BANGKOK – Taking a cue from his much heralded “dual-track” economic policy, deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra has implemented a “dual-track” political strategy in which he simultaneously tells the public he wants out of politics while maintaining a high profile and advising a political party.
The new policy will give him flexibility to confuse journalists with vague statements and keep the military uptight about his eventual return to Thailand.
“I just want to go back to being an ordinary member of the Thai high society,” said Thaksin, who then quickly added that if the people wanted him back as prime minister it would be “undemocratic” to stop them.
The new strategy, which comes days after the first parliamentary election since the coup, also allows Thaksin to drop the forced “Thais are crying out for democracy” line from his standard interview talking points.
“That was torture to listen to,” said long-time speechwriter Bisit Rattakul. “Thaksin just wants to be a normal Thai billionaire,” he added. “You know, play lots of golf, shop at Gaysorn and distribute VCDs displaying his good works to millions of poor farmers in Isaan.”
