How much more does this man want?

But it would turn as many into a convulsive rage. The reason being that Thaksin has been, and still is, the most divisive citizen in Thailand’s 800-year history.

Thaksin thinks Thailand owes him a lot. But in reality it is vice-versa. Thaksin was born into a Chinese-Thai family, whose ancestors came here looking for wealth in a plentiful land. He was raised and educated here, and was given a chance to become a billionaire. But he wants more.

Thaksin knows well that his divisive political tactics and abrasive behaviour risk of turning Thailand into a killing ground. But he doesn’t seem to care. He keeps attacking the country’s courts for convicting him of a crime – but fails to present credible evidence, witnesses or arguments to prove his innocence. Hence, his return without serving his jail term would turn this country into a state of lawlessness. Crime rates, especially committed by his supporters, would likely soar. Law-abiding citizens will feel threatened.

Thaksin and his followers coined the word “ammart” so that they could level their attacks higher up. 

More than 80 per cent of Thais want democracy with the King as head of state. Thaksin’s true enemies seem to be the urban, hard-working middle class. There are about 9 million of them. They contribute the largest chunk to the country in terms of tax money. It is possible that they pay taxes twice, or even three times, more than the 16 million Thaksin supporters do. They abhor Thaksin’s populist and megalomaniacal politics, and are silently fuming.

It seems everyone on the Thaksin side is determined to bring him back as a hero regardless of the method, and unmindful of the ethics of it. Thaksin’s latest boast to his supporters in the Northeast – that he will come back in style, and that “clearing matters up” with the judges is easy – has divided the country even more.

Thailand has come to the point that if Thaksin quits his politicking, normalcy will return. But if he persists, all the forces against him will be alive again. The consequences of this will be unpredictable. As we all know, volatility and unpredictability is bad for business and the economy. How many billions of dollars in lost opportunity for the country has Thaksin caused already? Does he still want more?

Vint Chavala

Lamphun