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

9 executed over China's deadly ethnic riots | 10 November 2009
Court orders Iraqi parliament back to work | 24 October 2010
U.S. audiences treated to new TV shows, that feel old | | 20 May 2011

Analysis: Microsoft loss reflects Web display ad world's woes | | 8 July 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

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

Edition: U.S. Article Comments (1) 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 Old worm won't die after 2008 attack on U.S. military 16 Jun 2011 Old worm won't die after 2008 attack on military 16 Jun 2011 Anthony lawyer's paternity question halts court 16 Jun 2011 Oracle seeks billions in lawsuit against Google 16 Jun 2011 Cable worried about poverty, not Netflix 14 Jun 2011 Discussed 111 Obama weighs new steps to boost jobs 71 Republicans to debate, with Romney the frontrunner 60 Delaware police interview teen about Congressman Weiner Watched Airbus' view of flying in the future Mon, Jun 13 2011 Hefner, fiancee split; Schwarzenegger mistress talks Wed, Jun 15 2011 Gloom deepens for Research in Motion 3:26am EDT 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 Thu, Jun 16 2011 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 The jobs crisis A slow-burning revolution in Pakistan Related Topics World » Thailand » Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks during an interview with Reuters at his residence in Dubai June 16, 2011. Credit: Reuters/Jumana El Heloueh By Amena Bakr DUBAI | Fri Jun 17, 2011 3:03am 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 energised 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 through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data. 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. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/ Comments (1) chaimiami wrote: Who stole your money. Our Thai Government never stole your money. When you were Prime Minister, you tried to change Thai Law to support your business. You tried to take advantage to be monopoly of your phone company. May be there are a lot of poor thai people will choose your sister to win election. It’s not because of your sister’s ability. But I guess it’s because your money that send from Dubai to Poor Thai People to select your sister. But also there are a lot of people in our country don’t like you and your family. We tried to protect our king and country. I wish for next election, we will get the good person and government to run our country in the right direction. Too good you have to spend time outside of our country and hopefully you will not return back to our beautiful country. You try to say that you are so popular in Dubai because there are so much people ask you for picture. I don’t think so. Hopefully you will read my review and think about it. Jun 17, 2011 1:06am EDT -- Report as abuse See All Comments » Add Your Comment 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 Friday, 17 June 2011
Sudan border state foes agree to talks: Mbeki |
Israel to stop Gaza flotilla regardless of cargo |
Police blame Islamist sect for deadly Nigeria blast |
Zvonareva, Venus dismissed in Eastbourne; Vinci tops Wickmayer in Holland
Diving scientist takes to Arctic in attempt to tame Beluga whales
IEA says increased global demand for oil will outstrip increased supplies
Analysis: In India, hotel operators invest and educate |
Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora unhappy with pact
Peralta, Raburn homers lift Tigers to 6-2 lead over Tribe in battle for first
Mexican police arrest drug boss El Brad Pitt |
Number of hacked Citi credit card accounts rises to 360,000
'Lemonade Mouth' sequel, 'Shake It Up' Disney Channel movie in development
'Game of Thrones' star Sean Bean attacked outside London pub
Mexico suffers bad publicity from war with drug cartels
Oregon defensive back Cliff Harris to miss opener vs. LSU; indefinite suspension
RIM slashes forecast again, shares tumble |
Oracle seeks billions in lawsuit against Google |
Special report: Government in cyber fight but can't keep up |
Spam clogging Amazon's Kindle self-publishing |
Facebook may be good for friendships, politics |
Microsoft releases Kinect software for developers |
Niche chipmaker eyes M&A to gain analog talent |
NY police to investigate Tupac robbery confession |
Woes of famous, powerful shine light on sex addiction |
R&B singer Ledisi gets introspective on new album |
Crusading poet embodies Mexico's drug war pain |
Rebels dismiss election offer, NATO pounds Tripoli |
Assad's tycoon cousin, target of protesters, quits |
Greek PM jettisons finance minister in crisis reshuffle |
Secretary Gates thanks Pentagon journalists for critical coverage
Dallas delights in Dirk Nowitzki, champion Mavs
China to boost coastal forces amid sea tensions |
Robert Rock's 70 might be best first day effort at U.S. Open, considering...
Cuba, others cause trouble in U.N. re-election: envoys |
U.S. Open nightmare for Phil Mickelson: "I played horrific!"
China raises flood alert to top level, 555,000 evacuated |
Fan-tastic pitching: Gio Gonzalez' 10 K's power A's past Royals
Sony hacker claims responsibility for CIA website shutdown
Capitol Roar: McIlroy wows 'em with first round 65, leads at U.S. Open
Exiled Thaksin seeks December return to Thailand |
Al-Qaeda appoints Zawahiri as Osama’s successor
Nortel resets bidding date for patent portfolio as Google joins bidder list
Fukudome four RBI help Cubs outslug Brew Crew
Somali pirates free German ship after ransom paid |
BlackBerry maker slashes forecast, shares tumble |
Samsung Electronics, Hynix tumble on Q2 earnings worries |
Exclusive: China software bug makes infrastructure vulnerable |
Hacktivists make noise on government websites |
Google-backed Xunlei postpones Nasdaq IPO: IFR |
Green Lantern emerges from obscurity; critics pounce |
U2 guitarist the Edge loses bid for Malibu mansion |
From bomb silo to big screen, an anti-nuclear quest |
Shelling erupts in Sudan's Abyei, official says |
Rebecca Black pulls 'Friday' video off YouTube
Yemeni government says Saleh to return from Saudi in days |
The Big O: Miguel Olivo delivers key hits for Mariners in bid for AL West crown
Recently displaced Filipino armers hit by flooding
Analysis: Medvedev promotes himself as candidate for change |
Gaddafi government talking to rebels: Russian envoy |
Food prices mean trouble for poor and politicians |
Buzz Aldrin files for divorce from third wife
Health care by hovercraft
Libyan prisoners stuck in limbo as war drags on |
Angola's `sans papiers' violently deported in new wave of expulsions
DEVELOPING: Pentagon investigation continues as FBI on scene
Retailer Carrefour, smartphone maker Research In Motion lower expectations
Justin Upton’s homer in 10th lifts D-Backs over Giants in series finale
ILO milestone for domestic workers
Analysis: Cyber raids fuel calls for training, monitoring |
Businesses seen as target for easier phone hacking |
Special report: Government in cyber fight but can't keep up |
Susan Boyle story to be turned into musical |
Basel art fair suggests boom times are back |
Danish Ballet, revamped, takes fresh U.S. tour |
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