New Cabinet Appointed

[sriracha john]

CABINET woes continue...

Thai police say they will charge Cabinet minister with insulting monarchy

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP 2008-05-29) - Thai police will recommend that a Cabinet minister accused of insulting the monarch be prosecuted in court.

Police issued an announcement Thursday saying that an arrest warrant would be issued next week for Jakrapob Penkair, a minister attached to the prime minister's office.

A police officer, acting in a private capacity, in March filed a complaint against Jakrapob, alleging that he had committed lese majeste, the crime of insulting the monarchy.

His complaint was based on remarks Jakrapob allegedly made in August 2007 when Jakrapob was part of a group opposed to the military-installed government then in power.

Jakrapob denies the allegation and says he is the target of a conspiracy.

[sriracha john]

so it's 1 down, 35 more to go .... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

BREAKING NEWS

Social Development Minister Resigns

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng decided to resign from the post, effective immediately, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej told reporters Thursday. Secretary of Sutha, Anake Hutankabodi, said Sutha resigned because he is not healthy, adding that doctors told him to rest a lot because he stands a chance of being paralysed. Sutha is the first minister in the Samak administration to resign. He is being probed by Democrat Party following reports that he did not hold a bachelor's degree, as stipulated in the constitution for a cabinet minister. He is also accused of refusing to report assets and debts of illegitimate children to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) as required by

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127554

So it's 2 down, 34 more to go ... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

Jakrapob will resign

Embattled PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair will announce his resignation on Friday, People's Power Party's MP Jatuporn Prompan said Thursday.

Jakarapob will make the announcement at noon at the Government House, said Jatuporn.

Police have said that they will summon Jakrapob to acknowledge a charge of lese majeste for what he said at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Thailand last year.

- The Nation (today)

===================================================================

In keeping with TRT/PPP protocol, he will deny that his resignation has anything to do with the charges against him and instead is due to health problems he's been having with recurring hemorrhoids.

Edited May 29, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Police probe finds grounds to prosecute minister

Police investigators have concluded that a case of lese majeste can be pursued against PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair.

Lt-General Adisorn Nonsee, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, made the announcement yesterday following an investigation into allegations Jakrapob committed lese majeste in a speech at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in August last year.

Adisorn said the preliminary conclusion was that there were grounds to pursue a case of lese majeste against Jakrapob, though his team still needed to question a few more people and gather some more evidence.

"We'll be giving fairness to all parties. This matter is under close watch by the Thai public," he said.

"We expect to summon Jakrapob to acknowledge the charges next week. If he learns about this [first], he may surrender to the police. Otherwise, we might have to ask the court to issue an arrest warrant for him. However, since he is a minister, we'll treat him with respect."

Jakrapob has been in the hot seat and at risk of losing his Cabinet job following a translation of the text of his speech from English to Thai that was widely circulated on the Internet.

In his speech, Jakrapob took on the patronage system and fiercely criticised General Prem Tinsulanonda, President of the Privy Council. At that time, he was heading an anti-coup group. A complaint of lese majeste was subsequently filed against him because his speech was alleged to border on offending the monarchy.

There has been growing pressure for Jakrapob to resign. The Democrats, and most recently Natthawut Prasertwuwan, a Chat Thai Party MP, have played on the political controversy by calling for Jakrapob's resignation.

Jakrapob called a news conference to profess his loyalty to the monarchy and commissioned another translation of his speech to try to clear to his name. But he reserved his right to criticise Prem.

He is currently on a week's leave from office, which he said he would use to weigh public opinion on the matter and consider his future course.

According to Article 112, a person found guilty of committing lese majeste can be sentenced to between three and 15 years in prison.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has said he will not force Jakrapob to resign unless the matter goes through the justice system. If there were grounds to suspect him of lese majeste and the case reached the courts, then Jakrapob would automatically have to step down from office, Samak indicated.

Asked whether Jakrapob should resign to show responsibility for his controversial speech, the military's Supreme Commander Boonsrang Niumpradit replied: "I didn't say so. I am just talking about the matter in principle."

He said that for a holder of public office resigning did not mean losing face. "You are a hero, just like a samurai who commits hara-kiri," he said.

- The Nation (today)

[slapout]

The last statement in the above post #543 must have a logical, well thought out meaning, I just have trouble grasping what it is. If only more public egomanics would follow the samurai method in their exit, the world may be a better place. We could at least be assured that they would not crawl out from beneath another rock and bite the public again.

[marshbags]

so it's 1 down, 35 more to go .... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

BREAKING NEWS

Social Development Minister Resigns

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng decided to resign from the post, effective immediately, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej told reporters Thursday. Secretary of Sutha, Anake Hutankabodi, said Sutha resigned because he is not healthy, adding that doctors told him to rest a lot because he stands a chance of being paralysed. Sutha is the first minister in the Samak administration to resign. He is being probed by Democrat Party following reports that he did not hold a bachelor's degree, as stipulated in the constitution for a cabinet minister. He is also accused of refusing to report assets and debts of illegitimate children to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) as required by

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127554

So it's 2 down, 34 more to go ... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

Jakrapob will resign

Embattled PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair will announce his resignation on Friday, People's Power Party's MP Jatuporn Prompan said Thursday.

Jakarapob will make the announcement at noon at the Government House, said Jatuporn.

Police have said that they will summon Jakrapob to acknowledge a charge of lese majeste for what he said at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Thailand last year.

- The Nation (today)

===================================================================

In keeping with TRT/PPP protocol, he will deny that his resignation has anything to do with the charges against him and instead is due to health problems he's been having with recurring hemorrhoids.

