Thaksin had to come

Grabbed the piece of news below from CNA.

Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo has confirmed that his Thai counterpart Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram spoke to him two or three times in Cebu about former premier Dr Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to Singapore.

Minister Yeo, who is now in Calcutta, was responding to media queries about the Thai Foreign Minister's latest remarks.

Mr Yeo said he had the highest respect for the Thai Foreign Minister.

He explained that while he understood the Thai Government's concern, he also sought Minister Nitya's understanding of the Singapore Government's position.

Minister Yeo had assured the Thai Minister that Dr Thaksin would have no official meeting in Singapore and that his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar would be completely social and private.

The Singapore Foreign Ministry also responded to media queries on the Thai Foreign Minister's reference to President S R Nathan's remark to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Singapore's foreign policy is to be friends with all, including Thailand, and not to jeopardise bilateral relations.

He added that at the same time, Singapore's policy is to accord the normal courtesies to former leaders.

Many former leaders have come by Singapore, and there was never a problem. - CNA

Basically Singapore cannot stop Thaksin from coming. For a variety of reasons.

Moreover, Thaksin has vested interest in Singapore. We all know that he is a businessman first and secondly a politician. He has every reason to be here.

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Like checking on the quality of the beef noodles stall he has in Eunos and the branch in Clementi Seah Im Food Centre (I've been told that this stall is at Seah Im. Verified.



(picture sent to me by my mum who is still in Edinburgh....)