Sonthi May Become Deputy PM For Surayud

[george]

Sonthi may become deputy PM for Surayud: Boonrawd

BANGKOK: -- Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security, may become a deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs in the Surayud Cabinet after his retirement as army chief, Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said Thursday.

Boonrawd said the a Cabinet seat is still vacant but the final decision would depend on Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

He said there has been no talk about appointing Sonthi to the Cabinet so far.

Boonrawd said the chance was high for Sonthi to be appointed as a deputy prime minister after his retirement from the military service.

-- The Nation 2007-09-20

[Martin]

That makes sense.

However, it doesn't quite match up to Eisenhower. He became President, no less, after he retired from the military!

Our eyes tend to stop at the uniform, but (nowadays) military officers get a lot of good education about civic/political matters by lecture, seminar, discussion and essay writing during their attendances at Staff College etc.

The very senior ones also get a lot of experience in dealing with members of the Government whilst carrying out the duties of their office, such as briefing the Government on what the military capabilities are, and are not, from time to time.

So the personal abilities inside the uniform can be very valuable in 'civvy street', once the uniform comes off.

[Jai Dee]

MOD says it is possible Gen. Sonthi will participate in politics in the next government

The Minister of Defence says it is possible that Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin will participate in politics in the next government.

Minister of Defence Gen. Boonrawd Somtat (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) admits that there exists the possibility that former Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin will decide to participate in politics following his retirement from civil service. Gen. Boonrawd revealed that there remains 1 vacancy in the position of Deputy Prime Minister of National Security in the new government's Cabinet.

The Minister of Defence says he is ready to support Gen. Sonthi's appointment to the Cabinet, as the CNS Chairman has proven his capabilities during the Council for National Security's 1 year term. Gen. Boonrawd believes no major opposition will arise if Gen. Sonthi accepts a Cabinet position after his retirement.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM Office Minister supports appointment of Gen. Sonthi as DPM of National Security

The Minister to the Prime Minister's Office agrees with proposals to appoint Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin to the position of Deputy Prime Minister of National Security.

Mr. Thirapat Serirangsan (ธีรภัทร์ เสรีรังสรรค์ ) reports that Defence Minister Gen. Boonrawd Somtat (บุญรอด สมทัศน) recently expressed his support for the appointment of Gen. Sonti Boonyaratglin to the position of Deputy Prime Minister of National Security in the next government, following Gen. Sonthi's retirement from civil service. Mr. Thirapat agreed with the motion and does not believe that Gen. Sonthi's appointment is linked to the Council for National Security's desire to perpetuate its power. The new government will have provide final approval in the matter.

The Minister to the Prime Minister's Office added that no major dissent will occur over the incident in which Deputy Army Commander in Chief Gen. Saprang Kalayanimit (สพรั่ง กัลยาณมิตร) did not receive a promotion to the position of Army Commander in Chief.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2007

[scousemouse]

Well , Mr Sonthi does have to make a decision which will keep him safe just incase a certain former p.m comes back .

[lazeeboy]

Well , Mr Sonthi does have to make a decision which will keep him safe just incase a certain former p.m comes back .

if he's taking the job it looks like he feels they will win the 23rd dec election ,otherwise what would be the point for 2 months...

[mrtoad]

MOD says it is possible Gen. Sonthi will participate in politics in the next government

The Minister of Defence says it is possible that Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin will participate in politics in the next government.

Minister of Defence Gen. Boonrawd Somtat (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) admits that there exists the possibility that former Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin will decide to participate in politics following his retirement from civil service. Gen. Boonrawd revealed that there remains 1 vacancy in the position of Deputy Prime Minister of National Security in the new government's Cabinet.

The Minister of Defence says he is ready to support Gen. Sonthi's appointment to the Cabinet, as the CNS Chairman has proven his capabilities during the Council for National Security's 1 year term. Gen. Boonrawd believes no major opposition will arise if Gen. Sonthi accepts a Cabinet position after his retirement.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2007

I thought that Surayud was Sonthi's deputy.

What a total joke this is turning into.

[Jai Dee]

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong does not support Gen. Sonthi to enter politics now

Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), the chairman of the special committee reviewing three draft organic bills required before the general elections, expresses his disagreement on the possible appointment of Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญรัตกลิน) as the deputy prime minister for national security following his appointment.

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong reasons that Gen. Sonthi is nearly retired from the army and he is also the Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman. Hence, Gen. Sonthi is already overlooking Thailand’s security and he already has a broad authority, and there is no need for him to join the interim government.

In addition, Sqn. Ldr. Prasong suggests Gen. Sonthi to wait for a proper time to enter politics as other people may perceive that he wants to carry forward the power of the CNS.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[younghusband]

That makes sense.

However, it doesn't quite match up to Eisenhower. He became President, no less, after he retired from the military!

