THAKSIN AND 'THAT' FLAG

Thailand's Prime Minister is upset by an image taken at last weekend's Manchester City versus Fulham football match which showed the name 'Thaksin' printed on a Thai national flag.
The Bangkok Post quotes P.M. Samak as saying: "It is inappropriate. It must not happen again." It also says: "Under Article 53 of the 1979 Flag Act, affixing pictures, letters, numbers or other symbols upon the national flag is against the law with a maximum penalty of a year in jail and/or a 2,000 baht fine." Most importantly the story also says that the law cannot be applied in this case because the event happened in England.
This hasn't really been picked up in the UK yet, but if it does I suspect Manchester City's next match will feature even more copycat incidents. City's supporters aren't going to like being told what they can or cannot do, especially given their dislike of Thaksin's decision to dispense with manager Sven at the end of the season.
For Thailand and its government to think it can impose its laws and traditions in another country is wishful thinking at best, and also shows a complete lack of understanding of English culture. Just look at this image (credit: BBC) which shows exactly how English football supporters use the flag of St. George to show their allegience to a particular team.
Please don't misunderstand me. I think if this had happened in Thailand it would be a totally different story, but it didn't and I can only see negative implications for the country if this story rumbles on. What do you think?