Thai PM admits cannot stop Thaksin's globetrotting

The Straits Times, January 18, 2007


BANGKOK - The Thai government on Thursday admitted it would struggle to restrict ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's overseas travel, despite already taking strong measures to try to hobble his movements.

The army-backed government last week withdrew Mr Thaksin's diplomatic passport, and this week issued a strong rebuke to Singapore for allowing the deposed prime minister to meet a top official in the city-state.

Thailand rescinded an invitation to Singapore's foreign minister in protest at the Thaksin meeting, sparking a diplomatic spat.

But military-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told reporters it was not possible to keep Mr Thaksin on a tighter leash.

'It is his right to travel from place to place as he wishes, as long as his behaviour complies with laws in those countries he visits,' he said.

Gen Surayud added that Thailand did not plan any further diplomatic action against Singapore.

Singapore provoked Thailand's anger after allowing Mr Thaksin, ousted in a military coup on Sept 19, to meet Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar and conduct interviews with foreign media during his visit at the weekend.

'As of now, there are no additional measures,' Gen Surayud said.

His comments came hours after English and Thai-language newspapers reported on Thursday Thailand was considering cancelling a contract that allows Singapore to use a military training base in the kingdom.

Mr Thaksin's Bangkok-based lawyer Noppandon Pattama told AFP the twice-elected leader had left Singapore and travelled to China 'a few days ago'.

He said the former premier would likely travel to Japan next. His diplomatic passport revoked, he is now travelling on a normal passport.

Mr Thaksin was in New York when the military toppled his government and has remained in exile since, hopping between Europe and Asia.

The junta last week ordered television and radio stations not to broadcast statements from the ousted leader, signifying their jitters over Thaksin's recent movements. -- AFP