InfoAnda - Exiled Thaksin seeks December return to Thailand |

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Britain on course to exit deep recession | 29 September 2009
Couch-potato lifestyle affects children's sleep: study | 23 July 2009
Saudi Arabia, Syria urge unity government in Lebanon | 9 October 2009

Amnesty accuses Israel of using human shields in Gaza | 2 July 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Exiled Thaksin seeks December return to Thailand |

Edition: U.S. Article Comments (0) Slideshow Full Focus Editor's choice A selection of our top photos from the past 24 hours. Full Article Follow Reuters Facebook Twitter RSS YouTube Read CIA website goes down, hackers claim responsibility 5:35am EDT Analysis: Syria's Assad loses his grip to hardliners 8:55am EDT Two in court over alleged plot against Joss Stone | 11:06am EDT Wall Street rises from oversold levels 10:57am EDT U.S. agents slam gun sting effort on Mexico border 15 Jun 2011 Discussed 134 Alabama governor signs nation’s toughest immigration law 111 Obama weighs new steps to boost jobs 71 Republicans to debate, with Romney the frontrunner Watched Hefner, fiancee split; Schwarzenegger mistress talks Wed, Jun 15 2011 Airbus' view of flying in the future Mon, Jun 13 2011 Obama resigns from church Mon, Jun 2 2008 Exiled Thaksin seeks December return to Thailand Tweet Share this Email Print Factbox Factbox: Main parties contesting Thailand's election Tue, Jun 7 2011 Related News Analysis: Thai PM Abhisit's election campaign stalls 12:09am EDT Japan finance minister a frontrunner to be next PM Thu, Jun 9 2011 Thai opposition's Yingluck: populist but pro-business Tue, Jun 7 2011 Special Report: Defiance in Thailand's "red shirt villages" Tue, Jun 7 2011 Analysis & Opinion Medical tourism wins fans “Fearsome risks” driving policy over-reactions Related Topics World » Thailand » 1 / 7 Thailand's former premier Thaksin Shinawatra puts on his gloves before playing golf at the Emirates Hills Golfcourse in Dubai, May 28, 2011. Credit: Reuters/Jumana El Heloueh By Amena Bakr DUBAI | Thu Jun 16, 2011 10:43am EDT DUBAI (Reuters) - Thaksin Shinawatra, the ousted former prime minister backing his sister's bid to unseat the ruling party in Thailand's upcoming general election, is optimistic about the outcome -- and a possible homecoming. The billionaire former telecommunications tycoon, who lives in exile to avoid a prison sentence for graft, said he hoped to return to Thailand by December, but acknowledged in an interview with Reuters that he would have to negotiate with his powerful enemies first. Living in Dubai since fleeing Thailand ahead of a 2008 court verdict, the twice-elected Thaksin said he was in regular contact with his youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, while managing what remains of his wealth from a villa in the cosmopolitan desert city. The 61-year-old, self-styled "CEO Premier" who was accused of authoritarianism during his five years in office, appeared to be more conciliatory now, urging dialogue with the Thai establishment and the generals who overthrew him in a 2006 coup. "In politics we have to use the iron fist and the velvet glove," said Thaksin, who has made his home in a region that has seen unprecedented upheaval since early 2011 with people in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen and Syria taking to the streets against their governments. "Nowadays you have to use more of the velvet glove than iron fist. During time of conflict you need to have more dialogue instead of just trying to use law to suppress the other side," he said, referring to Thailand long-running political crisis. Thaksin's Puea Thai Party is challenging Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's ruling Democrats in a July 3 election and Yingluck's entry into the race as prime minister candidate has energized Thaksin's urban and rural working class supporters, who see him as a mold-breaking populist hero. Thaksin urged his rivals not to interfere in the election or try to influence the formation of the next government. "They have to respect the decision of the people, otherwise there is no use to arrange an election," he said. The former policeman and Premier League soccer club owner is betting that victory will pave the way for a general amnesty that might allow him to return without going to prison. YEARNING FOR HOME Thaksin's yearning for his homeland is clear at his resplendent white