Hun Sen know whether the controversial asylum offer and the economic-adviser appointment were out of the latter’s own goodwill or the former Thai leader had a hand in it. But even if Thaksin had nothing to do with the Cambodian moves, the least he could have done is show he cared about his country.

A neighbourly row of this nature can easily encompass the fighting colours in Thai politics. It threatens the whole country, be it yellows or reds or neutral Thais. Disruption of trade, border blockades, troop redeployment and the subsequent mounting tension on the already-strained relations will not discriminate against anyone.

Thaksin could have said “No, but thank you” to the Cambodian offer, but he has chosen to inflame the situation by saying the Thai government was overreacting, like a child. This came from someone who should have known better, who witnessed first-hand as a Thai leader what misunderstandings between the countries could lead to and who was on the verge of sending commandos into Cambodia himself to rescue Thai diplomats and businessmen running for their lives from angry torch-wielding protesters.

The difference between now and then is the attack on the Thai Embassy may have been caused by an accident, but this time there are people who seemingly want it to happen. Thaksin stands out among them. Hun Sen cannot drag himself into the Thai fray without Thaksin showing the way. If Thaksin’s opponents’ hardline stand on the Preah Vihear conflict was what first strained bilateral relations, things took a major turn for the worse when Thaksin’s representative, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, visited Phnom Penh and kick-started the asylum-offer episode.

What is Thaksin prepared to do now? On one side is a country he once called home, where he is both loved and loathed, but on the other side is a place that is offering him comfort. A truly grateful man would do anything but pit both countries against each other.

By The Nation
Published on November 6, 2009

Just as many had feared, the stormy relationship between Thailand and Cambodia was pushed to the edge yesterday when Bangkok responded to fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s appointment as the neighbouring country’s economic adviser by recalling its ambassador from Phnom Penh.

Cambodia’s retaliation – the planned recall of its ambassador here, You Aye, who Deputy Cambodian Prime Minister Sok An said would not return until Bangkok sends its own envoy back – ensured bilateral ties were at their worst level in years.

The Foreign Ministry recalled Prasas Prasasvinitchai, the ambassador to Phnom Penh, to Bangkok yesterday after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced on Wednesday that Thaksin had been royally appointed as economic adviser and would not be extradited to Thailand.

These new developments add more problems to the ongoing process of boundary demarcation, and border conflicts at the area near the Preah Vihear Temple will become more difficult to resolve.

The only way to maintain bilateral interests would be to mend relations as soon as possible. However, with Thaksin and Hun Sen now the best of friends, observers say things can go either way – better or worse.

By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
Published on November 6, 2009

Appointing Thaksin ‘an insult’ to Thai justice system

The Foreign Ministry has responded to Cambodia’s appointment of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as its economic adviser by recalling the Thai ambassador to Cambodia.

The Thai government will also review cooperation and bilateral agreements between Thailand and Cambodia.

As for Thaksin’s extradition from Cambodia, he said nothing can be proceeded at the moment since it is not yet confirmed if the fugitive ex-premier is staying there.

TAN Network

Appointing Thaksin ‘an insult’ to Thai justice system

Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh yesterday to protest against the appointment of convicted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government.

At the same time, the government said it wanted to review all bilateral agreements and commitments signed between Thailand and Cambodia by both current and previous administrations.

Ambassador to Cambodia Prasas Prasavinitchai arrived in Bangkok at 9pm.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thaksin’s appointment could be considered as Cambodia intervening in the Thai justice system and disregarding the feelings of Thai people. He added that the Foreign Ministry’s actions were aimed at making Cambodia realise the damage it had done.

“We have to implement diplomatic procedures to air our feelings. I have already given Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya the job of making the procedure public,” Abhisit said.

The premier insisted that the moves would not affect relations between the Thai and Cambodian public, who will continue to be good neighbours.

“We are conducting the protest at a governmental level,” he said.

In an order signed by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Thaksin was appointed as economic adviser to Hun Sen and his government on Wednesday.

“Thaksin has already been appointed by royal decree … as personal adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the adviser to the Cambodian government in charge of economy,” said a statement from the Cambodian government that was read on television yesterday. “Allowing  to stay in Cambodia is virtuous behaviour … good friends need to help each other in difficult circumstances.”

