The Straits Times, May 2, 2007
AVID GOLFER: Mr Thaksin is no longer living in Thailand but his absence will not hinder him from carrying out his duties as TPGA president, says his predecessor.
MR THAKSIN Shinawatra, the exiled former prime minister of Thailand ousted in a military coup last year, has been elected president of the country's professional golf association, local media reported yesterday.
The billionaire telecoms baron, who has not returned to Thailand since the bloodless putsch on Sept 19, won a unanimous vote to take over the TPGA presidency from former Cabinet minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal.
Mr Pongsak said Mr Thaksin, a keen golfer, had no plans to return to politics and his exile would not prevent him from doing the job properly.
'Although he is not in Thailand, work will proceed effectively,' The Nation newspaper quoted Mr Pongsak as saying.
Mr Thaksin, whom coup leaders accuse of corruption and cronyism during his five years in office, has been told he can return home to fight legal cases if summoned by courts.
He has been living in London since his ouster and has spent much of his time in Asia travelling and playing golf, which he insists is for relaxation and not political purposes.
REUTERS
AVID GOLFER: Mr Thaksin is no longer living in Thailand but his absence will not hinder him from carrying out his duties as TPGA president, says his predecessor.MR THAKSIN Shinawatra, the exiled former prime minister of Thailand ousted in a military coup last year, has been elected president of the country's professional golf association, local media reported yesterday.
The billionaire telecoms baron, who has not returned to Thailand since the bloodless putsch on Sept 19, won a unanimous vote to take over the TPGA presidency from former Cabinet minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal.
Mr Pongsak said Mr Thaksin, a keen golfer, had no plans to return to politics and his exile would not prevent him from doing the job properly.
'Although he is not in Thailand, work will proceed effectively,' The Nation newspaper quoted Mr Pongsak as saying.
Mr Thaksin, whom coup leaders accuse of corruption and cronyism during his five years in office, has been told he can return home to fight legal cases if summoned by courts.
He has been living in London since his ouster and has spent much of his time in Asia travelling and playing golf, which he insists is for relaxation and not political purposes.
REUTERS
No comments:
Post a Comment