Thaksin on trips: Bangkok shouldn't get nervous

The Straits Times, January 24, 2007

MR THAKSIN Shinawatra said the Thai government should not get too 'nervous' about his overseas trips.

The ousted premier, who is currently in Japan, said his visits, including to Singapore, are 'private' and have no political agenda.

A diplomatic spat broke out between Bangkok and Singapore after he met Singapore Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar when he visited the Republic recently.

'They have to understand it's international practice,' Mr Thaksin told Kyodo News in an interview at a Tokyo hotel.

Referring to the military-backed government which replaced him, he said Thais will not tolerate 'dictatorship' indefinitely.

In a separate interview with the Asahi Shimbun published yesterday, he said Thailand's international credibility was at stake, but he sought unity between his supporters and opponents.

'Thais have enjoyed democracy and never want to be under a dictatorship or a non-democratic government,' he said. 'They can be patient and tolerate such things to some extent, but not for too long.'

The billionaire businessman said he was waiting for the right time to return, but he promised to stay out of office.

'Almost six years is enough for me,' he said. 'I think it's too much for me and my family.'

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE