Govt blasts Thaksin's interview

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Govt blasts Thaksin's interview

Kasit says comments 'violate the monarchy'

Published: 10/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

The government has denounced ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra for offending the monarchy in an interview with the online edition of The Times of London.

Yes, yes. - THAKSIN SHINAWATRA Whenasked if he was saying the monarchy was a good thing but the royal institution needed reform

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya condemned the remarks as offensive and inappropriate.

He also questioned Thaksin's motive for giving the interview. Mr Kasit was a leading spokesmen for foreign affairs for the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy before he was appointed as minister.

The Times quoted Thaksin as saying "circles" of the royal institution were interfering in administrative affairs and called for reform of the institution.

"That's the problem in Thailand. The monarchy is not the problem. The monarchy is good for Thailand. Thailand needs to have a monarchy but it should not be abused or played by the palace circles," Thaksin was quoted as saying in a story posted on the newspaper's website on Monday.

Asked if he was saying the monarchy was a good thing but the royal institution needed reform, he said: " Yes, yes."

Mr Kasit said Thaksin also made inappropriate comments about His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince.

I think the peoplewho read it [the interview] knowit is inappropriate. And he [Thaksin] must have known it too. - ABHISIT VEJJAJIVA

"Thaksin's interview is a violation of the monarchy, which is the country's core pillar and a highly respected institution. It is unacceptable and should have never taken place," he said.

"Thaksin has also chosen to make a move when the entire nation is joining in wishing His Majesty the King a full recovery and good health. I wonder if he has a hidden agenda or is plotting an inappropriate move," Mr Kasit told a news conference.

He said the interview lacked credibility as it contained several false or distorted items of information regarding the role of the monarchy in politics and the bilateral spat between Thailand and Cambodia over the appointment of Thaksin as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government.

"We are not protesting Times Online because it ran the interview. If we are to protest, we have to protest against Thaksin," Mr Kasit said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he had ordered the Foreign Ministry to clarify the matter with The Times as the interview was inaccurate.

Mr Abhisit said the publisher may also have something to say about the interview.

PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey said the government would seek the cooperation of The Times to obtain a record of Thaksin's interview with its reporter in Dubai.

Thaksin yesterday issued a statement condemning Times Online for false reporting, saying parts of the article were distorted on publication.

In his statement, the former prime minister said he never said any of the things which appeared in the first paragraph of the article about the reform and the future of the monarchy.

Thaksin said he never made comments that could be deemed offensive to the monarchy. Instead, he said the royal institution was above politics and no one should involve it in politics.

He also condemned Times Online for distorting the facts.

"I have repeatedly told the reporter that the institution [of the monarchy] is a sensitive matter and the reporting must be strictly accurate. I condemn Times Online for reporting lies and causing confusion."

Mr Thaksin confirmed he and his family were loyal to Their Majesties and were ready to sacrifice their lives to protect the highest institution.

But Mr Abhisit argued that Thaksin was fully aware of the inappropriate content otherwise he would not have issued his statement.

"I think the people who read it [the interview] know it is inappropriate. And he [Thaksin] must have known it too. That's why he is saying he didn't say what was reported," Mr Abhisit said.

Thaksin also issued an open letter defending his decision to advise Phnom Penh on economic issues and poverty.

The former prime minister said he would only offer insights on poverty and the global economic situation.

"I am not helping Cambodia to compete with Thailand. I will never do things to hurt my country no matter how badly I disagree with the government," he said.

Thaksin said he was due to leave for Cambodia yesterday. He did not say where he would be staying.

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Plato

Discussion 21 : 11/11/2009 at 05:03 PM21
I'm a Thai person who sees Thaksin as an evil. But frankly I do not see anything in his Times interview that can be considered an offense to the monarchy. He did suggest a reform to the institution but that is far from an offense. It's sad that people are using the monarchy as a tool to destroy their political rivals like never before.
Understand English?

