Bangkok reacts to Thaksin verdict and asks, 'What next?'

After weeks of agonizing, speculating and worry, the verdict is in. Late Friday night, the Supreme Court ruled that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was guilty of abuse of power and ordered the seizure of more than 46 billion baht (about US$1.4 billion dollars) -- just over half of his frozen 76.6 billion baht fortune.

There is speculation Thaksin has a great deal more money elsewhere.

Many Thais had their own predictions on what would happen. Some said he’d lose it all, others called just some, but few thought he’d get off scott free.

Here are some of the comments and blog posts making the rounds online following Friday's verdict, which took over seven hours for the Supreme Court to read as the media circus awaited outside.

“It’s the best of possible outcomes to avert further mayhem. It’s no guarantee against further mayhem, but no side can claim victory and no side can pretend total defeat after the Thai Supreme Court’s handing down of a partial seizure of fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra’s frozen 76 billion baht.”
- Blog AbsolutelyBangkok.com

“I really hope that this now leads to peace in the Kingdom, however I have my doubts.”
- Thaivisa.com user Landofthefree

"Mr Thaksin be strong we all love you and belong with you."
- Twitter user Nohrahmy

"If political conflict continues, there will be another military coup before the end of this year ... Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, deputy army commander-in-chief, will become the next prime minister."
- Famous fortune teller Kengkaj Jongjaiphra, via the Bangkok Post

"Thaksin gets back 30 billion. Thought this is fair. After all, he did have SOME money before he became PM. What next?"
- Twitter user Bersum

"The verdict proves that Thailand is de facto more democratic than my country, Italy, where the prime minister, Berlusconi, acted in a more outlawish way than Thaksin, but was never convicted.”
- Thaivisa.com user Romanoba

"You know, in the big picture it’s not such a big deal. He may make a big deal over it -- but he still has a billion dollars left that we know of. He’s a crafty guy… crafty being defined as intelligent + street-smart. Do you really think all the money he has is in the public eye? I don’t."
- Blog Thaipulse.com