PM as police station chief

...Setting up Ample Rich in the British Virgin Islands as a vehicle to exercise control of Shin shares through the children definitely is a circumvention of Article 209 of the Constitution. Changing the law on Friday to accommodate the sale on the following Monday is beyond uncultural. It means that Thaksin actually believed he could get away with murder.

Forget about the tax-free transfer. He increased Shin profitability and share value by duty exemption, loan guaranty to Burma to benefit Shin Satellite and all kinds of investment privileges for Shin affiliates. Shin has grown on the backs of Thai taxpayers. The tax-free transfer is only a climax in the labyrinth of gimmicks, schemes and just plain cheats.

At one time, Thaksin may have projected the image of "tough guy" or "godfather". Actually, he does not understand that role, either. Deep down, he is still a police-station chief who always ends up with the prime cut of the lion's share. As the final curtain comes down, not many of his friends and subordinates will shed a tear.