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Thai PM to buy 30 percent of Liverpool FC on Monday
BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's billionaire premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday will purchase 30 percent of English Premiership club Liverpool for 115 million dollars... (http://asia.news.yahoo.com/040509/afp/040509125655people.html)
Baton Rouge
14-05-07, 03:33 PM
What a terrible way to destroy a reputable soccer club! Truly bleak news!
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=118732
Thaksin poised to buy Man City
By BangkokPost.com from reports
The People newspaper reports that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra is "on the verge" of taking over Manchester City Football club for 100 million pounds - 6.8 billion baht.
The People reports that City officials are expecting a positive response from Mr Thaksin this week when his accounts end their due diligence examination of the team's books.
That could lead to a summer takeover by Mr Thaksin. The People said he is "desperate to become a Premiership club owner after failing with a bid to buy Liverpool two years ago."
The Sunday Mirror said that Mr Thaksin was expected to pay 130 million pounds for the club "inside the next 10 days."
If he does take over Man City, the ex-premier coiuld be targetting manager Gerard Houllier.
The Sunday Mirror said Mr Thaksin's plans include an approach to Lyon coach Houllier to replace Stuart Pearce.
"Whether I'm going to be here next season or not is out of my hands. I hope it's me but if it isn't me I'll move on and manage elsewhere," Pearce told reporters last week.
But Pearce looks certain to be sacked following a poor season - and chairman John Wardle may take the decision as early as this week.
That would open the door for Houllier, who is keen on a return to the Premiership after guiding Lyon to two titles in two years.
Houllier has a clause in his deal with the French club allowing him to move back to England.
Many fans hoped Sam Allardyce would be the man Wardle turned to, but he looks destined for Newcastle.
And while he has strong support inside the current City regime, Shinawatra is looking for a big continental name to lead his efforts to revive the fortunes of a club who have now gone 31 years without winning a top trophy, the Sunday Mirror report said.
....and then the team will carry a "No Coup" or "Down with the CNS" slogan or "USA for Innovation" logo on their jerseys? :p
Manchester City to wait on Thaksin before appointing new boss
AFP 15/5/07
LONDON (AFP) - Manchester City are unlikely to appoint a successor to Stuart Pearce as manager until it is clear whether or not Thaksin Shinawatra's proposed takeover of the Premiership club is to proceed.
Pearce was sacked on Monday, 24 hours after a dismal 2006-07 campaign ended in defeat by Tottenham and with the club just four points above the relegation zone.
Paul Jewell, who left Wigan on Monday, was immediately linked with the vacancy, but it appears unlikely that he will make an immediate return to football having announced that he needs a break from the stress of managing a Premiership club.
There was also speculation that City could make an 11th-hour bid to secure the services of former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce, who was expected to be unveiled as Newcastle's new manager on Tuesday.
But neither the Jewell or Allardyce options were thought to be acceptable to Thaksin, the former Thai Prime Minister whose financial advisors are currently examining the City books with a view to a takeover.
Thaksin reportedly favours the appointment of someone with a European profile with the likes PSV Eindhoven manager Ronald Koeman, Lyon boss Gerrard Houllier and former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri among the names touted as possible managers if the City of Manchester stadium comes under Thai control.
Home-grown candidates could include Preston's Paul Simpson, a former City player, Billy Davies of Derby and former Fulham boss Chris Coleman.
Pearce was given his marching orders after two years in charge as a result of a dismal run in which City had failed to score at home since January 1. After winning a reprieve from the sack in March, his fate was sealed when City lost three of their last four matches.
His problems were not confined to the pitch. His decision to allow club captain Richard Dunne to attack his team-mates in public appeared ill-judged, particularly when Joey Barton followed suit in even more damaging fashion.
Whoever succeeds Pearce has been promised substantial transfer funds by current chairman John Wardle, and there is little doubt that Jewell would relish the prospect of managing a club of City's size.
But the circumstances of his departure from Wigan appear to make that unlikely after chairman Dave Whelan revealed that the 42-year-old had indicated that he would be taking a break from football after suffering from stress.
Jewell, who has been replaced by his assistant Chris Hutchings, stepped down 24 hours after the club secured its Premiership status for another season with a nail-biting win over Sheffield United on the final day of the season.
Whelan said: "He has been really, really struggling with nerves over the last few months and that's not Paul Jewell at all.
"We haven't had a good season, we've had bad luck, bad decisions and it's all come together and got Paul Jewell down. He's physically drained.
"He told me his decision this morning and I was half expecting it. It's affected his health. He'll be back in this game, probably not with Wigan, but he'll be back.'"
Asked if he was concerned Jewell might join a Premiership rival, Whelan said: "I asked if he'd been approached by another club or if he'd been tapped up. He said 'no, I swear on my children's lives. I'm going to have a rest.'
"I believe his word, he wouldn't lie to me and I wouldn't lie to him. I asked him to take a holiday but he wanted to go. He needs six months rest I'd say."
Baton Rouge
15-05-07, 12:04 PM
I have had quite a few dealings with Mancunians and other northerners. Even when I don't entirely see eye-to-eye with them I have a strong admiration for their abrasiveness. One can only hope that the club hasn't become so globalized that it has entirely capitulated to bloodless international businessmen. If Thaksin does wrestle control, I really hope that the local fans give him the full runaround. In my opinion, Thaksin's greatest weakness is that he has never had to deal with a pack of completely unrepentent boneheads in full bay. Such an experience early in life might well have turned him into a much more rounded politician than he is today. But this late in life he has probably become too fixed in his ways for anything to really change. (His own version of boneheadness probably springs more from having ample cash and local power connections. He ain't exactly a bare knuckles kind of person. More of a knife in the back from a hired hitman kind.) Real Man City supporters will be totally justified in taking a hard line with Thaksin. If he is not completely committed to the club they should see him off as soon as possible.
The only reason for Thaksin to own such a club is to try and curry favor with the electorate back home. He doesn't really have what it takes to be a true soccer nut; even by Bangkok standards. In which case, it could be a salutary experience for some folks if they see their hero being called to task on issues other than how deep his wallet is. To my way of thinking it is bone-headedness that has brought success to many northern soccer clubs. And Scot Alex Ferguson at neighboring Man U exemplifies that spirit in bucketfuls. Apparently, such passion hasn't entirely gone out of fashion just yet! Now is definitely not the time to succumb to some wishy-washy touchy-feely sort of bland internationalism just because Thaksin has the very necessary dosh. There are others. He may have some clout to widen Man City's international base in Asia; but whatever way you look at the coup saga, Thaksin has not escaped it unsoiled. He will also soon learn that the paparazzi can be far devastating than Suthichai Yoon's press corps of pussycats over at The Nation. Brits may as yet be rather ignorant or indifferent to Thaksin's fickle ways, but that could all change in a heartbeat.
When the almost inevitable Thaksin takeover of Manchester City FC actually takes place, I suggest we place it here. It seems to me that this is a far more vital issue to Thailand's future than initially meets the eye, as it may also herald an attempted comeback to Thailand's political scene.
So if you get to the news quicker than me (other commitments sometimes call!), let us all know here:
Thaksin on brink of Bt7 billion Man City takeover
Ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is on the verge of a 100 million pounds bid for Manchester City.
The People says City officials are expecting a positive response from the billionaire Thai businessman this week when the due diligence process ends.
And that could lead to a summer takeover by Thaksin who is desperate to become a Premiership club owner after failing with a bid to buy Liverpool two years ago, reported Tribalfootball.com on Tuesday.
Meanwhile Guardian Unlimited online reported that sacking of Stuart Pearce from Manchester City's manager will usher in a multi-million-pound revolution that will see the deposed Thaksin seized control of the club and a replacement manager appointed from abroad.
While Pearce was packing his belongings yesterday, Thaksin was secretly visiting the stadium for the first time and has made it clear he does not want to appoint another British manager.
Thaksin's takeover bid has progressed more quickly than had been anticipated and there could be an official announcement about the next stage of the process within 48 hours.
G้rard Houllier, the former Liverpool manager now in charge of Lyon, will be among those considered to replace Pearce, along with the PSV manager, Ronald Koeman, and the former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri. Sven-Goran Eriksson, however, has already been discounted.
Guardian reported it is clear that Thaksin, who was on Monday given a VIP tour of the City of Manchester Stadium, and his international team of advisers were consulted about Pearce's sacking in advance.
City's chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, and the chairman, John Wardle, had decided several weeks ago that Pearce would have to go. Thaksin, who will retain Mackintosh in his present position, took advice from his English representatives and agreed.
Pearce was informed in a lunchtime meeting with Mackintosh and Wardle on Monday but he had been aware the news was coming for several days. His intention is to get another job as quickly as possible, ideally in the south to be nearer his family home, but his reputation has been tarnished after an arduous season in which City finished only four points above the relegation zone.
Thaksin, currently in a period of due diligence, has a personal fortune estimated at around ฃ2bn and will make significant funds available for new players, possibly as much as ฃ50m. If everything goes according to plan, his financial muscle could also be critical in terms of hiring a manager who would normally be seen as out of the club's scope, in terms of both money and ambition.
However, the Thai's approach does not come without baggage. Human rights campaigners accused Thaksin's administration of various offences, especially in relation to a hardline anti-drugs campaign. The pressure group Human Rights Watch claims this led to more than 2,000 extra-judicial killings in Thailand in 2003.
The following year Thaksin launched a bid to buy Liverpool but the deal collapsed amid suspicions about his motives and funding. Eight months ago he was overthrown by a military junta and warned against returning to Thailand. He owns several properties, including one near London.
If the deal is closed it will put City on a financial level that has seemed unimaginable during the Pearce era. The former England captain has had to work to a tight budget since replacing Kevin Keegan in March 2005 and his lack of success in the transfer market - most notably, the ฃ6m Georgios Samaras - was key to his departure. Pearce, quite simply, was not trusted to spend Thaksin's money.
The club needs strengthening in defence, midfield and particularly attack, having not scored at home since January 1. They are resigned to losing Sylvain Distin on a free transfer this summer. Joey Barton will be another one to leave, though City have postponed a disciplinary hearing into Barton's training-ground attack on Ousmane Dabo that was due to be held today. The club intend to announce several more departures today.
Man U is owned by the American, Chelsea is owned by the Russian.. Man C will be owned by yes (ex) prime minister of Thailand :D
and Man C will need to boost up its 'defence' spending too :)
There is every indication that this is an almost done deal.
