Time to bury bad blood?

Posted by admin on February 28th, 2010 filed in Bangkok, Culture & customs, Expat life, Living here, People, Politics, Uncategorized, Understanding Thais

News came this week that after much dispute and debate, Thaksin is to have some if his assets seized. It was a sort of middle-ground decision, as although the ousted prime minister will be forced to hand over $1.4 billion, a further $1 billion will remain frozen. Perhaps this move will help to temporarily ease the high-running tensions and political conflicts that have recently plagued Thailand.

Thaksin made his fortune through telecommunications and lost his seat after he apparently abused his power in office to enrich himself and his family. A small bomb was set off at the Bangkok Bank in the capital on Friday, perhaps as a protest against the court’s decision, but maybe now that the arguments surrounding Thaksin’s billions have been legally settled, there will finally be a chance to let the deep wounds heal.

And despite losing $14 billion before the weekend, at least Thaksin’s football team, Manchester City, beat Chelsea 4-2 on Saturday. And with a row between players from each team all over the English press, you can only hope another hatchet was buried that day.