The situation in Thailand is not good!
I was there for the New Year bombings.
If Thaksin still has as much support as I'm reading then this could very well turn into a civil war.
If the U.S. is really concerned about Democracy around the world, I would truly hope they are putting pressure on the current regime to get moving in that direction.

Why do you not pay some attention to the new year eve bombing and the subsequent undercurrent bomb threat ?

You've done your best Khun Dan.

Junta is always junta.

Mr.Rivers,
No wonder why you deserved such a consequence after this exclusive interview. You've made huge mistake by allow Thaksin lie to the world by using you and CNN.During interview I heard him said "I've never bend the rule". In fact, there's so many case that he abuse his power as PM to bend the Law & Rule for his(family)interest.
I'm so disappoint that even you are based in Thailand but know thing so little comparing to somebody who live in another continent but can see thing more clearly.

Thank you, Dan Rivers.
Keep reporting from Thailand.
I guess, the CNN bureau in Bangkok is a small bureau, but it produces some of the best interviews and reports...
Unfortunately, Dan Rivers was in London when the New Year's Eve bombs in Bangkok went off, but he's back now. =)

Thank you very much for your exclusive interview with our PM Thaksin. And, many, many thanks to CNN and its team.
Please click the link below to see how many Thais still love and care for their PM Thaksin.

http://www.prachatai.com/05web/th/board/showboard.php?QID=50413&TID=5

They are all stupid folk, I don't believe this can happened again in 2007!!!

Thanks so much, Mr. Dan, for help let the world know what is going on in my country. This evil junta is now blocking all news and forces us to hear only what they want us to know. I'm afraid soon things will become worse, a life threatening situation, for those who are against the junta. Only international media are my only hope to monitor what this evil regime is going to do with the Thai people.

Thank you for the report. It has brought back a certain memory. I experienced the sudden 'cut and paste technique' back in
september whenever CNN reported the coup. We were preparing to leave the country on the early morning flight a day after the coup, at that time still from Don Muang. We moved in to the Amari Airport for a preflight night for convenience. How we were glad to see that we were able to watch CNN at the hotel, while the whole country had nothing. Then we witnessed the ridiculous blocking. It didn't make sense, someone just pressed the button whenever they saw a picture of Mr. Thuksin, and replaced it with some celebrity picture and obnoxious music, in the middle of the report. It has become entertaining indeed to see this going on, 'painfully' as a Thai. Thanks again for showing us that 'choosing what to report' is not the case at CNN.

Do you know that Thai people can not access to www.cnn.com at that night til 9 a.m.(Bangkok time)because your website was also blocked in Thailand. Thai people had to connect to CNN's website through other proxy server.

Back to the past government, all medias kept complain that they were censored by the government. BTW, I never saw this kind of action from the government. In the old day, all medias kept blame on him and published all kind of propagandas. Today, all Thai medias lick their tongue on the boot and enjoy their stake on several Thai TV station and program. What a shame.. In the meantime, the government and CNS keep saying that 100% of Thais support them. If so, why don't they bring back the election now and let's vote......

So I am guessing this is why my feed in China went black during the interview as well? Its not just the interview but also any commercials or previews that discuss the interview. Instead they post pictures of Brintey Spears and other celebs blaming it on technical issues. Quite funny actually.

Come on Dan Did you believe that O J is innocent, like Mr T is a uncorruptable person. Do you think Mr T say no mas, mean no. The country is trying to move on, and you are trying to PR Mr T as man of the year.

The military junta and the current government abuse their own powers. They should remind themselves that their powers did not come from a democratic process but from an abject military coup, and they should have a lot more restraint in exercising their unlawful powers.

The fact that the junta revoked Thailand's democratic constitution is certainly a high treason against the democracy. Of course, the junta pardoned themselves from this crime. They have forgiven themselves, but they show no forgiving courtesy to the ousted goverment, especially the ex-prime minister (Mr. Thaksin). This is nothing less from A DOUBLE STANDARD, which will only divide the Thai society apart. All of their policies and reactions indicate that they do not want reconciliation with the old power bloc.
On the other hand, it seems that the junta wants a full
revenge against Mr. Thaksin and his allies.

The junta, the goverment, and their hard-balled attitudes have undoubtedly: 1) failed to unite the Thai society, 2) failed to reassure Thai peoples as well as international communities that Thailand would return to its democracy as soon as possible, 3) fail to respect basic rights of an individual and a freedom of speech.

I am a Thai and my opinion is that the military juntra is no better than Thaksin.

The juntra has brought shame to our country and our image internationally is right down there.

Whether Thaksin or the military, I prefer neither. But what really upsets me is the censoring and the deny to our right to information. Luckily, I am here in the US where I can keep watch of what is happening back home.

Of your 4 posted comments and your pc written. it sound like you are under the payroll of Mr Thakin. No wonder Thai people are mad at you, the Thai people welcome the "CHANGE" and wanted to move on with a new government that serve people not themselves. Thaskin's comment is the last things they want to hear from the news, he might come back and this time it will be a bloody coupe. Because this parties will stay to lose Billion's of Baht by back taxes and fines. Why don't talk about the new biggest airport in the world with tiny terminal in it. And how his children are all Billions in their name without actually working as a business persons. By the way, research Thaskin's activities since 1996 till recently, and think how would you apporach him next time, and try to post comments from "real Thai". The Maliwan from NY is not a Thai, the celebrity picture is the "King of Thailand" that loved and respect by most Thai people. Although, I'm not a Thai, working here for 18 years. I feel the same as Thai to their King. If the coupe is wrong, that mean the King is wrong. Any insult to the current government is same as insult to the King. So watch what you are writting, is one thing writting from USA and another at other's backyard.