Anus problems.... He can,t stop talking out of it

[nomoretalksin]

I'm quite sure, he will go for the "reconciliation trick", for his love and the sake of the country motherland bla bla bla

and he will continue to proove his innocence.....etc. etc.

Why not join Soap-Opera, working as an actor? That's where he's best strength "acting" would come out best

[A_Traveller]

Bangkok Post reporting that

Jakrapob Penkair ... would hand an official resignation letter later on Friday, and the resignation will be effective next week.

and from The Nation:-

Speaking at a press conference at Government House, Jakrapob said he had to resign to save the prime minister and the government.

He said the government and prime minister have to be saved now for democracy in the long run. He said he would fight the case of Lèse Majesté to set a precedence not to allow dirty politics to prevail. Jakrapob said he would submit his resignation to the prime minister in the evening.

He announced his resignation after police announce(d) that they would take legal action against Jakrapob for alleged Lèse Majesté related to his speech given to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand in August last year. The press conference was broadcast live on TVs. Responding to reporters' questions, Jakrapob said the legal case did not influence him to resign but he decided to resign to lift the burden from Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Edited May 30, 2008 by A_Traveller

[sriracha john]

Good riddance to Jakob the Liar...

Thaksin ally quits Thai Cabinet

A Thai cabinet minister allied to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has resigned after being accused of criticising the monarchy.

Jakrapob Penkair stepped down after the police said they would charge him with lese majeste, a serious offence which can lead to a 15 year prison sentence.

The move comes amid political tension over the government's plans to revise the constitution. Rumours of another military coup are shaking investor confidence.

Political careers in Thailand routinely survive all sorts of mud-slinging - but any allegation of disloyalty to the monarchy is usually fatal. So it has proved to Jakrapob Penkair, an outspoken cabinet minister and one-time protege of Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire prime minister who was ousted by a bloodless coup in September 2006.

The offending comments were made in English in a speech to foreign correspondents last August. Their translation and interpretation have been the subject of intense debate.

Jakrapob insists he intended no offence. The issue is a highly emotional one in Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is almost universally revered here.

Opponents of Thaksin, whose allies run the current government, believe he has a hidden, anti-monarchy agenda.

So when the government announced it would try to amend the constitution earlier this year, that prompted a resumption of street protests by some of the same groups who led the campaign against Thaksin two years ago.

They will doubtless see the resignation of one of his most loyal supporters in the government as a victory.

But the deep rift between the pro- and anti-Thaksin camps is still unresolved, after more than two years.

- BBC News, Bangkok

Edited May 30, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Senators seek parliamentary debate on government's performance

BANGKOK, June 9 (TNA) - A group of 61 senators Monday jointly presented a motion seeking a general session with the government on the issue of political turmoil and economic hardship.

Citing Article 161 of the 2007 Constitution Senator Sumol Sutawiriyawat of the central Phetchaburi province submitted the motion on behalf of the group to Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej, requesting the Cabinet to clarify the ongoing turmoil and "questions of public administration that might lead to damage to the country."

Senator Sumol said the intent of the motion is not to topple the government, but for the government to register the economic plight of the public through a question and answer session in the Senate.

Mr. Prasopsuk said after verifying the names and motion which will take several days, the motion will be entered into the Senate's agenda. He said he wanted this session to take place within this sitting of the House.

The Senate speaker suggested that the most likely date for the session is June 23, as the parliament will be attending to the budget bill for the 2009 fiscal year.

[sriracha john]

so it's 1 down, 35 more to go .... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

BREAKING NEWS

Social Development Minister Resigns

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng decided to resign from the post, effective immediately

So it's 2 down, 34 more to go ... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

Jakrapob will resign

Embattled PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair will announce his resignation on Friday, People's Power Party's MP Jatuporn Prompan said Thursday.

Are Numbers 3 and 4 of this inept and corrupt Cabinet coming up???

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap

PM Samak Sundaravej

Election Commission to Conclude Cases against Health Minister & PM

Thailand’s poll watchdog is set to reach its conclusion on the qualifications of the embattled Public Health Minister and the Prime Minister today.

Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum said that the Election Commission would likely draw a conclusion on pending cases against Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap and PM Samak Sundaravej today.

Health Minister Chaiya has been in the hot seat since April, when the nine-member National Counter Corruption Commission voted unanimously that Chaiya should be disqualified from holding office as he failed to notify the panel of his wife's holding of more than a five per cent stake in a private company within the given timeframe.

However, the NCCC noted it does not have the authority to impeach the minister so it forwarded the case to the PM, the House Speaker, the Senate Speaker and the Election Commission for further action. The Senate has already forwarded the case to the Constitution Court to decide on Chaiya's impeachment.

Sodsri said that the EC sub-committee in charge of the issue has already passed all information to the main panel to conclude whether the case should be forwarded to the court for legal litigation.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is to determine the direction of the case against Prime Minister Samak, who was alleged to have violated the Constitution after having hosted two TV shows while holding the premiership.

Senator Ruengkrai Leekitwattana alleged that Samak is in direct violation of Article 267 of the Constitution which stipulates that a prime minister or a minister cannot be an employee of a private company and cannot be compensated by a venture which garners profits.

While Sodsri stated that the EC has not decided on Samak’s TV show legality, the poll panel has learnt that a group of senators have already submitted a similar complaint to the Senate Speaker, asking him to forward the matter to the Constitution Court to make the ruling.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Edited June 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Looks like Number 3 is coming up....