Our eyes tend to stop at the uniform, but (nowadays) military officers get a lot of good education about civic/political matters by lecture, seminar, discussion and essay writing during their attendances at Staff College etc.

The very senior ones also get a lot of experience in dealing with members of the Government whilst carrying out the duties of their office, such as briefing the Government on what the military capabilities are, and are not, from time to time.

So the personal abilities inside the uniform can be very valuable in 'civvy street', once the uniform comes off.

it's posts like these that make one laugh out loud.Eisenhower was a war leader of the highest distinction, subsequently elected in a free democracy as President.If he tried a criminal stunt like Sondhi he would have been tried and placed behind bars.To even think of comparing the two is comically adrift from reality.

[Plus]

You mean to say you don't believe there will be a civilian government next year?

The power will be in Anupong's hands, Sonthi will have as much say in the military as Surayud does now.

Mr.Toad, Surayud has always been Sonthi's superior, not a deputy.

[Martin]

"What would be the point of having a coup, destroying the Constitution ....?"

The above rhetorical question smacks of "rewriting history" in under one year.

The "destroying of the Constitution" was done by the Thai middle-aged middle classes, not by the bureaucratic/technocratic/military elite ('the old guard').

When Thaksin had been blocked out of his office by the demonstrations organised by the middle-aged middle-classes (who felt driven to do it, since Thaksin was cutting them out of the 'power loop' in favour of himself and his business buddies), it was necessary for the proper governing of Thailand that a competent older group took over.

The 'coup' had the legitimacy of popular acclaim; and it was a stronger legitimacy even than Thaksin's ballot-box landslide.

(Incidentally, there's at least one who posts on here who was very enthusiastic on the day of the coup, who could be quite embarrassed to if someone dug out his postings on, and just after, the day of the 'coup'.)

'Coup' is not always a dirty word.

When one brings effective governance to a a situation of dysfunctional government, it is asensible reaction to the situation, as was perceivd by the Thai populace.

It is thoroughly understandable that the 'old guard' are wary of handing back the governance to what may turn out to be another bunch of elected middle-aged chancers.

The hierarchical, presentational nature of the Thai outlook may have results that stick in the gullets of some of its Western-centric equalitarian visitors, but it works for the Thais, when the chips are down.

[Martin]

So it goes, 'emperor tud'.

You see things as you are (judging from your avatar), and I see things as I am.

[Siripon]

You mean to say you don't believe there will be a civilian government next year?

If there is a civilian government it will be closely controlled by the military. It may even include selected former military personnel turned politicians with influence who have been behind recent events in Thailand.

Don't tell me you missed the widely publicised statements saying they would hold further coups if things do not go according to plan, and today's earlier announcement that Martial Law will remain even after an 'elected' Government is chosen.

The 'coup' had the legitimacy of popular acclaim; and it was a stronger legitimacy even than Thaksin's ballot-box landslide.

Utter nonsense.

You forget when the tanks and guns come out people get scared and submissive, especially Thais knowing first hand what can happen when the military interfere in Politics. Perhaps you mistake that for "popular acclaim"? Or perhaps you believe recent Junta propaganda?

You have marginalized millions of rural poor Thais that voted for Thaksin and their votes as not being legitimate, showing typical contempt towards them, as most of the pro-coup supporters continue to do on here.

The hierarchical, presentational nature of the Thai outlook may have results that stick in the gullets of some of its Western-centric equalitarian visitors, but it works for the Thais, when the chips are down.

Once again you would try to have us believe that Thai version of Democracy somehow differs from Western Democracy and it is somehow mystical or obscure to foreigners. It isn't.

Trying to make it appear so only serves to cover up the real issues and those are that yet again the poor majority have been disenfranchised by the ruling class rich minority.

Saying coups work for Thais only serves to insult to the majority that voted during the democratic process.

The people were so scared when the tanks arrived they came out with flowers and posed with their families by the tanks.

The rural poor, as you call them, are not marginalised, they can vote for Samak, Thaksin's right wing nominee in the next election. His party had a full page advertisement in the Thai papers yesterday announcing 200 of their candidates.

Contempt towards the people was continually shown by Thaksin who never allowed any TRT MPs or members to criticise the party.

Contempt towards the justice system has been continually shown by TRT who to this day have never said sorry for trying to fix the voting in various constituencies by paying proxies to run. And Frank continues to attempt to sue anyone and everyone even though he says the justice system is no longer just!

Regarding the rich minority, I think you may find Frank tops the bill there with his sidekicks such as Suriya.

Thai democracy is different from the West, folks vote for MPs who get things done for their constituencies, their areas. That's why MPs can swap parties at will, there's no ideology apart from The South with The Democrats. MPs will simply go with the party that has the best chance of getting elected.

Look at the history of the TRT MPs, more parties than most people have had hot dinners(somtam).