Thailand has never really emerged from it's third world status - so what's the big deal? What were you really expecting?

They still are a great nation with a lot of nice people !

Every country plays the game of censorship. The only difference is the method each government uses. Unfortunately, the majority of our citizens don't know when we have our news censored. Let's keep this particular situation in Thailand in mind for discussion. Let’s not ask America, especially our current “warmonger” administration, to interfere with Thailand’s internal affairs. Should we invade Thailand to preserve our version of “Democracy?”

i can speak english a little but i want to said i love my Prim. Thaksin Shinawatra Thank you CNN

Democratic could come in different form. Thailand does not have to follow American style. We have our own way of thinking and our democracy can be acheived as well. What has American done to Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. All in the mess by American who tried to invole into problem of other countries. Please do not comments if you do not exactly know what is the real problem behind. Thailand is working into right direction now and please mind your business.

Just now, I wrote the comments on your article and found that all comments will have to be screened. Why!!! since America always claim that we have freedom to express our view. This simply answer to your article why some CNN news should be block.

Mr Dan River, please do not write anything if you do not know the real truth behind it. Why don't you interview our PM Surayuth before you wrote this comments. Thaksin will be brought into justice on those allegation charges during his power.

First, I'd to thank you very much for my country's news. Today we have a media under regime's control and we don't like it because it's policies is destroyed this country. I think if the government came from dictatorship, they should take care only general tasks but now they do nothing but focusing to destroy the former goverment beside that a shocking policy is coming out everday sometime not go the same way.

My company along with the other,The contractor working with government has not receive any payment from government for 5 months and we start to discharge our employee that will soon cause economic problems.

At last I want you to know that majority of Thailand doesn't support this regime and want the election.

We need our Prime Minister Thaksin back. Right now we are hopeless and someone believe the civil war between Thai Peoples and Military Junta will happen again.

I love prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra . He is a good man. He love thai peple. true

I agree that the situation in Thailand is not great. But I would take this Government over Thaksin's anytime. Go and ask anybody in Thailand, the answer will be tha same - people just dont like Thaksin.
Enough is enough!

Dan Rivers ,you are overreaction!!! Thai military group and government told internal medias that do not play news of Thaksin so much but can present as normal .No censorship in Thailand you know.
Dan as CNN reporter why do not you ask Thaksin about his corruption.you only let him attack Thai goverment.It is not fair play.
I am afraid that you make an imperfected interview with Thaksin.

As a foreign reporter, you do not understand fully the thinking, feeling, way of life, custom and culture of Thai people. I admit that the military coup put the country several steps back. But, in order to move forwards, sometimes it's wise to step backward, since there were no other alternatives at that time.

Like most of Thai people, I do firmly believe in my leaders as well as the Institute of Monarchy.

Freedom of press has been flourished in Thailand over the last few decades, but under current circumstances, it must be curtailed for national security. We do not want any further turbulance created by the disposed PM.

Dan!!! you made an imperfect interview with Thaksin.
Why do not you ask him about his corruption.
You only let him attack Thai goverment and the military group now.

First I have to say that I am not a fan of Taksin however, I do not support the coup either.

Although I do not support the coup or the coup leaders, I understand their logic in asking the media to censor reports with Taksin.

It's simple, they know that many Thais are gullible, and will believe anything anyone in the media says. And Taksin, though time and time again have proven to be one of the best streight faced liers of all time. You can see from his past record that he has U-turned his policies and comments to the media time and time again with no shame, he simply uses the media to his advantage, and I'm sad to say that most people do not remember what he has said in the past.

A good example is when he explicitly said something like "democracy is not my goal" when he was at the peak of his power and was being asked by the media about the government censoring and indimidating the media, and intervening with independent bodies. He even commented on how nice the media is in Singapore that it doesn't bother with the government, and hopes for Thailand to be the same. Yeah ofcause from the very beginning of getting into power, Taksin has never shown any belief in media freedom or listening to other critics, he intends to run the country in an authoritarian CEO business style in which he has control of everything. Later after the coup he goes around international media trumpeting democracy as "the way!" and keeps on commenting "I hope democracy returns to Thailand soon!"

Second example, if anyone has been following Thai politics they will know that Taksin willingly stepped down from PM position following the protest in Bangkok following the selling of his telecom incident. He vowled to go out of politics and won't run for PM again in the next election. He even made the "I'm tired, I have served the country, I would like a rest now" speech before flying to meet his daughter in UK. A few months pass, anger about his selling of the Telecom empire comes down, then guess what! He comes back to become PM again, and said that he will now consider being PM again in the next election due to the "popular demand by the people" wow, he really didn't want to come back but the people demanded it, sounds so nice does't it, U-turn again. That's why no one in their sound mind would believe Taksin that he won't return to politics when he comes back to Thailand, because they know he just says what will get people supporting him according to the situation.

This guy is a joke, you can't trust a thing he has said.

The same thing in this CNN interview, I can't believe he said that he never bent rules or made profits for himself. Now let me see, so he just happens to sell his controlling stake of his telecom empire a few days after his own government passed the law to allow an increase in foreign ownership of telecom companies, without which he could not have sold it, wow, it's a coincidence! His government didn't do anything wrong "legally" however, if that's not abuse of power, then I don't know what is!