EC to forward Chaiya case to Constitution Court

The Election Commission decided to forward the case against Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab to the Constitution Court for his failure to declare his wife's private-company shareholdings to the National Counter Corruption Commission after he took office. Election commissioners voted 4 to 1 on Tuesday to file the case with the court. Chaiya failed to report his wife's private-company shareholdings exceeding the legal limit of 5 per cent.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128108

[sriracha john]

No house committees, no government scrutiny

The failure to set up any parliamentary standing committees in the past four months has been a waste of time and bodes ill for the system of checks and balances, government and opposition MPs agree.

Never before has such a long time passed since the convening of the House without a single committee being appointed.

"Standing committees, the main mechanism to check and balance the government's administration, have not been appointed, so MPs cannot do their job completely," said Opposition chief whip Sathit Wongnongtoey.

Government whip secretary Samart Kaewmeechai, a People Power Party MP from Chiang Rai, said the delay in appointing committees meant a delay in studying problems. "MPs cannot perform their scrutiny role on their own, they can only request information or summon people in the name of a [parliamentary] committee," Samart said.

Democrat Ranong MP Wirat Romyen, who has been nominated by his party to chair the laws, justice and human rights committee, said the existence of parliamentary committees gave people more choices to resolve their problems. They might want to file a complaint or submit information to a committee in Parliament rather than join a street protest.

The formation of the committees has been delayed by differences between ruling coalition and opposition MPs over their allocation. The number of committees has been increased from 32 to 35, and their names and scope of responsibility changed. Therefore, the quota of each party to nominate heads of committees also changed. Samart said the changes were according to the new Constitution.

Even before the changes were made, PPP MP Sukhumpong Ngonkam resigned as deputy government chief whip in March to show responsibility for the delay in appointing the committees. He said at that time that he was stressed by PPP MPs' demand for a bigger quota for the party and for more prominent committees.

PPP and Democrat sources said the PPP MPs did not want opposition MPs to head crucial committees, especially those on anti-corruption, education, and law, justice and human rights, which are in the Democrats' quota.

Sathit said the Democrat Party had already chosen the heads of committees in its quota, but the coalition parties have not agreed on the committees in their quota.

Samart said members of the new or changed committees were yet to be discussed, but the appointments should be completed by the end of this month.

Sathit said the effectiveness of each committee depended mainly on the chairman; a chairman from a ruling party might not be so keen to scrutinise the government's work.

However, Samart said MPs would disregard their party affiliations and do their job as members of the legislative branch. There is no conflict of interest. Instead, chairing a parliamentary committee could add to a politician's good record, he said.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Number 3 is being stubborn...

Public Health Minister says he will not resign

Minister of Public Health Chaiya Sasomsab affirms he will not resign despite the Election Commission's (EC) decision to forward his case to the Constitutional Court.

The minister also says the submission of his list of assets and liabilities to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) is transparent and expresses his belief that EC’s resolution will not affect cabinet reshuffles in the future.

He says he will not be disheartened and resign.

Chaiya was alleged by NCCC of hiding the equity of his wife which exceeds the 5% cap.

- ThaiNews (today)

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile, over at another Ministry..... Thaksin chum Sompong swears, "What, me worry?"

Justice Minister not too worried over censure debate against him

Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat affirms he is not too worried despite warnings that the Opposition will launch a censure debate against him and expresses his confidence that he can explain all issues.

The minister also thanked the Opposition as the censure debate will allow him to explain all issues about him to the media and the general public. However, he says he has no idea which topics the Opposition will ask him to clarify to the parliament.

Sompong affirms he has always worked with loyalty and he can clarify the transfers of the ministry’s officials.

He also says he is confident that the coalition parties will not leave the administration, adding that they understand and listen to one another. The minister states further that the government has many problems to be solved and he can effectively deal with the current political conflict.

- ThaiNews (today)

[hammered]

Government whip secretary Samart Kaewmeechai, a People Power Party MP from Chiang Rai, said the delay in appointing committees meant a delay in studying problems. "MPs cannot perform their scrutiny role on their own, they can only request information or summon people in the name of a [parliamentary] committee," Samart said.

Quite disturbing and from their own side (unless Yongyuth has decided to flip)

A feature of the previous Thaksin government was to do everything by cabinet resolution rather than put it through parliament.

Intersting idea to see the total and unfettered supremacy of the executive in a parliamentary system. It doesnt seem to jive with what is theoretically supposed to happen in parliamentary systems where parliaments are elected and not executives but ho hum I guess we are not talking about democracy. Good to see at least one government side MP critical of the government.

[sriracha john]

Just like when he was arrested for being the leader of a riot injuring hundreds, he's back again at the "Cop Shop"....

The facial contortionist extraordinaire Jakrapob today on the way to getting processed.

Jakrapob Denies Lese Majeste Charge in Meeting with Police

After two weeks of delay in hearing the charge of lese majeste, former PMs Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair finally reported to the police this morning. He still adamantly refuses the charge against him.

Former PMs Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair and his lawyer reported to the Crime Suppression Police to hear the charge of lese majeste against him, which is a violation of Article 112 of the Criminal Code.

Jakrapob spoke to reporters, saying the charge against him is severe.

However, he notes that the English speech he gave at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand was from last year, during the administration of former Privy Councilor General Surayud Chulanont but no action was taken then.

He claims the raising of the issue now is a political game to discredit the current administration.

The former PMs Office Minister, who had to resign from his post two weeks ago because of this scandal, insists he has no intention of committing lese majeste and adds in the end, the truth will reveal who actually respects and protects the monarchy.

The police investigative team will need about two weeks to conclude the case and send it to the National Police Commission for a further decision.