mansion in the upscale Emirates Hills area of Dubai, where he surrounds himself with Thai orchids and at least half a dozen Thai staff. Magazines from home are stacked up on a coffee table next to a bowl of Thai candy and the smell of Thai food wafts through the room. Messengers travel back and forth between his home and Bangkok, relaying information to his allies. Abhisit suspects Thaksin of funding Puea Thai and running the opposition through his Yingluck, a 43-year-old businesswoman. Asked what he meant by once calling Yingluck his "clone" Thaksin said he had played a big role in her upbringing. "That means that her attitude, her thinking and culture are very similar to me," he said. He took pains to pledge his loyalty to Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who although in hospital for nearly two years, still wields much influence. Thaksin has been accused of republicanism, which he vehemently rejects. "We want to have everybody to be comfortable with us, that our party is very loyal with the monarchy," Thaksin said. "There is no question about the loyalty with the monarchy that is one message that we keep sending." He hoped to return to Thailand in December for the wedding of one of his daughters. However, he accepted that could only happen following negotiations with his opponents, in particular, Thailand's politicized army. Thaksin, who has had his Thai citizenship revoked, uses Dubai as a base and travels on Montenegrin and Nicaraguan passports. He said he was scouting investments in Africa, playing golf and he likes to stroll in Dubai's air-conditioned malls, where he is often recognized and asked to pose for photographs. "I'm a mascot in Dubai Mall, when I meet some Asian people, like Singaporean, Chinese and Malaysian, they recognize me and they ask to take pictures with me," he said. "I'm the man of the people, so I'm OK, I don't mind." Thaksin is also friends with Pakistan's exiled former president Pervez Musharraf, who has also taken up residency in Dubai and was at Thaksin's mansion this week for a meal. Thaksin said he has $1 billion of his wealth remaining, having had $1.4 billion confiscated last year by a Thai court, which ruled it had been amassed illegally while in office. "I don't have much money left," he said. "The government stole my money. (Now) I invest in mining, gold, platinum and coal. I think the price of gold will be increasing and by this year will probably go to $1,600 (per ounce)." Although Abhisit has been credited with steering Thailand through the 2008 global financial crisis, Thaksin, whose Puea Thai Party is promising wage increases and cheap credit for the poor, said more work was needed to raise rural incomes and boost domestic consumption. "We have to spur the domestic economy, that is the top priority, from the grassroots level. And I believe we cannot move the pyramid from the top, we have to move from the bottom." Thaksin said the party was also targeting infrastructure development, such as reclaiming land and expanding rail networks to relieve urban congestion in Bangkok. Foreign partners for such projects could be paid in barter deals, he said: "Instead of paying in U.S. dollars, we can pay in agricultural currency like rubber, rice and chicken." (Additional reporting by Martina Fuchs; Editing by Reed Stevenson and Martin Petty) World Thailand Tweet this Link this Share this Digg this Email Reprints We welcome comments that advance the story directly or with relevant tangential information. We try to block comments that use offensive language, all capital letters or appear to be spam, and we review comments frequently to ensure they meet our standards. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. Comments (0) Be the first to comment on reuters.com. Add yours using the box above. Social Stream (What's this?) © Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters Editorial Editions: Africa Arabic Argentina Brazil Canada China France Germany India Italy Japan Latin America Mexico Russia Spain United Kingdom United States Reuters Contact Us Advertise With Us Help Journalism Handbook Archive Site Index Video Index Reader Feedback Mobile Newsletters RSS Podcasts Widgets Your View Analyst Research Thomson Reuters Copyright Disclaimer Privacy Professional Products Professional Products Support Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Careers Online Products Acquisitions Monthly Buyouts Venture Capital Journal International Financing Review Project Finance International PEhub.com PE Week FindLaw Super Lawyers Attorney Rating Service Reuters on Facebook Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Thursday, 16 June 2011