Discussion 20 : 10/11/2009 at 12:13 PM20
Well, FM and PM want the people to view Thaksin as disloyal. I read the interview and in honesty, I don't see anything that was detrimental to HM or the CP. In fact Thaksin continue to say that he is all loyal the HM in the interview.

If FM and PM continue to make mountain out of molehill over Thaksin, you are giving Thaksin the necessary tools to promote his cause further.

PM, you have many pressing issues to resolve for the Thai people. Don't waste your time over the many Thaksin issues especially wanting to make mountain out of molehill that is causing more tension.

Unfortunately many Thai don't nderstand English and have to depend on the Government to tell them the twisted story(interview).
Edwards

Discussion 19 : 10/11/2009 at 11:02 AM19
This is truly becoming tiresome. Fugitive, again give it a break; the people who ousted him from power are more disruptive to the nation. Democracy is not coming to Thailand anytime soon with all these makeshift ideologies of righteousness. Wow, I just don’t understand what and how they read anything detrimental to HM. If anything, I feel there should be a law against false allegations as this fuels dissent and unrest in the country. The monarchy is to be respected and not to be used by political parties to gain favoritism.
Michael

Discussion 18 : 10/11/2009 at 10:56 AM18
I have read the TimesOnline article. If the interview given by Thaksin does not protray any ill feelings toward anyone or institution, why must Thaksin cries foul and strongly denied what he had said. Thaksin claims that the TimesOnline reporter Mr. Parry has distorted what he said. Supporters of Thaksin who have read the same article have commented that they see no problem with the article and why must Thaksin get very angry with the reported interview.

The only reason is that Thaksin knows very well what he is saying, and Thaksin supporters will always blindly support him on any thing whether it is right or wrong; ethical or unethical; and worst of all like this interview - they are blinded by Thaksin.
Farang 51 years old

Discussion 17 : 10/11/2009 at 10:50 AM17
In my opinion, 3 big points:

1- Thaksin is wasting his popularity as far as is just thinking to power/money and not to the (his) Country.Red shirts still to support him and Chawalit?

2- Abhisit goverment is really too weak and need to wake up because the time of Land of Smile has been finished long time ago.

3- English press/news are often "GOSSIP" oriented and to interview a guy like Thaksin was not so a brilliant idea.
Trojan

Discussion 16 : 10/11/2009 at 09:35 AM16
One things for sure no one will translate it into to Thai. If they do then bye bye.
Yonrith

Discussion 15 : 10/11/2009 at 09:34 AM15
AS i read Cambodia news.
Thaksin wil arrive Cambodia at 9:30am this morning.
Khun Udom

Discussion 14 : 10/11/2009 at 09:20 AM14
Many discussions (Thaksin’s supporters) are saying that the article in Timesonline has no offense to the monarchy. But many other Thais, after the reading, say that it is offensive. And after a delay for thinking, Thaksin himself has understood that he spoke too much, and he tries to recuperate the situation by saying that ...Ho!..."My comments were distorted!"
So, for me the discussions from Thaksin’s supporters lack of sincerity. They give theirs supports to Thaksin...what ever he is wrong!...They are conditioned to follow their master, even he is bad! (As the Pavlov’s theory)
I repeat again... ...Now Thaksin himself disagrees with the text of the article!!!
Sirikoon

Discussion 13 : 10/11/2009 at 08:24 AM13
I read the article as well as the interview transcript carefully on TimesOnline regarding Thaksin's interview. It does not seem to any offenses against anyone except those involved in politics.
jim

Discussion 12 : 10/11/2009 at 08:08 AM12
the way thai government react to thaksin inteview if you fully understand english and you look at 4D you understand . the more thai government push the more thaksin have case thaksin can clasify as political refugee why uk denied his visa alot of thai think uk did not want thaksin to contrary if you understand the rule political asylum seeker ( you have to apply for it and uk keep all his travel document )

1 2 3 Next Last

Plato

Discussion 21 : 11/11/2009 at 05:03 PM21

I'm a Thai person who sees Thaksin as an evil. But frankly I do not see anything in his Times interview that can be considered an offense to the monarchy. He did suggest a reform to the institution but that is far from an offense. It's sad that people are using the monarchy as a tool to destroy their political rivals like never before.