Today, the police charged Jakrapob and interrogated him before releasing him as he is still not a suspect. After this, he can be summoned back for more questioning at any time or he, himself, can meet the police to give additional testimony. The police have scheduled another meeting with him on July 2nd.

Jakrapobs former Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship colleagues all show up to lend their support to him today, including Deputy Government Spokesperson Nattawut Saikua, Deputy People Power Secretary-General Jatuporn Prompan, and Weng Tojirakarn. *Yep, all were present today for him and all were part of the rioting that hurt so many people. Honor Amongst Thugs*

Around 20 members of the public also show up with flowers to give to Jakrapob. *Leftover roses from Potjaman's last court appearance*

While the ASTV reporter was interviewing Jakrapob at the police station, one of his entourage with a Government House identification card around his neck took pictures of the reporter. After some arguing, he agreed to delete the pictures of the reporter.

It is said that the man is a key leader of the taxi group that has always shown strong support for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra. *more Honor Amongst Thugs *

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Edited June 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

so it's 1 down, 35 more to go .... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

BREAKING NEWS

Social Development Minister Resigns

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng decided to resign from the post, effective immediately

So it's 2 down, 34 more to go ... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

Jakrapob will resign

Embattled PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair will announce his resignation on Friday, People's Power Party's MP Jatuporn Prompan said Thursday.

Are Numbers 3 and 4 of this inept and corrupt Cabinet coming up???

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap

PM Samak Sundaravej

Election Commission to Conclude Cases against Health Minister & PM

Thailand’s poll watchdog is set to reach its conclusion on the qualifications of the embattled Public Health Minister and the Prime Minister today.

and now, Number 5 reveals himself...

Commerce Minister May Consider Resigning

Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan revealed a desire to resign from conflicts with the Finance Ministry over the direction of the government’s economic policies and says he’s being targeted for obstructing the benefits to an unknown influential person.

It has been reported that Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan had complained to his close associates in the People Power party about conflicts over policies on fertilizers, rice, and pork with the Finance Ministry as his ideas obstruct the benefits of who he calls ‘the big man.’

Mingkwan is said to have commented that he will move on to develop the natural gas resource as the discovery of new sources in the Gulf of Thailand and in Burma will help fuel Thailand for at least 60 years. However, he will have to step on the toes of ‘the big man’ again, but he doesn’t care as he has no burdens of a wife or kids if he dies. :D

Speculation of a conflict between the Commerce and Finance ministries broke out over the issue of rice when Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee held an important meeting that decided to fix the purchase price of rice at 14,000 baht per ton and have the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives take charge of the project in place of the Public Warehouse Organization, as well as cancelled the blue-flag cheap rice project that sells rice to the public at cheaper than the market rate.

This is like a slap in the face for Mingkwan because he has always been in charge of the rice policies and the blue-flag cheap rice project is his brainchild. Furthermore, this important meeting was conducted when he was abroad. He cut short his trip and immediately flew back to Thailand a day after the meeting.

The Commerce Minister, then, expressed worries about being targeted by the opposition Democrat party in its upcoming censure debate.

During a meeting of the People Power party yesterday, Mingkwan had said to a group of about 10 MPs that he is considering resigning, but those MPs halted him and said the party’s northeastern and northern MP all back him in his post.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commerce Minister Virun Techapaibul commented that there are no conflicts among the Commerce ministerial team of him, Mingkwan, and Deputy Commerce Minister Banyin Tangpakorn as they’re all working for the benefit of the country.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

============================================

The photos reveal that he really wanted to be Number 2 and Samak preferred to be Number 5, but as is typical of this Cabinet... things got screwed up and out of order.

[sriracha john]

Pushing Number 5 closer to the brink...

Mingkwan sidelined over rice

Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan found himself falling further out of favour when Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday ordered his own staff to audit the government's rice inventory.

The latest move of Samak is seen as representing the Government House's attempt to invade the turf of the Commerce Ministry, which has been inspecting national rice stocks on a weekly basis.

Samak ordered the Permanent Secretary of the PM's Office to form a special team and 36 sub-investigation teams to check if all 2.1 million tonnes of government rice supposedly held in warehouses of millers could be accounted for.

The opposition Democrats have been questioning whether the government has this much, implying massive corruption.

Samak's move is aimed at ensuring the accuracy of the stock on hand ahead of his government's plan to sell the excess supply abroad.

A Government House source said the stock check was designed to discredit Mingkwan and keep him out in the cold. Mingkwan has opposed selling rice through government-to-government deals because they are susceptible to graft. If the special stock-taking teams find any discrepancies, Mingkwan and his officials would be held responsible and could be axed.

Another source said an attempt was made to distance Mingkwan from the government-to-government contracts with the Philippines. But the contracts were cancelled. Under the contracts, the Commerce Ministry had full authorisation over the rice trade. But the government would like to remove some clauses in the contracts in order to open up loopholes, the source said.

"If the minister was removed from these contracts, definitely some unscrupulous politicians would seek ways to secure a commission from the difference of the price under the G-to-G," the source said.

The setting up of the inspection teams is not necessary as the ministry regularly sends its officials to inspect the rice and look after the stocks. This will create duplicate work for government officials, as well as huge losses for funding the inspection process, the source added.

Vararak Chansamart, the ministry's Deputy Permanent Secretary, insisted that the government's inventory was intact.

- The Nation (today)

[nomoretalksin]

it's amazing how Thaksin can contradict himself within a same interview. I noticed he does that for years and years. Is that guy so stupid or he thinks we are?

Same as Samak, talk first, then think. What a poor condition Thailand is in now, with such a leader-duet.