NATO sliding towards Libyan ground war: Russian envoy |
ACORN argues Congress lacked authority to cut its federal funds
Bodies of 104 Air France crash victims to reach Paris |
33 OECD member nations see average unemployment rate drop to 8.1%
North, south Sudan clash before split: south army |
Adele reclaims #1, "The Book of Mormom" skyrockets on Billboard 200 albums chart
Kuwait ruler warns against unrest, security threats |
Congressional is the tough, shining star of the 2011 U.S. Open
Indonesia intensifies security before Abu Bakar Bashir’s trial
U.S. helicopters fire on attackers in Iraq oil hub: military |
Czech Republic declines participation in U.S. missile shield program
Gunmen kill Mexican governor's guards, leave threat |
Airline mechanic stows away on U.S. Airways flight
Portugal president names Coelho new premier
Rocco DiSpirito hosts celebrity-filled 'Dinner Party' for Bravo
United States Golf Association awards 2018 U.S. Open to Shinnecock Hills
ADP says investigating data breach |
Analysis: Computer security attracts venture capitalists |
Garmin sees Navigon buy boosting European auto ops |
Internet calls to generate $40 billion by 2015: report |
Oscar mystery added to best picture race |
Keith Urban ready to take fans on carnival ride |
Zawahri takes over as leader of al Qaeda |
Libyan rebels take new villages in Western Mountains |
Indonesian Islamist cleric jailed for 15 years |
Carmona helps Tribe regain first place
Violence in Vancouver as Canucks lose Stanley Cup |
Syrians flee northern town as tanks close in |
Greek PM to reshuffle government to push austerity plan |
Turkish sailing team with all-female crew makes waves in Bulgaria regatta
Refugees flee Myanmar towns as fighting rages |
New England, Toronto play to scoreless draw despite firing a combined 30 shots
Indians return to first place after coming from behind to edge Tigers
Cup O'Beans: Bruins capture title with whitewashing of Canucks
Mexican police capture suspected teenage assassins |
China sends out patrol ship amid territorial disputes |
Fielder could get bigger payday than Pujols in 2012
Serena’s loss dooms all-Williams finale at Eastbourne; Baghdatis advances in Holland
Cabrera's third hit of night gives Indians 5-4 lead over Tigers
Seattle University to join Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
Report: Mets new minority owner could eventually take control of team
Citi says 360,000 customers hacked in May cyber attack |
Alibaba to split, not IPO, e-commerce unit Taobao |
RIM faces tough sell on Q1 earnings and outlook |
HP's latest lawsuit heightens rivalry with Oracle |
Toshiba, HP to tie up on cloud services |
LightSquared gets more time to file GPS test results |
Bono's Spider-Man musical still weak, critics say |
Next Playboy has runaway bride sticker on cover |
Charlie Sheen loses early round in Men lawsuit |
Funk icon Sly Stone pleads not guilty to cocaine charge |
Fran Drescher's gay husband inspires sitcom return |
Brad Paisley is hero to sons for songs on Cars 2 |
Exiled Thaksin seeks December return to Thailand |
Yemen gunmen stage more attacks, Saudi oil arrives |
Iraq's Mehdi Army faces splits, wary of return to war |
Special Report: In Bahrain, a symbol at the heart of revolt |
Lady Gaga's meat dress heads to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
CIA website goes down, hackers claim responsibility |
Tunisia risks controversy with travel ads
Crystal Harris covers July issue of Playboy as “Mrs. Crystal Hefner”
JK Rowling launches new Harry Potter website |
Nortel delays closely watched patent sale by a week |
Juror jailed for Facebook contempt |
China military paper urges steps against U.S. cyber war threat |
ROI youth magnets for global change
Jets players wrap up workouts in New Jersey, await end to lockout
Luke Donald gets hot start at U.S. Open as rain greets early starters
Formal announcement expected on Weiner status
Cottage cheese becomes call for rebellion in Israel
Infected tooth cancels George Michael appearance at AIDS charity event
At 100, IBM inventions part of daily routine
Charlie Sheen loses early round in Men lawsuit |
Two in court over alleged plot against Joss Stone |
JK Rowling launches new Harry Potter website |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01