Thread: Plot to Assassinate Thaksin!

Rumors thicken of plot to assassinate Thaksin

By Martin Petty, ThaiDay, 13 July 2006

Five teams within the armed forces have plotted to assassinate caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra because of resentment of his conduct during recent royal celebrations, intelligence sources said last night.

In a bulletin on the Manager Online website, an anonymous military intelligence official said five separate teams from within the army, navy and air force had planned to kill the premier, and the plot was “well known” among the top military brass.

The source did not disclose whether the assassins were following orders from their superiors or if they were rogue factions acting independently.

The Manager website quoted the intelligence source as saying top generals were upset by Thaksin’s “inappropriate behavior” during the 60th anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

Government officials were unavailable for comment last night.

Intelligence chiefs were yesterday investigating initial reports of a plot to assassinate Thaksin, while security around the embattled premier and his family was beefed-up in response to the rumors.

An aide to National Intelligence Agency chief Chumphol Manmai said an investigation had been launched into earlier reports claiming Thaksin’s opponents had pooled funds to hire foreign assassins to kill the premier.

“We are aware of these rumors and are looking into their validity,” the aide told ThaiDay.

The report claimed the issue was discussed at a June 25 meeting of top security chiefs, although the aide insisted it was never raised. “This was not discussed,” he said.

Army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratakalin offered to provide security for Thaksin, if requested, saying it was the army’s responsibility to protect the country’s leader at all costs.

“Reports are reports, but everyone must be on the alert,” he told reporters. “If the government wants protection from the army, it is our duty to provide it.”

Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said Thaksin was unperturbed by talk of hired hitmen and would carry out his duties as normal.

“The prime minister has told me he is not shaken by these reports,” he said. “He sees this as a danger he is always faced with as a prime minister.”

Asked if Thaksin’s security had been increased, he said: “It is normal for this to happen in these situations.”

A National Security Council official said security teams would be sent to key locations several hours ahead of visits by Thaksin, while two cars each with five bodyguards armed with automatic weapons would follow the premier’s vehicle.

Rumors of the plot came amid a turbulent few months for Thaksin, who is under fire for saying a “charismatic individual” was trying to engineer his downfall.

Analysts and commentators regard the comment as a veiled reference to His Majesty’s most senior aide, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda. Thaksin has refused to name the individual.

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Is this just paranoia, or do you think someone really would bump him off?

Wasn't there a bomb put on Thaksin's plane some years ago?

Originally Posted by Dougal

Wasn't there a bomb put on Thaksin's plane some years ago?

There was an explosion on a plane he and his family were going to board. But, the explosion was determined to be an accident and happened several hours before boarding time. The PM tried to play it up as an attempt on his life.

One wonders at his mental state.

Originally Posted by Dougal

A case of 'one can believe whatever one wishes' I guess.

According to today's Post (if you can believe the Post): "... an official probe into the explosion concluded in April last year indicated that it was an accident." The Post goes on to note that the investigation results were never made public.

Curioser and curiouser....

The plane was delayed because Thaksin didn't arrive on time. The "faulty aircon" blew up at a time when the aircraft should already have been in the air, under where Thaksin would have been sitting. One person was killed I think.

There was some speculation at the time that the culprits were the Burmese Generals as until then Thailand had been quietly supporting the Karen and Shan. Thaksin subsequently reversed this policy.

Originally Posted by Stocky

Five teams within the armed forces have plotted to assassinate caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra because of resentment of his conduct during recent royal celebrations, intelligence sources said last night.

I can't believe how immature some Thai people can be sometimes. Boo Hoo, he insulted someone (though, not really) - get over it.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by Stocky

Five teams within the armed forces have plotted to assassinate caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra because of resentment of his conduct during recent royal celebrations, intelligence sources said last night.

I can't believe how immature some Thai people can be sometimes. Boo Hoo, he insulted someone (though, not really) - get over it.

He's insulted 60 million out of which about 30 mill. are not aware of it yet.

Marmite is just a TEFLer, he doesn't know about these Thai-issues.

I do understand that Thais get anal over being insulted, however indirectly the insult may be. To me it's just a sign of immaturity.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

I do understand that Thais get anal over being insulted, however indirectly the insult may be. To me it's just a sign of immaturity.

Agree.

And, as culturally aware and sensitive as I try to be, the concept of "saving face," is way over-done, to the point of stupidity.

It's hurts society, and causes things to be done is a less the optimum manner.

[quote] Plot to Assassinate Thaksin! [/quoe]
So wha are the odds on success, anyway? they need donations or what?