Running scared

Mass circulation Thai Rath questioned whether Thaksin's departure was a turning point in Thai politics. It said that although Thaksin didn't state clearly that he would seek political asylum in Britain, it was clear that he would not come back to face trial in Thailand.

Thai Rath said "the most important reason that Thaksin sought refuge in the UK was because he was afraid he would go to jail because all the cases would go to the Supreme Court, leaving no chance to appeal the verdicts. To cite unfairness or concerns over safety in Thailand are simply excuses to gain political asylum".

Thai Rath said many viewed the decision to seek asylum as a turning point or the beginning of the end to the political conflict that has dragged on for years. The Thai stock market rose sharply in reaction to Thaksin's decision.

Thai Rath said that when Thaksin entered politics and set up the Thai Rak Thai Party, some voiced concern that he would aim for a one-party system and undermine the media and independent organisations. Political pundits said that if Thaksin was ousted, political battles would be fairer as less money would be involved. But Thai Rath questioned if Thaksin would really throw in the towel. After all, he has said many times previously that he would give up politics but then appointed nominees instead.

Matichon's editorial leader also referred to Thaksin's legal cases. The article, entitled "Don't let go of Thaksin's cases", said that Thaksin failed to say in his written statement what he planned to do to clear his name.

Matichon said that Thaksin had followed the examples of Somchai Khunpluem (or Kamnan Poh) and Wattana Asvahame, who fled the country to avoid hearing court verdicts. Thaksin's case is worse. Both Somchai and Wattana decided to escape after the court had considered all the witnesses and evidence. Thaksin, however, decided to flee into exile when the trial had just commenced, long before the final verdict.

Some people had questioned whether the cases filed against Thaksin by the Assets Examination Committee were valid. In fact, Thaksin seemed to show willingness to appear in court. But then when the Bt2-million bribe attempt to the court was exposed and the share transfer case was under way as well, he began to claim there was political interference in the system.

Although Thaksin's statements claimed political machinations, he failed to address the legal concerns. Thus, the government and officials had to pursue the cases and bring Thaksin and his cronies to trial to answer the charges. The government and courts had to provide an answer for Thai society as to whether Thaksin was innocent or guilty as charged, and his case would serve as an example.