The statement went on to call charges against Thaksin as being “politically motivated” and vowed not to extradite him if he “decides to stay in Cambodia or travels in and out in order to fulfil his duties”.

Upon his arrival in Thailand last month to attend the Asean summit, Hun Sen announced that he had offered Thaksin, whom he regards as a close friend, a residence and a job.

The Foreign Ministry’s decision to recall the Thai ambassador is the strongest protest in years and the government has said all ongoing cooperation between the two nations would be put on hold for the time being.

The foreign minister’s secretary, Chavanont Intarakomalsut, agreed with Abhisit and reiterated that giving Thaksin a job could be seen as Cambodia intervening in the Thai justice system.

“Thaksin’s appointment is an insult to the Thai justice system,” he said at a press conference.

Giving Thaksin the job clearly shows that the Cambodian premier cannot distinguish between personal interests and the mutual interests of the two countries, Chavanont said.

Before the decision to recall the envoy was made, Abhisit called a meeting with Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and senior army officers, including Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, early yesterday before meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the ministers had unanimously agreed to go ahead with the measures.

“Cambodia has sent us a clear signal and this is not the first time. It is obvious that they cannot separate international ties from personal friendships, so we have no other choice,” he said.

He added that Kasit would discuss the issue with high-ranking officials at Foreign Ministry and see what level the Thailand-Cambodia diplomatic ties should be downgraded to.

When asked if Abhisit would discuss the issue with Hun Sen, because both are due to attend a mini-summit in Tokyo of leaders from countries in the Mekong Basin on Friday and Saturday, Panitan said: “We are willing, if he [Hun Sen] wants to talk.”

In related news, reports say that the Cambodian army is on alert at the border area near the disputed Preah Vihear temple, where the two countries last fought in April.

“The situation is calm, but we’re on alert. The prime minister has already ordered us to protect our territory,” deputy commander-in-chief of the Cambodian armed forces Chea Dar said yesterday.

“Cambodia will not invade Thai territory, but if Thai troops enter even one-centimetre into our territory, they will be destroyed,” he added.

Meanwhile, Thaksin sent out a Twitter message yesterday accusing the Thai government of behaving like a child and overreacting by recalling the Thai envoy from Phnom Penh.

 By The Nation
Published on November 6, 2009
RELATED STORIES

Pheau Thai MP Pracha Prasobdi says Thaksin Shinawatr will fly his private jet to Cambodia on Nov 2 to celebrate Loy Krathong festival with Khmer PM Hun Sen.

“He also wants to personally thank Hun Sen for expressing his readiness to provide a house for him,” the Thai MP says, adding: “If Prime Minister Abhisit wants to visit Khun Thaksin in Cambodia, he may do so. But there is no way he can get Thaksin arrested because the Cambodian government has made it clear it won’t hand Thaksin over to the Thai government because it’s a political case. And if the government puts additional pressure, he might seek political asylum.”

A group of Pheau Thai MPs may join Thaksin in Cambodia for the occasion.

What does PM Abhisit say about that? “We will pursue legal proceedings. There is no doubt about that.”

PM Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoei stressed in his statement to Parliament today that Thaksin had committed a criminal offence — therefore it’s under the jurisdiction of the extradition agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.

It’s going to be a hot Loy Krathong.

suthichaiyoon.blogspot

Thaksin: Loy Krathong in Phnom Penh is out

One day after some of his Pheau Thai Party’s MPs said Thaksin Shinawatra was coming to Pheau Thai Party’sto celebrate Loy Krathong with Cambodian PM Hun Sen, the ex-premier wrote in his Twitter account: “Loy Kratong in Cambodia? No.I am not going. I will stay on here (in Dubai). Besides, people can start getting my sms messages for free as of Nov 1.”

Of course, Thaksin knows what a storm he could create if he decides to fly into Phnom Penh because PM Abhisit has made it clear that he will pursue legal proceedings for his extradition, no matter what Hun Sen has said earlier.

It wouldn’t be wise for Thaksin to get caught in a web of an international incident even if he reckons he could snub the Abhisit government.

But he has apparently decided it’s politically not worth it after all.

suthichaiyoon.blogspot

The Thai Foreign Ministry has written to “The Economist” after the British news magazine has published several articles about Thai politics. This is what was published in the latest issue:

SIR –The Economist painted too dark and pessimistic a picture of Thailand’s political situation (“Exile and the kingdom”, October 17th). Since 1932, and despite many ups and downs along the democratic path, Thais have persevered towards a true parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.