-----------

Quote

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=new...id=ailPps3Teah8

Thaksin Tells Thailand to Cut Rates, Boost Spending (Update1)

By Nipa Piboontanasawat and Haslinda Amin

March 12 (Bloomberg) -- Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's former premier, insists that he's done with politics; he isn't done advising politicians on what to do.

Thaksin, who returned from exile last month after having been ousted from office and banned from politics in a 2006 military coup, said Thailand's newly elected government must repair economic damage to the country caused by the leaders who unseated him.

In an interview yesterday with Bloomberg News, Thaksin called for lower interest rates, a weaker currency and more business investment. ``We have to bring back confidence to Thailand after the coup,'' he said. ``It's quite difficult, but the government has to try harder.''

Thaksin's advice to the ruling People Power Party, which was founded by his loyalists and won the first post-coup election in December, suggests he wants to continue exercising political clout, said Suriyasai Katasila of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, an activist group that opposed Thaksin when in office.

``He is running the government behind the stage now, and will come back for sure once he proves his innocence in front of the justice system,'' Suriyasai said. ``His words on the economy have much influence because the team running Thailand's economic policy at the moment is basically his.''

Thaksin, who remains a popular figure for his policy of grants to poor villages, presided over Thailand's fastest economic growth in a decade. In the interview, he said the Southeast Asian nation's interest rates need to be lower to boost confidence among consumers and investors.

`Not Easy'

Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee last week said economic growth may be 6 percent this year, the best pace since 2004, when he unveiled tax cuts aimed at spurring spending. Southeast Asia's second-largest economy expanded 4.8 percent in 2007, slowing from 5.1 percent a year earlier.

``It's not easy for any government to step in now right after the coup,'' Thaksin said. ``It's been almost two years that the country has not moved forward.''

Consumer and business confidence in Thailand languished under the junta-backed government amid economic policy bungles and political squabbles.

Thaksin said the Thai currency is ``too strong compared to other currencies in the region.'' The baht is at the highest level in more than a decade after adding 6.9 percent this year, the most among Asia's 10 most-traded currencies outside Japan.

``Because of the strong baht, Thailand should take this opportunity to upgrade the production quality of exporters by bringing in new machines, equipment and technology,'' he said.

Banned From Politics

Thaksin, whose Thai Rak Thai party won a record 377 of 500 parliamentary seats in 2005, was ousted in September 2006 after months of demonstrations in Bangkok by protesters who accused him of corruption. He was also criticized over the 2006 tax-free sale of the mobile-phone company he founded to Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings Pte.

In May last year, a nine-judge tribunal appointed by the junta that ousted Thaksin said his party broke laws in a 2006 election. The judges dissolved the party and imposed five-year political bans on 111 executives of Thai Rak Thai, or Thais Love Thais, including Thaksin.

The army justified its coup by saying Thaksin was corrupt. The former premier and his wife Pojamarn, who returned to Thailand in January, face charges over their involvement in purchasing land from the central bank. A separate lawsuit filed this week by a junta-installed committee alleges Thaksin bypassed laws in setting up a lottery.

The Asset Examination Committee froze more than 60 billion baht ($1.9 billion) of assets belonging to Thaksin and his family.

``I can prove my innocence easily, I have done nothing wrong,'' Thaksin said, describing the charges he faces as politically motivated. He pleaded not guilty today during the first hearing in Thailand's Supreme Court.

Thaksin returned to Thailand on Feb. 28 and said he will devote himself to charitable activities ( where?) and managing the Manchester City soccer team, which he bought last year.

-----------

not advising politicians and 1 minute later.... yes Thaksin we always believed you... such a shame for this country. When will this man stop?

[Tony Clifton]

it's amazing how Thaksin can contradict himself within a same interview. I noticed he does that for years and years. Is that guy so stupid or he thinks we are?

Same as Samak, talk first, then think. What a poor condition Thailand is in now, with such a leader-duet.

-----------

Quote

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=new...id=ailPps3Teah8

Thaksin Tells Thailand to Cut Rates, Boost Spending (Update1)

By Nipa Piboontanasawat and Haslinda Amin

March 12 (Bloomberg) -- Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's former premier, insists that he's done with politics; he isn't done advising politicians on what to do.

Thaksin, who returned from exile last month after having been ousted from office and banned from politics in a 2006 military coup, said Thailand's newly elected government must repair economic damage to the country caused by the leaders who unseated him.

In an interview yesterday with Bloomberg News, Thaksin called for lower interest rates, a weaker currency and more business investment. ``We have to bring back confidence to Thailand after the coup,'' he said. ``It's quite difficult, but the government has to try harder.''

Thaksin's advice to the ruling People Power Party, which was founded by his loyalists and won the first post-coup election in December, suggests he wants to continue exercising political clout, said Suriyasai Katasila of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, an activist group that opposed Thaksin when in office.

``He is running the government behind the stage now, and will come back for sure once he proves his innocence in front of the justice system,'' Suriyasai said. ``His words on the economy have much influence because the team running Thailand's economic policy at the moment is basically his.''

Thaksin, who remains a popular figure for his policy of grants to poor villages, presided over Thailand's fastest economic growth in a decade. In the interview, he said the Southeast Asian nation's interest rates need to be lower to boost confidence among consumers and investors.

------

not advising politicians and 1 minute later.... yes Thaksin we always believed you... such a shame for this country. When will this man stop?

1- Natural death

2- Accidental death

3- Cerebro-vascular stroke that would totally paralyze him.

4- Bullet to the brain.

Edited June 13, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Number 5 might as well resign as the PM orders him out of the country during a crucial job-related time....

