POLITICS
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has apologised to the Thai public for the first time over a Thai national flag bearing his name which was displayed by English football fans, who he said ''made it in good will''. He was bombarded with questions from reporters when he arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday afternoon.
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Noway
A Burmese man drops his ballot into a fake ‘No’ box for the referendum on the Burmese military government’s proposed constitution at the Central Office of Christian Students near Hua Chang bridge in Ratchathewi district yesterday. — THITIWANNAMONTHA |
He was asked if he saw the flag in question during the match between Manchester City and Fulham on April 26. He and his family were at the match to see his team lose 3-2 to Fulham.
''Yes I saw it, but was occupied with the game,'' replied Mr Thaksin. He said he later spoke to the English fans, who agreed to stop using the flag.
He said he would explain the matter to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who disapproved of the flag bearing Mr Thaksin's name.
Mr Thaksin said was aware that some English fans wrote his name on a flag and on another occasion the words ''Welcome Thaksin'' on the Thai flag.
They were sorry after learning of public anger in Thailand, he said.
''Some English fans of City did it because they love Thailand and love their club.
''It's a different culture there,'' said Mr Thaksin, who last year bought the club for 81.6 million pounds (about 5.3 billion baht).
Police have accepted charges filed by Veera Somkhwamkid, secretary-general of the People's Network Against Corruption, who said Mr Thaksin should be held responsible for disrespecting the flag.
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