Irrespective of their political colours, Thais share an unwavering respect for the monarchy. The current political impasse reflects different perspectives about what Thai democracy entails, and efforts are being made to bridge such differences peacefully through parliamentary means.

Vimon Kidchob
Director-general
Department of Information
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bangkok

suthichaiyoon.blogspot

(image source-The Nation)

The recalling of rank insignia and royal decorations from self-exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made headlines over the past week. The Office of the Council of State is taking the matter seriously this time by advising the Secretariat of the Cabinet to revoke his rank of ‘Police Lieutenant-Colonel’ as well as 10 royal decorations received during his lifetime.

Looking back into the history of the Royal Thai Police, the removal of Mr Thaksin’s police rank was not the first case in Thailand.

The first commissioned police officer to be stripped of his rank was Police Major Luang Pisanusan (Sud Prateepjit) who was earlier sentenced by the Supreme Court to 11 years and four months in jail for embezzling money from the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Luang Pisanusan was stripped of his rank on 9 May 1929.

Later, more than 100 police officers with the ranks of sub-lieutenant and higher were stripped of their ranks, namely Brigadier Generals, Thom Jitwimon and Phad Tungkasamit, who assassinated four Cabinet members, political opponents of then-prime minister Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongram. Both were given a death sentence by the Supreme Court which resulted in a royal order for their ranks to be recalled on 12 September 1962.

Back in 2004, the Royal Thai Police regulation on the stripping of police ranks was officially endorsed by Police Chief General Sant Sarutanond. Since legal enforcement, 62 commissioned police officers have been stripped of their ranks by an average of just over 12 officers annually.

Among those stripped of their ranks – 16 held lieutenant colonels, 12 were majors, 24 captains, nine lieutenants, and one sub-lieutenant. The Royal Thai Police’s regulation stipulates that the ranks of any individuals must be removed if found guilty of committing criminal offences, such as possession of narcotics with the intent to sell, malfeasance, dereliction of duty and murder. A charge like severe disciplinary action could cause officers to be dismissed from service. It includes absence without notice for more than 15 consecutive days, and embezzlement of state assets.

Based on the above-mentioned rules, the ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must be unavoidably stripped of his ranks and all of his 10 royal decorations must be returned as well under the Prime Minister’s Office’s regulations.

Thaksin, who carries the rank of ‘Police Lieutenant Colonel’, faces a two-year-jail term for violating conflict of interest in the controversial Bangkok’s Ratchadapisek land purchase deal last year as ruled by the Supreme Court.

NNT

Reporter : Weeranuwat Saengsawang
     News Date : 01 November 2009

RELATED STORIES

REVOCATION OF THAKSIN’S HONOURS- The Nation

The House Committee on national border affairs insisted the Pheu Thai Party Chairman was not appointed to talk with the Cambodian Prime Minister.

The committee vows to find out whether any commissioner authorized the Pheu Thai Chairman to speak with the Cambodian PM.

Spokesperson of House Committee on national border affairs Wirat Wiriyapong has dismissed a claim by Pheu Thai Party Chairman General Chawalit Yongyuth that the committee officially appointed him as a representative to discuss the controversial border dispute with the Cambodian PM.

The spokesperson insisted that the motion to endorse the Pheu Thai Chairman was not included in the commission’s meeting and no official order was issued.

Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on national border affairs Wuttipong Nambut echoed Wirat’s remark, saying that none of the committees asked General Chawalit to have a private talk with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen adding that General Chawalit was not involved with the committee.

Wuttipong said he believes the Pheu Thai Party’s reputation will be tarnished if General Chawalit represents the party.

Meanwhile, Assistant to the panel secretary-general, Abdulkarim Tengrakina, said that the weekly meeting of the committee is held every Thursday, and General Chawalit has never appeared at a meeting and insisted that the committee didn’t appoint General Chawalit to carry out such a duty.

He said the committee will meet today to find if there is a person giving General Chawalit authority to talk with the Cambodian Prime Minister.

TAN Network

The People’s Alliance for Democracy has denied being directly behind activist Veera Somkwamkid’s move to organize a protest in front of the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok. Veera had threatened to protest in front of the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok to pressure the Cambodian authorities to remove its troops from the 4.6 square kilometers area near the Preah Vihear Temple.

PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul explained that any move condoned by the PAD must be thoroughly reviewed by the leaders and endorsed by the supporters of the alliance.

He’s called on the Thai government to take official actions against the move by Cambodian PM Hun Sen about the claim over the disputed area and the Cambodian premier’s refusal to extradite former PM Thaksin Shinawatra despite the existence of an extradition treaty between Thailand and Cambodia.

TAN Network

Activist Group Reads Declaration in Front of Cambodian Embassy in Bkk

A group of political activists led by Chaiwat Sinsuwongs gathered in front of the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok. The declaration slammed Prime Minister Hun Sen for inteferring with Thailand’s internal affairs when he said that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra would be provided a safe haven in Cambodia. The group also slammed former Prime Minister General Chaovalit Yongchaiyuth for betraying Thailand.

TAN Network

The Irrawaddy News magazine published a commentary article criticizing the provocative statement Cambodian PM Hun Sen made shortly after his arrival in Thailand to attend ASEAN Summit in Hua Hin, calling his remark ill-considered and insulting to Thailand and Myanmar.

In his article ‘The World is not Flat’, Aung Zaw, editor at the Irrawaddy, said the ill-considered remark from the head of the Cambodian government illustrates the quality of the country’s leadership

Aung Zaw said Aung San Suu Kyai has been the symbol of the democratic process in Myanmar and cannot be compared to Thaksin Shinawatra, whose gross record of human rights violation through a ‘War of Drugs’ was announced during his tenure.

Aung Zaw said Thaksin claimed to have good knowledge of the situations in Myanmar but in fact he befriended the Myanmar junta for his own interests.

During the ASEAN summit in Bali, Indonesia in 2004, to the surprise of many delegates, Thaksin gave Myanmar his unconditional support and praised Myanmar PM General Khin Nyunt’s sincerity’.

Philippines president Gloria Arroyo later revealed that Thaksin defended Myanmar throughout the entire summit.

Aung Zaw said that during Thaksin’s tenure, Thailand was the third-largest investor in Myanmar, exporting goods worth 1.26 billion US dollars annually.

The article also detailed Thaksin’s business dealings in Myanmar during his tenure.

Shin Corp, a company owned by Thaksin’s family, signed a deal with an ISP run by the son of General Khin Nyunt in 2003.

Thaksin also proposed the construction of a ski resort in Kachin state and the development of the beaches of Arakan State in the North of Myanmar.

TAN Network

RELATED STORIES

“THE WORLD IS NOT FLAT” article with pictures>> The upside-down world of Hun Sen and Thaksin

The Cabinet Secretariat can recall ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s royal decoration following advises from the Council of State, said Surachai Puprasert, secretariat’s secretary general said Wednesday.

The secretariat will also ask police department to proceed the strip of Thaksin’s police rank, Surachai told Matichon online.

Earlier the Council of State has advised the Cabinet to strip Thaksin’s police rank of lieutenant colonel and to recall his royal decorations, following his conviction and jail sentence last year.

The council, which is the government’s legal advisory agency, sent its recommendation to the Cabinet Secretariat on Monday.

It said the fact that Thaksin, who carries the rank of police lieutenant colonel, was sentenced to imprisonment and that disqualified him from holding a rank under the Royal Thai Police regulations.

He was also obliged to return his royal decorations under the Prime Minister’s Office regulations.

Thaksin was sentenced in absentia by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders in October last year to two years in jail for conflict of interest. He did not appeal the ruling but instead argued that it was politically motivated.

The Nation

Stripping Thaksin of police rank ‘lawful’

The revocation of convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s police rank of lieutenant-colonel is in line with the law, House Speaker Chai Chidchob said on Wednesday.

The Council of State issued an opinion on Tuesday that the prison sentence given to Thaksin by the Supreme Court met all the conditions required to strip him of his police rank and his royal decorations.

Whether the revocation of his rank would lead to violent protest by his supporters, Mr Chai said the red-shirts have done that all along.

He then suggested the government not to counter Thaksin’s moves, but just let things go according to legal procedures.

Government acting spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said the revocation of Thaksin’s police lieutenant-colonel rank must be carried out by the Royal Thai Police and under police regulations.