Understand English?

Discussion 20 : 10/11/2009 at 12:13 PM20

Well, FM and PM want the people to view Thaksin as disloyal. I read the interview and in honesty, I don't see anything that was detrimental to HM or the CP. In fact Thaksin continue to say that he is all loyal the HM in the interview.

If FM and PM continue to make mountain out of molehill over Thaksin, you are giving Thaksin the necessary tools to promote his cause further.

PM, you have many pressing issues to resolve for the Thai people. Don't waste your time over the many Thaksin issues especially wanting to make mountain out of molehill that is causing more tension.

Unfortunately many Thai don't nderstand English and have to depend on the Government to tell them the twisted story(interview).

Edwards

Discussion 19 : 10/11/2009 at 11:02 AM19

This is truly becoming tiresome. Fugitive, again give it a break; the people who ousted him from power are more disruptive to the nation. Democracy is not coming to Thailand anytime soon with all these makeshift ideologies of righteousness. Wow, I just don’t understand what and how they read anything detrimental to HM. If anything, I feel there should be a law against false allegations as this fuels dissent and unrest in the country. The monarchy is to be respected and not to be used by political parties to gain favoritism.

Michael

Discussion 18 : 10/11/2009 at 10:56 AM18

I have read the TimesOnline article. If the interview given by Thaksin does not protray any ill feelings toward anyone or institution, why must Thaksin cries foul and strongly denied what he had said. Thaksin claims that the TimesOnline reporter Mr. Parry has distorted what he said. Supporters of Thaksin who have read the same article have commented that they see no problem with the article and why must Thaksin get very angry with the reported interview.

The only reason is that Thaksin knows very well what he is saying, and Thaksin supporters will always blindly support him on any thing whether it is right or wrong; ethical or unethical; and worst of all like this interview - they are blinded by Thaksin.

Farang 51 years old

Discussion 17 : 10/11/2009 at 10:50 AM17

In my opinion, 3 big points:

1- Thaksin is wasting his popularity as far as is just thinking to power/money and not to the (his) Country.Red shirts still to support him and Chawalit?

2- Abhisit goverment is really too weak and need to wake up because the time of Land of Smile has been finished long time ago.

3- English press/news are often "GOSSIP" oriented and to interview a guy like Thaksin was not so a brilliant idea.

Trojan

Discussion 16 : 10/11/2009 at 09:35 AM16

One things for sure no one will translate it into to Thai. If they do then bye bye.

Yonrith

Discussion 15 : 10/11/2009 at 09:34 AM15

AS i read Cambodia news.
Thaksin wil arrive Cambodia at 9:30am this morning.

Khun Udom

Discussion 14 : 10/11/2009 at 09:20 AM14

Many discussions (Thaksin’s supporters) are saying that the article in Timesonline has no offense to the monarchy. But many other Thais, after the reading, say that it is offensive. And after a delay for thinking, Thaksin himself has understood that he spoke too much, and he tries to recuperate the situation by saying that ...Ho!..."My comments were distorted!"
So, for me the discussions from Thaksin’s supporters lack of sincerity. They give theirs supports to Thaksin...what ever he is wrong!...They are conditioned to follow their master, even he is bad! (As the Pavlov’s theory)
I repeat again... ...Now Thaksin himself disagrees with the text of the article!!!

Sirikoon

Discussion 13 : 10/11/2009 at 08:24 AM13

I read the article as well as the interview transcript carefully on TimesOnline regarding Thaksin's interview. It does not seem to any offenses against anyone except those involved in politics.

jim

Discussion 12 : 10/11/2009 at 08:08 AM12

the way thai government react to thaksin inteview if you fully understand english and you look at 4D you understand . the more thai government push the more thaksin have case thaksin can clasify as political refugee why uk denied his visa alot of thai think uk did not want thaksin to contrary if you understand the rule political asylum seeker ( you have to apply for it and uk keep all his travel document )

Govt blasts Thaksin's interview