Poacher turned gamekeeper

Based on a five-day week, eight-hour day, 52 weeks a year, that’s one conviction every 24 seconds. What an efficient criminal court Thailand has. It’s a pity this zeal hasn’t targeted the crimes committed by Thaksin Shinawatra, revealed by the Constitution Court during the Shin Corp shares trial.

In suggesting that Thaksin would become a statesman by accepting the two-year jail sentence, the new Senate speaker shows either ignorance of what is in the public domain or the extreme bias of which he is accused. The constitution changes discussed in the interview are aimed at removing the Constitution Court and presumably expunging its findings so that all is forgiven for Thaksin. The speaker makes the point that Thailand made a leap forward during Thaksin’s time in office. There were lots of projects that helped the growth. Altruism did not play a part. Thaksin’s fortune made a bigger leap forward despite the confiscation when he was caught with his hands in the till.

PM Yingluck is now urging “say no to corruption”. Does that mean Thaksin wants Thailand’s money back and he will turn gamekeeper?

Richard Bowler

Bangkok