Sven's fan club do their bit but exit still looms after City lose to Liverpool

He insists on maintaining The Iceman image to the last, but Sven Goran Eriksson still said enough on Sunday to confirm that his Manchester City tenure has only a matter of weeks to run.

City's former England coach was serenaded by 3,000 travelling fans from start to finish and repeatedly acknowledged their backing with a wave of the hand and bow of the head.

It was an outpouring of support for Eriksson delivered in hope, if not expectancy, that Thaksin Shinawatra may have a rethink over dispensing with the 60-year-old Swede after just one season in charge.

Asked if it might achieve its objective, though, Eriksson pointedly replied: "No, I don't think it will make any difference to my position."

Banners, Swedish flags and Eriksson face masks in the away end spelt out the overwhelming dismay among City fans at the way last Sunday's meeting between the owner and manager had ended with the most acrimonious of splits.

If that did not get their message across, the noise that followed did, as the usual Blue Moon rendition gave way to chorus after chorus of "Thaksin, leave our Sven alone", sung to Pink Floyd's The Wall.

Finally sunk by a record-equalling goal from Fernando Torres, Eriksson shook hands with Rafa Benitez at the end before striding towards the Anfield Road End and raising a clenched fist in a rare show of emotion.

He had resolved to maintain a diplomatic silence over his future, for another week at least, but there were enough indicators in a good humoured Press conference to give the game away.

"I've never known such an incredible level of personal support for me at any time in my managerial career and I am so grateful for it," he said.

"It meant I had to keep getting up from the bench to wave to them, but that's OK. I can do that. I want to say a big thank-you to the supporters, because they have been fantastic and were amazing again today.

"But I don't think it will make any difference to my position. One week should pass quickly enough and we can talk then.

"I know my agent has apparently said he doubts I will still be here next season, but perhaps agents should work more and not talk. I haven't spoken to him about it, just as I haven't spoken to the owner since last Sunday.

"All I will say is that I accepted the job here not just because it was a big club in the Premier League but because I saw it as a project. It was a fantastic opportunity to build something new and make it better.

"We have achieved our initial target of a top-10 finish, but whether we will be able to take it further, we will have to see. Do I know my fate? Maybe, but I think that is enough on that subject."

Given that Eriksson apparently objected to what he saw as interference from Thaksin, it was significant he dismissed questions about any reticence over his future by saying: "I haven't been told not to say anything. At my age, I don't need anyone telling me what to do."

Liverpool's players appeared to be doing their bit for the pro- Eriksson lobby as they passed up the chance of a landslide win that would have given the missing City owner ammunition.

It was due partly to the brilliance of Joe Hart, who launched a stunning display with a flying save from Steven Gerrard in the 32nd minute.

The Liverpool skipper had fizzed one drive narrowly wide when he took aim and curled a shot that looked bound for the top corner until Hart took off to palm it round at full stretch.

There was nothing he could do about a 58th-minute winner from Torres. The £21million record signing latched on to a Dirk Kuyt header and went past Richard Dunne as if he wasn't there before sliding home his 23rd Barclays Premier League goal of the season.

It put him alongside former Manchester United star Ruud van Nistelrooy for the highest tally by a foreign import in his debut season and emulated Anfield legend Roger Hunt's 46-year-old feat of scoring in eight home league games on the trot.

He belongs in such elevated company after an exceptional start to his Liverpool career.

City threatened briefly when Elano clipped a post with a free-kick and Benjani later tested Pepe Reina, but Liverpool would have been out of sight with greater care near goal.

Kuyt drew a spectacular save from Hart in the 61st minute and hit the bar with a header four minutes later.

The erratic Holland front-runner also directed a header straight at Hart when he should have scored and sent another wide.

Benitez said: "Maybe we have to work hard in the summer to make sure we take more chances, but Torres was amazing again."

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/article-23482256-details/Sven's+fan+club+do+their+bit+but+exit+still+looms+after+City+lose+to+Liverpool/article.do

Thaksin Shinawatra asks players to bow

EXCLUSIVE BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

By Simon Mullock 4/05/2008

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has hit the club with another shock by asking for the players to bow to him Thai-style before each game.

Sunday Mirror Sport revealed three weeks ago that Shinawatra's relationship with manager Sven Goran Eriksson was at breaking point.

And the former England coach will be sacked at the end of the season, despite being less than 12 months into a three-year contract.

Shinawatra aims to placate fans by bringing in Phil Scolari after the Brazilian's contract with Portugal expires after Euro 2008.

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But officials at the Eastlands club have been worried for some time by requests from Shinawatra - and his latest is for the team to bow towards him after performing their pre-kick-off sporting handshake with the opposition.

Bowing is a traditional mark of respect in Shinawatra's native Thailand. But some at City see this as another example of how the former Thai Prime Minister is turning the club into his personal dictatorship.

A City insider said: "At first we thought it was a joke, but the owner was serious about the players paying their respects. It's just not going to happen."

Shinawatra is preparing to sack Eriksson against the wishes of all the high-ranking officials he retained at the club when he took over last summer.