Thaksin bought them all up and it was very useful to claim he was doing it for the poor but he got caught eating at the trough and now must face the consequencies.

Only he's too cowardly too.

Until money politics is subdued it will be hard for truly decent politicians to emerge.

[Plus]

Once again you would try to have us believe that Thai version of Democracy somehow differs from Western Democracy

Maybe you can show us an example of Western Democracy based on feudal patron-client relationships and total absense of any ideology to illustrate your point.

[John K]

PM to offer Gen Sonthi a Cabinet position

New York - Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said here Monday that he would offer a position in the cabinet to the junta chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin who will retire from the army by the end of this month.

"The chief of the Council for National Security (Sonthi) would have nothing to do when he retires from the army top job. I will ask him if he is interested in joining the portfolio for security matter," the premier told reporters.

Gen Sonthi was widely tipped to take the position of Deputy Prime Minister to take care of security matters.

Surayud needed to reshuffle his cabinet again as two ministers were willing to step down after strong criticism over business holding.

Information Technology and Communication Minister Sithichai Pokaiyaudom and Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osatananda said they would quite the cabinet.

"Legally, they can stay on but many people have different feeling on the issue," Surayud said, "But I feel uncomfortable with the situation."

The 2007 Constitution bars member of the cabinet to hold business stake more than 5 percent but the rule was not applied to the current cabinet in the grace period.

The Prime Minister said he would make a minor change in the cabinet only for the ministries deemed necessary when he returned from a mission in New York for the United Nations General Assembly at the end of this month.

"I would ask Khun Krirkrai (Jeerapath, minister of commerce) if he needs a deputy to replace the vacant one. But for the ICT ministry we really need somebody to fill in as it has no deputy minister," he said.

Surayud said he was in difficulty to make change in the cabinet since his government was about to leave the office in the next few months.

The new ministers would have only one month to fully function before the official announcement of the general election which automatically made the cabinet as a care-taker one.

Asked if bringing Sonthi into the cabinet would be a power overlapping since the junta chief was technically the person who can bring down the Prime Minister, Surayud said he saw no problem since Sonthi, if he took the job, would be in the office for a month before the government became a lame duck.

by Supalak G Khundee

The Nation, New York

[younghusband]

Once again you would try to have us believe that Thai version of Democracy somehow differs from Western Democracy

Maybe you can show us an example of Western Democracy based on feudal patron-client relationships and total absense of any ideology to illustrate your point.

That's a fair description of the Thai version of democracy as it currently stands.It would be impertinent of me to say what the OP meant.However my position would be that making due allowance for local cultural differences at the margin, citizens of every country are entitled to the opportunity to enjoy democratic freedoms (going far beyond the universal suffrage concept).Thai democracy is clearly in a proces of evolution to achieve that ideal, and there have been many setbacks and false starts.But the destination is clear though it would be a rash person who would predict the arrival date.However it is worth stating now and stating firmly that all Thais are as good as each other whatever the feudal elite and their hangers on say.By way of comment the language of patronising the majority has usually been discrete and polite in the well known Thai way.We may perhaps expect the self regarding elite to assume an increasingly ugly and brazen approach to their compatriots as the battle lines become clearer.

Edited September 25, 2007 by younghusband

[cclub75]

if he's taking the job it looks like he feels they will win the 23rd dec election ,otherwise what would be the point for 2 months...

... Or there could be another explanation : Sonthi thinks that... the elections will be postponed.

Or basically, as Surayud said so candidly, "The chief of the Council for National Security would have nothing to do when he retire from the army top job".

Poor Sonthi... he will be bored ! No more white uniform, palaces, servants, slaves... That's surely could ruin his life.

[John K]

So how is 5% max stock looking?

[Plus]

We may perhaps expect the self regarding elite to assume an increasingly ugly and brazen approach to their compatriots as the battle lines become clearer.

That will happen when the low classes try to shake off their immediate patrons - local pooyais and MPs.

Yasothon police beating incindent is a case study in local relationships.

Elites in Bangkok have very little to do with brewing problems, they are too high up the chain.

[Jai Dee]

PM says readiness of CNS Chairman to determine his possibility to join Cabinet

The Prime Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont, says he will discuss the Cabinet reshuffle and the possibility for the Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, to be appointed as the deputy prime minister overseeing security.

On the likelihood for Gen. Sonthi to join the Cabinet, Gen. Surayud says he would have to ask the CNS Chairman’s willingness and readiness to help the interim government in overseeing national security. The Prime Minister says he believes no problems would occur since Gen. Sonthi will soon retire from the military service. Besides, the current government only has a month left to administer the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 September 2007

[Mid]

Besides, the current government only has a month left to administer the country.

[John K]

Besides, the current government only has a month left to administer the country.

Must have accidently pulled if from the read in November folder.

