• 
• 

Chulalongkorn University's international relations expert Panithan Wattanayakorn said the offers from small countries might be the result of Thaksin's reputation of boosting the economy while he was in the post and in his business success. However, he owes big thank to his gifts and planning to create a good image of himself.

The small countries might also think of possibly getting investment from Thaksin family's companies. Just a small amount of investment could be worth much to their economies, he said.

However, the positive gestures of those countries could not guarantee that they would actually help Thaksin eventually. Big countries especially those having close relationship with Thailand would not likely favour Thaksin who was convicted of a criminal charge. Meanwhile, small countries would have to consider carefully as they must think about the international eyes too, he said.

When the Thai court translates and publicises cases related to Thaksin, other countries should understand more, he said.

Thaksin was sentenced to a two-year jail term related to the Ratchadaphisek land case. The pressure on the government to bring Thaksin back to receive the penalty as well as revoke his diplomatic passport rose.

However, local media publicised African nations planning to offer help to Thaksin. Central African Republic's advisory committee proposed inviting Thaksin to chair its anti-poverty project, as well as to be an advisor on government system reform.

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world and among the ten poorest countries in Africa.

Meanwhile, the Bahamas prime minister who was earlier reported by the media to have sought (ways) to offer Thaksin honorary citizenship, has also declared to help Thaksin in every way. It would oppose if the UK would force Thaksin to return to Thailand.

Thaksin mentioned about such countries' offers during his overseas address to the Thai public in the pro-government rally on Saturday.

Republic of Chad and Togolese Republic, both in Africa, also sought Thaksin's help in overcoming drought and poverty.

Republic of Bolivia in South America reportedly planned to give royal decoration to Thaksin for his success in solving economic problems.

Former foreign minister and former Thaksin's spokesman Noppadon Pattama said Thaksin would have chances to make his talents useful to human beings. Those countries might have good relationship and respect for Thaksin since he was the prime minister. However, his status in the international arena would not be changed by the (small nations') acceptance.

"Thaksin told me he was physically happy but not mentally. He contributed to the country but look at what he gets in return," Noppadon said.

The Bermuda Islands, a 53.3 square-kilometre British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic, was the first to offer Thaksin refuge after he fled Thailand in August. Its prime minister, said he was content to help Thaksin because his family used to face injustice of the legal system before. The Bahamas, a former British colony, followed.