So it's simple why the juntra is blocking the media, they know that Taksin is way better than them at handling the media, and that Taksin knows at least one thing about Thai people well, they forget easily!

It's sad, Thai politics is really sad, You can't trust Taksin, you can't trust the juntra, who can you trust?

As a Thai People, I don't think any people from outside, I mean any one that not stay in Thailand long enough to know what really happen when Taksin was in power, will understand the situation in Thailand. How many Thai was kill during the campaign ' war on dugs' ,2000+ people dead. How much corruptions he and his group did?

What is happening to Thailand, the land of smile?????
I feel sorry for people from South of Thailand, innosense people especially those teachers who put all their loves and supoorts for those students are being killed almost everyday. Why don't they pay more attention to these problems instead of digging Taksin's. Of course, whoever did things wrong must be brought into justice. But why don't they spend more time on sorting out bigger problems right now. Blogging media is a very bad things, how thais are going to know what is going on to their coutry. Is this a democracy????? Hopefully, thailand won't have the same problem as Indonesia. Should thais believe anymore of any promises like they ever promised to lift martial law by end of 2006...........

I think the Thai military government wants to turn the clock back. Thailand was in the growth stage for a certain time, but when this coup comes, everything in Thailand was absolutely collasped by this MILITARY GOVERNMENT.

It's uncountable how many things they have done wrong. They cancelled many good policies that could keep Thailand developed, such as cheap laptops for children; the wireless in high schools; and one thing Thai people will never forget is the worse financial policy for foreign investors. They are such an underdeveloped government I have ever seen in my life. Very ridiculous.

I am not a Thaksin supporter, but this military government is even worse than Thaksin. They ruins the nation.

Having involved in the Thai human rights society as well as Thai media for years, I think this situation is the worst for media and Thai people as a whole.

I considered this military abuse of power. They are real dictators. They block every news that they think it would hurt their image..and yes, Thaksin's present really does.

One thing I am afraid of is the civil war, but it's not goning to happen easily since the Thai people love peace. But who knows when people have had full of anger and pressure..

I just hope the new election that this MILITARY GOVERNMENT has promised will happen this year, not in the next ten years.

Don't really think the CNS and Gov. really concern about giving back people the democracy. They'll give it back only they have make sure that their people will win the election. That's what the coup all about.

Any stupid action or policy could be happened in Thailand , under the Military Junta management ........ bye bye Thailand ........

To whoever that 'moderates' this comment. You might not have the guts to post in on your 'claimed' free, open to all opinions CNN, but please make sure Dan Rivers read this.

Despite the fact that Mr. Rivers might have reported on Thailand, his blog clearly shows his lack of knowledge about what is really going on in the country.

It's not about the Singaporean deputy minister DARING to meet Thaksin. It's about diplomatic etiquette that countries with friendly relations should have known better whether or not someone of prominence like 'deputy minister' should meet Thaksin at this particular time. Of course, it's Jayakumar's right, but is it appropriate?

And why didn't Mr. Rivers ask Thaksin what were they discussing about? Is it not about Temasek and the Shin Corp deal? Singapore is losing billions of Baht on the deal and it's still an ongoing case. Mr. Rivers should be studying the case carefully to understand why Thaksin's 'private matter' can be about what majority of Thai people consider 'national interest'.

And please, how conceited of Mr. Rivers to think him getting to interview Thaksin is all that. Some Thais might be pissed off at Singapore not blocking his interview. BUT we are more pissed off at why Mr. Rivers didn't ask Thaksin the right questions. Why didn't Rivers ask Thaksin about all of the corruption charges being filed against him right now--airport construction, land deal, agriculture deal, Temasek-Shin deal, tax-evasion?

Why didn't Rivers ask Thaksin about him distorting all mechanisms of check and balance in Thailand? Mr. Rivers seems to care a lot about martial law. Hey, Thai people doesn't mind. Maybe Mr. Rivers should ask himself WHY, rather than imposing his 'Western' view that martial law= bad.

It's surprising that until today, after following the events of Thailand, Mr. Rivers still understand democracy as 'election' and therefore the 'elected' has the right to rule. I thought him reporting on this unique experience going on in Thailand should free him from his myopic view, but unfortunately it's not the case.

Does Mr. Rivers understand vote-buying, corruption at the policy level, cronyism, installing friends into key military and police positions? Does Mr. Rivers understand how Thaksin has twisted all independent organizations in the country? Has he followed up on the auditor-general case? Why does peoplel love her so much?

Do you still call a country with all these problems a democracy?

How come almost 100% of the intellectuals, media, and the elites are against Thaksin?

For the mysterious phone calls Mr. Rivers receive, why doesn't he call the police? Or does he think it's cool to post it on the blog? Like wow a journalist trying to do his job?

I agree with Mr. Rivers on one point though. I disagree with self-censorship and I think the censorship of the CNN interview of Thaksin is ridiculous.

I am a Thai TV journalist working at Nation TV. My name is Veenarat Laohapakakul. My e-mail is veenarat@nationchannel.com. If after reading my comments, Mr. Rivers or anyone would like to contact me, I would be more than happy to discuss.

Get your facts straight Dan. Thaksin's brand of 'democracy' was just a cover to loot and plunder Thailand for his relatives and cronies.

Singapore is also not exactly an angel here also since what they are doing is trying to use Thaksin as a pawn to salvage Temasek (owned by *ahem* Singapore PM's wife?)share buyout of Thaksin's old company.

