The warrant accuses Mr Shinawatra of masterminding the recent anti-government demonstrations that paralysed central Bangkok and left 88 people dead and almost 1,200 wounded.Mr Shinawatra, who is living in exile to avoid a previously conferred two-year sentence for corruption, could even face the death penalty if he is found, extradited and convicted.
Now that the situation has ‘returned to normal’ in the streets of the Thai capital, this incredible decision could easily turn the clock back and ignite more violence.
Although the exact current location of Mr Shinawatra is unknown, he carries a Montenegrin passport, has spent much of his time in Dubai and has been using the social media site Twitter to rally support for his ‘Red Shirt’s’ protests back in Thailand.
The Thai Government must believe that this warrant on new charges will elicit greater cooperation from host governments. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the current Thai Prime Minister, told reporters today that it “will make our work with foreign countries easier”.
“We still have to monitor his movements and seek cooperation in line with existing agreements. As of now many countries are banning him, but not all,” he said.
As for Mr Shinawatra, he responded to the news of a warrant for his arrest issued, posting a message via his Twitter account @Thaksinlive.This read: “I am accused of being a terrorist with false evidence. This is exactly like the 6 October [1976 crackdown] - the use of media attack against an [alleged plot] to overthrow the monarchy by the 'communist' with a new name 'terrorist,' trusting weapons at him.”
(Translation by @Thai_talk. Original tweeted message in Thai: ผมถูกใส่ความเป็นผู้ก่อการร้ายโดยใช้หลักฐานเท็จ เหมือน6ตุลา19ทุกประการใช้สื่อโจมตีหาล้มสถาบันเป็นcommunistแต่เรียกใหม่ เป็นterroristยัดอาวุธ @Thaksinlive - click here for enlarged screenshot).
