By Tulsathit Taptim
The Nation
Disclaimer: The following e-mail was intercepted on its way from Rangoon to Thaksin Shinawatra. Though unsigned, it seems to have been written by someone in the top echelons of power. It could be a fake, but it sounds as sincere as Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Hun Sen put together.
WE NEVER thought of doing this, but since our pal Hun Sen can give an international lecture on humanitarianism and political persecution, it makes us believe that we, too, should be in with a shout. Dear friend Thaksin Shinawatra, what has happened to you is horrible, and if you think Phnom Penh is too risky a place, please consider a warm exile in Rangoon.
Of course, we are totally aware of the irony. How can a foreign version of Aung San Suu Kyi seek refuge in a country where she is under house arrest and her political party is denied a role? We would like you to put that aside for a minute and hear us out.
This whole exile thing is benefiting both of us. Thanks to Hun Sen, the world - which has been shedding crocodile tears for its "Lady" Suu Kyi - is starting to know the truth. The sincerest tears we've soon belonged to his wife who cried over you. And the man himself was spot on when he said that if international babbling about our country is not considered nosy or inappropriate, why should his comments on your plight be?
We don't mind you comparing yourself to Suu Kyi. You were in need of something catchy, and we don't blame you. But most of all, your actions spoke louder than words. The Exim bank loan was the true reflection of our friendship. You can call us dogs for all we care.
This offer is being made out of concern for your well-being. No offence to Hun Sen, but Phnom Penh isn't the safest place in the world. How could you do your second favourite thing after fighting for democracy - shopping - when you wouldn't be able to tell innocent Cambodian pedestrians from Thai agents sent by your enemies?
And not all Cambodians will be friendly. Your telecom endeavour there, while it brought everlasting friendship with many, left several others with a bad taste in their mouth. Not to mention the silly rumours about you and a power play there in the past. Yes, any political victim can go to Dubai, but it takes a real man to go and live in Cambodia. What we are saying is, why take unnecessary chances?
We also want to take some heat off our good friend Hun Sen, who we know is sincere but was naive enough to wait exactly one year since the Ratchada land ruling to come out and decry the verdict. And he did that just hours before the Thai government was about to host the Asean Summit, too. Whereas Hun Sen can be wrongly accused of being political, we can't be.
So please consider our offer. We can build you a home near Aung San Suu Kyi's, and everyone will win. We will have repaid you the Exim loan favour, you will be near your real-life heroine, safe and sound, and she will enjoy the company of a great admirer. Cambodia will be spared the heavy political baggage your exile there could entail, while Thailand will be able to quit thinking about seeking extradition, and concentrate on things more plausible.
Last but not least, although accommodating you won't get the human-rights fanatics off our back, hopefully it will confuse the daylights out of them. It will also give the otherwise pretentious and ambiguous "constructive engagement" policy of Asean a solid platform. Anwar Ibrahim, if he faces new persecution, can now flee to Phnom Penh, while defanged Cambodian princes - if somehow they need sanctuary in the future - can go to Manila.
What an intriguing web that would be. You can be the catalyst for it. And don't worry about your phone-ins. Whatever Hun Sen has promised you, you will get from us - and more.
We are terribly sorry if the Hun Sen saga was just supposed to be a tactic to steal the media spotlight and you didn't really mean to come back to this region. If that was the plan, bravo. You have caused quite a stir, and this must rank in the top five of the world's much-ado-about-nothing diplomatic issues.
But if Hun Sen is dead serious and so are you, give our offer a little thought. At least think about the publicity you'll get. Of course, "Thaksin begins Cambodia exile" is a sexy headline, but nothing would beat "Aung San Suu Kyi counterpart given asylum in Rangoon".
Sincerely,
Another true friend of yours.
WE NEVER thought of doing this, but since our pal Hun Sen can give an international lecture on humanitarianism and political persecution, it makes us believe that we, too, should be in with a shout. Dear friend Thaksin Shinawatra, what has happened to you is horrible, and if you think Phnom Penh is too risky a place, please consider a warm exile in Rangoon.
Of course, we are totally aware of the irony. How can a foreign version of Aung San Suu Kyi seek refuge in a country where she is under house arrest and her political party is denied a role? We would like you to put that aside for a minute and hear us out.
This whole exile thing is benefiting both of us. Thanks to Hun Sen, the world - which has been shedding crocodile tears for its "Lady" Suu Kyi - is starting to know the truth. The sincerest tears we've soon belonged to his wife who cried over you. And the man himself was spot on when he said that if international babbling about our country is not considered nosy or inappropriate, why should his comments on your plight be?
We don't mind you comparing yourself to Suu Kyi. You were in need of something catchy, and we don't blame you. But most of all, your actions spoke louder than words. The Exim bank loan was the true reflection of our friendship. You can call us dogs for all we care.
This offer is being made out of concern for your well-being. No offence to Hun Sen, but Phnom Penh isn't the safest place in the world. How could you do your second favourite thing after fighting for democracy - shopping - when you wouldn't be able to tell innocent Cambodian pedestrians from Thai agents sent by your enemies?
And not all Cambodians will be friendly. Your telecom endeavour there, while it brought everlasting friendship with many, left several others with a bad taste in their mouth. Not to mention the silly rumours about you and a power play there in the past. Yes, any political victim can go to Dubai, but it takes a real man to go and live in Cambodia. What we are saying is, why take unnecessary chances?
We also want to take some heat off our good friend Hun Sen, who we know is sincere but was naive enough to wait exactly one year since the Ratchada land ruling to come out and decry the verdict. And he did that just hours before the Thai government was about to host the Asean Summit, too. Whereas Hun Sen can be wrongly accused of being political, we can't be.