The Political Desk at The Nation is already pondering how the necessary cash transfers will take place. (Love his ref to the 'British Virgins Island'. Most would tell you that hoary old myth disappeared with 'A Hard Day's Night'.) ;):
THAKSIN BUYING MANCHESTER CITY?
Where will the money come from?
Is Thaksin Shinawatra for real this time as it emerges that he is on a brink of taking over Manchester City Football Club? The price tag for Manchester City is about 100 million pounds sterling, or Bt7 billion. You may want to know from where he will dig his hand in to get the money.
Yes, he has the money. But from where will he get it because his assets are believed to be hidden everywhere?
A few months ago, Thaksin and his wife Pojaman Shinawatra had a difficult time moving Bt400 million out of Thailand. They would like to buy a luxury home in London. The Bank of Thailand froze Khunying Pojaman's request to transfer Bt400 million out of the country for a month. Afterward, it flashed the green light for her to do so.
Central bank regulation requires you to seek its approval first before you may transfer more than US$10 million out of the country to buy properties. If the amount is below US$10 million, any commercial bank can simply process the transfer according to your wish.
But if you want to invest in a business worth more than US$50 million, you also need central bank's approval. If the amount is less, a commercial bank can go ahead to process the deal on your behalf.
Now Thaksin will need to withdraw 100 million pounds from his wealth to purchase Manchester City. Will he ask the central bank's permission for him to move Bt7 billion out to complete this business deal? Will the central bank allow him to do so?
Nobody knows Thaksin's and Pojaman's real net worth. More than a year ago, it was rumoured that they had about US$3 billion (about Bt140 billion). After selling 49 per cent of Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings of Singapore last year, the two collected Bt73.3 billion in cash.
This huge amount of money is still parked in the Thai banks inside the country. The central bank has been keeping a watchful eye on Thaksin's and Pojaman's money.
Thaksin has been very conscious of risk management. He sold out Shin Corp in order to get hold on the cash. If his political fortune were to turn wrong, he would hold on the cash rather than the stocks or the other immovable assets.
Another question that has not got adequate attention is whether Thaksin has also been keeping his wealth in the overseas bank accounts? In his asset declaration, he never said he had overseas assets. He only admitted about it after the Shin Corp transaction.
When the Shin Corp deal took place in January 2006, it became public knowledge that he had also had assets in Ample Rich Investments, incorporated in the British Virgins Island.
But it was an open secret in the financial markets about Thaksin's relationship with Ample Rich Investments. Ample Rich held about 10 per cent of Shin Corp stocks worth about Bt16 billion. But then Thaksin claimed that he transferred his interests in Ample Rich to his son Panthongtae well before he entered politics in 2001. So went his perfect script.
After the 1997 baht float, several rich Thais money in the offshore accounts. Korn Chatikavanij of the Democrat Party has called for an investigation into whether Thaksin had kept his assets in the offshore accounts without proper declaration.
For it emerges that there were Win Mark and other secret funds subscribing to the stocks of SC Assets, a property arm of the Shinawatra family, as if they had acted on behalf of the major shareholders.
So how much Thaksin and Pojaman are keeping their wealth in Thailand? Our guess is that it would be probably more than Bt100 billion, with Bt73 billion at least in cash. Any amount beyond this must be kept in overseas bank accounts or other forms of assets.
So Thaksin can use his money in Thailand or in theory his money in offshore accounts to pay Bt7 billion for Manchester City. Now if his request to transfer Bt7 billion out of Thailand reaches Tarisa Watanagase, the Bank of Thailand governor, we'll be curious to know how she would respond.
MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, Tarisa's predecessor, grumbled when he heard that Thaksin would like to raise domestic funds about three years ago to acquire a 30 per cent stake in the Liverpool Football Club for around 70 million pounds. Pridiyathorn would not allow this transaction to take place. Football club is a highrisk high return business.
If the investment in Liverpool melted down, who would assume the responsibility for this deal, which would also involve public money?
But the Manchester City deal, which is impending, involves only Thaksin's money. Still, it is interesting to know how Tarisa would approach this deal.
Thaksin and Khunying Pojaman can't have good night sleeps insofar as the local authorities are going after them for the irregular deals they left behind - from the Ratchada land deal, the questionable stock transfer, the CTX deal, the Ample Rich deal, to other undisclosed overseas transaction deals.
On the other hand, Thaksin might only want to use the Manchester City deal to help his publicity stunt, calling for the world's attention to his plight as he has been ousted from power through a military coup.
All of this riddle should unfold over the coming weeks.
by Political Desk
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/15/headlines/headlines_30034270.php
Apparent proof that a Thaksin return to politics isn't out of the question just yet:
Thaksin still eyes return to politics, TRT golf man says
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is still thinking about returning to politics despite consistent statements that he has quit forever, a Thai Rak Thai party member said Tuesday.
Torpong Chiyasarn, who is also secretary-general of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand (PGAT), said he had spoken on the phone with Thaksin about the presidency of PGAT, a position the former premier won last month.
But at the end of conversation Thaksin talked about his political future, Torpong said.
"I have to stay longer in foreign countries for the unity of the nation. My patience is wearing thin. Don't pressure me too much," Torpong quoted Thaksin as saying.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30034285
Or is it just the fact that the actual conspirators have rarely really done their homework? Since when has any "cunning & fiendish plan" ever fully worked out here:
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thaksin's Man City bid has all the attributes of a politically driven public-relations stunt
Re: "Central bank could stymie Man City deal", News, May 16
Thaksin Shinawatra's much-publicised attempt to launch a takeover of the UK's Manchester City football team is yet another attempt by this man to stay in the news. Does anybody seriously believe the deal will go ahead?
He will, of course, plead that the Thai government is blocking the move to bring the Thai people an asset which would boost the sport in the country to truly international standards. But in essence it is no more than an indication of his wish to re-enter politics.
Thaksin well knows that he will, for exchange control reasons, be unable to pull off the deal and indeed it is doubtful that there is any such intention to succeed. Like many politicians before him, with recognition waning, he is attempting to jump back into the headlines with some measure of credibility and there will be differing views on how deserving that credibility is. At the level of the masses though there is no subject like football to stir the passions and Thaksin knows it.
If Thaksin really wanted to buy Manchester City, he could quite easily get over the money problems by introducing the dynamics of a consortium to help him. But that will not happen will it?
David Harrison
Bangkok
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/rss/letters.rss
And here's the rational reader; :) although he seems to have woken up half way through the film:
Ex-PM could put cash to better use in his homeland
For almost a month there have been continual rumours about the aims of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to bid for the British football club Manchester City. It would cost him over Bt7 billion to be called the owner. There would be no question of how he could afford this as the Shinawatra family has owned many business entities. However, questions have arisen about whether the money being transferred out of Thailand to buy the football club is appropriate for the nation's interests or not.
In turn, this money could be used within this country for various purposes. Business entities could be established to generate income from outside or investments made into financial marketing services to help entrepreneurs finance business projects and so on. Such moves would definitely improve the economic situation during this period when we face numerous threats such as the unrest in the southern part of Thailand or the impact from the uncertain political direction.
Some people might point to the other millionaires who own British football clubs like Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea football club, or Malcolm Glazer, the owner of Manchester United. I would say yes they have purchased football clubs, but they could afford to do so because their countries face a lesser impact from the loss of their investment money than Thailand would that of Thaksin's.
Thailand is a country that still needs a money injection from various sources that it will be able to generate income-generating projects to boost economic growth as a whole. As a former prime minister who once devoted himself to governing the country according to its best interests, he should recognise this and rethink his goals. The assets owned by his family are more than enough for them to spend for the rest of their lives. Wouldn't it be better to utilise it for the benefit of the country? This is what Thai people do for Thai people.
Niphot K
Bangkok
The community radio that broadcast this interview will almost certainly find themselves being victimised by the junta:
Thaksin gives live radio interview
(BangkokPost.com) - Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra called on an early election in the live radio interview broadcasted in Thailand on Thursday morning, saying he believed people would not tolerate a late one.
The interview was made through a community radio. And it was the first time Mr Thaksin gave an interview to the Thai media since the September 19 coup.
He told the Council for National Security and the government that they needed not be worried about him; but they should use their time to solve problems of the country.
He thanked his supporters and gave them encouragement to go through the problems they faced.
The ousted premier mentioned buying Manchester City league but denied to give details. He only said it will benefit Thailand if he purchases the league without clarifying how.
Link may eventually lapse:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118794
Stephen Cleary
17-05-07, 12:28 PM
"If he does take over Man City, the ex-premier coiuld be targetting manager Gerard Houllier.
The Sunday Mirror said Mr Thaksin's plans include an approach to Lyon coach Houllier to replace Stuart Pearce"
Geez, now what the heck does Thaksin know about football strategies?
If i remember right it was Thaksin, whom on being approached (when wanting to buy into Liverpool) by a Liverpool reporter about who his favourite players were, replied something like "Oh yes, I love Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs"
Ryan friggin Giggs! For anyone with any knowledge of premier league followers, Ryan Giggs has been a star at Man U for donkey's years.
Thaksin is a classic sometimes. Hope he does buy Man City, will be fun reading all the backlash he gets!
They describe Thaksin as an avid soccer fan. :rolleyes:
BangkokPost.com, Agencies
The Bank of Thailand says the ex-premier has not made any request to transfer the 7.34 billion baht he will need if he is serious about buying the Manchester City Football Club.
Suchart Sakkankosone, director of the central bank's exchange control and credits department said there had been no requests for money transfers by Mr Thaksin or his family as of Wednesday. He said such a request - if made - could be considered a normal business investment and that the funds, if requested, may be legally allowed to go overseas.
Mr Suchart said he could not comment further. But the central bank would certainly take all possibilities into account under existing rules and regulations, as well as consider the truthful purposes of such a huge money transfer.
Under Thai law, the central bank must approve any money transfer exceeding $50 million to overseas. Mr Thaksin could bypass the central bank procedure if he had accounts abroad, the official said.
Mr Thaksin, an avid football fan, has made a 108 million pound (7.34 billion baht; $215 million) offer to buy the Premiership club, according to British newspaper The Sun. There have been persistent reports Mr Thaksin intends to buy the Premier League side.
The former prime minister has remained in self-exile since the military overthrew his government in September last year. He is currently in London.
According to official documents released after the September coup, Thaksin was worth $339 million.
But that figure did not include almost $2 billion earned from the family stock sale of Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings of Singapore. Public anger over the fact that no taxes were paid on that sale helped lead to his ouster.
Thaksin's lawyer Noppadon Pattama on Wednesday remained mum on the reported bid to buy Manchester City.
