Ministers’ role in pro-junta party ‘worrying’

By THE NATION

 

 

POLITICIANS voiced concern over possible favouritism and discrimination in the political campaign after some of the current Cabinet members joined as members of the pro-junta Palang Pracharath while continuing in office.

 

The Cabinet members should step down from power to avoid actions favouring their own party, political observers said.

 

The reaction came after Palang Pracharath on Saturday elected Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana as its leader and Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong as secretary-general.

 

Several other members connected to the ruling regime under the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), such as PM’s Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakool and Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee, also joined the party.

 

Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy leader of Democrat Party, said yesterday he was most concerned that the four ministers or anyone working in the government could exploit their powers for their own political gains.

 

“The upcoming election is a turning point for the country. It should be well accepted by all sections of society,” he said.

 

However, now society can sense moves are afoot for junta head General Prayut Chan-o-cha to return to politics after the election although they had rejected this speculation, the politician said.

 

“If they use the power to favour themselves or their colleagues by interfering with independent agencies or gaining political popularity, there could be disillusionment and the election result may not be accepted,” he warned. Kosol Pattama, a former Pheu Thai Party MP, too, said he was worried about the election not being free and fair given the current situation.

 

“I’m afraid the state mechanism will be used to favour some particular group or the state resources will be used to gain advantage over other parties,” he said.

 

Ministers ‘must resign’

 

Meanwhile, former EC member Sodsri Satayathum said the four ministers should resign from their current position.

 

Although they were not obliged by the law, it would be the right thing to do, she said.

 

“Their positions could give them advantages over the others during the lead up to the election,” she said. “Some ministries, such as the Interior Ministry have the power to oversee voting. Although these ministers do not work there directly, they are connected as a colleague in the same Cabinet.”

 

In addition, when they go on mobile Cabinet trips, they would be in contact with local state authorities and the people; it gives them a chance to gain popularity, she explained.

 

Responding to the growing concern, Palang Pracharat spokesman Kobsak reiterated yesterday that party members who were now working in the Cabinet were still waiting for the right time to leave office to focus solely on the newly founded party.

 

Speaking also on behalf of three other ministers in the party, Kobsak insisted that they would not exploit working hours or taxpayer-funded resources to gain advantage over other parties.

 

“We’ll be transparent and accountable about this,” he said.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30355505

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-10-01

 

":...If they use the power to favour themselves or their colleagues by interfering with independent agencies or gaining political popularity..."

 

I don't know how to break it to you, but they already "use the power to favour themselves or their colleagues by interfering with independent agencies or gaining political popularity".

 

They, along with all members of the 'Greens' and 'Yellows', cheat. 

 

They are cheating cheaters who cheat.

 

And, they are still cheating.

 

Surprise, surprise!

 

15 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

":...If they use the power to favour themselves or their colleagues by interfering with independent agencies or gaining political popularity..."

 

I don't know how to break it to you, but they already "use the power to favour themselves or their colleagues by interfering with independent agencies or gaining political popularity".

 

They, along with all members of the 'Greens' and 'Yellows', cheat. 

 

They are cheating cheaters who cheat.

 

And, they are still cheating.

 

Surprise, surprise!

 

Same as it ever was.....

 

????

The country was always a pseudo democracy ! Let it just be a dictatorship without presenting to be anything else !

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy leader of Democrat Party, said yesterday he was most concerned that the four ministers or anyone working in the government could exploit their powers for their own political gains.

he just described Thailand as far back as any of us were alive

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy leader of Democrat Party, said yesterday he was most concerned that the four ministers or anyone working in the government could exploit their powers for their own political gains.

From that party that triggered the coup and never won an election.  They let the fox in the hen house, and now they complain.  What did they think was going to happen?  Why is it most on this forum are far more clairvoyant than Abihisit and gang ?  I feel for the average Thai

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy leader of Democrat Party, said yesterday he was most concerned that the four ministers or anyone working in the government could exploit their powers for their own political gains.

He probably has sleepless nights over this nightmare scenario.

Maybe you should have fixed it when you were in power...

Edited October 1, 20187 yr by klauskunkel

I can see that somebody or someone is trying to come back with his cronies to devastate the nation of Thailand. The Masses should better see the reality. One can tell by the current situations now..

What I don't get is how is this different from when a democratic government is in charge. Just before elections those in power use state funds for new popular policies to make them look good. This is no different. (not only Thailand.. just look at any country in election years and what governments in power do)

 

The only difference i see is that they won't allow others to campaign.. that is a serious and unfair advantage that should be addressed.  The not allowing others to campaign is a serious problem and gives a serious unfair advantage. 

3 hours ago, yellowboat said:

From that party that triggered the coup and never won an election.  They let the fox in the hen house, and now they complain.  What did they think was going to happen?  Why is it most on this forum are far more clairvoyant than Abihisit and gang ?  I feel for the average Thai

I would imagine they thought that the military would step in, quickly destroy anything to do with the name Shinawatra then turn the country over to them. Job done. Beautiful. 

 

However their gamble failed and well, that's just their tough sh!t. You egged them on, now live with the consequences. 

43 minutes ago, Joker Man said:

I can see that somebody or someone is trying to come back with his cronies to devastate the nation of Thailand. The Masses should better see the reality. One can tell by the current situations now..

And the delphic comment of the week award goes to...

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy leader of Democrat Party, said yesterday he was most concerned that the four ministers or anyone working in the government could exploit their powers for their own political gains.

But that's how the game is played out in Thailand !!

11 hours ago, yellowboat said:

From that party that triggered the coup and never won an election.  They let the fox in the hen house, and now they complain.  What did they think was going to happen?  Why is it most on this forum are far more clairvoyant than Abihisit and gang ?  I feel for the average Thai

 

How easily and convenient that we all forget - the good Thais, the Thai media, as well as the foreign pundits. 

Per usual, our most recent history and any such perspectives are swept under the rug never to be recalled. 

 

All that might put a damper on things and it's usual twists.

Ahaa good look to him he won't last a year in a democratic government he should start practicing his debating skills.

On 9/30/2018 at 6:02 PM, zzaa09 said:

Same as it ever was.....

 

????

uh....politics as usual in Thailand.