Collected Thaksin Quotes

All the analyses are written and done. The Thaksins are gone. Now we’ll just have to wait and see. I’m not expecting the Thai government to proactively seek the extradition of Thaksin & Pojaman from the U.K. Why did they allow them to leave in the first place.

And we’ll hear again of the man. Time though to look retrospectively at some of the greater and less greater words of Thaksin Shinawatra, who once ruled the kingdom at will. With his English pretty good, we’re digging out mostly English quotes. God knows what’s out there in Thai.

You may find some other timeless sayings by Thaksin in some forgotten treasure trove. Why don’t you email them and I’ll update the post continuously.

“This is Thailand.” (Thaksin to American businessman William Monson, who claims to have been massively cheated by Thaksin in the 80s)

“I had no intention to conceal my assets. It was a purely honest mistake.” (in 2001, crying, to the Constitution Court who let him off the hook)

“Be patient until July 2nd. When Mars leaves, the situation will improve.” (this July, predicting betterment)

“Where in the world is a single-party government called a dictatorship? What is wrong with it when people have faith in me?” (back then, in power)

“If I were not a public figure, I wouldn’t fly with Thai.” (Thai sucks, got my vote on that one Thaksin)

“Australia itself is also a target. I would warn Thais visiting Australia to be careful because this country is a target too. They should only travel to safe cities or spots.” (Thaksin, after 9/11, refuting Australia’s travel warnings for Thailand)

“The guy was infected with bird flu because he took a sick chicken, slaughtered it and and then ate it.” (Thaksin suppressing news of the outbreak of bird flu in Thailand in late 2003)

“This is the most terrible thing that can happen in a friendly country if Thai people have to escape from the backdoor of an embassy.” (during the anti-Thai riots in Cambodia in 2003)

“There are some who died because they were fasting, and they were crammed in tight.” (explaining the massacre in 2004 of 84 muslims crammed into military trucks)

“A tsunami does not automatically happen, but if the earthquake is strong enough there is a possibility” (geologist Thaksin)

“My children made the decision. They want their father to focus on politics and to avoid public criticism about conflicts of interest.” (about solved conflicts of interest)

“This election is very crucial for the direction of the country, because we still have differences of opinion.” (election talk)

“The king is very concerned about the situation and urges all security forces and state officials not to harm the people any longer.” (self-explanatory)

“I will not resign because my resignation will not resolve anything.” (during anti-Thaksin protests in 2006)

“I will protect democracy with my life.” (during the same protests)

“My whole life, I am very good at riding over a storm – for many times already in my life. So why not another time?” (a still defying Thaksin …)

“I am sorry that I will not accept the premier post.” (regretting)

“We have received confirmation from all sources that the rumor of a coup is not true. The rumor was spread by some faction, but it is not true.” (refusing the coup of September 19th, 2006)

“I’ll take this chance to relax and meet old friends. I want to take a break. I’m getting old.” (Thaksin showing understanding)

“I slept well last night.” (unknown date and location)

“We will pay the best for the best and to the best. That is my strategy, which is why I want a player like Ronaldinho. We need to breed success. Right now, we have a negative cash flow, but within two years we will be making money. You will see.” (Thaksin comforting Manchester City fans)

“The supporters, I hope, will also see what I am trying to do. They have loved the club longer than me, but I am with them because I have invested my money, a lot of money.” (comforting uneasy Man City fans)

“There are times when I wish I could be closer to the fans and to talk to them, but they will have to trust me and to see that, instead of words, I show them my intentions with actions.” (Thaksinology at its finest)

“There is a continuation of dictatorship in Thai politics.” (Thaksin announcing his return to exile in August 2008)

My family and I have been continuously treated unjustly.” (from the same announcement)

“Today is not my day.” [sic!]