In 2004, Thaksin led a Thai consortium that tried to purchase a 30 per cent stake in Liverpool. The team was eventually sold to American owners.
Link may eventually lapse:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=118777
Ousted PM calls Bangkok radio show
Deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra made a latest political move by calling and giving an interview in a Thai radio talk show on Wednesday night. The radio host claimed he did not know in advance.
Thaksin, who has lived in exile since a coup overthrew his government last September, called "Confidante" community radio station, which is broadcast across Bangkok, AFP reported.
He spoke to listeners for about 15 minutes, announcer Chupong Theethuan said, in an apparent attempt to make contact with supporters in the kingdom.
"I was shocked and speechless when I realised that the person on the other line was him," Chupong said.
"He urged quick elections and said the government does not have to worry about him as he will not travel near this region again," he said.
Thaksin expressed concern over the scaling down of government scholarships, Chupong said, and urged "children who are suffering" to contact his foundation.
He also enquired after people's well being after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Laos was felt in Bangkok and northern Thailand on Wednesday, Chupong told AFP.
"I told him that we miss him. The (earthquake) reminded me of the tsunami, and he was very quick to respond to the disaster," he said.
"Confidante" radio station is located in Nonthaburi province on the outskirts of Bangkok and was set up in December last year. It has since been a vocal critic of the junta which overthrew Thaksin.
The junta imposed a variety of censorship orders after it seized power, and in January this year issued a specific warning that it would shut down broadcasters who carried statements by Thaksin.
This is the first time Thaksin has successfully contacted media based in Thailand, although he has regularly been posting video messages to supporters on his website.
Agence France Presse
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/17/headlines/headlines_30034443.php
PRD officials visit radio station airing former PM's interviews
Public Relations Department officials visited a community radio station in Nonthaburi where ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra phoned in to give an interview on Wednesday night.
PRD director for radio and television Bovorn Techain said that the visit was made on the grounds that the station, 87.75FM, broadcast its programme without permission.
However the station staff told the officials visiting the station in Nonthaburi that their transmitters were broken and sent for repair in the morning.
Bovorn said his department is not authorised to close down any community radio stations but only to make sure that the stations were open legally.
The visit was made after the station aired Thaksin Shinawatra's interview to three community radio programmes - Confidante Radio, Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship and Taxi Driver Community Radio - on Wednesday night.
The radio host of 87.75FM claimed that he did not know that it was Thaksin who phoned in. He said he was shocked and speechless when he realised that Thaksin was on the other end.
Thaksin said he was worried that some of his schemes for the rural poor had been scrapped by the military installed government and that the government had scaled down scholarships for students. He urged "children who are suffering" to contact his foundation.
Thaksin spoke to listeners for about 15 minutes, announcer Chupong Theethuan said, in an apparent attempt to make contact with supporters in the kingdom.
"I was shocked and speechless when I realised that the person on the other line was him," Chupong said.
"He urged quick elections and said the government does not have to worry about him as he will not travel near this region again," he said.
He also enquired after people's well being after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Laos was felt in Bangkok and northern Thailand on Wednesday.
"I told him that we miss him. The (earthquake) reminded me of the tsunami, and he was very quick to respond to the disaster," he said.
"Confidante" radio station is located in Nonthaburi province on the outskirts of Bangkok and was set up in December last year. It has since been a vocal critic of the junta which overthrew Thaksin.
The junta imposed a variety of censorship orders after it seized power, and in January this year issued a specific warning that it would shut down broadcasters who carried statements by Thaksin.
This is the first time Thaksin has successfully contacted media based in Thailand, although he has regularly been posting video messages to supporters on his website.
The Nation/Agence France Presse
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/17/headlines/headlines_30034443.php
Football fanatics often name their kids after soccer players. In Thailand, taxi drivers name themselves and their radio stations after wannabe soccer bosses:
Two men arrested for running community radio station without license
Two men were arrested Friday for operating 92.75 MHz community radio station without license.
Police and Public Relations Department officials raided the station of the Taxi Drivers Club at 2:30 pm and arrested the house owner, Shinawat Haboonnak and the station director, Phansak Sabu.
The two were charged with operating the station without license.
Police and the PR Department officials took the action after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra called into the programme to talk to his supporters.
Shinawat said the station had stopped broadcast on air for four days because its transmitter broke down. However, the station broadcast through its website, www.shinawatradio.com.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30034548
Community radio stations under siege
BangkokPost.com, dpa
Authorities moved on Friday to silence every broadcaster found to be criticising the government, in the biggest censorship blitz since last September's military coup.
The crackdown on the country's hundreds of illegal community radio stations came less than two days after exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra called three of the stations to air his political grievances.
"We will be listening to these illegal radio stations to see whether they are attacking the government and if they do we will send authorities to shut them down," said Borworn Thecha-in, director of the radio and television division at the Public Relations Department.
Mr Borworn said Thailand had more than 1,000 small radio stations that have operating in a legal limbo for years, pending legislation to cover the media sector.
"In the past we've ignored them, partly because they are so difficult to monitor," said Mr Borworn. "Sometimes these stations just play music all day."
On Thursday, the PRD closed down the FM 87.75 station after it aired a live interview with Mr Thaksin from his home in London in which the ousted premier called for speedy elections in Thailand and criticised the current government for not solving the country's problems.
The station has been charged with operating without a licence, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail and/or a 100,000 baht ($2,860) fine.
"We were acting on a complaint," said Mr Borworn, explaining the closure of FM 87.75 - but did not say who complained.
Thailand has been under an military-appointed government since army officers overthrew the Thaksin government and tore up the constitution in a bloodless coup last Sept 19. Mr Thaksin was attending the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.
Mr Thaksin, a former telecommunications tycoon whose family fortune is estimated at $3 billion, has been living in exile since the coup, but he continues to be a thorn in the thigh of the current appointed government.
Thai authorities attempted to block the airing of an interview Mr Thaksin had with CNN on March 20 and weres irked by another Thaksin interview that appeared the same month in Time Magazine.
Mr Thaksin's foray into Thailand's community radio stations on Wednesday was his first interview with the Thai media since his fall from power.
A video version of the interview was also posted on the popular YouTube.Com, already banned by the government last month for hosting images deemed insulting to His Majesty the King.
Thai authorities, however, have not yet attacked YouTube.Com for posting the Thaksin footage.
"Lese majeste is a sensitive issue for our country, but if it is just about politics we won't intervene," said spokesman Visanu Meeyoo of the Information Communciations and Technology Ministry, the official Thai censorship ministry.
Thai Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said on Friday that Mr Thaksin's latest publicity effort was in response to the escalating problems he faces in the country.
Mr Thaksin's family has been charged with tax evasion and abuse of power, and similar charges are pending against the former premier.
It is also likely that his Thai Rak Thai political party will be dissolved by a constitutional tribunal on May 30 for committing fraud during the April 2, 2006, general elections.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=118826
I have a feeling that Thaksin has a great deal more up his sleeve than the PRD and General Boonrawd (below) would ever imagine. This whole affair has a vague whiff of a fit-up. Thaksin either deliberately picks on a radio station he knows has no licence, or (probably more likely) he arranges the whole thing in advance with the proprietors with a promise to pay all their legal expenses and ensure they are well-remunerated. It wouldn't be the first time Maew has used taxi drivers to get a point across. Victimisation of taxi drivers and small radio stations is an emotive subject that could easily make the junta look heavy-handed. The fact that Thaksin had his own spree of intimidating community radios is neither here nor there, since the general public does have a fairly short 'interest' span.:
Boonrawd: Thaksin seeks a way out
(BangkokPost.com) - Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to call three radio stations on Wednesday night to talk to listeners was an instinctive move of a man who has problems and wants to find a way out, Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said Friday.
Mr Thaksin called FM 87.75 community radio station, FM 92.75 taxi drivers' community radio and the internet radio station run by the Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship website, calling for swift elections.
The messages from Mr Thaksin were not new, but the fact that he had interviews with the Thai media was a big surprise, because he had shunned the Thai media since the coup.
Gen Boonrawd said Mr Thaksin's action is a struggle of a man with problems. His move, said Gen Boonrawd, is to respond to the fact that the Thai Rak Thai party is facing dissolution charges in the April poll of last year.
The Constitution Tribunal is to give its ruling on the case on May 30.
Gen Boonrawd said the government and the Council for National Security believes that the political situation is going to be much more intense as the ruling date comes closer. But the government and the CNS will try its best to cope and to move on.
He added that the CNS is preparing plans to handle the anti-coup, anti-government group PTV who will stage a mass rally at the end of the month.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118820
CNS Deputy Secretary General view Mr. Thaksin's recent interview as politically motivated
The Deputy Secretary General of the Council for National Security believes that a recent interview conducted by Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra was politically motivated.
Deputy Secretary General of the Council for National Security Gen Saprang Kalayanimit (สพรั่ง กัลยาณมิตร), voiced his belief that a recent community radio station broadcast conducted by the former Prime Minister, and former leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, was made for political reasons. Gen Saprang called on Mr. Thaksin to show his patriotism by refraining from making inflammatory interviews.
The Deputy Secretary General of the CNS affirmed that the council will put its full effort into solving the nation's crises. He also called on the media to prevent themselves from becoming tools for politicians. Gen Saprang added that the CNS had no adversity towards Mr. Thaksin and the Shinawatra family and was only conducting its duties in accordance with the law.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255005180052
Perhaps a neat excuse for suppressing another radio station under the current crackdown on anti-coup community radios (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=14670&postcount=15):
18 May 2007
NTC raids office of Luk Thung Network
Officials from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and police officers earlier raided the office of Luk Thung (ลูกทุ่ง) Network, after authorities found that its radio waves have distracted those of aviation businesses as well as television waves of nearby residences.
The NTC officials led by Chatchai Nutchanont (ฉัตรชัย นุชนนท์) and police officers from the Phuttha Monthon (พุทธมณฑล) Provincial Police Station in Nakhon Pathom Province inspected the office of Luk Thung Network which operates FM101.750 and FM88.25 FM. The radio station uses two containers as its office located in a residential area for police officers in Nakhon Pathom.
The officials broke the doors of the containers, cut electricity, and confiscated all equipments found and handed them over to the Phuttha Monthon Provincial Police Station. The police officers asked two men claiming to be technicians of the radio station to go to the police station to provide information concerning the transmission radio waves.
Mr Chatchai says NTC has received complaints from residents and aviation businesses affected by the transmission of radio waves of Luk Thung Network. NTC has informed them of the complaints many times but they have done nothing to improve the matter.