Please be more considerate to Thai people's feelings because even though Thaksin was 'rightly elected' you don't seem to realize that most of his votes were from the upcountry folks with lower income and lower education. There was a high level of foul play (vote buying, etc.) in those elections and yeah good luck in finding evidence (crooked politicians aren't stupid).
Even after he was ousted Thakisn is still trying to manipulate Thailand either to return to power or just protect his ill-obtained fortunes.

I fully support democracy but it is not a 'one size fits all' ideal. Thaksin abused it so much in Thailand that we are trying to get back on the path, and it is painful. So I ask you again, please be more considerate.

Thanks for your news from our prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
We hope you�ll do it again, we always want to know his news.

I can read transcript and listen to the video in Thailand. No block at all. So I wonder why do You think it is so bad. Look at this guy! Enough is enough! But he's still moving around to disturb the peace of Thailand. Why? After one year, If he is a real good one, he can come back as stateman!

Even after living in the region for 17 years, speaking/reading fluently the indigenous language, having married a "local", Thai ways are still amazing to my eyes and ears; this latest outburst in reaction to the CNN Singapore Thaksin interview being just one of the latest examples of the immaturity so common here.

This current government is just too bureaucratic and amateurish (not elected, only senior citizens selected from Government or from the Military, active or retired) to understand fully the economic issues at stake, while the junta only wants to get rid of the Thaksinomania that has shaped Thailand for the last 6 years; this explains the recent blunders.

Anything that could be perceived as promoting the deposed leader is a “NO NO” and the coup leaders have "instructed" the media to be careful or else…

In a country that (1) promotes racist regulations (e.g.: by applying double pricing at Government Parks and other locations for locals and foreigners), (2) prevents foreigners of acquiring land (even if married with a local), (3) treats long term residents as inmates (with every 90 days forced reporting to immigration or police, or else…), (4) enforces strict, complex and difficult regulations for foreigners to obtain work permits or/and long-term residency visas, (5) tolerates corruption from Police to Government without really trying to clean the mess, it is no surprise such a knee-jerk reaction. Singapore AND CNN have now been put on notice; welcome aboard! As long term residents here, we understand how you feel!

Buyer Beware! Remember potential visitors and investors to this country, that the Thai ways will always make you on the wrong side of the border, whatsoever if you are living in Boston or in Bangkok and whatsoever the beautiful Thai smile in front of you.

it's only ' propoganda' on international TV for 5 mins ?

Please, all of my friends living outside Thailand. All Thai people suffered from whatever Thaksin did in the past. He used Singapore to flight with our Thai military government.

Please think about it carefully!! If Thaksin is a good politician why the Thai military government wokring under the King does not allow him to come back to our Thailand.

Please!!! Thai people must know everhing better than all of you who are not Thai.

Hope all of you will understand our peaceful country, Thailand.

I am appealing to CNN to remove the comment posted by lik, Austin Texas referring to Thai citizens as "stupid folks". I find this offensive and I'm astonished that CNN would let this type of comments to appear on the website.

Now the situation in thailand is going well. we will have new constitution to correct the old one that Mr. Taksin try to twist it into his advantage and his family. Even now he and his gang try to make bad think such as burn the school like terrorlist. What question that CNN should ask to Mr. Taksin is How can he destroy democracy in thailand while got land slide vote from people? How is his family corrupt the country and betray to their home land?

It is not surprising to see this happening as Thailand is a country where they prefer that the world and Thai's only see the "good" part of itself, not the "bad" parts.

It's much like a child trying to hide the fact that he/she broke mom's crystal set and so put something else in place so that "mom" wouldn't notice--but of course she does.

Dan Rivers, why didn't you ask Thaksin about the corruption allegations?

Democracy does not work in every country in the world. It only works when people in that country have education. I think Thai people should regret now for adopting democracy too fast. Democracy in Thailand is in a bad shape that wealthy politicians can do anything to the country without being justified. Money is the boss, money rules everything. People would do anyting for money without knowing right or wrong. A former leader bought a TV station, cut off the TV program that talks bad about him and bought the elections. Nobody said anything about that because his money is so big that he can just make anyone stop talking. And now people are making noise because the Council of National Security does the same way. But this time I am sure that it is for the good of thai people, who were taught to be a money-slave, so that they do not believe in everything he said. Remember democracy is not always the best and most correct way to rule people.

The actual Goverment is very suspicious. Same as the bombing at new year in Bangkok. Since the former prime minister Thaiksin lost the power, many things have turned negative in Thailand. Drugs are gaining rapidly on terain because of corruption.

I'm writing from Singapore. While I'm quite glad that the Singapore authorities are now getting a taste of their own medicine, the action taken by the new Thai "leadership" is petty and predictable.
They are beset with numerous problems and have so far achieved a remarkable record for bungling.
To take issue with Singapore on the (private) Thaksin visit is a futile attempt to deflect attention away from the incompetence of the Thai military.

Dear CNN,

Sometimes we should truely understand the real situation before doing or saying anything. I'm Thai and love my country. Before inviting Mr.Thaksin for an interview, please check his past thoroughly. He has done so many bad things for us and loads of corruption. Most of us live happily now, actually I should have said that we can live much happier than the last 5 years with Mr. Thanksin. Hope other countries can understand that we have the most revered King. Anyone who is against and doesn't repect our King, he should not step in our land. Regards,

Dear Dan:

I think you do not truely understand the situation. So, you blamed for your scoop was cencored. I think it is what you are furious about!

