Thailand's ousted PM's letter to Bush released

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Thaksin's letter exposed

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin wrote a letter to US President George Bush on June 23, according to exposure by Manager Web site and Matichon.

In the letter exposed by the two paper, Thaksin wrote that his opponents are trying "various extra-Constitution tactics" to try to bring down his government.

In reply, Bush said in his letter that Thai democracy is strong and Thailand would emerge from the current situation.

--The Nation 2007-07-12

Letters (source: manager.co.th):

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Letters between Thai prime minister and US president

Read letter from caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dated June 23 to US President George W Bush and Bush's answer letter to the Thai premier dated July 3.

Both letters were published in Thai-language Matichon newspaper's Monday edition.

1. Letter from caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to US George W Bush.

Office of the Prime Minister,

Government House,

Bangkok.

23 June B.E. 2549 (2006)

Dear Mr President,

I write to you on the basis of my high personal regard for your and for your leadership to explain the current political situation in Thailand, where I recently assumed responsibilities as caretaker Prime Minister . It is my goal to prepare the best possible democratic path for the next government following new national elections this fall.

There has been a threat to democracy in Thailand since early this year. Key democratic institutions, such as elections and their observance of Constitutional limitation on government, have been repeatedly undermined by interest that depend on creating chaos and mounting street demonstrations in Bangkok as a means to acquire political power that they cannot gain through winning elections. Having failed to provoke violence and disorder, my opponents are now attempting various extraConstitutional tactics to coopt the will of the people. If our democratic institutions provide strong over the next several months, these too will be unsuccessful.

On April 2, my Party, Thai Rak Thai, won a convincing majority in countrywide elections. Having led Thailand's government for over five years and won decisive victories in two previous national elections, I was confident of strong popular support and the voters confirmed the view. My political opponents because they know they would again lose, boycotted the April elections and left the political situation in Thailand in deadlock. With the imminent celebration of the 60th Anniversary of our King's coronation, I would not responsibly allow this political stalemate the mar this historic occasion . In order to restore calm so that preparations for the royal celebration could proceed, I stopped aside to take a leave of absence, assigning my Deputy Prime Minister with acting executive responsibilities.

In keeping with their independent status, Thai courts have since annulled the April elections on technical considerations and ruled that a new national vote be scheduled, probably in midOctober. Most objective observers believe that my Party will again receive the people's mandate to form a government. In the meantime, I could not allow my country to drift without leadership. Our ongoing war on terror must be prosecuted, our economy must be managed, and the basic functions of government must be carried out. For these reasons, I have heeded the calls of many Thais - both within my Party and among the oppositions as well - to resume an active role as caretaker Prime Minister.

During this period, I want to assure you that I will take steps to help got the country ready for free and fair elections, and to work to shift the national debate from one that is emotionally charged to one that reasonably discusses the central questions of Thailand's future, including whether the country's political governance will be decided through the ballot box or in the street. The answer to that question, Mr President, will have an important impact on the future course of democracy in Asia. I know that your agree with me that the rule of law and Constitutional order in Thailand and in Asia more broadly must prevail over demagoguery and mob action.

Finally, Mr President, please accept my enduring confidence that the relationship between Thailand and the United States, based on shared democratic values and vital national interests, will only grow in the months and years ahead.

Yours sincerely,

(Thaksin Shinawatra)

Prime Minister of Thailand


2. Letter from US President George W Bush to the Thai premier

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

July 3, 2006

His Excellency

Thaksin Shinawatra

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailnd

Bangkok

Mr. Prime Minister



Thank you for your letter, and your optimism about the road ahead in Thailand. The United States has watched events in your country with some concern, and as an ally and a friend it is my sincere hope that all parties can find a way forward that respects the great achievement of Thai democracy and sees a fully vested government up and running in Bangkok as soon as possible.

Our two nations' friendship remains strong, and I appreciate your assurance that our good cooperation on issues of vital importance to us both will continue, Free and open political systems can be unpredictable, but the Thai people are resilient and Thai democracy is strong, and I know that your country will emerge from the current situation with a renewed focus on that which makes Thailand great.

Sincerely,

George W. Bush

--The Nation 2007-07-12

[PSPS]

1. Jesus. A form "cheerleader" letter.

Thank you for your letter, and your optimism about the road ahead in (country name). The United States has watched events in your country with some concern, and as an ally and a friend it is my sincere hope that all parties can find a way forward that respects the great achievement of (name of citizenry) democracy and sees a fully vested government up and running in (Name of Capital City) as soon as possible.

Our two nations' friendship remains strong, and I appreciate your assurance that our good cooperation on issues of vital importance to us both will continue, Free and open political systems can be unpredictable, but the (name of citizenry) people are resilient and (name of citizenry) democracy is strong, and I know that your country will emerge from the current situation with a renewed focus on that which makes (country name) great.

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2. clearly * didn't compose it

the drool stains would stand as his signature, if so