Former chairman John Wardle, chief executive Alistair Mackintosh and legal expert Bryan Bodek could follow Eriksson out.

City fans are furious about Shinawatra's treatment of Eriksson - and some have demanded season ticket refunds after the Swede issued a personal plea on marketing material urging supporters to renew.

http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/05/04/thaksin-shinawatra-asks-players-to-bow-98487-20404661/

My Take: Respect is earned, not given!!

Thaksin regrets flag insult

BANGKOK (AFP) — Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has apologised to the Thai people after a group of the club's fans emblazoned his name on the national flag, a crime in his homeland.

The flag was unfurled reading "Thank you Thaksin" (???) during City's home loss to Fulham a week ago, a shock defeat that fuelled speculation that manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will be sacked.

Prime Minister Samak Sundarajev was not amused, while Thai police were reportedly mulling charges against the former premier for disrespecting the flag. In Thailand it is a crime to alter or deface the flag in any way.

"I regret the incident by Manchester City fans in England, who were trying to show their love for the club and for Thailand," Thaksin was quoted as saying in the Thai-language Daily News.

"It's OK in their culture, and once we explained the problem to them, they expressed their regret.

"I was there at the stadium and I saw it. At the time, I was caught up in the game, but soon afterwards we informed them of the problem and they agreed to stop.

"They understand the differences in our cultures, and they have conveyed their regret. I have explained the situation to Prime Minister Samak via a third person," he added.

Thaksin's lack of support for the embattled Eriksson has angered many City fans who almost unanimously came out in support of the Swede in the 1-0 defeat at Liverpool over the weekend.

Despite fears that he will be fired, Eriksson indicated on Sunday that he expected to lead the club on their end-of-season tour which includes a game in Thailand on May 17.

My Take: From the picture spread over the media, only "Thaksin" word on the lower white stripe of Thailand flag is visible. For Thais, red on the flag means the nation, white means religion and most importantly blue means the King. Therefore, having the name on the flag symbolize much more than westerner can imagine. And that's why this is very inappropriate and upset most Thai people.

FIT of FURY

PPP Member of Parliament Karun Hosakul faces charges after kicking and throwing a punch at Democrat MP

April 3, 2008

Thailand, A government coalition MP decided to take things to a physical level yesterday by kicking an opposition member.

People Power Party member Karun Hosakul kung-fu kicked Democrat Somkiart Pongpaiboon yesterday while he was dining.

But, Karun being no Bruce Lee, missed widely barely touching Somkiart's right leg.

The incident occurred about 3pm.

Witnesses say Somkiart was eating with colleagues at the Parliament cafeteria when Karun entered and launched his ineffective attack.

Karun then lashed out with a fist, but missed again. Then the pair got into a shouting match, with Somkiart on the end of heated abuse.

In fact, Karun got so worked up that he had to be restrained by police officers and other PPP members.

Media rush in

As soon as word of the brawl got out, members of the press rushed to the scene and managed to witness some of the altercation until chief government whip Chai Chidchob came to take Karun away.

Somkiart says he'll seek the prosecution of Karun for assault.

Speaking to the press later,  Karun said Somkiart was the first to shove him, and that he responded with a push and then they started arguing. He denied trying to kick Somkiart.

The Democrat Party says it will support Somkiart if he decides to file charges against Karun.

The party will also demand that the Speaker look into the incident and punish the unruly member.

How it all started

Karun was reportedly unhappy at Somkiart's behaviour in Parliament in the lead-up to the incident.

During yesterday's session, PPP, including Karun, attacked Somkiart for his involvement in a rally organised by People's Alliance for Democracy at Thammasat University last week. Somkiart is one of the five leaders of PAD.

The alliance was behind anti-Thaksin Shinawatra rallies and is said to be planning to  unseat the Samak government.

PPP members blame alliance leader Sonthi Limthongkul for attempting to discredit the coalition.

Somkiart has challenged the government to bring disciplinary action against him if they believe he's broken Parliament rules.

Daily Xpress

XTRA

A violent history

>> Karun Hosakul, 41, allegedly beat his former wife, Ratchadawan. In April 2005, she divorced him.

>> Two months after the divorce, Karun attacked her at Don Mueang Airport as she returned from a trip abroad. Karun grabbed her hair, slapped her and threatened to disfigure her. She was rescued by airport guards.

>> In 2006, Karun assaulted a guard at an abandoned cinema, when he and his friends were refused entry. He kicked the guard twice in the head, reportedly shouting: "I will be back. Don't you know who I am?"

>> In 2007, as a Bangkok City Councillor, Karun head-butted an undercover policeman at a cock fight.

>> In 2005, Karun was stopped from contesting a Bangkok seat because he lacked the educational

qualifications required.

My Take: What a nice quality rep. !!!!