For Thai people perspective, we think Taksin acted inappropriately. This is supported by a recent national poll conducted in 1500 Thais (you may ask your colleage in Thailand to check it out for you - for your information). Additionally, you'd better ask your colleages to read news writtend in Thai langauge for you too so that you will gain better understanding about the situation and feeling about general Thai people before start writing anything more about Thailand.

To CNN journalist.
Currently, (Jan 18, 2007: 10:55pm BKK time)
UBC, largest cable TV provider had suspended CNN broadcasting. No signal, not even montage on the channal where CNN usually aired.
Also, Many internet users are unable to access directly to CNN.com.
It seems like many ISP is blocking access to CNN.com
I have to use proxy server to gain this access.
Isn't this media censorship?

Dear Dan,
I wonder why you did not ask him all questions that supposed to do?
Did you pretend to be innocent?
Do you know lots of question Thai people want to hear from him? Or you have a clan with him not to talk about it? Tell us, now ?? why you not ask?

Dan, you did a great job. All the Thai media like The Nation and Bangkok Post already lost their sense of good journalists.

Without reporters like you, nobody would know exactly what happens in this country. There is something unusual happen in the city people's mind.

Your point of view to make the scoop, of course, would be different from the point of view of Bangkokian.

You're doing your best Dan. As a professional journalist, you help reveal the truth, amid all the fabricated polls, distorted news and such here in Thailand. Sooner or later, it will become clear to the world the hidden agenda of this military junta. To me and many others, Dr.Thaksin is the best PM Thailand ever has. If someone who brought vast improvements to the country ends up like this, who would want to contribute anything anymore?

I hope for governments around the world to get tougher on all dictators indiscriminately, not only some they have particular interests. We don't need to wait for one to become a mass murderer before hanging him, because dictators are always a threat for humankind. For the worst, they harbor insolvable global problems like drug and arm trafficking. Censorship and intimidation is the most benign act from them I would say. Even an international news correspondent like you feel insecure in Bangkok, we could imagine the lives of people in rural areas who are against this military regime.

It�s time for the world to strengthen their support for democracy and impose serious penalty to those who jeopardize it. A dictator regime should not be invited to any international summit and must face strict sanction, until they return power to the people.

Let me say again, that I appreciate the coverage. Apparently, CNN international always gives an example of quality journalism to the region. I have been a fan of CNN since I was a college student long time ago. I am looking forward to viewing Talk Asia this weekend.

For many years since the war in Iraq began in 2003, CNN did not show any pictures of dead bodies of innocent Iraqi civilians nor injured American soldiers.

Do you call this censorship?

Dear Dan,

Thank you very much for your report. It takes lot of courage to interview Thaksin esp. when the time the Thai military is taking power over everything in Thailand.

I'm so sad that democracy in Thailand cannot grow. How many more times will the military interrupt democracy. One thing they forget to learn is that none of the military actions has ended happily. I predict this one will cause more riots and hopefully power will be return to the people of Thailand.

Again, thank you very much for your executive report.

I'm looking forward to watching the whole interview on Talk Asia.

Thank you DAN!!you made a good job.

In Thailand, there are many problems that junta should make it better such as flood, cool weather in the north Thailand, bad economic, etc. What are they doing now? They blame Thaksin, although they have any evident in their hand. Junta chef said that Thaksin concerns to the new year bombing in Bangkok. What is the evident? It is not fair for Thaksin. Therefore it is the right time that Thaksin should clear himself.

Thank you, Dan.

Don't listen to some idiots around here. They pretend to know and understand exactly what the situation is. But believe me, if you would interview each of them who say so,you will get nothing informative. They dont like facts,but rumors.

Thank you DAN.
We, Thai people can't say anything.
We live in fear.
We want democracy now!
For Veenarat from Nation Chanel.
It's sad to see you support dictators.
We all know that Nation Chanel is Junta'sl slave!
All Thai medias are Junta's slaves!

ps. sorry for my english.i just want to express my opinion that many Thais can't say in there country.

Don't even think about blaming him of corruptions. Get your fact straight.

We would never have seen our new airport, Suvarnbhumi, without Mr.Thaksin and TRT party. How long had it been before it was actually done during all these years? Do you know? 40 years, that is how long it takes Thailand to have our new airport. Want more? Check IMF and Thai monetary credits & debts during the past 10-20 years. Get your fact straight.

You, Thai Media, are just playing along with the coup so that you can get on television slots and make money. It is all about money and power. Thai people had been blindly taking your biased news for so long, for too long.

Let's face it. Nation Media has taken many time slots on TV since the coup takeover. Several Thai media guru have been elected for the new constitution. While the Thai are working their asses off just to make a living of 4000-5000 ($100-$150) bahts per month, you people are making 100,000 ($2500-$3000) bahts each month. Isn't that good? Aren't you getting enough of it?

You Thai media are either blinded, with all the power and money, or just simply stupid. Money and Power is everything you ever thought of.

And, not just Thai media, the coup itself is eating up Thailand like it is cake. They played with the economics like it is some kind of tryouts. Our economics have gone downhill since their takeover. How much money are they making off of the daily makeup news? Our Thai stock market has been on the decline, but some of you are making money like there is no tomorrow.

Still wanna hear some more? You Thai media are just disgusting. Don't even think about lying for another day. Thai people are not stupid. They just have this "Mai-Pen-Rai" mindset. And that is the only reason why you can still keep your lies going.

