FUGITIVE THAKSIN SHINWATRA gave it all away immediately after he learned about the Supreme Court's decision finding him guilty of abuse of power during his premiership (2001-6). Through video link and twitters, he reiterated that he was simply a victim of the current power wielders, to which he once belonged and exploited to the seams.
Thaksin thought mistakenly that he would again enjoy the benefit of the doubt as in 2001 when he was cleared from a faulty asset declaration ahead of becoming prime minister.
At that time, the country was in financial ruins and the creditability of the judicial process was in question. The vernacular media and columnists were very supportive of the newly elected prime minister and thought he should be given a chance to prove himself. A decade later, Thaksin thought he could have a second chance. Fortunately, the Thai people have become more aware, with better understanding of their country's political players and power brokers, including their strength and weakness. The perception that Thailand without Thaksin will not go anywhere has already evaporated.
Interestingly, his year-long and expensive media spins abroad and at home since 2006 have failed to sway Thai public opinion to derail or even stop any decision related to his numerous court cases. Nobody understands the Thai media system and politics as well as Thaksin does.
So it was not surprising that throughout his premiership, he engaged and managed the vernacular language media, both print and electronic, to support his populist programmes and self-aggrandisement. Even now some mainstream vernacular media continue to praise him.
In the beginning, the concerted public relations campaigns helped to sustain his image as an elected leader with vision to make Thailand a modern and developed country.
As more affidavits of his wrong doings were piling up, its propagandistic theme became more defensive and divisive. In the past year, as it turned out, the more Thaksin managed to expose Thailand to all the dirt associated with the ruling elite, he also opened the closet displaying his skeletons.
With his non-stop political messages and money invested in the past, the Thai public has been told daily about the disparity of the rural and urban sectors, the have and have-nots, not to mention the antagonistic nature of the Thai elite and grassroots.
The heightened polarisation has compelled the current government to be mindful of the livelihood of rural people.
In addition, many taboo subjects including the monarchy and Privy Council have been brought out into the open and discussed more freely by the common folk. Thaksin has certainly changed the public mood which is angry. Those in power now have to be careful and must not become as complacent as before.
The saga of Khao Yai Thiang was a good case in point. With a deeper public political consciousness, even the once untouchable Privy Council could no longer afford to ignore any run-away perceptions of improper conduct or activities, minute or huge.
The quick conclusion showed the great sensitivity, if not the urgency, of those involved in the scandal. In more ways than one, this represented a new benchmark in governance along with the Thaksin verdict. In weeks to come, it can lead to many more prosecutions against corrupt politicians and officials.
Sad but true, whatever Thaksin said immediately after the judgement day indicated that he still does not get it - that Thailand has now forever changed with last week's ruling.
Of all the asset seizure cases in the past, including those of former prime ministers Thanom Kittikachorn or Chatichai Choonhavan, Thaksin's has been the most challenging as it was highly politicised, threatening to drag down Thailand. After all, he has the global networks and octopus-like financial connections and sustainability to help him. On top of that, he has guts like nobody else.
However, Thaksin's Achilles' heel was his narcissism. He continues to be in denial and is too obsessed with his own agenda and thoughts, ignoring the hostile undercurrent which he has shaped. He wanted to destroy a huge personality cult by creating his own - as he could not coexist with anyone. Thanks to his diligent supporters and foul-mouthed leaders, they helped us understand Thaksin's willingness to do anything at any cost and at any length, just to fulfil his sinister plots.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said time and again that Thaksin should stop running away and return home. In 2008, Thaksin was found guilty on a land deal and sentenced to a two-year jail term in absentia.
Thaksin has made it succinctly clear that he has no plans to come back and be jailed. But he thinks wishfully that he can still one day return triumphantly as a hero and take over power again.
As in the past, many local pundits and astrologers have predicted the doom and gloom of Thai politics. Before Thailand can change for the better with a more stable political environment, public opinion leaders including intellectuals and media communities, have first to understand the latest dynamic inside the country. Contrary to what Thaksin said, Thailand is not a joke for the world - he is. In fact, Thailand can now have a fresh start.