NTC charges Luk Thung Network with illegal possession of radio transmission equipments and operation of a radio station without permission from the authority. Mr Chatchai also encourages people affected by transmission of radio waves to contact NTC or the Radio Wave Inspection Center.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255005180033
I have a feeling that Thaksin has a great deal more up his sleeve than the PRD and General Boonrawd (below) would ever imagine. This whole affair has a vague whiff of a fit-up. Thaksin either deliberately picks on a radio station he knows has no licence, or (probably more likely) he arranges the whole thing in advance with the proprietors with a promise to pay all their legal expenses and ensure they are well-remunerated. It wouldn't be the first time Maew has used taxi drivers to get a point across. Victimisation of taxi drivers and small radio stations is an emotive subject that could easily make the junta look heavy-handed. The fact that Thaksin had his own spree of intimidating community radios is neither here nor there, since the general public does have a fairly short 'interest' span.:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118820
It seems almost as if ACM Chalit is trying to say the same thing. Although I wouldn't swear that I have correctly decoded the PRD's handiwork:
18 May 2007
ACM Chalit considers interview of Dr. Thaksin w/ community radio as usual
The Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and Council for National Security (CNS) Deputy Chairman, ACM Chalit Pookpasuk, considers former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s interview with a community radio station as normal because a person who will be prosecuted would want to make some movements.
However, ACM Chalit would like the justice and legal system to resolve the case. He says he believes this is not a worrying issue and public members do understand the actual situation. He says if the action is legal, then nothing can be done. In addition, he reiterates that the CNS and the Royal Thai Army has done nothing to make Dr. Thaksin feels irate following the political reformation. He says the CNS has done what is right or better for the country.
ACM Chalit has turned down the rumours that CNS Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin and the government are at odds, saying the two sides have always worked together to solve national problems. He says it is up to how people perceive the news and information. He has asked people not to be worried as everyone needs to bring peace back to the country and help amend the constitution draft.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter03
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255005180032
EDITORIAL
Government falls for Thaksin's trap
Overreaction to ex-premier's radio phone-ins has diverted public attention, just as he hoped it would
Thaksin Shinawatra was at his manipulative best and the interim leadership their gullible worst this past week. His "surprise" phone-ins to local radio programmes were meant to garner positive publicity, and the government made sure he accomplished that. Hours after the interviews went on air, the Public Relations Department moved to shut down a community radio station responsible for the soft political ambush by the down-but-not-out overthrown leader in exile. Foreign news agencies scrambled to report the "raid", and ever-busy media freedom activists got a fresh case to pursue. A few phone calls by Thaksin, and the image of those who put him out of office suffered fresh blows.
Only this time it was sweeter for the man. He knew exactly what was going to happen, and even mentioned it during one of the calls. "I can't go back home right now, because whatever move I make, it startles those people," he said when asked if he could possibly "pass by" to soothe Thais who miss him. "They get scared all the time, although I make my move as an ordinary citizen. I just want to tell them that they don't need to be paranoid. The best way to win people's trust is to come up with good work. The more they are paranoid, the more they will lose."
Whatever his motive was for saying it, Thaksin was for once spot on. And it's easy to tell how he must have been elevated in many people's eyes after his statements were met by a predictable raid on a radio station. Thaksin set up a very cheap trap, predicted that the interim leadership would walk straight into it - and they did.
The Public Relations Department's director for radio and television, Borworn Thecha-in, and its lawyers filed a complaint with Nonthaburi police accusing the director of the community radio station of broadcasting without permission. Afterwards, Borworn visited the station, located on the third floor of a four-storey commercial building in Nonthaburi's Muang district. The station's director was producing a programme when Borworn inspected the building and soon the station went off the air. The "intimidation" met no resistance. In fact, if the station's staff had really been working for Thaksin as authorities virtually alleged, the authorities' visit must have been greeted with a tacit welcome.
What should have been a two-day story has now got worldwide attention, and will likely dominate headlines and editorials for much longer, not to mention that it will feature in reports by embassies and international media freedom groups. Despite a strong media reaction to Thursday's raid, another radio station involved in the latest Thaksin publicity stunt was visited by authorities yesterday, with similar consequences. Just as stories about the latest corruption investigations were occupying the front page, three phone-ins by Thaksin changed the focus completely.
Now, Thaksin's call for a "swift return" to democracy during the interviews will go nicely with stories of the "clamp-down", and the history of how many community radio stations suffered under him would not be remembered much. During his reign, numerous "illegal" radio stations were sent packing or reeling, but that doesn't matter now. He has managed to exploit the interim leadership's over-sensitivity and gullibility and claim to the world that Thailand now has a poor standard of freedom of speech.
Why the interim leadership keeps losing the mind game is puzzling. Just when it seemed he was being pushed toward the ropes - with key corruption cases beginning to bear some legal evidence - those who ousted him and the interim government have allowed him to play the victimised champion of democracy. At a time when Thaksin was supposed to answer some serious questions, he has managed to turn the table on his opponents and have the world ask them questions instead.
Like it or not, he was right on many things in his interviews. His advice - stop being paranoid, be sincere, do good and the rest will take care of itself - sounded almost noble. It's in fact a real road map to bring Thailand out of this crisis. The thing is, he gave that advice because he apparently was hoping that his opponents would do the opposite. But he cannot be blamed for this possible malice; his naive opponents helped make sure that an ousted politician's normal shout across the ocean has both a deafening and echoing effect.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/19/opinion/opinion_30034602.php
The earlier message seems rather more ceratin than the later report:
Thaksin nominates four businessmen to Manchester City board
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has nominated his former business partners and aides to sit on the board of directors of Manchester City Football Club, it was reported.
Thai Rath reported quoting a source as saying that Thaksin nominated Pongsak Raktapongpaisal, Thirachai Wutthichai, Phairoj Piampongsarn, and Wikrom Khumphairoj to sit on the Manchester City board after he managed to cut the takeover deal.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30034625
Ex-Thai PM makes formal bid for Man City
Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has made a formal bid to take over Manchester City, BBC online reported Saturday.
His advisers have been completing their due diligence on the club, and lawyer Noppadon Pattama confirmed on Saturday: "We have tendered a bid for the team."
But he denied reports that a ฃ100m takeover had already been agreed, saying: "The deal is not formally or legally concluded yet."
Thaksin is expected to target Claudio Ranieri to become City's new manager.
However, the former Chelsea coach told BBC Sport on Thursday that he had not yet been approached to take over from Stuart Pearce, who was sacked last Monday.
BBC reported earlier that Thaksin emerged as the frontrunner to buy Manchester City. He has been granted access to the club's accounts and his advisers will carry out due diligence before reporting their findings to him.
His offer is believed to be more favourable to City than that of rival bidder Ray Ranson.
The club were not happy with some of the terms of Ranson's initial proposal before he submitted an updated version.
But Thaksin made contact with City on April 30 and the process for him to take over the Eastlands outfit has moved on quickly.
Due diligence allows a potential buyer to examine the accounts of the organisation in question and decide whether it is a worthwhile investment for them to make.
"Dr Thaksin Shinawatra notes certain recent press articles regarding the possibility of an offer being made for Manchester City," read a statement from Shinawatra's accountants to the Stock Exchange.
"Dr Thaksin confirms that he and his advisers have made an indicative proposal that may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company."
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/19/headlines/headlines_30034627.php
Democrat wants Thaksin money audit
(BangkokPost.com) - Democrat deputy party leader Alongkorn Ponlabutr called on the Assets Scrutiny Committee to check the source of money that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra intends to use in buying Manchester City Football Club.
Several Thai-language newspapers cited a source close to Mr Thaksin on Saturday as saying that the ousted leader had already closed a deal to buy Manchester City for 7 billion baht, or 100 million pounds.
According to news reports, there will be a press conference to officially announce the takeover of the football team soon.
Mr Alongkorn said the ASC should check whether Mr Thaksin reported the amount of money to the National Counter Corruption Commission, or whether the money was deposited abroad and went undetected.
If the money belongs to Mr Thaksin, Mr Alongkorn said, the ASC should use its power to freeze his assets as the ousted premier may face corruption charges.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118845
Perhaps living proof that that the junta and interim government are putting their trust in the new-found confidence and power of the judiciary rather than the masses that they seem to find so fickle:
PM: Thaksin just seeking sympathy
(BangkokPost.com) - Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra calling in to community radios to talk to listeners reflects his concerns that his family is fighting court cases, not an attempt at a political comeback, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said in a television interview on Saturday morning.
Gen Surayud said he is not concerned with Mr Thaksin's actions because he simply wants sympathy from the people, which is usual.
He said he does not view that the government is taking a defensive role to handle Mr Thaksin's movements.
"The court will give justice to the people," Gen Surayud said. "The government doesn't have to respond. We just have to make sure that any unrest won't occur."
He added that political tension will be reduced once the Constitution Tribunal gives its rulings on electoral fraud charges against the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties at the end of this month.
"There may be some political movements, but it won't be too serious," he said, adding that the government and the Council for National Security are preparing to restore peace in the country by communicating with the people.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118840
http://bangkokpundit.blogspot.com/2007/05/rule-of-law-and-community-radio.html
Blogger Bangkok Pundit takes a look at 'rule of law' issues in relation to certain local community radios that have become embroiled in Thaksin Shinwatra's propaganda campaign against the junta and the interim government.
One supposes that this campaign is somewhat more important to Thaksin than the survival of a formerly great, but now struggling, English Premiership football club. One wonders whether Man City supporters fully realize that their club is going to be playing second fiddle to one man's long-term obsession with being top-dog in a rather sordid political system. Will Mancunians & hardcore fans eventually retaliate against what seems like a rather cynical attempt to use their noble club for political propaganda purposes?
Manchester City play down Thai takeover bid claims
Manchester City officials are insisting that they remain in talks with 'a number' of different parties over a potential buyout, according to a British television station.
Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer, however, has claimed that the former Thai Prime Minister has made a formal bid to take over the City of Manchester club.
Noppadon Pattama said: "What I can say now is we have tendered a bid for the team. We had to be silent because we had to follow the stock regulations as we are trying to buy a listed company.
Thaksin is reportedly ready to pay around 100 million pounds for the club, but his lawyer would not confirm any figures, adding: "The deal is not formally or legally concluded yet."
Although talks between Thaksin and City are at an advanced stage he was shown around the club's Carrington training complex on Monday there has been no bid as yet, London-based ITV reported Saturday.
Any offer would have to be lodged with the London Stock Exchange, although with due diligence almost complete Thaksin is expected to make a move in the next few days.
