Yingluck denies Thaksin Skype hype

News > Politics

PM says Skype story baseless

Published: 1 Feb 2013 at 00.55
Online news: Politics

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Thursday brushed aside a New York Times report which claimed her elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra was running the country via Skype.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presides over a meeting to review the performance last year of the Internal Security Operations Command, and announces the agency’s plans for the coming year at Government House Thursday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

The report said most key decisions made during her time in office were made by the former prime minister, who lives in self-imposed exile abroad.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

boontong
Post : 525
Send message

Discussion 39 : 01 Feb 2013 at 17.3239
Post this to my Facebook
I can hear Thaksin response from afar - Thank you everyone for giving me the credit. The country is showing promising signs of progress and prosperity. In fact, it has been my sister together with her capable teams who are working very hard for the good of everyone who called Thailand their home. I am always available when you need me for advice and opinion. R my sister will be the one who will have to shoulder all responsibilities. Please continue to give her your support. Thank you again for giving the opportunity to serve.
Like dislike 3 people liked / 14 people disliked this comment
bikeme
Post : 1,109
Send message

Discussion 38 : 01 Feb 2013 at 16.3438
Post this to my Facebook
It is interesting that she does not deny his involvement nor that fact that he actual rules. But rather she picked deniable aspects to talk about. So what if there are no mobiles, laptops work fine for Skype. And sure "decisions" are made in the cabinet meetings, they have to be officially "decided" there to be legal, but that doesn't mean the order to make that decision hasn't already been sent from Dubai.
Like dislike 12 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
spiceman
Post : 3,477
Send message

Discussion 37 : 01 Feb 2013 at 12.1737
Post this to my Facebook
Did one of PTP's election slogans say "Thaksin thinks it, Yingluck does it?" So, I guess that's what Skype is for!
Like dislike 10 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
donduck
Post : 119
Send message

Discussion 36 : 01 Feb 2013 at 12.0736
Post this to my Facebook
geoffo Oops! It wasn't a cabinet meeting.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
nipper240
Post : 104
Send message

Discussion 35 : 01 Feb 2013 at 11.2435
Post this to my Facebook
Whilst the NYT headline is "In Thailand, Power Comes With Help From Skype", the crux of the article is that he holds all the power and it is he who decides who does what and when - not the fact that skype is used. What's interesting is the lack of rebuttal of the main contents of the article. Instead you have a side-line issue and only a denial of skype being used during ministerial conferences.

When PM Yingluck says she is the Prime Minister, she is telling the truth - problem is, how much is in name only?
Like dislike 19 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
HowIWish
Post : 141
Send message

Discussion 34 : 01 Feb 2013 at 10.5134
Post this to my Facebook
Poitical sides are always shown in these discussions, unfortunately these biased arguments over certain people keep on going around in circles with no real winner. Look what is happening in Thailand from an international viewpoint, country is running smoothly, no talks of political unrust, no country stopping protests, no sign of another military coup. Who gets the credit? YS, or as some think TS, or maybe AV can be given the credit? Or is it all Thais are now living with a smile? I ask, is it a crime to talk to your sister?
Like dislike 4 people liked / 15 people disliked this comment
android
Post : 2,236
Send message

Discussion 33 : 01 Feb 2013 at 10.3933
Post this to my Facebook
Whoever gives these national level decisions doesn't matter, but these decisions that enhance the country to move forward matter.
Like dislike 10 people liked / 39 people disliked this comment
jck
Post : 423
Send message

Discussion 32 : 01 Feb 2013 at 10.1732
Post this to my Facebook
"I am the real prime minister," she told reporters. It would be fascinating to know how much time she spends talking to her brother each week. “Using mobile phones during cabinet meetings is not permitted, she said”. Neither is watching porn on computers but it happened.
Like dislike 28 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
domdunnn
Post : 1,129
Send message

Discussion 31 : 01 Feb 2013 at 10.0131
Post this to my Facebook
Why are people surprised that TS makes policy decisions and that the cabinet acts on them, that is what people voted for at the last election?
Like dislike 15 people liked / 27 people disliked this comment
raimund
Post : 286
Send message

Discussion 30 : 01 Feb 2013 at 09.2130
Post this to my Facebook
What you see during a meeting are the notebooks on every table and they are all connected to internet and I am sure all have a Skype line.Next time the reporters should ask more specific questions.
Canuck ,since when is NYT owned by the democrats?
Like dislike 48 people liked / 4 people disliked this comment