PS I didnt wanna call out Nation if it weren't because of the post by Nation media person. There are several more of them, plus all those so-called "elites" in Thailand.

dear dan
i am Thai,i stay here for 50 years and i saw alot of Coup but this one is the most stupid i ever seen.its purely personal matters.most of Thais do not agree with this uggly coup but we do not have GUNS if we do ???you knows what will happens ???
WHEN THE TIME COME, ALL THAIS WILL FIGHT BACK !!!

So sad! A big media like CNN has never realized it was used by Thaksin! I as a Thai am so happy Thaksin was ousted. If you dig deep and see everything justly, you will know Thaksin did everything for his own good not for the country. He changed Thai laws to favor himself so that he would be invincible. This is unfair.

Rather than see it one-sided, Dan, why don�t you look more into so many corruptions done by him and his team?

Thank you very much for news of Our Prime Minister Thaksin.

It's hard to find this page on CNN.com but I really want you to know that more than a half of Thailand love PM Thaksin because he make everyone a better live.

Unfortunated the anti-Thaksin group are consist with a lot of Media and after they brainwash the country for more than 12 months the very stupid part of Thailand call "Millitary General" is taking a power.

But if our PM Thaksin are saying only one word, the people will raise and the military junta have to go. So they are very fear when our PM speak on media.

As a Westerner living in Thailand for over 11 years I feel I am one of the many people on the ground here who know it is only a matter of time before Thaksin is brought to justice. You didn't ask the hard questions Mr Rivers. Maybe as a condition of your interview you were not allowed to ask Thaksin about the many corruption cases that are about to unravel around him. He is bleating innocence like the proverbial wolf in sheeps clothing. We all know he is guilty. You had the opportunity to put him in the spotlight but you didn't. He used you.

Mr. Rivers,

You are misleading CNN reader around the world on few circumstances..

1. Foreign Minister issue the Staement not Army ruler
2. We are furious to Singapore Goverment not Singaporeans.
3. The furious cause from Mr. Thanksin visit to Singapore Deputy PM not because he is on your show.
4. You stated that current Thai's goverment fail to present evident that would prove their allegations that Mr. Thaksin is corrupt. This is not true !!! At least 2 allegations are link to him and clonies and there are more to come..



By the way , I totally disagree with Self-censorship on your Interview but do expect you to ask him with better questions for your next round such as ; Corruption cases against him, Shin Corp. deal with Temasek cause National security in trouble.

And may I know who pursue this interview, is CNN invite him or he ask to be talk in public ???

There are ideas different inside Thailand and we are trying to bring it back to unity where it use to be 6 years ago before Mr. Thanksin split this country to 2 groups ; With him or against him. There are no place in between and you better be on his side by your love or by other reason that if you yourself live in Thailand during these 6 years period like me shall know , unless you are not.

Your report is not truely representing the whole truth and this disppointing a lot of Thais who use to trust and believe in quality and standard of CNN's reporters.

Your report especially on this case do cause Hard feeling to a lot of Thai's and may create continuous separation of Thai's that Mr. Thaksin like to see.

Please be consider and talk to Khun Veenarat and other media in Thailand if you thought "Nation" is not Pro-Thaksin .. There are more Media's friend that you can be trust in this country that you can obtain better news of Thailand situation.

Thais will not give up and will continue to support the right Democracy.

Thanks for that special program. Many thais still like Mr. T, not because of his money, but what he has done to our economy. Many benefitial policies were created and acted in his reign, which many Thais, majority r poor, benefit from it. Until now, they still have no evidence to proove Mr.T guilt, as they claim.

Nobody is perfect. Every government do corrupt, i believe, however, In Mr. T's reign, our country goes well, better than before.

Your program makes the moron junta afraid of Mr.T. They try to force people to forget him by not to allow press and media to show Mr.T and his relatives' pictures or news. Only thing to be allowed is any news or report blaim on Mr.T. So now, we only got one side news from unprofessional press n media, lick the junta's feet. The junta gov try to promote the ideal campaign of morality and unity, which is obviously opposite to what they are and do. They do not care people, they only try to get rid of Mr.T instead of take care people. Many people die in flood, no news on it. We lose trillion from financial pocily, no news on it. The junta and the gang are very bias, so will the new constitution.

CNN was blocked or cut off the signal at that time, I was waiting for that interview. Any opinion and website against the moron coup or junta are blocked and closed, even in webboard, the opinion will be deleted. Now, our basic rights are gone. The situation you and people in your office are facing is understanding, somebody here has military person infront of their house.

Thanks for giving us the alternative news and opinion.

After I've read many comments from some thais and even a TV news reporter from the Nation, who claimed to "know more of the situation in thailand" than foreign reporters, and thus support the coup's action I feel I ahd to post something. I'm not a journalist but I am just a thai who believe in people's right and power. And I also claim to know about the situation that the thai reporters either to scare to report or also in part of the plot to destroy our country for thier pwn benefit.
The Nation is one of the TV networt led by Suthichai Yun and other reporters just right Venarat that constantly attack Taksin. They have thier own agenda because they were "kicked out" from ITV station. The reason was they were losing money and couldnot compete with the competition. Also couldnot pay the station what they had to pay by the contract. This reason and by cooperation with other political figures, The Nation lauched a campaign of revenge amd if succeed they would get thier reward, air time on national TV.
Amazingly after the coup overthrew Taksin, some of the channel9 timeslot used to occupied by Sorayuth another Media mogul, were set spinnin of the air. The ofcourse, replaced by the Nation's group.
Thai journalists and reporter right now is a shame for their occupation. Venarat should go back and study journalist ethics. The duty of journalist are to present the truth to the people not doing it for the good of themelves.
I just want the people who claimed that they "know about the situation" to REALLY know what went on.
The Manager news group and The Nation were spearheading the media attack.
While Gen. Prem and his men were doing rounds stiring the military.
The political opposition ganged up with the business opposition.
What went on was huge colaboration among the military, media, politician, businessman, and old royals who felt they were threatened.
The result was huge set back of democracy, an huge blow to the country's eocnomy, and almost total destruction of the country equilibrium. All of this because of one man, Taksin? or was it partly because of a selfish greedy no-ethics journalist abusing thier media power just like Venarat?

