Junta: Thaksin, don't interfere
Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been living in exile in Dubai since 2008, has been urgently advised by the junta (NCPO) to stop being actively involved in politics, says a source close to the former prime minister. The junta also wants him to tell his supporters not to visit him anymore. According to the source, Thaksin would be willing to cooperate.
'The NCPO has contacted Thaksin and asked him to stop interfering in politics in Thailand and to tell other key figures to do the same. Thaksin has told the NCPO that he has already stopped. He delivered a message to Prayuth asking the general to ensure justice and fairness for all parties.' When asked, Prayuth denies ever speaking to Thaksin. "Don't involve him."
An army source says Thaksin has also been asked to tell fugitive red shirt leader Jakrapob Penkair, the man who allegedly set up an anti-coup organization abroad, not to form that organization. Jakaprob, former minister in the Samak cabinet, has been charged with lèse majesté. The junta ordered him to report; if he does not, he shall be tried by court-martial.
According to the source, Thaksin, his supporters, Pheu Thai politicians and red shirts are convinced that the military means business when it comes to anti-coup elements. They have no choice but to keep a low profile and wait for new elections so that the people can decide their political fate.
Warning
During a live-television 2015 budget meeting Friday, Prayuth warned officials and politicians not to consult "him." 'That's not your job. It's over now. You better consult me. There is no need to ask an outsider for advice. If you keep doing that, you better stay with him. I am warning you. Whoever gives advice, I have already warned. He said he'd stop.'
The previously cited army source says that the NCPO has asked former Prime Minister Yingluck to show himself as little as possible in public, in particular to avoid visits to shopping malls. Yingluck has recently been spotted there. People took pictures of her and posted them on Facebook and Twitter. "They could evoke anti-coup feelings," says the source.
A source at the former governing party Pheu Thai says it is difficult for PT politicians and red shirt leaders to visit Thaksin abroad. But they can always use social media or Line to get in touch with him. It is said that Thaksin still exerts great influence over Thai politics. As the newspaper writes: He is considered the de facto leader of Pheu Thai.
(Source: Bangkok Post, June 15, 2014)
The photo shows look-alikes of Yingluck, protest leader Suthep (painted) and opposition leader Abhisit during a Happy Day party at Siam Paragon.