Self-inflicted wound
Written by Writer on Monday, November 10th, 2008
Self-inflicted wound
Thaksin made one big mistake: He uderestimated the importance of the deep-rooted, close ties between the UK and Thailand. ANALYSIS
By Saritdet Marukatat
The British government’s decision to revoke the visas of Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Potjaman is a blow to his personal life and more importantly to his political strategy.
The cancellation of the visas by the United Kingdom Border Agency involves only the couple and not their children. Their son and daughters will still have no problem entering Britain.
Although the order relates only to their red-covered diplomatic passports, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for the convicted former prime minister and Khunying Potjaman to apply for entry to the UK using the other passports in their possession.
Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman have not been declared persona non grata by London, but the cancellation of their visas comes close to that definition. Their chance of entering any British port is now very slim. So is the opportunity for them to be granted political asylum, a status he sought from the British Home Office in August.
Thaksin knew very well that he could not afford to upset the British government by making any political moves while his application for political asylum was being processed in London. So he decided to send his message to his red-shirted loyalists at Rajamangala stadium on Nov 1 from Hong Kong. The one big mistake he made was to underestimate the importance of the deep-rooted, close ties between the UK and Thailand.
Living the quiet life in London after the coup and his conviction in a Thai court was not impossible. Instead, his political activities were making the British government increasingly uncomfortable and putting a strain on its relations with Thailand.
The best way out for the British government was to kill off his bid for political asylum as soon as possible, and that was made possible by the decision to revoke their visas.
Now Thaksin has to find a new base overseas that will allow him to keep sending messages to his supporters in Thailand. However, he will have to think very carefully about his family ties as he and his wife can no longer visit their children in London, if the children decide to stay there.
The British government realised the importance of its relations with Thailand at all levels and knew that should not be jeopardised by one man.
Bangkok Post
Monday November 10, 2008