It is believed telecoms tycoon Thaksin wants former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri to succeed Stuart Pearce, who was sacked as manager earlier this week.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/19/headlines/headlines_30034638.php
FOOTBALL-CLUB PURCHASE
Thaksin seeks BOT blessings for Bt6.8 bn deal
Ex-PM's lawyer says move is not political; Man City says other bidders also in the fray
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will ask the Bank of Thailand to permit him to withdraw an unspecified sum from the country so he can buy Manchester City Football Club.
According to Thaksin's counsel Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin has bid for the club. The offer is estimated at around ฃ100 million (Bt6.8 billion).
Club officials said City remained in talks with "a number" of different parties over a potential buy-out.
"What I can say now is we have tendered a bid for the team. We had to be silent because we had to follow stock regulations," Noppadon said.
Offers for listed companies must be lodged with the London Stock Exchange.
Noppadon said the central bank was expected to give the green light because "the money would be used for a good cause".
"The money isn't going to be used for any political purpose, and news of the bid to buy the club isn't politically motivated," he said.
Noppadon also said Thaksin wants to help promote sports in Thailand via the take-over of Manchester City.
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the central bank had to handle Thaksin's request with transparency.
"And if there is no money taken out we have to examine the source of funds used if he buys the club," he said.
Assets Examination Commit-tee member Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka suggested Abhisit file a complaint with the committee or the Comptroller-General to allow an investigation of the City bid and its source of funds.
The net worth of Thaksin and his family is estimated to be around US$3 billion.
In January 2006, his family sold off the majority stake of Shin Corp to Temasek Group of Singapore in a tax-free Bt70-billion-plus transaction, triggering a widespread protest and leading to the coup on Sept 19, 2006.
Criminal, tax evasion, abuse of power and other charges have been filed against Thaksin and his family members, with the first criminal case due to be heard by the court in July this year.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/20/headlines/headlines_30034669.php
Man City denies Thaksin bid is 'formal'
(Compiled by BangkokPost.com) - Reports from England on Sunday morning (Thailand time) say that Manchester City chairman John Wardle is denying that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has made a formal bid for the football club.
"Erroneous speculation has surfaced in the far east that favoured candidate, former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has already lodged a formal bid for the Eastlands outfit," said team officials.
In fact, a formal bid to buy the club can only be lodged with the Stock Exchange.
With due diligence almost complete, Mr Thaksin is expected to make a move in the next few days.
Wardle is said to be broadly supportive of Mr Thaksin's ownership, which it is thought would keep most of the current management structure in place and bring in former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri as Stuart Pearce's replacement as manager
The other negotiations to sell Man City seem shaky, if the London reports are true.
Discussions are supposedly continuing with former player Ray Ranson, but only through third parties.
The un-named American consortium, touted as favourites to buy a majority stake in the club before Mr Thaksin entered the deal, are still believed to be keen on continuing negotiations.
But talks between Mr Thaksin and the Blues are at an advanced stage - to such an extent he was shown around the club's Carrington training complex last Monday.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118860
This Letter to the Ed seems to be suggesting that Thaksin's normal non-transparent modus operandi is likely to curry little favor with diehard soccer fans. However, I think it is worth noting that the boards of European soccer clubs are also not reknowned for working in anything like a transparent manner:
Serious doubts about ex-PM's Manchester City bid
There are concerns that Thaksin seems to be overriding Manchester City executives on the choice of a new manager. This is not entirely surprising given that Thaksin is first and foremost a politician. It is being widely reported that he is going against advice from club sources before an offer is made (eg Thaksin's preference for Ranieri as the next City manager, against the wishes of the City board). It suggests there may be no limits to Thaksin's interference.
Moreover, it has been reported that Thaksin wants City's reserve team to include Thai youngsters, regardless of ability. Whilst it is not unreasonable and entirely noble that young Thai footballers should benefit from a takeover, this should not be at the expense of more able non-Thai players. If this is the case, then this deal should be kicked out. We have one of the finest football academies in British football, and in one act of stupidity, Thaksin wants to undermine this. Furthermore, it reveals how little he understands about football.
There are acute concerns that the football club may be run without any transparency and democracy whatsoever. Thaksin isn't known for delegating authority. There are deep reservations as to whether or not the fans (including representative bodies such as the Manchester City Supporters' Trust) will have any say in the way the club is run.
Unsympathetic City fans are likely to be an obstacle to Thaksin and his political ambitions. It is rumoured that his London PR company, Holborn PR, are deluding themselves that a huge fund will be sufficient to counter fans' legitimate concerns.
Who exactly is the rebranded Thaksin? What money would be used to fund his purchase of Manchester City?
At the end of May 2007, Thailand's Constitution Tribunal is scheduled to hand down its rulings in the party dissolution cases brought against the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties, who were accused of electoral fraud. Let us not forget that Thaksin was forced from office following the sale of shares in Shin Corp to Temasek. He must answer charges of tax evasion, abuse of power and other charges in July 2007.
With such distractions, one wonders how the present City board can entertain such a proposal from Thaksin, especially when there are other offers on the table.
Clearly, it cannot be discounted that we are once again being led down a blind alley by Wardle and his associates. They continue to reveal their true colours by putting their own interests first. Wardle may take the money and run, but I would urge him and his board to consider what type of legacy they are leaving behind?
If Thaksin clears his name (or, as is more likely, cuts a deal with the military in Bangkok), then and only then should City consider any offer involving the former Thai PM.
I for one am not against the idea of the football club falling into Thai ownership. However, John Wardle and Shinawatra's representatives should come clean now and answer any legitimate concerns that City fans may have. If they do this, they can expect loyal and passionate backing from City fans.
If they don't do this, the risks - unwanted publicity, interference and lack of fans' involvement - can only backfire against Thaksin and the club in the long term.
St Petersburg Blue
Bangkok
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/23/letters/letters_30034912.php
On the subject of taking over football club, here's an article from a recent issue of Times Magazine.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1614965,00.html
English Premier League is the most lucrative of all the football (soccer) leagues. Although it potentially has a larger captive audience (especially in Asia) it's still lagging behind NFL, NBA in terms of revenue generation and sponsorship deals.
It's also interesting to note that many English clubs are now owned in majority by overseas investors:
Manchester United - Malcolm Glazer (American)
Chelsea - Roman Abramovich (Russian)
Liverpool - Tom Hicks and George Gillette (American)
Aston Villa - Randy Lerner (American)
WestHam United - Eggert Magnusson (Icelandic)
An article critical of Thaksin's takeover of Manchester City ...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/05/23/city_blinded_by_money_in_race.html
Manchester City wants to see "colour of Thaksin's money" : UK media
England's Manchester City Football Club plans to go ahead and appoint a new manager as ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra continue to drag his foot on filing a bid to take over the club.
London-based Sunday Mirror online reported the club's chairman John Wardle wanted to "colour of Thaksin's money within a fortnight or he may be forced to scrap his plans to sell."
Wardle may make Graeme Souness manager amid fears that Thaksin's 90 million pounds takeover bid has hit the wall.
The Mirror reported that the former Thai Prime Minister's accountants have been looking at City's books for weeks as part of a due diligence process. But no formal bid has been made - nor is one expected this week.
Alarm signals are sounding as the exiled prime minister's attempt begins to look similar to his doomed plans to move into Anfield.
City feared that the new season is kicking off in just over two months and the club has become a rudderless ship.
It has no no manager following the sacking of Stuart Pearce, and while other clubs are doing their summer shopping, City are caught in a void.
The Mirror said Claudio Ranieri, who was ready to become manager if Thaksin was successful, is now certain to take over at Juventus instead.
Wardle is now preparing to remain in control and former Liverpool, Blackburn and Newcastle boss Souness is on stand-by.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/04/headlines/headlines_30035975.php
Over the weekend, and even now, Thaksin is broadcasting into the USA on a former Lao satellite TV channel. Don't know where else the broadcast is being beamed. The channel has been renamed "Thai Overseas TV". Last week Thaksin reportedly told his supporters to accept the ruling of the Constitution Court. And now he is broadcasting his complaints about the "unfairness" of it all. Anyone have any info on this new PR effort?
Bernie
Manchester City in advance discussion with interested "parties"
Manchester City are in "advanced discussions" that could lead to an offer being made for the club.
City are to release a statement to the Stock Exchange on Tuesday, stating that talks held with "interested parties may or may not lead to an offer," BBC reported Tuesday.
Ex-Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is reported to have lodged a formal bid for the club. And the Premiership outfit has also been linked with a buy-out from American investors.
But former City player Ray Ranson is understood to have withdrawn his bid to buy the club.
City's statement comes on the day that Claudio Ranieri - strongly linked with the managerial vacancy at the club - was appointed boss of Italian side Juventus.
Ranieri was thought to be the favoured choice of Thaksin and the two men met in London last Wednesday - but the delay over the takeover led the Italian to opt for Juve.
"It was difficult to say no to the big project at Manchester City - but the team have not been taken over yet and for me I cannot wait for one week more," said Ranieri.
Thaksin's lawyer Noppadon Pattama said in May: "Thaksin has officially submitted his bid to buy the football club.
"There is not any official conclusion yet at this moment, but everything is proceeding well. By the end of this month, everything will be clear."
But the issue has dragged on, with paperwork now being handled by Thaksin's lawyers.
City chairman John Wardle, who along with business partner David Makin has a 29% stake on the club, is thought to be supportive of Thaksin's interest.
Wardle is thought to have a cut-off date after which he believes it will no longer be in the club's short-term interests to further delay signing new players but it is not thought to be imminent.
AFP reported that Noppadon yesterday remained tight-lipped on Tuesday on a report that a deal was close.
Noppadon said the deal was proceeding "well" but declined to comment on the report.
"So far I learn that the deal is proceeding well. (But) I can't give any details on this issue. Thaksin instructed me not to talk about this matter unless it's final," Noppadon told AFP.
"I think when the deal is concluded, we will have a press conference here," he said without elaborating further.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/05/headlines/headlines_30036063.php
Thaksin Man City bid likely next week
Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to make a formal bid for control of Manchester City next week, the British media reported this morning.
But the reports say that the former Thai prime minister will need all his persuasive charm to install Juande Ramos as manager after it emerged that the Spaniard is in negotiations to extend his contract at Sevilla.
A lengthy article in The Independent newspaper published this morning (Thailand time) said that City had confirmed on Monday that talks had progressed to an advanced stage with "interested parties" and anticipate an official offer of around 90 million pounds (6.12 billion baht, $179.4 million) to materialise from Mr Thaksin following the completion of the current due diligence process.