Mr Thaksin is a big corrupt politician. What he said will never come true. Such as when he said "No. No, enough is enough". Thai people will never trust him again. We think most people can see from his beviour like now.

We believe that CNN will provide the ethic news which will not encourage a rich man to be richer by corruption and ruin Thailand when he is under investigation. Most of Thai people is under education, especially, within 5 years of Thaksin. He always gave the people with money (the tax of Thai people) and let the rootgrass people think that he is the hero who comes down to give them the money. They just tell that it's Thaksin money. That is the real thing under the corrupted Thaksin government.

Totally disagree with you, Dan.
Do you know how bad Thaksin had done to Thailand for years. You should not let this crook using the CNN as his speakers attacking the interim government which is trying to root out his cronyism.

It would be great if you guys, Americans, stop interferring my country's internal affair.

It's our democracy, not yours. Actually, i think what foreigners mind is their businesses not our democracy.

Even the martial law exists, those bad people still dare to do some michievous acts.

And, it's so ridiculous that Taksin thought he would be assasinated for three times, if the soldier want to kill him really, he will not be able to avoid his fate.

Please don't judge others by your own ruler.

Hi, all I want to ask is...

...please, anyone who posted comments about how THAI PEOPLE love the coup leaders and hate Thaksin, please stop saying it. I am a THAI and I hate the coup so much. I do not enjoy living under martial law. I do not like seeing armed soldiers on Bangkok streets....

I had voted for Mr. Thaksin 2 times and I would vote for him again. I am an educated middle class person who was born and lived in Bangkok. A lot of my friends think like me.

Please do not claim that educated THAI PEOPLE all hate Mr. Thaksin.

You have your own right to love the coup and hate Thaksin. I and others who love Thaksin have our right too.

Yes, we do exist in this country. Why you have to discriminate against us and call us "under-current"? We are not. We are just ordinary Thai people who do not think like you. Respect our right and we can live harmoniously in this country. Try to open your mind and start to respect the rights of other people who do not agree with you. DEMOCRACY PLEASE

To Mr. Dan Rivers,
Every Saturday 1600 hr. at Sanam Luang, people who do not agree with the coup gather. We invite CNN to be there with us and report our story to the world.
Cheers,
D.

Dear Dan,

I understood you are professional. But please open your mind. I am a Thai people, and do not appreciate what Taksin did in the past and currently.

Why don't you broadcast or ask him during interview about his corruption, his conflict of interest between his family and Temasek? Why dont' you ask him that people were very happy on Sep 19? Why don't you ask him about the new airport that have many problems.

So to be fair with our Thai culture and people. I think that nobody can do a judgement because his work was banned in BKK only. Also how about US Army in Iraq? Have you ever think to interview your own citizens?

Dan River resembles many young politicians of TRT led by tyrant Thaksin. Lack of ethics and professional conduct, money-driven opportunist. Thaksin and his government ministers have caused this nation so much agony and division amongst Thais. He threw money to buy out votes, censored programs that revealed the truth about his corrupted projects, replaced top police post with his own people, etc...

dear dan,

sorry if i am wrong. I've seen your interview cut. And feel that you've given Taksin the questions. Because I believed that he prepared the answers for you.

Also there are many thai people are appreciate what the current government do now. Especially, to disclose all problems, corruptions, scandals that involved with Taksin. Have you ever thought about that before asking him?

May I suggest the questions for next interview to Taksin?

1. How is your family? Are they all clean from all corruption charges?
2. Have you ever thought before you make a deal with Temasek? Did you compare between country benefits and family benefits?
3. After 6 years, how much do you gain from the country?
4. Do you know that all properties that sold to Temasek, it will be dangerous for the country security?

So many questions that you may know, or not know before. You should do more homeworks. And take in mind why many Thai peoples came out on Sep 19 to admire Thai army coup.

To Dan, I think you should go back to improve your country before comment others. Back to consider what you are right now. Your country, USA (sorry if I'm wrong), is the world devil!

To Thai citizen, you have to understand what our current government have done is best for us. They have tried to re-construct the stable social system which is completely destroyed by the hand of the man who defined "enough" is "enough". We have to give them a chance to do their task.

Dan Rivers ..You are stupid man.
Thaksin ...You are devil man.

Bye. Dont come back to Thailand.

Dan, you are so innocent. or... you get benefit from being Thaksin's PR. You are playing with life and death of Thai people. Now you let Thaksin speek out to people who don't know the correct information about this guy and what he have done to Thai people. Hope you are happy with your benefit of having a popular news again.

What the junta try to do now is close the country. They take away our basic human right. They better spend the time to find out how Mr. Taksin have done wrong, how he did corrupt without bias. Obviously, justice is not exist.