[Plus]

Sonthi just needs a position where he can oversee the upcoming elections. There's nothing for him in politics if PPP loses big time. Mission accomplished.

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman Sonthi resigns

The Spokesman of the Council for National Security (CNS), Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, discloses that the CNS Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, has resigned from the post. His resignation took effect on September 30th, 2007.

According to the Spokesman, Gen.Sonthi said that he had accomplished his duty as the CNS chief and he would be in charge of national security affairs from now on.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Assistant to Secretary of CNS indicates no concern over resignation of General Sonthi as CNS Chairman

Assistant to the Secretary of the Council for National Security (CNS) has indicated that there are no concerns over the political situation following the resignation of General Sonthi Boonyaratgalin from the position of Chairman of the CNS.

Army Commander and assistant secretary of the CNS General Anupong Paochinda (อนุพงษ์ เผ่าจินดา) revealed that after hearing the news of General Sonthi submitting his letter of resignation, that the letter did not contain a reason for resignation or any discussion of the issue. He also stated he has learned that deputy CNS Chairman Air Chief Marshal Akechalit Pukpasuk (เอกชลิต พุกผาสุก) will assume the vacated position.

General Anupong said that the question of whether General Sonthi’s resignation is due to his new role as deputy prime minister should be asked to General Sonthi himself. The Army Commander stated that he was not startled by the news as he knows that the political situation is stable at the moment.

CNS spokesman General Sansern Kaewkumnerd (สรรเสริญ แก้วกำเนิด) also commented that he not known about General Sonthi’s resignation until the letter was given to him for press release. He stated the resignation letter stated that General Sonthi would like to focus on other facets of national security and that his resignation would take effect immediately.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Former CNS Chairman to explain his resignation

Former Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin has taken the opportunity during his birthday party which has brought together many key members of the military as well as the CNS to express his gratitude to the council and all attendees.

General Sonthi has also taken the opportunity to call for an unofficial meeting with CNS members to discuss final preparations for his resignation and instill support for their work.

Tentative successor to the CNS chairman position Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukpasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุก) reports that he is preparing to hold a press conference to clarify the situation to the public.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Gen.Sonthi says he discussed his DPM post with PM

Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says he had already discussed his appointment as deputy prime minister in charge of national security with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

As for rumors that there are some groups of people opposing his post in the Cabinet, Gen.Sonthi says those who spread the rumors are afraid that he will take actions against them. He adds that Adm.Bannawit Kengrien, member of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), should consider whether it is appropriate to say that he should end his role in all government posts.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

NLA Chairman comments on resignation of Gen. Sonthi and successor of PM, if he resigns

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Chairman, Mr. Meechai Ruchupan (มีชัย ฤชุพันธ์), says if the Prime Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont, resigns from the Cabinet, the NLA would be responsible to search for his replacement, and his replacement would be from the NLA. However, the NLA Chairman says he does not want Gen. Surayud to step down as it could cause problems.

Mr. Meechai says it is normal for the Council for National Security (CNS) to appoint an acting chairman, following Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin’s resignation yesterday (October 1st). He says the new constitution states that the CNS only has to appoint an acting chairman until the new government has been established. However, Mr. Meechai believes Gen. Sonthi’s resignation will not bring about negative effects.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Sq. Ldr Prasong: Sonthi quits from CNS clarify his stance towards political ambition

The Chairman of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and chairman of the ad-hoc committee on morality and ethics of politicians, Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), views that Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน)’s resignation from the Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS)'s post sheds light on his future political stance.

In response to the resignation of Gen. Sonthi, Sqn. Ldr. Prasong says it is good for the former CNS Chairman to clarify his political ambition. However, the NLA Chairman suggests Gen. Sonthi to proceed his political career with cautious and prudence while urging the current CNS members to follow their military reform’s purposes in order to benefit the kingdom.

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong emphasizes that whether the upcoming general election would take place depends on related agencies’ readiness, and therefore, the interim government should refrain from linking recent political matters with the coming polls.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Acting CNS Chairman to continue CNS mission until new Govt. formed

Acting Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), ACM.Chalit Pukpasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุข), says he will continue with CNS’s mission until a new government is formed and will not recruit more CNS members. He also says relationships between other CNS members are still in good terms.

ACM.Chalit says he had learned that CNS Chairman Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin would resign before the chairman announced his resignation. Gen.Sonthi asked him to support the interim government and other relevant units, the acting chairman says.

Asked whether he will attend a Cabinet meeting, ACM.Chalit says he has yet discussed the matter with the premier. He affirms that there is no internal conflict among seven CNS members, especially Gen.Saprang Kalayanamitr (สพรั่ง กัลยาณมิตร) who failed to be promoted as commander-in-chief of the army.

The acting CNS chief adds that other CNS members are ready to provide full support for Gen.Sonthi who will join the Cabinet as they are confident in him who always work for the benefit of the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2007