Mr Thaksin suffered a serious setback in his managerial pursuit this week when first choice Claudio Ranieri joined Juventus, citing delays in the takeover as a factor in his decision to reject City's advances, according to The Independent's article.
Mr Thaksin's team, however, had drawn up an alternative shortlist of candidates prior to Ranieri's move and remain confident of making an appointment before the squad reports back for pre-season training in the first week of July.
The Dutchmen Louis van Gaal, in charge of AZ Alkmaar, and the former Ajax and Porto coach Co Adriaanse are both on that shortlist although Gerard Houllier, the bookmakers' favourite, has received several offers since leaving Lyon and is considering the experience of another European League.
The much sought-after Ramos, who has guided Sevilla to two consecutive Uefa Cup successes plus the cusp of the Spanish title and the Copa del Rey final this season, is also on Mr Thaksin's wishlist but the Thai will need to convince the 52-year-old he has a substantial transfer budget to lure him away from Andalucia.
Ramos has one year remaining on his contract with Sevilla but can leave this summer if a buy-out clause is paid, although the Spanish club hope to secure an extension to his services when talks conclude after the Copa del Rey final against Getafe on 23 June.
"He is in discussions with the club in order to get another contract," a Sevilla spokesman said last night. "Juande publicly always says that he is happy here. He wants to continue and is waiting until after the League and Cup to get a meeting with the president to arrange a new contract."
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=119250
Manchester City gives Thaksin deadline
England's Premier League Manchester City are giving ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra 48 hours to close the deal to take over the club - or the big sale is off.
London-based Mirror online reported that Thaksin is trying to clear the final hurdle to buy the club but time will run out Friday night.
Man City have been in talks with Thaksin for over a month.
Thaksin has to find around ฿30million to pay off the debt to one of the companies who have lent money to City.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/07/headlines/headlines_30036254.php
Indeed, it look almost as if Manchester is bracing itself for mob protests: ;)
CITY MAYHEM
By David Mcdonnell And Alan Nixon 05/06/2007
MANCHESTER CITY are in chaos after Claudio Ranieri snubbed them for Juventus and would-be owner Thaksin Shinawatra ran into a big takeover snag.
Ranieri accepted a oneyear offer at Juve when he was put under pressure to accept as the Italians threatened to appoint former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson.
The former Chelsea chief had originally given Shinawatra a one-week deadline to buy City and make him manager - or he would join Juve.
It is a devastating setback for City, who had let Shinawatra and his team open talks with a manager before they had even closed the deal to move into the club.
He has been in negotiations for City for almost a month. His offer suits chairman John Wardle and leading shareholder Dave Makin, but some of the club's financial backers are unconvinced.
The former policeman and Thai Prime Minister has also vowed to spend around £50million on new players.
But managerless City may yet be left in turmoil as rival clubs make appointments and snap up players.Desperate to quell growing unrest among fans, the club said last night: "The Board is in advanced discussions with interested parties" - which suggests not just Shinawatra is looking into buying the club.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/topstories/tm_method=full%26objectid=19247138%26siteid=89520-name_page.html
Of course, if this Man City / Thaksin deal is real it’ll be a while (if ever) before we learn the financial details of it. But I must say I wonder where Thaksin is getting the money for this. Supposedly the proceeds from the Shin Corp stock sale is still on deposit in Thailand. One wonders if he will be allowed to take any of that cash out of the country. Or perhaps he already has a bundle stashed outside. At any rate, it seems that the Thai govt. is being rather lenient with Thaksin. No frozen assets? No requests to other governments to freeze assets? Or could the stories be true of boxes of cash being flown out of Thailand just prior to Thaksin’s trip to the UN in October? All of this seems to belie one the stated reasons given for the coup i.e., to clean up corruption.
FarangBha
08-06-07, 02:53 PM
they certainly took alot of bags on their last official trip - what was it, 67 or something, with a stop off in Finland(?). And then how many trips have the rest of the clan made??
And who knows how many off-shore accounts he has.
City seek Thaksin answers
LONDON - Manchester City are seeking clarification of would-be buyer Thaksin Shinawatra's financial status after Thailand's anti-graft panel said it would freeze 1.5 billion dollars worth of assets held by the former premier and his family.
The move has cast doubt on whether Thaksin will be able to proceed with his planned buyout of the English Premiership club.
In a statement, City confirmed that they were uncertain as to the implications of Monday's development.
"The board notes the information emanating out of Thailand today in respect of Dr Shinawatra and the freezing of his assets," read a statement issued by the club.
"The board and its advisers are in discussion with Dr Shinawatra's advisers to confirm the implications of these developments in respect of their client's interest in potentially making an offer for the company.
"These discussions and those between the company and other interested parties may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company."
The assets frozen in Thailand are held in 21 accounts that hold the profits from the sale of Thaksin's Shin Corp telecom giant to Singapore's Temasek Holdings.
The committee also ordered a freeze on an unspecified number of personal accounts held by Thaksin and his wife Pojaman, citing evidence that Thaksin had broken the law.
Agence France-Presse
See also thread on the assets freeze imposed on ex-PM Thaksin and his family:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=15130#post15130
http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/mc.jpg
Couldn't resist this New Mandela 'Thaksin' version of the Manchester City coat-of-arms. There's a short blog article too:
http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/2007/06/12/football-and-the-freeze/
There seem to be quite a few reasons to believe the bid will proceed, but I wouldn't discount the possibility that it will take longer than Man City are prepared to tolerate in their desire to make the most of the between season break for personnel changes and major expenditure. The tainted nature of the man's cash might also begin to rile up some opposition from avid supporters who are aware the new season is perilously close:
Thaksin may seek extension of Manchester City bid after seizure
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra may seek more time to complete his bid for Manchester City after graft busters ordered freezing of his and his family's wealth, Thaksin's spokesman Noppodon Pattama said Tuesday.
The orders to impound Thaksin's assets won't affect his intentions to buy the Premier League club, Noppadon told a press conference.
Thaksin, who has been living in exile since the military overthrew him in a September coup, may ask for the bid deadline to be extended.
"We still hope it won't affect the bid. Thaksin still wants to buy Manchester City," he said.
Most of Thaksin's and his family's assets were frozen by investigators, raising doubts about his ability to fund the takeover.
Thaksin was banned from politics for five years by a Constitutional Tribunal on May 30 for electoral fraud. The tribunal also disbanded his Thai Rak Thai party.
Manchester City said in a statement earlier on Monday it was talking to Thaksin's advisers "to confirm the implications of these developments in respect of their client's interest in potentially making an offer for the company.''
In the statement, City confirmed that they were uncertain as to the implications of Monday's development.
"The board notes the information emanating out of Thailand today in respect of Dr Shinawatra and the freezing of his assets," read a statement issued by the club.
"The board and its advisers are in discussion with Dr Shinawatra's advisers to confirm the implications of these developments in respect of their client's interest in potentially making an offer for the company.
"These discussions and those between the company and other interested parties may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company."
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/12/headlines/headlines_30036643.php
This article points out that the City Council of Manchester also have a stake in this issue:
Man City ponders life without Thaksin
BangkokPost.com from reports
The freezing of his accounts for possible corruption charges pose a huge roadblock to the proposed purchase of Manchester City Football Club by ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
One major hurdle is those possible charges. But according to the Guardian newspaper, there are others.
The paper quoted sources close to Mr Thaksin as admitting the deal was "on the ropes".
While the ex-premier and billionaire was said to be determined to press ahead with his takeover but the Premier League's intervention might prevent him taking any role in the top division even if he were still in a financial position to proceed.
Every board member or controlling shareholder of a Premier League club must sign a "director's declaration" stating whether he or she has convictions for fraud, theft, corruption or associated offences, newspapers are pointing out this morning.
Clubs with a director carrying such convictions are debarred from competing in the league until the association with the individual is terminated.
If charges and a conviction were to follow, the Premier League would be forced to exercise its fit-and-proper-persons regulations for the first time, the press said.
When the rules were introduce in August of 2004, the league's chief executive, Richard Scudamore, stated:
"The fit-and-proper-persons test puts football club directors in the Premier League under a far more rigorous test than ordinary company law."
The fact that Mr Thaksin might already have completed his purchase of City would not prevent retroactive enforcement by the Premier League.
Mr Thaksin and his representatives spent yesterday in a series of top-level meetings to discuss the freezing of his bank balances and other financial assets, and a statement from his lawyer, Michael Goldberg, said the 57-year-old would "vigorously evaluate all international options to protect his rights and interests".
"The junta is committed to finding means to circumvent any rule of law to persecute Dr Thaksin, his family, his friends and his business activities," Mr Goldberg continued. "The junta's attacks on Dr Thaksin amount to an arbitrary interference with his privacy and his family, his private property, his business interests as well as his honour and reputation."
The club's lawyers have asked Mr Thaksin for written confirmation that he is in a position to proceed and Manchester city council, which owns the stadium, has become involved, the Guardian newspaper reported.
"The perception of the club is one of drift," said the council leader, Sir Richard Leese. "The board ought to put a deadline on the takeover issue. It is reaching a stage where people should put up or shut up."
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=119410
BBC World Service is reporting that Thaksin met with the Manchester City FC board this is morning, and that he has been asked to attend a further meeting this afternoon. Well, the afternoon is practically over, so something may materialize soon.
Ousted PM's deal to buy Manchester City to conclude in 2 weeks
Negotiations on whether ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will buy English Premier League football club Manchester City should be concluded within two weeks, Thaksin's lawyer, Noppadon Patama said Thursday.
"It is not likely to take more than two weeks to know the result. I believe and I hope the deal will succeed," Noppadon told reporters.
Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup d'etat in September last year, has been considered the front-runner in the Manchester City takeover.
However his ability to fund the takeover is in doubt this week after graft busters ordered freezing of his assets.
Noppadon said he did not know how Thaksin planned to finance the deal, saying,"it's not at that stage yet," but added that he may borrow money to buy the team.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/14/headlines/headlines_30036876.php
This is a restoration of a missing message originally posted by GWR on June 15, 2007.
***************
---Quote---
*I'm still in talks to buy Manchester City : Thaksin*
London - Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he was still in talks with Manchester City for a possible bid for the Premiership football club, adding further updates will be made in due course.
Forbes.com reported that Thaksin reacted to his lawyer, Noppadon Pattama's comments on his deal with Manchester City.
Thaksin said Noppadon was not authorised to make comments on his behalf.
He also issued an appeal to disregard Noppadon's comments on the potential Manchester City acquisition.