Mingkwan on the sidelines

Samak orders minister to attend Malaysia forum

Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan was ordered abruptly to leave for Kuala Lumpur to attend the World Economic Forum - a move that will leave him out of the government's crucial management of rice policy.

The snap order was issued by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who had apparently put Mingkwan under intense pressure over the past week following the government's announcement of a multi-billion-baht rice-pledging scheme.

Sources said Mingkwan would be on his overseas trip over the weekend while more than 1,000 soldiers would be seconded to inspect government rice stocks in more than 100 warehouses nationwide.

Last week, Samak also chaired the National Rice Policy Committee while Mingkwan was abroad and launched the pledging scheme, which analysts said could be vulnerable to corruption if handled improperly.

The largest faction of People Power Party MPs, led by Newin Chidchob and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, are understood to be behind Samak's move to take over rice-policy management from Mingkwan, who has few government MPs on his side.

Sources said Mingkwan had just learned about the order from Samak to attend the forum as the event was not on his schedule beforehand.

According to sources, rice checkers will start their work over the weekend as the government is verifying stocks for upcoming government-to-government rice deals. The Commerce Ministry previously reported total rice stocks of 2.1 million tonnes.

"Mingkwan is now working under strong pressure from big factions within the PPP and powerful businessmen," said a source.

The Cabinet recently approved a budget of 35 Billion Baht for rice pledging to guarantee a white-rice price of Bt14,000 per tonne - a move that critics said could lead politicians to take undue benefits.

"Mingkwan has been isolated from the PPP and the Cabinet. His proposals in the ministry have not got any support at all," the source added.

Earlier, Samak suspended Mingkwan's project to sell lower-priced necessities under the Blue Flag programme.

- The Nation (today)

[hammered]

Number 5 might as well resign as the PM orders him out of the country during a crucial job-related time....

Mingkwan on the sidelines

Samak orders minister to attend Malaysia forum

Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan was ordered abruptly to leave for Kuala Lumpur to attend the World Economic Forum - a move that will leave him out of the government's crucial management of rice policy.

The snap order was issued by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who had apparently put Mingkwan under intense pressure over the past week following the government's announcement of a multi-billion-baht rice-pledging scheme.

Sources said Mingkwan would be on his overseas trip over the weekend while more than 1,000 soldiers would be seconded to inspect government rice stocks in more than 100 warehouses nationwide.

Last week, Samak also chaired the National Rice Policy Committee while Mingkwan was abroad and launched the pledging scheme, which analysts said could be vulnerable to corruption if handled improperly.

The largest faction of People Power Party MPs, led by Newin Chidchob and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, are understood to be behind Samak's move to take over rice-policy management from Mingkwan, who has few government MPs on his side.

Sources said Mingkwan had just learned about the order from Samak to attend the forum as the event was not on his schedule beforehand.

According to sources, rice checkers will start their work over the weekend as the government is verifying stocks for upcoming government-to-government rice deals. The Commerce Ministry previously reported total rice stocks of 2.1 million tonnes.

"Mingkwan is now working under strong pressure from big factions within the PPP and powerful businessmen," said a source.

The Cabinet recently approved a budget of 35 Billion Baht for rice pledging to guarantee a white-rice price of Bt14,000 per tonne - a move that critics said could lead politicians to take undue benefits.

"Mingkwan has been isolated from the PPP and the Cabinet. His proposals in the ministry have not got any support at all," the source added.

Earlier, Samak suspended Mingkwan's project to sell lower-priced necessities under the Blue Flag programme.

- The Nation (today)

The only one with any suggestion of talent sidelined already.

Of course the likes of Newin dont care that there is no capability or policy in the current government as the plan is to just change constitution, free up the dosh, release the 111 and then hold a snap election, to return him and his ilk to their rightful places heading up big project ministries and return to business as usual. In the meantime for a few months the farmers have to be kept onside in difficult economic times. Of course the biggest problem for this plan is that Samak may like beign PM too much and may not play ball.

[sriracha john]

Number 5 might as well resign as the PM orders him out of the country during a crucial job-related time....

Mingkwan on the sidelines

Samak orders minister to attend Malaysia forum

Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan was ordered abruptly to leave for Kuala Lumpur to attend the World Economic Forum - a move that will leave him out of the government's crucial management of rice policy.

The snap order was issued by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who had apparently put Mingkwan under intense pressure over the past week following the government's announcement of a multi-billion-baht rice-pledging scheme.

Sources said Mingkwan would be on his overseas trip over the weekend while more than 1,000 soldiers would be seconded to inspect government rice stocks in more than 100 warehouses nationwide.

Last week, Samak also chaired the National Rice Policy Committee while Mingkwan was abroad and launched the pledging scheme, which analysts said could be vulnerable to corruption if handled improperly.

According to sources, rice checkers will start their work over the weekend as the government is verifying stocks for upcoming government-to-government rice deals. The Commerce Ministry previously reported total rice stocks of 2.1 million tonnes.

"Mingkwan is now working under strong pressure from big factions within the PPP and powerful businessmen," said a source.

The Cabinet recently approved a budget of 35 Billion Baht for rice pledging to guarantee a white-rice price of Bt14,000 per tonne - a move that critics said could lead politicians to take undue benefits.

"Mingkwan has been isolated from the PPP and the Cabinet. His proposals in the ministry have not got any support at all," the source added.

Earlier, Samak suspended Mingkwan's project to sell lower-priced necessities under the Blue Flag programme.

- The Nation (today)

The only one with any suggestion of talent sidelined already.

