Ann: Update - Notification of buy-back - KCN, page-10

Obviously none of us—aside from maybe one person here on the forum—really knows what’s going on behind the scenes or what Ross ultimately wants.

My guess? He’s holding onto TAFTA as a strategic asset, saving it for a rainy day—whether that’s in 1, 3, or 5 years’ time. It effectively acts as a deterrent, ensuring that the Thai government, or any interested party trying to play hardball, thinks twice.

Now, imagine a highly unlikely scenario where gold hits US$5,000. The temptation for the government—with military backing—to push for full control of the mine wouldn’t be unthinkable. After all, the Thai military still holds considerable sway in politics despite civilian leadership. In that light, the seemingly punitive royalty structure might perversely serve as a kind of protection—making the mine less of a glittering target for nationalistic or an opportunistic grab.

My bet - TAFTA extended again