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Wednesday, February 21, 2007
This is not about the Singapore versus Thailand soccer match but rather about the buying over of Shin Corp by Temasek Holdings. As you may have read, the Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was overthrown by the military just because of this sale. However in today's straits times Thailand wants to "properly" buy back the satellites. They are doing so as General Sonthihad called the satellites "national assetes which should not simply be taken away from the Thai people. Moreover, he alleged that Singapore could monitor Thai army phone calls through its control of Shin Corp. These events from the start of the sale of Shin Corp to the most recent the buying of the satellites back from Temesak has led me to think why is Thailand making such a fuss about it. I can understand that they are worried that with control over their telecommunications their state secrets would not be safe. However, should they have ousted their Prime minister and fined Singapore for just buying over Shin Corp? From what i have heard there has been many political implications caused by this event. This may be because the Thais think that Singapore is trying to gain a foothold in their country through the control of their largest telecommunication company. I feel that Thailand has not handled this case well as why should they fine Singapore about US$1 billion when Temasek had legally bought Shin Corp. On the other hand, i overheard my relatives discussing this and they said that Singapore is also in fault as the government surely would have known that by buying Shin Corp, the Thais would not be happy. Also, i feel that Thailand fined Temasek out of jealousy of Singapore wealth as Singapore although being such a small country has lots of assests placed throughout the world. I feel this way as if Thailand really wanted Shin Corp back as the sale was a violation of their laws they should just have taken the company back instead of asking Singapore to pay such a huge fine on top of the initial amount paid for the company. I seriously hope that everyone can come together and decide on something the both parties can agree on, and there will be no more disagreement and fights, and a end to this conflict.
This article was taken from the STRAITS TIMES of Wednsday, 21st Feb 07
LIVING.out.of.REALITY;
5:37 AM