Of course the likes of Newin don't care that there is no capability or policy in the current government as the plan is to just change constitution, free up the dosh, release the 111 and then hold a snap election, to return him and his ilk to their rightful places heading up big project ministries and return to business as usual. In the meantime for a few months the farmers have to be kept onside in difficult economic times. Of course the biggest problem for this plan is that Samak may like being PM too much and may not play ball.

added to their litany of criminal intentions is the topic of this quote which is matched up nicely with the suspiciously missing billions of baht worth of rice from government stockpiles...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=183487

Lost: 200,000 Tonnes Of Rice

always best to send in your own counters to redo everything and say it's not missing....

coupled, of course, with the return of the inadvisable rice subsidies...

Edited June 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Critics blast government's performance

Handling of rice and inflation criticised

Economic experts yesterday slammed the government's poor economic performance, zeroing in on its handling of rice prices and inflation. The criticisms came as a fresh rice-pledging scheme kicks off today. The Commerce Ministry and the BoT were at the centre of criticism at a forum marking the 59th anniversary of the establishment of Thammasat University's economics faculty. Ammar Siamwalla, an honorary economist for the Thailand Development Research Institute and a rice policy expert, said the rice policy lacked direction. To illustrate his points, he singled out the government's Blue Flag campaign to offer low-priced rice to consumers, which was quickly scrapped, and the rice export policy brought in. "People are confused as to whether the government wants to sell rice or not. Rice exporters do not know what the government plans for them," he said. "The government rushes to launch a new rice-pledging scheme just because the rice price drops from 15,000 baht to 12,000-13,000 baht per tonne, which is not low at all." He also took the government to task for having the Commerce Ministry, which is in charge of macro economics, handle inflation instead of the central bank. "I do not know what has happened to the central bank. It has barely addressed inflation policy. What it does is to make inflation predictions. That's incomprehensible," he said. He blamed the Samak cabinet's poor economic performance on a hidden agenda of white-washing the Thaksin administration. Former Deputy PM Devakula agreed with Ammar's views about the government's handling of the rice issue. He said the government's policy seemed to get off track, citing its initiatives to give people on low incomes coupons to buy food and other basic necessities and to allocate one million rai of unused land from state agencies to poor farmers. The criticism came only one day before the government starts a fresh rice-pledging scheme today. Rice millers in Ayutthaya yesterday cast doubts over the new scheme, saying the requirements for joining are high and the procedures are unclear. Prasert Bamrungpol, the president of Ayutthaya's rice millers association, said about 11 rice mills in the province have signed up for the programme, but only one can buy rice when the scheme gets under way today. In Chiang Rai, rice farmers are threatening to set up roadblocks tomorrow if rice millers fail to pay for their rice.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/15Jun2008_news01.php

Edited June 15, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Police to conclude Jakrapob's case within 2 weeks

Interim Highway Police Commander and Deputy leader of Investigations into former Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair's lese majeste case, Police General Somyos Phromnim stated that Jakrapob's case has not yet been able to be concluded following his acceptance of charges on the 12th of June.

Police General Somyos stated that police are still collecting evidence and are now allowing Jakrapob to present any of his own evidence to contest the case.

The Investigative Officer said that after receiving his charges, Jakrapob has not returned to present any new evidence.

Nonetheless, Police General Somyos stated that police would attempt to conclude the case within the next two weeks.

- ThaiNews (today)

[Tony Clifton]

Jakrapob's big mouth before the charges. I-----------------------I Jakrapob's big mouth after the charges.

[sriracha john]

so it's 1 down, 35 more to go .... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

BREAKING NEWS

Social Development Minister Resigns

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng decided to resign from the post, effective immediately

So it's 2 down, 34 more to go ... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

Jakrapob will resign

Embattled PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair will announce his resignation on Friday, People's Power Party's MP Jatuporn Prompan said Thursday.

Are Numbers 3 and 4 of this inept and corrupt Cabinet coming up???

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap

PM Samak Sundaravej

Election Commission to Conclude Cases against Health Minister & PM

Thailand’s poll watchdog is set to reach its conclusion on the qualifications of the embattled Public Health Minister and the Prime Minister today.

and now, Number 5 reveals himself...

Commerce Minister May Consider Resigning

Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan revealed a desire to resign from conflicts with the Finance Ministry over the direction of the government’s economic policies and says he’s being targeted for obstructing the benefits to an unknown influential person.

It has been reported that Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan had complained to his close associates in the People Power party about conflicts over policies on fertilizers, rice, and pork with the Finance Ministry as his ideas obstruct the benefits of who he calls ‘the big man.’

Mingkwan is said to have commented that he will move on to develop the natural gas resource as the discovery of new sources in the Gulf of Thailand and in Burma will help fuel Thailand for at least 60 years. However, he will have to step on the toes of ‘the big man’ again, but he doesn’t care as he has no burdens of a wife or kids if he dies. :D

Speculation of a conflict between the Commerce and Finance ministries broke out over the issue of rice when Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee held an important meeting that decided to fix the purchase price of rice at 14,000 baht per ton and have the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives take charge of the project in place of the Public Warehouse Organization, as well as cancelled the blue-flag cheap rice project that sells rice to the public at cheaper than the market rate.

This is like a slap in the face for Mingkwan because he has always been in charge of the rice policies and the blue-flag cheap rice project is his brainchild. Furthermore, this important meeting was conducted when he was abroad. He cut short his trip and immediately flew back to Thailand a day after the meeting.

The Commerce Minister, then, expressed worries about being targeted by the opposition Democrat party in its upcoming censure debate.

