Latest Thaksin Brouhaha

The following appears in THE NATION:

_____

Democrats: Why Did Thaksin Hire Firm?

Democrat Party executive Korbsak Sabhavasu yesterday called on the United States to clarify its position on ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who has recently hired a powerful lobbying firm, in which former Secretary of State James Baker III is a senior partner, to monitor Washington's policy towards the military-backed government.

The lobbying registration on the US Senate website confirmed that Thaksin had hired Baker Botts LLP, with an effective date of December 11, 2006. Baker was the US Secretary of State during the Bush Snr administration.

American Ambassador to Bangkok, Ralph Boyce, downplayed the hiring of the firm, saying lobbying firms and the US government are two separate entities.

"Anybody has a right to hire a lobbyist. It is a transparent system in the US. It has to be registered. So far, this has nothing to do with the US government," Boyce said.

Other officials said Thaksin's hiring lobbying firms in the US might be a big news story in Thailand, but in Washington DC, such a move is a "non-issue".

According to the registration, Baker Botts was hired to help "develop and implement a strategic approach to the various international legal and political issues that confront Dr Thaksin as a result of the coup of September 19".

"The firm will monitor the evolution of US policies towards the interim government in Thailand or the Administration's position regarding attempts by Dr Thaksin to return to Thailand and may subsequently undertake contacts as necessary to ensure that such policies remain consistent with those currently in place."

Speaking to the media, Korbsak questioned Thaksin's true intention with the hiring of the Baker Botts lobbying firm.

In the registration form under "general description of client's business or activities" Thaksin was described as "the freely elected Prime Minister of Thailand".

Thaksin's lawyer in Bangkok, Noppodol Patama, was quick to remind Korbsak that he had left out the word "deposed" in reference to Thaksin.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Kitti Wasinond, meanwhile, said the government was not in a position to call on Baker Botts to deny their service to Thaksin.

"It is the right of an individual to hire a lobbyist," Kitti said, adding, "I believe that the US will continue its good relations and co-operation with Thailand."

Thaksin has jolted the political leaders in Bangkok with his relentless attacks against the military-backed government and the junta that ousted him.

Besides Baker Botts, Thaksin has also hired Barbour Griffith and Rogers LLP. According to the US Senate lobbying registration, the firm was hired to "Provide guidance and counsel with regard to Mr Thaksin's interest in Washington, DC, and abroad."

He has also enlisted Edelman, a public relations firm, to handle his international publicity, resulting in numerous interviews with the international media, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Time Asahi Shimbun, the Kyodo News Agency and a string of others.

Thaksin earlier this week said he would give interviews to the Thai media but reversed his decision yesterday, his lawyer Noppodol said.

Thai publications had been considering whether to dispatch senior reporters and editors, especially those critical of Thaksin, to interview him. Noppodol did not explain why Thaksin has reversed his decision.

In an interview with Al Jazeera television network broadcast on Tuesday, Thaksin called on the junta to end their rule.

"They have to return power to the people. They cannot hold power forever," Thaksin said.

The former premier said the coup had divided the Thai people and he vowed to help reconcile their differences.

Thaksin, who led Thailand for six years, was accused of being grossly corrupt and divisive.