Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport Revoked

The following appears in BANGKOK POST:

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Diplomatic Passports of Thaksin Revoked

(Bangkokpost.com)

The Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it had revoked diplomatic passports of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri said at the National Legislative Assembly meeting that the ministry decided to revoke the passports of the couple after finding out that Mr. Thaksin engaged in political activities while taking exile overseas -- by issuing a statement attacking the government and the Concil for National Security.

Mr. Sawanit said the ministry also issued a statement ordering Thai embassies and consulates abroad to stop welcoming Mr. Thaksin.

The idea of revoking Mr. Thaksin's diplomatic passport surfaced shortly after he was ousted by the Sep 19 coup, but the ministry decided to take action against the ousted premier and his wife only recently.

Mr. Sawanit explained the reason why it took months before the ministry took action on the issue was that some countries did not accept government that came into power from a coup. So the ministry needed time to explain to them about political situation in the country.

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And this, from THE NATION:

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Urgent: Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport Revoked

The Foreign Ministry has revoked diplomatic passports of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife after months of suggestion to block his activities in abroad which the junta deemed as a political threat to national harmony.

Deputy Foreign Ministry Sawanit Kongsivi told a National Legislative Assembly close session yesterday that the ministry has terminated the travelling document since December 31 to bar him and his family from convenient travelling in foreign countries which waive visa for Thai diplomats.

The Nation