The saga of Thaksin is nearing end, says Sonthi

Council for National Security (CNS) chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday "the final chapter is near" for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as the people had judged him for his remarks concerning His Majesty the King.

"He [has] incriminated [someone] at such a high level. The people have made their decision,'' Sonthi said.

Sonthi was referring to Thaksin's interview in Time magazine's February 12 issue that implied His Majesty the King backed the September 19 coup.

"It was the same with Thailand's 17 other coups. First, the people are shocked. Then they start to voice their concerns. And then they start to accept it, especially after it's endorsed by His Majesty the King," Thaksin was quoted as saying.

"They're very disciplined. They obey. But they are watching what [the new rulers] are doing and when they will return democracy to the people. People's tolerance is limited," he told Time.

Asked how the CNS would handle the propaganda war with Thak-sin, Sonthi said there was no need to respond because the CNS was continuing to gain the upper hand.

When asked if the CNS needed to explain this, Sonthi said people understood and that the final chapter in Thaksin saga was near. When asked to clarify, Sonthi said the people would have their victory in the final chapter.

Supreme Commander General Bunsrang Niampradit will today analyse Thaksin's interview with Time and take appropriate action.

Prime Minister Surayud Chula-nont said the government would not launch any measures to stop Thaksin from giving media interviews.

"The people can use their judgement. It is up to them whether they believe him,'' he said.

Surayud downplayed an Abac Poll result that showed his job approval rating had dropped sharply from November last year when he assumed the post. Thaksin's popularity had risen significantly.

He said he had tried to do his best for the public.

The Nation