Death threat to Thaksin remains

Thaksin speaks to supporters in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The Nation/Asia News Network
Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012

Defence Minister General Sukampol Suwannathat re-confirmed yesterday that fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra is being targeted for assassination.

Because of security concerns Thaksin is reported to have cancelled a market visit in Cambodia.

He had flown to Phnom Penh to visit the father of Cambodian premier Hun Sen.

Sukampol added that criticism of Thaksin's recent moves might hamper national reconciliation and had not taken into consideration that Thaksin had the right to travel and his actions were acceptable.

Matichon yesterday reported Thaksin had breakfast at the City Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap with key members of the Pheu Thai Party and the red shirts - such as his brother Payap, former People Power Party executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat, PM's Office Minister Worawat Au-apinyakul, MP Aim-orn Sinthuprai, and her husband red-shirt leader Nisit, and Aree Krainara, secretary to the deputy agriculture minister.

Some red shirts saw him off yesterday and Thaksin also gave money to a girl who danced for him.

Meanwhile, former 2006 coup leader turned reconciliation maker General Sonthi Boonyaratglin has warned the passing of any national reconciliation bill must proceed cautiously.

Sonthi, head of the House ad hoc committee on national reconciliation, said it fell on the government to create a mood of reconciliation before any such bill was passed.

This he said, was in accordance with the recommendation of organisations like the King Prajadhipok's Institute (KPI).

He added that KPI proposals also included a need for fact finding and transitional justice.

The Pheu Thai party's support for passing an amnesty bill through Parliament or for seeking a royal decree must proceed carefully, Sonthi warned.

The party must heed the majority voice in society and ensure that the move would not deepen existing conflict, he said.