ID :
130625
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 16:54
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/130625
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Thaksin’s close aide denies his attempt for US intervention in Thai politics
BANGKOK, June 30 (TNA) - The legal adviser of Thailand's fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Wednesday said his visit to the United States is not aimed at seeking US interference in Thailand's internal affairs, but telling the truth about the cause of the anti-government Red Shirt movement.
Noppadon Pattama made his remarks via video link to the opposition Puea Thai Party as he met American academics and media in Washington, D.C., as well as US lawmakers to discuss the recent political turmoil in Thailand.
Mr Noppadon refused, however, to disclose names of US lawmakers and officials with whom he has met, saying only that he went to the American capital to tell the facts of the recent political situation in Thailand and that the Red Shirt protesters and the ousted premier are not 'terrorists' as branded by the Thai government.
"Some people understand the situation in Thailand and know well about the Thai laws in particular the emergency decree (which remains in force)," said Thaksin's close aide. "Although our opinions differ, we share a common idea which is to see national reconciliation happen in Thailand. Every party's candidates should be able to canvass for votes in every area of the country."
Mr Noppadon said that Mr Abhisit's road map for national reconciliation was merely a long-term reform plan which has caused concern among the Reds as it is not a true national reconciliation plan, but includes shutting down all Red Shirt media outlets including websites and local community radio stations.
Mr Thaksin's legal adviser also claimed that the US Congress is expected to issue two non-binding resolutions on Thursday in support of resolving Thailand's political impasse through negotiations as well as supporting the objectives of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map for national reconciliation.
Mr Noppadon said it should be welcome that the US is paying attention to Thailand's political problems and want to see reconciliation.
However, he stated that Thailand will reconcile if the government shows its sincerity by lifting the state of emergency, free the detained Red Shirts who have been charged with political actions, and not detain anyone without filing charges against them.
Mr Noppadon said the deposed prime minister is now living in a country in Eastern Europe and acknowledges his visit to the US, but the advisor said the ex-premier has not asked him to do any particular favour as this visit is aimed at telling the truth to create better understanding of the Red Shirt cause and that Mr Thaksin is a part of the national reconciliation process.
Mr Noppadon asserted he did not ask the US to interfere in Thailand's internal affairs.
"I didn't come here to attack Thailand," he asserted, "but to create confidence that Thailand has potential and a future more than what we are now if every colour, every part, reconciles."
Mr Noppadon also denied accusation that his visit was coordinated with that of Mr Thaksin's lawyer Robert Amsterdam who recently went to Japan and commented on Thai politics with local media there.
Mr Noppadon said he planned his trip to the US himself and that any legal case in Thailand is under the consideration of Thai court. He said he did not seek any help from the US on the matter. (TNA)
Noppadon Pattama made his remarks via video link to the opposition Puea Thai Party as he met American academics and media in Washington, D.C., as well as US lawmakers to discuss the recent political turmoil in Thailand.
Mr Noppadon refused, however, to disclose names of US lawmakers and officials with whom he has met, saying only that he went to the American capital to tell the facts of the recent political situation in Thailand and that the Red Shirt protesters and the ousted premier are not 'terrorists' as branded by the Thai government.
"Some people understand the situation in Thailand and know well about the Thai laws in particular the emergency decree (which remains in force)," said Thaksin's close aide. "Although our opinions differ, we share a common idea which is to see national reconciliation happen in Thailand. Every party's candidates should be able to canvass for votes in every area of the country."
Mr Noppadon said that Mr Abhisit's road map for national reconciliation was merely a long-term reform plan which has caused concern among the Reds as it is not a true national reconciliation plan, but includes shutting down all Red Shirt media outlets including websites and local community radio stations.
Mr Thaksin's legal adviser also claimed that the US Congress is expected to issue two non-binding resolutions on Thursday in support of resolving Thailand's political impasse through negotiations as well as supporting the objectives of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map for national reconciliation.
Mr Noppadon said it should be welcome that the US is paying attention to Thailand's political problems and want to see reconciliation.
However, he stated that Thailand will reconcile if the government shows its sincerity by lifting the state of emergency, free the detained Red Shirts who have been charged with political actions, and not detain anyone without filing charges against them.
Mr Noppadon said the deposed prime minister is now living in a country in Eastern Europe and acknowledges his visit to the US, but the advisor said the ex-premier has not asked him to do any particular favour as this visit is aimed at telling the truth to create better understanding of the Red Shirt cause and that Mr Thaksin is a part of the national reconciliation process.
Mr Noppadon asserted he did not ask the US to interfere in Thailand's internal affairs.
"I didn't come here to attack Thailand," he asserted, "but to create confidence that Thailand has potential and a future more than what we are now if every colour, every part, reconciles."
Mr Noppadon also denied accusation that his visit was coordinated with that of Mr Thaksin's lawyer Robert Amsterdam who recently went to Japan and commented on Thai politics with local media there.
Mr Noppadon said he planned his trip to the US himself and that any legal case in Thailand is under the consideration of Thai court. He said he did not seek any help from the US on the matter. (TNA)
