Sondhi: Thaksin's resignation a ploy

25/08/2010
Bangkok Post

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's resignation as economic adviser to the Cambodian government is only a political ploy, People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul said on Wednesday.

Mr Sondhi said Thaksin's resignation was just part of a political strategy, since it can be done immediately by just getting approval.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen could show his sincerity by handing over a number of people charged with terrorism, like Arisman Pongruangrong, who are believed to be hiding in Cambodia.

The two countries would be good neighbours if Cambodia returned all of them to Thailand, the yelllow-shirt leader said.

"If Hun Sen fails to do so, then it means he is hiding his real intentions," he said.

Mr Sondhi said Thaksin had been quiet for some time and could be plotting some new action against the government that would cause problems for Thai people.

"I have no trust the situation and I believe Thailand will shortly be down in flames because Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is not resolute in his decisions.

"It is dreadful that Thai people allow red-shirt leader and Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan ramble on all the time," he said.

Mr Sondhi said he could agree with Mr Jatuporn if his opinions backed by reason and logic.

When Thaksin was running the government he was the centre of corruption, but in the Abhisit administration corruption had spread to to all ministries, he said.

"I believe there is more corruption now than during the Thaksin administration," Mr Sondhi said.