PPP To Hold Post-Thaskin Sale

BANGKOK – Reeling from the loss of its leader and financial sponsor, the ruling People Power Party took a defensive position this week, denouncing what it called the politically-motivated verdicts by the nation’s courts against Thaksin Shinawatra and holding a massive sale of its members’ “non-essential assets.” The event, dubbed the “People’s Power Pawnshop” will take place at Sirikit Center this weekend and is expected to raise over Bt500 million. Items rumored to be included for sale to the general public include several dozen Mercedes-Benz 500S sedans, four plots of land conveniently located near the new BTS Skytrain extensions, several Suvarnabhumi airport concessions, and numerous first-class air tickets to exotic European destinations. A special “Mia Noi Bargain Bin” will include hundreds of Dior, Gucci, Prada, and Coach accessories. PPP leaders insist the sale has nothing to do with Thaksin’s departure or the loss of access to his financial backing. “We’re just getting rid of a few odds and ends,” said Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who is himself parting with a Viking range and large collection of vintage guns. “We’re humble people anyway, so these luxuries are things we are better off without.”