The Nation
http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/04/03/headlines/headlines_30069979.php

Thailand to use 'quiet diplomacy' to make Myanmar democratic

Mar 20, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Thailand pledged Thursday to help transform Myanmar into a democracy through quiet diplomacy, but said that change has to come from within and Western sanctions against its military-ruled neighbor would fail. (I hope Noppadon or his boss Thaksin talks to the U.S. like this (for their country, Thailand) when the U.S. and EU put up so many barriers and sanctions against Thailand since Sep 19, 2006 coup, instead of made a World tour and giving shit to his country. Yet, during U.S.-U.K. Iraq invasion, Thaksin has done nothing but agreed with them by sending Thai troops into Iraq. Yet again, don't for get to include the CIA secret prison in Thailand rumor in your considerations.)

Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said, as a start, his country would help Myanmar organize a May constitutional referendum preceding elections, both of which he emphasized should be "inclusive and credible."

"Quietly though slowly, we aim to turn this burden of proximity into a pragmatic opportunity for the sake of the people of Myanmar, our next door neighbour," he said at a forum of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Speaking after talks with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, where Myanmar was a key subject, Noppadon said the issue should not be a stumbling block to relations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"As things now stand, we should be frank the ASEAN-US partnership has been kept from developing to its full potential in no small part by the issue of Myanmar," said the foreign minister of the newly elected Thai government.

"In fact, this issue has unfortunately even spilled over into the discussion on Thai-US relations. My question is: is this worth it for both of us?."

Noppadon emphasized that imposing sanctions or putting pressure on Myanmar "would not work," saying that economic engagement with the state, as well as technical assistance and infrastructure development to it, could help lay the foundation for a successful democracy.

"As a friend, Thailand can give Myanmar neighborly advice and as a friend, we will be in better position to persuade them to see the merit of democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law," he said. (This is so funny. Respect for human rights? Somchai the lawyer is still missing!! and again democracy or capitalism?)

"Indeed, if Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines could be taken as examples, democratic change has to come from within and not from outside."

Noppadon also said that he had conveyed the concerns of the international community to Myanmar's ruling military junta during Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's visit to Yangon last week.

World powers condemned Myanmar's military general for their bloody crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests in September last year.

At least 31 people died in the unrest, according to the United Nations, although Human Rights Watch put the toll at more than 100. (Last year, the number of innocent died in the Southern unrest was more than 2,000)

Noppadon said he also informed Myanmar's military rulers of "our wish to see continued momentum towards democratization and national reconciliation, the need for credible and inclusive referendum and elections, and importance of Myanmar's continued cooperation with the United Nations.

"As a first step, the Myanmar authorities have been receptive to our offer to share Thailand's experiences on holding a national referendum for the constitution," he said. (We are in the conflict again due to current constitution's strong penalty for committed unlawful election activities)

The referendum is meant to pave the way for multiparty elections in 2010.

But pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party's sweeping victory in 1990 elections was not recognized by the military, is barred from participating in the vote under the newly drafted constitution because she had been married to a foreigner. (Noppadon has never mentioned about Aung San Suu Kyi. Looks like he doesn't care about the people who fights for democracy.)

The Nobel peace prize winner has spent 12 of the last 18 years under house arrest.

Noppadon stressed the political limitations in ASEAN, where member states cannot interfere in each other's internal affairs.

"That is a line we cannot cross but we (Thailand) will, as the new chairman of ASEAN, engage more actively with Myanmar. I am a pragmatist and optimist and hope that one day there would be change in Myanmar."

Thailand will take over this summer from Singapore as chairman of the 10-member ASEAN grouping, which also comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Thai FM Wants Engagement With Myanmar

Mar 20, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thailand's new foreign minister said Thursday that sanctions favored by the United States and other powers are not spurring change in Myanmar and urged engagement with Myanmar's military leaders instead.

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, who represents the first elected Thai government since a 2006 military coup, said he discussed Myanmar and the need for a greater U.S. role in Southeast Asia with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday.

The Bush administration favors a harsh sanctions policy against Myanmar's junta. After a violent crackdown by the junta in September against pro-democracy demonstrators, Western countries tightened sanctions against Myanmar, also called Burma, but Southeast Asian countries have done little to increase pressure. Thailand, Myanmar's neighbor to the west, is a major trading partner.

"Sanctions hardly work," Noppadon told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. "If you impose more sanctions, those who will suffer are ordinary people."

Speaking on the 175th anniversary of relations between the United States and Thailand, Noppadon said "true economic engagement" would help improve the lives of Myanmar's people and would allow those countries engaged with Myanmar to push for democracy and human rights changes.

"Democratic change has to come from within and not from outside," he said.

Last month, Thailand returned to an elected government as a Cabinet packed with politicians tied to ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was sworn in by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej leads a coalition government assembled after his People's Power Party won the most parliamentary seats in a December election. The party, formed by Thaksin loyalists, is regarded as a vehicle for the former leader.

Thaksin was toppled by a Sept. 19, 2006, coup after months of demonstrations demanding that he step down because of alleged corruption and abuse of power.

My Take: "Democratic change has to come from within and not from outside," <--- That hit Bush and his administration right in the face. Everything sounds good, but wait!! The southern unrest is still going on and U.S. troops are still in Iraq making peace :D One more question, any hidden agenda with making peace with Myanmar? Noppadon

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j3in4goLN6WM82-KeIoWUGTNndbgD8VHFCPG0