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Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, in self-imposed exile from Thailand

'Thaksin is Dead' Reports Spread in Social Media Hoax

Monday, April 1, 2013
Phuket UPDATE

REPORTS of the death in Dubai of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appear to be an elaborate hoax timed to April Fool's Day. He tweeted late in the day to say he was alive: ''I am doing fine.''

Original Report

PHUKET: Social media throughout Thailand is filling today with reports that Thaksin Shinawatra has been killed in a high-speed car crash on a highway in Dubai.

According to initial as yet unconfirmed reports, the self-exiled former Thai Prime Minister was being driven in a black limousine when the driver lost control.

The car flipped at high speed, according to reports now spreading across all social networks in Thailand.

No official confirmation has been given. Because it is April 1, the potential always exists for an elaborate hoax.

However, photographs purportedly taken at the scene in Dubai show severe wreckage of a black limousine.

Thaksin Shinawatra is the brother of Thailand's present Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra.

Comments

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Thats to good to be true

Posted by Paul on April 1, 2013 12:23

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There are many that wish it true, but hey, is ONLY reported on Phuket Wan. 555

Posted by Phuket_IOC on April 1, 2013 12:38

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I do think that such a story has to be covered and that your two pieces did it about as well as it could be done. I've yet to see it mentioned in any othe "mainstream" source. Good work.

Posted by juswunderin on April 1, 2013 15:51

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Congrats. You seem to be the only media outfit with this scoop. Doh!

Posted by Arthur on April 1, 2013 16:49

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Dear Phuketwan, Are you sure this story is true? we will post this news to other if you clarifies. But I don't any website post it yet ex: Bangkokpost and other

Thanks

Posted by No Name on April 1, 2013 16:57

Editor Comment:

Phuketwan accurately reported the story at 10am. Confirmation that it was a hoax, as we suspected, came seven or eight hours later.

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He has been dead for months, if not years. Why do you think he didn't come back to Thailand?

Posted by Anonymous on April 1, 2013 17:49

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Now that the Post and Nation are on it, Oak's response is pretty good. His aunties will not have to contend in Chiang Mai or elsewhere as the man himself is back!

Posted by juswunderin on April 1, 2013 18:11


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