He did not believe this would inflame the red-shirt movement into further prolonging their anti-government protests.

On the contrary, Mr Panithan expected the protests to gradually diminish because people were getting very bored with them.

The Council of State’s opinion has been sent to the Cabinet Secretariat along with guidelines for the process.

The Royal Thai Police had queried whether Thaksin’s conviction was sufficient to strip him of his rank, arguing that he was sentenced to prison for violating the rule on conflict of interest under the anti-corruption law. He was cleared of malfeasance charges under articles 152 and 157 of the Criminal Code.

Thaksin’s offence was political and so might not be enough to warrant revoking his rank under police regulations.

The Council of State, the government’s legal adviser, said the prison sentence handed down by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions met all the conditions required to revoke Thaksin’s rank and royal decorations.

As long as the jail sentence imposed on Thaksin was considered final, he should lose his rank regardless of the court in which he was tried.

The council also cited PM’s Office regulations on royal decorations which stipulate that a person can lose them if a jail sentence is considered final.

Bangkok Post

Council of State Rules on Removal of Thaksin’s Police Rank and Royal Decorations

The Council of State ruled that the two-year jail sentence of ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is sufficient justification to strip him of his police rank and the royal decorations On Monday, the Council of State’s ruling was sent to the Cabinet Secretariat along with guidelines to ask for a permission from His Majesty the King to strip Thaksin of his rank of police lieutenant colonel and the royal decorations bestowed upon him.

Thaksin’s sentence was handed down by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office on October 21, 2008, and is grounds for justification to remove Thaksin’s police rank and decorations.

The Supreme Court found him guilty of conflict of interest under corruption law.

This caused the police to seek a possibility of revoking his police rank under regulations issued in 2003.

According to the letter from the State’s Council, so long as the sentence imposed on Thaksin was considered final, he should lose his rank regardless of the court in which he was tried.

The sentence handed downed by the Supreme Court met all the requirements to revoke Thaksin’s rank and royal decorations.

A source within the Royal Thai Police revealed that the former National Police Chief, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan has previously been asked to look into revoking of Thaksin’s rank.

The source said Police General Patcharawat then tasked Police Lieutenant General Arjin Chotwong with looking into the legality of this matter.

And Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban was informed of this matter before it was forwarded to the Council of State.

The source added that the process to revoke royal decorations bestowed on him while he was active in police force has already been made by the Royal Thai Police, while revoking of royal decorations that were bestowed on him during his political career falls under the responsibility of the PM’s Office.

In response to this development, Prakiat Nasimma, the Pheu Thai MP and former legal advisor to Thaksin, said the Democrat Party is good at discrediting people, citing the fall of the Thai Rak Thai and People Power Parties as examples.

Prakiat said the two parties were accused of being disloyal to the monarchy.

He said the effort to revoke Thaksin’s rank and royal decorations can be viewed as a plan to discredit Thaksin.

Meanwhile, Noppadol Pattama, legal advisor to Thaksin Shinawatra, said he isn’t aware of this new development and will look into the legality of this revocation effort in order to determine if it is a just action.

TAN Network

Recall of Thaksin’s royal decorations routine: Abhisit

The current government leadership had no involvement in the pending recall of police rank and royal decorations granted to fugitive expremier Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday.

Abhisit said the revocation of social honour was being done in accordance with the police regulations and relevant provisions for granting and recalling royal decorations.

The Nation

EX-PM’S POLICE RANK AND ROYAL DECORATIONS

It’s normal practise : Deuty PM

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban said Wednesday that stripping the police rank of those convicted of a crime, such as ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is a normal practice.

The Office of the Council of State Tuesday advised the Cabinet’s Secretariat to remove Thaksin’s rank of police lieutenant colonel and recall his decorations as he was convicted two-year-jail term for abuse of power and corruption concerning Ratchadapisek land purchase deal last year. Ousted by bloodless coup in 2006, Thaksin jumped bail last year and fled Thailand before the court read its verdict. He now lives in exile, mainly in the United Arab Emirates. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revoked his Thai passport, but he has travelled to some countries with foreign passports. The deputy premier said that stripping the rank of Thaksin followed normal procedures for any police or soldier who commits malfeasance. Suthep said, “Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has nothing to do with removing Thaksin’s rank.”

The Nation