During a meeting of the People Power party yesterday, Mingkwan had said to a group of about 10 MPs that he is considering resigning, but those MPs halted him and said the party’s northeastern and northern MP all back him in his post.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commerce Minister Virun Techapaibul commented that there are no conflicts among the Commerce ministerial team of him, Mingkwan, and Deputy Commerce Minister Banyin Tangpakorn as they’re all working for the benefit of the country.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

============================================

The photos reveal that he really wanted to be Number 2 and Samak preferred to be Number 5, but as is typical of this Cabinet... things got screwed up and out of order.

Number 5 is edging closer...

Mingkwan said to be ready to step down

'Depressed' commerce minister decries interference and lack of party support

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan will soon announce his resignation because he is feeling depressed at the lack of support from the People Power Party.

A source, who works close to Mingkwan, said Dr Olarn Chaipravat, now an adviser to Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, is a candidate to replace Mingkwan.

"Mingkwan feels very depressed because his own party does not give any support to his work. The party has also put pressure on Mingkwan and intervened in all the matters under his responsibility such as the rice policy," the source said.

"Mingkwan feels that he is a black sheep in the party. He is a clean man, free from corruption, but other politicians are trying to force him out of office to pave the way for them to take the benefits of the Commerce Ministry," added the source.

Mingkwan is out of favour in the People Power Party, which is now under the tight control of Newin Chidchob. There were reports from Government House that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was planning to reshuffle his Cabinet, allowing Mingkwan to keep his role as Deputy Prime Minister only and taking away the Commerce Ministry portfolio from him.

"There have been rumours all afternoon that Dr Olarn will be replacing Mingkwan," said another well-informed source. "The reason they want Dr Olarn, who is one of Thailand's top economists, is because the government now does not have strong economic leadership. Mingkwan had aspired to become the economic head of the government, but he has failed. Dr Surapong also lacks fundamental knowledge when it comes to real economic issues."

However, the source said he was doubtful that Dr Olarn would accept the job, given the shaky status of a government that might not last more than another six months.

Samak and the core leaders of the People Power Party took over management of the rice policy from Mingkwan before setting up a rice price-guarantee programme that would cost the government more than 25 Billion Baht. This price-guarantee programme is susceptible to irregularities.

Over the weekend, panelists at the Thammasat University's Faculty of Economics gave an "F" to Mingkwan's performance at the Commerce Ministry. This has further increased pressure for Mingkwan to be shunted out.

However, Deputy Commerce Minister Viroon Tejapaiboon said that it would be unfair to kick Mingkwan out of the position as it was too early to criticise his performance. "Mingkwan should not resign from the position as he has the efficiency needed to help the country," said Viroon, adding that Mingkwan was a key person to help his party win the general election.

However, he suggested that Mingkwan might need to adjust his character in order to survive in the political arena as he is not a politician. "He may need to become more careful when he speaks because his words can create difficulties for him later," he said.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Minister feels like a puppet

Banned but still powerful, politician Newin Chidchob is causing quite a stir within the People Power Party. Even some of the ministers allied to his camp are becoming frustrated with his voracious need for power.

A minister controlled by Newin complains that he's upset with Newin's management style and wants to kiss his post goodbye. "These days I'm just his puppet. He sends his men to control me. These guys report to Newin all of the details of ongoing projects under my ministry. I can do only 5 per cent of my duty," he said.

The minister said he had discussed the situation with banned Thai Rak Thai members Chidchai Wannasathit and Pongsak Raktapongpaisarn, who asked him to wait for the new restructuring of the party administration.

The PPP last week agreed to overhaul its administration in order to "undermine" the power of its factions. "If the restructuring does not work I will surely say goodbye," the minister said. Many hope it will work.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister says his 2 sons will not return to police posts

The Interior Minister, Pol. Capt. Chalerm Yubamrung, dismissed the news about promoting his two sons, namely Wan and Artharn, as police officials.

Pol. Capt. Chalerm says such news are untrue, and he considers them as a political maneuver. He says one of his sons is almost 40 years old while the other is currently working as the secretary of a minister [aka Secretary to Deputy Public Health Minister, Mr. Happy Toilet].

Besides, he says many of their friends who work as police officials are already lieutenant colonels, and it would not be likely for his sons to return to their old jobs.

Previously, Artharn and Wan joined the police in 1999 as sub-lieutenants in legal and public affairs. They had to resign two years later for filing fake military exemption documents in their applications.

- ThaiNews (today)

=======================================

No mention of Chalerm's other son who was recently reinstated in the Army after having fled the country on charges of murdering a police officer during one of his sons' infamous and multiple pub escapades.

Edited June 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[plachon]

Interior Minister says his 2 sons will not return to police posts

The Interior Minister, Pol. Capt. Chalerm Yubamrung, dismissed the news about promoting his two sons, namely Wan and Artharn, as police officials.

Pol. Capt. Chalerm says such news are untrue, and he considers them as a political maneuver. He says one of his sons is almost 40 years old while the other is currently working as the secretary of a minister [aka Secretary to Deputy Public Health Minister, Mr. Happy Toilet].

It looks like reaching the big 4 0, could be the crowning achievement of his life, the way this is announced. Isn't "secretary of a minister" a euphemism for a daddy's boy planted in govt., who would otherwise be unemployable anywhere else apart from a mafia hitsquad.

Besides, he says many of their friends who work as police officials are already lieutenant colonels, and it would not be likely for his sons to return to their old jobs.

Previously, Artharn and Wan joined the police in 1999 as sub-lieutenants in legal and public affairs. They had to resign two years later for filing fake military exemption documents in their applications.

- ThaiNews (today)

=======================================

No mention of Chalerm's other son who was recently reinstated in the Army after having fled the country on charges of murdering a police officer during one of his sons' infamous and multiple pub escapades.