Earlier today, Bangkok-based Noppadon was quoted as saying 'Dr Thaksin has the money to buy Manchester City and the signs from the club in the latest negotiations are good'.
Noppadon also reportedly said 'Dr Thaksin may need to use some of the money that has been frozen [by the Assets Examination Committee]' and 'If Dr Thaksin can't buy Manchester City the AEC will be to blame.'
The Assets Examination Committee, a Thai anti-graft panel up by the Thai military junta, froze the assets held by Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, which could total well over a 1 bln USD, on June 11.
by Forbes.com
---End Quote---
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/15/headlines/headlines_30036938.php
***************
This is a restoration of a missing message originally posted by FarangBha on June 15, 2007.
***************
Now Thaksin has another competitor: [url="http://www.nme.com/news/oasis/28952"]http://www.nme.com/news/oasis/28952[
/URL]
Oasis to buy favourite football team?
Noel Gallagher planning bid for Manchester City
14.Jun.07 9:53am
---Quote---
Oasis leader Noel Gallagher has said he is thinking of buying the football team he supports, Manchester City.
The club were involved in takeover talks with former prime minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra, though that deal has run into trouble after it was reported that some of his assets have been frozen at home while a awaiting a court ruling.
Now Gallagher has joked he might be able to get his boyhood club on the cheap.
"We haven't got a manager, we've not sold any season tickets, brilliant!" complained the guitarist, reports the Daily Star.
He then suggested that him and M-People founder Mike Pickering - who now works for record label Sony BMG - could buy their favourite team.
"I'm thinking of mounting a hostile takeover - me and Mike Pickering," declared Gallagher. "I reckon we could scrape together about £400,000 in cash and I reckon we would get it for that."
---End Quote---
***************
Not sure that Sven Goran Eriksson is exactly qualified to speak on what Thais want from his occasional luxury holiday in Thailand. I suspect that many Thais would actually like Thaksin to own the club, even when some of them don't exactly see eye-to-eye with him on other issues:
Confusion at Man City
BangkokPost.com from reports
Thaksin Shinawatra faces a 72-hour deadline to bid on Manchester City - but the likely new manager Sven Goran Eriksson opposes the sale.
According to British media reports on Sunday morning (Thailand time), Eriksson is being lined up for a return to England as manager of Manchester City, but his appointment is in doubt as would-be owners fight Mr Thaksin for control of the club.
The ex-premier could succeed with his 90-million-pound takeover in the next 72 hours when he makes a formal bid to shareholders despite having assets frozen in Thailand.
But according to the Daily Mail newspaper, quoting "a source," Eriksson feels Thaksin would not be the choice of the Thai people.
The failed ex-England coach is therefore believed to be hoping a rival faction buys the club and scuppers Mr Thaksin.
In typically confused Manchester City fashion, a different group of headhunters, led by chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, have also been looking for successors to Stuart Pearce and have been rebuffed by Sevilla manager Juan Ramos and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes.
To add to the uncertainty surrounding ownership of Man City, Chris Coleman could now emerge as a rival candidate to Eriksson. Coleman was sacked by Fulham after falling out with owner Mohamed Al Fayed towards the end of last season and is prepared to move to the North West.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=119493
City soon to decide on Thaksin's bid
The incredible saga of the former prime minister and his bid to take over Manchester City is finally nearing its end, Friday's Manchester Evening News said.
Its reporter Mike Whalley wrote that the final decision on the fate of Thaksin Shinawatra's proposed bid for the soccer club now rests entirely with City's board and that they are likely to make that decision in the next five days.
City representatives spent Thursday and Friday locked in talks with Mr Thaksin's team in London, attempting to discover whether he still has the money to go through with a takeover after having many of his assets frozen by the government on Monday.
The paper cited Manchester City sources as saying Mr Thaksin wants to plough on with the purchase and that the ball is in City's court.
It is 45 days since Mr Thaksin's team began going through City's books and even though there are two unnamed American groups interested in buying the club, neither have been granted access to City's accounts, the report said.
It is 19 days before City's players return for pre-season training and the club is yet to appoint a manager, although the report said Mr Thaksin wants a European, not a Briton, in the position.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Jun2007_news01.php
It is 19 days before City's players return for pre-season training and the club is yet to appoint a manager, although the report said Mr Thaksin wants a European, not a Briton, in the position.Britons are no Europeans, then?
Ousted PM's bid for Manchester City's still on - UK media
Premier League Manchester City's on-off Thai takeover is back on again with a 120m Pound offer expected by the end of the week, Manchester Evening News reported on Monday.
The Blues board, under intense pressure from concerned fans, is poised to set a deadline for ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's consortium to put up or shut up.
City directors have, it is understood, been assured by billionaire Thaksin's representatives that he still has enough funds available to buy the club, even though the Thai graft busters ordered freezing of his wealth.
The Thai government's bombshell decision put the takeover in jeopardy.
But after detailed discussions lasting almost three days, the talks, officially at an advanced stage, are now said to be "progressing well," the paper online said.
Supporters welcomed the fact that chief executive Alistair Mackintosh had been briefed to identify a replacement for sacked Stuart Pearce, with or without Thai approval.
But with the takeover now very much on again, Mackintosh is liaising with Shinawatra's advisers on the five-strong shortlist.
Key directors and shareholders, reportedly including ex-chairman Francis Lee, want to push on to lure United legend Mark Hughes from Blackburn.
But, though not ruling out Hughes, who is regarded as the best young manager in the Premiership, Thaksin wants to ensure the club explores the prospect of hiring the club's first non-British boss.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, 59, who has been out of management since his England World Cup mission ended in failure 12 months ago, has already thrown his hat in the ring.
He is seen in some influential quarters as the type of manager capable of creating a Kevin Keegan-style level of interest, attracting big-name players and boosting season ticket sales.
The paper said Thaksin's first choice, as revealed by M.E.N. Sport last month, was Claudio Ranieri. He opted to stay in Italy with Juventus, replacing Frenchman Didier Deschamps.
That put Deschamps in the frame for City, and Mackintosh has already flown to Paris to interview him. Graeme Souness who, like Hughes, lives locally was being touted as an early runner, but is not amongst the top five candidates.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/18/headlines/headlines_30037171.php
STREET WISE
More bad news for Thaksin?
Deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra may face yet another obstacle in his 90 Million Pound (Bt6.18 billion) takeover bid for Manchester City Football Club.
No, it would be wrong to assume the decision by the anti-corruption Assets Examination Committee (AEC) to freeze Thaksin's assets was the last of his bad news.
Last Friday, the Foreign Ministry issued a warning to Thai nationals to be more cautious before moving large sums of money into the United Kingdom and the European Union.
The Foreign Ministry said a letter had been sent to the Bank of Thailand saying the UK had from the middle of this month begun enforcing a new law being applied to all European Union countries.
The law controls the inflow and outflow of foreign currencies.
Under the law, persons travelling in and out of EU countries, including the UK, with foreign currencies in the form of bonds, coins, drafts, and cheques amounting to ค10,000 (Bt465,000), must reveal this to customs and revenue officials.
If they don't and are caught, the money will be seized, and they will be investigated.
This new law introduced by the UK will make the football-club deal more difficult, especially with authorities here chasing Thaksin's money trail after it was reported Bt8 billion of his money was mysteriously withdrawn within a week earlier this month.
An additional Bt21 billion had earlier been withdrawn from his accounts.
Last week, Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase was asked whether Thaksin might have carried some of the Bt21 billion out with him during earlier trips abroad.
The new UK law will make the deal more difficult for anyone trying to spirit banknotes into the UK unnoticed.
Already, even without the new UK law, Noppadon Pattama admitted the frozen money would make the bid more difficult.
He was quoted as saying, "We may need to use some of the money that has been frozen. If we can't buy Manchester City, the AEC will be to blame."
Here's a suggestion for Manchester City: look for other new investors.
The earlier aborted bid to take over Liverpool serves as an indicator of what it's all about. Look who's winking now. Wink! Wink!
jeerawat@nationgroup.com
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/19/business/business_30037195.php
It seems ex-PM Thaksin has sufficient resources available outside Thailand to make this takeover and Manchester public opinion seems to be behind him.
It will be interesting to see if this morning's first formal corruption charges against Thaksin and his wife Khunying Pojaman (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2475) have any effect on the Man City board's decision. I somehow doubt it, as Thaksin has the necessary money to compete with the other high-spending league millionaires at places like Chelsea. And Man City supporters are too hungry for long-denied league success to really weigh up whether they want their club to be ruled by a man some see as a ruthless, arrogant and corrupt dictator :
Thaksin Man City purchase near
British newspapers report this morning that Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyers have put the finishing touches to the takeover bid for Manchester City Football Club.
According to the newspapers, the purchase of the club by Mr Thaksin will also see former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson offered the chance to resurrect his career by managing under the Thai ownership.
The former Thai prime minister has provided evidence to City that he has the funds in place and the club have been led to believe that his position has not changed despite the freezing of billions of baht of his personal fortune by the military-appointed Assets Scrutiny Committee.
"Mr Thaksin and his London-based representatives were preparing their formal takeover offer," the Guardian said Thursday morning.
"Mr Thaksin is understood to have around the same amount in European accounts" as has been frozen in Thailand.
Manchester City directors have not been deterred by Mr Thaksin's past and the process of accepting the takeover bid and concluding all the legalities is not expected to take long, newspapers agreed in their reports today.
If everything goes according to plan, Thaksin and his representatives hope to be able to announce the appointment of Eriksson simultaneously, according to the newspapers.
Keith Harris, the former Football League chairman, has taken on the role of Thaksin's chief head-hunter and, despite a strong denial last night from Eriksson's agent, Athole Still, there was confirmation from the Thai's officials that there had been two meetings in London over the last five days.
Eriksson, out of work since leaving the England's coach job after the World Cup, is the favourite for the job.
English bookies, who will bet on anything, slashed the odds on Eriksson's succeeding Stuart Pearce from 5-1 to 6-4.
The fans were also in favour. A poll on the Manchester Evening News website had 71 per cent backing his appointment.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=119594
Manchester City to become Shin City : the Sun
Premier League Manchester City will become "Shin City" on Thursday as the club's five major shareholders have agreed to sell their 66 per cent to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Sun tabloid reported.
However London-based the Sun said the takeover Thaksin's takeover could still be vetoed if the Premier League decide he does not pass their Right and Proper Persons Test.
Every board member or controlling shareholder of a Premier League club must sign a "director's declaration" stating whether he or she has convictions for fraud, theft, corruption or associated offences.
Clubs with a director carrying such convictions are debarred from competing in the league until the association with the individual is terminated.
