Red passports revoked 'over security fears' : Surayud says Thaksin now unfit to hold one

Red passports revoked 'over security fears' : Surayud says Thaksin now unfit to hold one.

POST REPORTERS

The diplomatic passports of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife were revoked in the interests of national security, Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri said yesterday. The withdrawal of the red passports, which are normally granted to former prime ministers, and the special privileges which go with them, was a response to the ''changing security situation''.

Mr Sawanit said the ministry issued the signed revocation order on Jan 10 and circulated it to Thai embassies and consulates. Copies were then distributed to the press.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the cancellation of the passports was prompted by a political movement that made the former leader unfit to hold a red passport. He did not elaborate.

Gen Surayud previously linked politicians ''who are losing power and hope to rock the government's credibility'' to the series of bombings in Bangkok and Nonthaburi on New Year's Eve. He did not name anyone.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on the ministry to spell out its security concerns and justify the decision.

''I'd like them to make clear what this is about, which remains [the Council for National Security and the government's] weakness.

''They should realise public acceptance and understanding is important. It is the best way to keep order,'' he said.

Acting Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisaeng said the cancellation of the passports would generate sympathy for Mr Thaksin.

Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, who is in Cebu in the Philippines to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, yesterday informed his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing of the cancellation of the passports.

Mr Thaksin had stayed in Beijing for some time before he recently flew to Hong Kong. Diplomatic sources said Mr Thaksin was due to leave for Singapore today.

The sources said Mr Thaksin had met his close aide, former natural resources and environment minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat, in Hong Kong.

Mr Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said the former prime minister was astonished at the loss of his diplomatic passport. Mr Thaksin had told him by phone yesterday morning that the move was dishonourable and would not bring reconciliation to society.

The Foreign Ministry and officials involved would have to take responsibility if it was proved later on that the move was unlawful and that allegations made against Mr Thaksin were not true, Mr Noppadon quoted Mr Thaksin as saying.

Bangkok Post
Friday January 12, 2007