Word: thaksin
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Dates: during 2001-2001
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...military government charged Chalerm and several politicians with being "unusually rich." He was forced into exile, but returned a year later after the military was ousted and courts ruled the charges unconstitutional. His reputation remains unsavory and he has been passed over for a Cabinet post by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Today the search of the Yubamrungs' compound comes up empty. A retired police general says Duangchalerm shouldn't hide. "There's always a way to see that witnesses change their testimony," he says...
...executive office in Bangkok's government House is a rectangular room painted a cool shade of blue. Thaksin's vast, mahogany desk sits before a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, two immense rococo urns and a cabinet of Siamese vases. His work space is clear, save for a Phillips computer and laser printer. The effect of sitting in this room, with its plush oriental carpets and quiet rush of air-conditioning, is a little like being submerged. Voices are muted. Movements seem unnaturally slow. It is as if Thaksin's aura of measured patience radiates outward, catching even his aides...
...Those aides lately have been strongly imploring that no questions be asked about the Constitutional Court and the corruption charges. They whisper that the Prime Minister would like to talk about policy, his family, his history, anything else. Thaksin's temper has erupted several times during recent months when journalists have asked him about his case...
...Thaksin, however, seems unfazed when the question of the verdict comes up. He shrugs: "The people want me to stay and the people know what's right for Thailand. And who should I be more loyal to? The people? Or to the court? I love people. I want to work for them...
...Thaksin, sitting behind his desk, talking about his plans for the economy and for his future, seems oblivious to the collateral damage his case might have caused. He believes, he really does, that he knows what's best for Thailand, and that might mean going beyond and above the law to achieve what he is convinced is the greater good. The corruption, the collapsed economy, the inconsistent foreign policy?leave it to him. Those are management issues. Committees will be formed. Research papers drawn up. Policies implemented. Remember, he's a good manager, a visionary CEO?and if it worked...