So please consider our offer. We can build you a home near Aung San Suu Kyi's, and everyone will win. We will have repaid you the Exim loan favour, you will be near your real-life heroine, safe and sound, and she will enjoy the company of a great admirer. Cambodia will be spared the heavy political baggage your exile there could entail, while Thailand will be able to quit thinking about seeking extradition, and concentrate on things more plausible.
Last but not least, although accommodating you won't get the human-rights fanatics off our back, hopefully it will confuse the daylights out of them. It will also give the otherwise pretentious and ambiguous "constructive engagement" policy of Asean a solid platform. Anwar Ibrahim, if he faces new persecution, can now flee to Phnom Penh, while defanged Cambodian princes - if somehow they need sanctuary in the future - can go to Manila.
What an intriguing web that would be. You can be the catalyst for it. And don't worry about your phone-ins. Whatever Hun Sen has promised you, you will get from us - and more.
We are terribly sorry if the Hun Sen saga was just supposed to be a tactic to steal the media spotlight and you didn't really mean to come back to this region. If that was the plan, bravo. You have caused quite a stir, and this must rank in the top five of the world's much-ado-about-nothing diplomatic issues.
But if Hun Sen is dead serious and so are you, give our offer a little thought. At least think about the publicity you'll get. Of course, "Thaksin begins Cambodia exile" is a sexy headline, but nothing would beat "Aung San Suu Kyi counterpart given asylum in Rangoon".
Sincerely,
Another true friend of yours.
19 comments:
I take it as a fake letter.
I doubt the authencity of this letter.
Anet Khmer
It could be a fake a letter. But... it is unlikely that Thai official fabricates this letter as it could stir a strong hostile reaction from Rangoon. Bangkok has already enough problems at the moment, and will not risk to put straint on its relationship with Rangoon.
Agent32
Thailand is Cambodia and Burma's arch enemy. If Hun Sen allows Thaksin to stay in Phnom Penh, then Thein Sein of Burma has to do the same, by offering a better job and safer place in Yangon! When Burma attacked Siam from the west in 1767, Cambodia took the opportunity to attack Siam from the east. The current Thaksin scenario is the best time for Myanmar and Kampuchea to retaliate and humiliate the Thai government.
The manipulative, rude and spoil brat Thailand is tasting its own water now. That country needs a beaten before for it to learn about mutual respect. What comes around goes around.
It's Karma in the making.... PUT THO PUT THO
Born as a thief, must receive karma!!
เกิดมาเป็นโจรต้องรับบาปกรรม!!
Putho euy...Sadhu!!
พุทโธเอย...สาธุ!!
The Thai king Bhumibol almost die anyway and the turmoils inside Thailand happens from waves after waves. This is a domino effect of what Thai have done to Cambodia from 1980s until now.
Sathu!
Nothing is genuine if it put out by this news source. It could be a fake thing until proved to be authentic. What a mouthpiece of propaganda of this nation!
Way to go Hun Sen and Thein Sein! Let's squeeze Ahbishit harder.
Now Siamese media has nothing to do than to publish this stupid and childish letter. These Siamese think they are smart ass than hun sen though
Hun sen may have picked my words wrote some months back here comparing thaksin case to that of Aung San Suu Kyi but it is a right hit on ah Siamese head
just dont forget that first of all it is siamese yuon fight as these barbarics did against khmer centuries back
Has anyone visisted Cambodia and passed through Pochentong Airport recently? Do we still need to bribe to five different group of people to get out of the airport? Or the practice stopped already?
3:44AM! they only ask for tea money if you are a Cambodian borned with other citizenship!
to 3:44 thats funny you ask dude LOL...no the pratice did not stop lol.... we gave money to the guy that looks at your passport...and the visa guy thats it....all toghether we gave $4....what is so hard about giving my people $4.....i dont give no money to no beggers in america cause it is just to ridicoulos, people that live in america should always be able to get money even if your a bum, all you gotta do is go pick up cans....I SAY THERE SHOULD BE NO EXCUSES FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE IN AMERCIA...CAUSE YOU ARE A FUCKING U.S. CITIZEN SO GET A FUCKING JOB...=)
It sound very funny... I think this letter is created by The Nation newspaper to tease Hun Sen..
5:59 AM,
I thought people from civilized country like America are nice and not resort to curse without reason. I guess I am wrong and I begin to realize that you are just a trash in the trash in America. Americans should be ashamed of having people like you in their communities. It appears to me that you are born with brain damaged.
5:59 AM,
Have your mother ever taught you not to curse at people who never curse you?
5:59 AM
Why don't you tell your fucking leader, Ah Sen, to get a fucking JOB? And, don't forget to tell your fucking leader to stop his fucking begging from the international donors, your fucking low-life asshole.
Now, get the fuck out of my fucking face, your fucking low-life fucker.
12:55PM - Was the former President George W. Bush a nice person? How many innocent people were and still are killed by his reckless and unjust wars in Iraq and Afganistan?
Dear 2:53PM,
Cool down my friend. You could have a heart attack if you pay too much attention to some of the comments in this blog.
You don't sound like a Khmer national. If that's the case, let me welcome you to the KI blog (I hope KI team don't mind my courtesy).
I am sure you'll find this blog quite interesting. Many Khmer people, young and old, from different continents and walks of life regularly visit this blog. Some are very thoughtful and intelligent with their comments while others are absolutely childish. But that is the kind of mixture that makes this site a rich and interesting place to blog.
Khmer Academy
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