Thaksin is wanted back in Thailand on charges of corruption and abuse of power. Thai graft busters have ordered freezing of Bt58 billion of his assets.
The Sun reported that Thaksin has assured City the money is there for him to fulfil his dream of bringing success to Eastlands.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/21/headlines/headlines_30037458.php
I actually couldn't find the above report in The Sun, but I did find this report that makes the Svengali-Sven combination look somewhat less than a done deal:
City fear over Eriksson
June 21, 2007
MANCHESTER CITY fear they will be a “laughing stock” if Sven Goran Eriksson is appointed boss.
Ex-Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to clinch a £108million takeover today.
But the major shareholders handing over power fear it could be a disaster if former England chief Eriksson is named boss.
A substantial shareholder said: “We cannot believe they would appoint Eriksson after his failure with England.
“The club could become a circus, a laughing stock. There is so much baggage on and off the pitch that comes with him. Eriksson is simply not the man to push the club forward.”
Eriksson’s agent Athole Still last night described any approach as “nonsense”.
City’s search for a new boss is fast becoming a joke and legend Peter Barnes said: “If I’d a choice between Sven and Mark Hughes, I know who I’d go for.”
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007280601,00.html
Thaksin bids 81.6 million pounds for Manchester City
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra launched a takeover bid on Thursday for Manchester City, valuing the English Premiership football club at 81.6 million pounds, his takeover company announced.
The offer was worth the equivalent of 121.5 million euros or 162.6 million dollars, including debt, according to a joint statement from Manchester City and UK Sports Investments, Thaksin's takeover vehicle.
Soccernet.com reported Man City's board have recommended to shareholders that the offer should be accepted.
Should Shinawatra go on and see his plans come to fruition his first task will be to appoint a new manager.
Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is believed to be in the running to succeed Stuart Pearce, who was dismissed at the end of the season after a disappointing campaign.
Thaksin has already been pledged 55.9% of the club through shares owned by members of the board and former chairman Francis Lee.
He said: "I am delighted that the board of Manchester City has recommended my bid for the club.
"I look forward to continuing the excellent work of John Wardle and his team," according to the website.
"We share a determination to take the club back to its rightful place at the highest level of competition in both the FA Premier League and European football.
"I am in no doubt of the responsibility associated with leading Manchester City and pledge to the fans, players and staff my utmost commitment to the future success of this great club.''
City chairman John Wardle will remain on the board if Thaksin takes control while Alistair Mackintosh will stay as chief executive.
Wardle said: "Following our significant progress over the last few years, this offer provides an exciting opportunity to take Manchester City to the next stage of our development and deliver the on-field success we have all been striving for.
"I am delighted to have been asked to remain on the Board of the Club, together with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, with whom I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship.
"I am equally as pleased that the management team, who have worked relentlessly during my time as chairman to bring about success off the field, will also remain.''
The move from Thaksin Shinawatra comes despite Thai prosecutors filing corruption charges against him.
His wife was also named in the case, which involves allegations of wrongdoing in a land deal.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/21/headlines/headlines_30037458.php
MAN CITY TAKEOVER
Ousted PM may face EPL's scrutinisation on his Man City bid
Exiled Thaksin Shinawatra may have to face a 'fit and proper person' test before completing a takeover of Manchester City.
The former Thai prime minister, who is facing corruption charges in Thailand, has tabled an ฃ81.6m takeover bid for City, reported Manchester Evening News online.
And Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told BBC Radio Five Live: "We have a fit and proper person test which is based on objective criteria, there is a schedule of offences which does also reflect any offences that someone has been prosecuted for overseas as well.
"It is a tricky one because he hasn't been prosecuted of anything yet, and also we are a football competition.
"We sit in a hierarchy of regulation and if the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), the Government, say this guy is okay to come in and purchase UK companies then that is really where we've got to be starting."
Asked whether the situation would change should Shinawatra be found guilty of the charges he is facing, Johnson said: "That would be something we would have to look at."
Thaksin's wife was also named in the case, which involves allegations of wrongdoing in a land deal.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/21/headlines/headlines_30037458.php
jpatokal
21-06-07, 11:51 PM
And Man City supporters are too hungry for long-denied league success to really weigh up whether they want their club to be ruled by a man some see as a ruthless, arrogant and corrupt dictator :
Gee, is Sven-Goran really that bad? :p
In this interview, Thaksin first talks about soccer, but later about the freeze on his assets. I have only included the first part of the interview here, with a link to the second part in a more appropriate thread:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=15408#post15408
Transcript: Thaksin Shinawatra
Published: June 21 2007 20:42
Roger Blitz, the FT’s leisure industries correspondent, interviewed Thaksin Shinawatra, the exiled former Thai prime minister who on Thursday agreed to buy UK football club Manchester City for £81.6m ($163m) hours after he was charged by Thai prosecutors of corruption. The following is an edited transcript of the interview.
FT: How many times have you watched Manchester City?
Thaksin Shinawatra: I haven’t watched myself, in the stadium, but I watched it several times in the television in Thailand and here.
FT: But you know how well they’re doing in the last season?
TS: Yeah, they are a very, very good club and a big club, which I like. But the team, we have a lot of room to improve.
FT: Lots of room to improve?
TS: Yes, I think so. I talk to many of my football experts, friends. They all agree that we can improve a lot.
FT: Have you been to the stadium?
TS: Yes, I have been into the stadium twice.
FT: You’re impressed?
TS: Yes, very impressed, wow. A big stadium, beautiful and well designed.
FT: And obviously the fans and the supporters there, are very, very excited?
TS: Yes. That’s the value of the club, that’s the fans supporting in Manchester especially and in Asia.
FT: And in Asia?
TS: Yes, especially China, because we have the player from China, Sun Jihai.
FT: Of course.
TS: The Chinese people, they know Manchester City very well.
FT: The Chinese people?
TS: Yes.
FT: What about in Thailand? Do they know about it?
TS: Oh, yes. All the Asian people know all the Premier Leagues. And when Manchester City is one of the very old established and large clubs, then they’ve been followed and they have friends in Asia as well.
FT: It is a fantastic passion for Premier League Football in Thailand.
TS: Yes, very much. You know, I’ve experienced this during my business times, because we had to buy the rights, because I had a cable TV business. I had to buy right of Premier League and FA Cup to show on cable TV. Sometimes we had to compete with the commercial TV to get the rights.
FT: And you know how much the rights are worth now?
TS: Oh, yes, much more. During my time, during business life, it kept getting more expensive every year.
FT: You will be the chairman. How active are you going to be as a chairman? You obviously have Alistair Macintosh staying as chief executive.
TS: Yes. We have to have chief executive definitely. I will be giving the vision and approve the strategy how to bring the club forward and also how we can bring the club into the hearts and minds of fans, especially in Asia as well.
FT: Could you just outline some of the strategy, some of your thinking?
TS: Well, definitely we will improve the club, bring in a new coach, bring new players and improve all the facilities that we need. That’s in the very beginning. And after that I’m thinking about how we can have a Manchester City presence worldwide. Not just through the television broadcasting.
We might have academies in different parts of the world. And after the academies we might have the team. For example, we might have Manchester City China, Manchester City South Asia, Manchester City Middle East, Manchester City in Africa, or in Latin America. Then finally we will attract the good players in each region and bring them together to form the Manchester City of that region team.
And then we might have a league between them. Whoever wins will play with the Manchester City first team. So we can attract good players worldwide, to the Manchester City in the future.
FT: Does that mean buying up clubs in other leagues around the world?
TS: Instead of buying, we probably have to build our own.
FT: Build your own?
TS: Yes. It will be step by step. We may not do everything at the same time. This is the vision, that we would bring talented player from all over the world, through setting up, long term, that academy. Short term; attract the good player in that region to form the Manchester City of that region team.
FT: That would take many years, would it not?
TS: Well, normally I don’t want to wait that long, three years maybe.
FT: Three years?
TS: Yeah, maybe talking about three years.
FT: And more immediately, you obviously need to improve the players in the team?
TS: Oh, yes, that’s an immediate plan.
FT: And how much can you say to the manager and the chief executive that will be available for them to spend on players?
TS: Well, you know when you start to invest this much money, you never want it to go down.
FT: You never want it to go down?
TS: Yes. You know, how much we spend. If needed, we have to support it. We are not just in a buying spree, spend everything, that’s not going to be the way we do it. But we will spend as much as we need. If we need 20, 30, 40 [million pounds] it depends on how much we really need it.
FT: Right and you have no worries about being able to afford this?
TS: No.
FT: This is not something that’s going to make you lose sleep?
TS: Well, we have to have the reason why we spend this much money. Business reason and at the same time reputation of the club as well.
FT: You were interested in Liverpool before, is that right?
TS: Yes.
FT: Things didn’t work out.
TS: No.
FT: But have you been looking at other clubs?
TS: Well, I’m interested to participate in the Premier League. But I’m not interested in some other clubs. But when Manchester City come across, I think this is a good club that I want to have. So I’m working with Keith [Harris, financial adviser from Seymour Pierce] and then we work very hard to get the club. I have to thank John Wardle [Manchester City chairman] for his generosity to allow me to land this club.
FT: Is there something particular about Manchester City? Obviously, it’s a very different club from Liverpool in terms of success.
TS: Yes.
FT: But is there something very different about or particular about Manchester City, perhaps a club that is struggling in the league and you can build it?
TS: Well, if you look at the club itself, it’s quite a big one and really 100 years old. And also the support of the fans in Manchester City is very strong. So this is a good club that we should put our efforts bringing it forward.
TS: Is it a benefit, or a slight disadvantage that the club does not own the stadium?
TS: Well, it’s an advantage and a disadvantage. If it were to own it, it’d probably have a lot of debt. If it does not own it, in this part you don’t have debt, but you have the commitment to pay in future, to pay the rental in the future…
And I talk to my friend and he ask me how serious are you going to be with this club? I said well, this stadium is 250 years [rental] contract, only four years past, 246 years left. Tell everyone, don’t do the contract extension, I will do it myself next time!
FT: You obviously want to also not just develop the academies around the world as you say, but to market the club as well. You’ll be spending money on…?
TS: That’s another part that I have to do very carefully, look at all the contracts and the legal binding with other partners. And the name of Manchester City itself, it’s quite strong if you were to market it right. And it will be attracting fans in other sectors, by having merchandise that is good quality, not expensive. And when they use it they feel, oh okay, they have Manchester City with them. And in the future they will become a fan of the football club. So, fan for the football club itself and fan of the product. And then, it beco