My family and I vote for him in election. We wish to get paid, may be. Nobody pay us to vote, we vote for him because we like his way to work, we see the result. Somebody said people who vote for Taksin are paid, uneducated, and poor. Actually, many are well educated, have their own business, bore old way of gov.

If the junta wants to take Mr.T down with corruption issue, they have to drag everyone in the past to the court as well. People in junta are not clean either.

The coup has made our country to be in the same level as Burma. Investors move to our neighbours. By this year, Thailand will be in difficult time again.

Please CNN, continue what you are doing. Here, if you feel against the coup or say good about Taksin, somebody will say you get paid from Taksin. ..It's sad huh?

Mr. Dan Rivers,

During Mr. Thaksin's rule, he interfered with media all the time. A lot of media anchors were ousted and many radio and TV programs were terminated. No one can criticize hime. I think the media now has more freedon than during Thaksin's era. If you learn more about him (do more researches, ask more people), you will get to know how bad he was.

He could have destroyed the country even further by his instigating words of violence, which he continued to use even when he has been ousted. He kept on sending message through his letters to the media in Thailand inciting even more chaos all the time, untill Junta stopped him from doing that. I am now much happier when he is shut up.

I also don't like the idea of banning the news. But Junta will only stay for another 8 months till the election under new constitution arrives, and the country need peace. Investigation of his corruption practice will soon be revealed under the laws. Remember that this coup is endorsed by our King (it was the first endorsement ever.) It means a good coup, and a necessary one. Without it, country will only be in a much worse position.

I trust that Junta will keep the country together, not like Mr. Thaksin who tries to divide it. And CNN (Dan Rivers) is part of his tool to cut the country in half, even while ex-priminister has already gone.

Rgds,

Boonyarit Tangkakarn

I really feel sorry for the thai people who prefer MILITARY DICTATORSHIP GOVERNMENT to take control than resolving things democratic way. .
How can you have and democracy when you support the juntas. I realy feel ashamed to be thai when I read some comment.
It make me think that the people who are writing to this blog really ordinary thai? or they are from Nation and Manager group???

COUP GET OUT+++!!!

We want democracy with or without Takin+++!!!

I THINK THE MOST COMICAL IN THIS PHONY VAUDEVILLE ARE YOU & THUG-SIN!!!! NEXT TIME, PLEASE DO SOME MORE RESEARCH BEFORE BEING USED AND DUPED BY THIS BUFFOON AGAIN, CNN.
BTW. THERE IS NO SUCH THING LIKE PURE DEMOCRACY. EVEN IN THE COUNTRY WHO CLAIMS IT'S THE MOST DEMOCRATIC ONE.
PLZ LOOK @ YOURSELVES IN A MIRROR!
U-UH, DON'T CHEAT,KIDS!

First of all I still do not understand why the Military Junta wanna Block Taksin's interview if the majority support them.Why don't They let Taksin spoke whatever he want,I think Thai People know who's lie who's sincere.

Second if they grip the power absolutely why should they care about Taksin's interview. It's only a shadow in a mirror.

I've just gotten this news, can't verify it myself, since the archives of South China Morning Post seems to need a password. Can anyone confirm it?


Ousted PM hires US lobbyist firm

Hong Kong - Ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has signed up a firm of American political lobbyists to seek support in Washington, a report said Friday.

Thaksin, who was unseated in a military coup in September, met with lobbyists from Barbour Griffith and Rogers (BGR) in Hong Kong last week, the South China Morning Post reported.

Full article is here, I refain from copying any more than this out of

copyright concerns:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/19/headlines/headlines_30024553.php


If what this article says is true, then it's just another example of Taksin's blatant lies "I'm not returning to politics" on CNN!

For those who are against "The Nation" I have to agree with you that it has become biased over the years. It's very sad since I've been reading this newspaper for nearly 10 years now, and it has changed from becoming a responsible media source to a force against Taksin. Sure I know of the troubles it has had with Taksin, with Taksin's friends trying to take over the media group, ofcause they've got reason to hate him. However, to turn practically all editorials against Taksin is very irresponsible reporting. I hope that I can at least get the facts from "The Nation" straight, as for the opinions, I'll listen to it but keep in mind that they are only presenting one side of the story.

Thank Dan,Don't believe in anything Thai Media say to you. It's lies.It's propaganda.

Dear Mr.Rivers
Thank you so much, you do good job for us. Thai people, we love Thaksin.He gives chances to the people especially for the poor in the country.We want him to come back to our country. Please report about him again.We don't want the coup.

Mr Dan please consider this statement

"freedom from bias"

and become a real journalist soon

I'm thai .

I LOVE PM THAKSIN.

HE'S THE BEST PM.

Thank you coup and the gang as you show the world how are you stupid?

Thank you Dan for your job.

For many Bangkokian RUMORS are FACTS. Don't be surprised by their comments.You've done a good job. Thanks

Dear Dan

You may find many many comments say something bad about Mr. Thaksin. But they cannot compare with millions of Thai people who love their Thaksin Shinawatra, the best prime minister of Thai history. Mr. Thaksin create many projects that can help millions of poor Thai who live in country side to have the better living, health and higher education . Now we are still hoping and waiting for Mr. Thaksin to come back to help us solve all the bad thing that this junta government have done.

Mr Dan Rivers/ how do you feel reading all these comments after your interview with Mr Thaksin????. It is clear ENOUGH that one person could have lots of influence