New Cabinet Appointed

[sriracha john]

more woes for the Sudarat proxy nominee...

Sutha faces scrutiny over his qualifications

Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat promised further examination into the educational credentials of Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng if that would clear any suspicion, said yesterday.

Somchai, who is also Deputy Prime Minister [as well as being married to Thaksin's sister], said Sutha's educational background was checked by the Cabinet Secretariat when he was appointed to the Cabinet.

"We can do the checking again if there is any suspicion. We will make things clear and there will be no attempt to hide anything," Somchai said. He said the Education Ministry would work with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in any further probe about Sutha's educational background.

Sutha, who insisted that he had graduated with a bachelor's degree, said that he was "glad" to be examined. "I am ready to cooperate to allow the truth to be known," he said. *could you repeat that same sentence in Tagalog for us, please?*

The Constitution requires members of the Cabinet to have at least a bachelor's degree, compared to the 1997 charter, which also required Members of Parliament to have minimum university education.

A recent document by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security stated that the minister graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Management) from Republican College, Philippines, in 1984.

Sutha has never specified the information in previous official documents about his educational background.

In 1985, his campaign flyer for Bangkok's City Council election stated his maximum education as Grade 12. *perhaps in all the excitement he would have forgotten that he just completed 4 years of studying in the Philippines the year before.* In his campaign flyer for last year's general election, it was specified as an Advanced Diploma and Certificate in Logistics and Transport. *from something called "The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transportation United Kingdom". Anyone know it?*

The CSC Secretary-General, Preecha Watcharaphai, yesterday said the agency had made an initial investigation and discovered that the Republican College is an institution of higher education that is certified by the CSC.

However, the agency has not investigated whether Sutha actually graduated from the college as that would infringe on his personal right. *well then, why have the law if it's not followed???*

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

NCCC reveals assets of government officials

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) has declared the assets and debts of key members of government for public scrutiny.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has 9,082,771 baht worth of assets while Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has 36,195,929 baht in assets.

Resigned House Speaker Yongyuth Thiyaphairat has 6,914,981 baht in assets. Other ministers in the Cabinet such as Somchai Wongsawas declared his assets at 54,363,491 baht and Surapong Suebwonglee revealed assets 27,768,404.

Interior Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung declared his assets at 109,630,507 baht and Minister of Commerce Mingkwan Saengsuwan made public that he has 142,417,721 baht in assets.

- ThaiNews (today)

Edited March 20, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

More on the assets declarations...

Substantial information to the previously posted abbreviations on the proxies, thieves, and unqualifieds...

PROFILES

Who's who in Samak Cabinet?

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej finally gets his 35 Cabinet members yesterday. Amid criticism over their ability to be playing key roles in the new administration, they are captured into three categories displaying their origins.

The first group is made up of nominees of the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai Party executives. Loyalists of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra make up the second while the third consists of representatives of the coalition.

Nominee group

Ranongrak Suwanchawee: Deputy Finance Minister

Ranongrak was elected as a senator from Nakhon Ratchasima, but was not endorsed because of the coup. Her husband Pairoj (TRT Banned #69) - a veteran politician and executive of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party who was banned from politics for five years - sent her and their son to contest the Korat seats under the Puea Pandin Party. Both won. Ranongrak entered the Samak Cabinet as a Deputy Finance Minister with the help of her husband Pairoj and the cooperation of Baan Rim Nam faction leader Suchart Tancharoen (TRT Banned #20). Now 51, she graduated in nursing from Mahidol University.

- The Nation

The low pay for nurses here is almost enough to bring tears to one's eyes...

It's quite shameful that they have to end up nearly 100 million baht in hock...

Deputy Finance Minister Ranongrak Suwanchawee has 90.28 million baht in liabilities, outpacing her assets.

[sriracha john]

Another one who's fallen on hard times...

Substantial information to the previously posted abbreviations on the proxies, thieves, and unqualifieds...

PROFILES

Who's who in Samak Cabinet?

Nominee group

Santi Promphat: Transport Minister

Aged 56, Santi has been on the shortlist for the post since early January and was the only one who was not dropped from the list for the ministry. He first entered politics a decade ago as MP for Petchaboon province under the then New Aspiration Party and is one of the major financiers for the party leader Chaovalit Yongchaiyuth. Santi was advisor to the Interior and Transport Minister. As a major real estate tycoon with connections to Thaksin Shinawatra, he was entrusted by Thaksin due to his generous financial contribution and was given the responsibility to oversee MPs in the upper central region and some of the northeastern provinces. Between 2001 to 2005, he failed to secure a ministerial post, but the 19 September 2006 coup eventually gave him the opportunity with higher profile politicians from the TRT being banned from politics.

The depressed real estate market is really hitting hard on its "major tycoons"...

Transport Minister Santi Prompat declared his assets of only about 7.5 million baht. His liabilities, on the other hand, were as high as about 121 million baht.

[sriracha john]

Santi must be thinking...Thank God for the mega-projects.... as this will surely get the "major tycoon's" financial books back into the black...

500 Billion Baht in rail contracts up for grabs

Transport Minister Santi Prompat hopes to see healthy bidding contests this year for the State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) 300-billion-baht parallel railway tracks contract and the 200-billion-baht commercial complex at Makkasan railway station in Bangkok. The minister wants a single contractor to complete the whole network of standard gauge tracks in exchange for a 30-year concession, renewable for 30 more years, to operate the network. Dismissing concerns over a possible monopoly by one contractor, he said one developer would facilitate the smooth networking of parallel tracks.

The 30-year concession would prompt the concessionaire to use quality construction materials for the sake of durability as the contractor will operate and own the network for the first 30 years. He expects royalties and a share of the revenue from the complex to clear the SRT's accumulated debt. *as well as his own, no doubt*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/21Mar2008_news11.php

[sriracha john]

meanwhile, in the other circles of the intellectual Cabinet, comes the latest from the Foreign Affairs Ministry....

Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama proudly shows off the sleeves of his latest suit

Foreign Affairs Minister: Government will not stage coup on itself

The Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy Secretary-General of the People Power Party, Noppadon Pattama, affirms that the present government will not stage a coup d’état on Thailand itself as the country needs a government that comes to power by elections.

Noppadon dismissed rumors that the government will conduct a coup to assist the deposed Prime Minister and former leader of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, Thaksin Shinawatra, in fighting his court cases.

- ThaiNews

The little man in the big man's suit rolls out another gem... earlier it was a coup, now it's Parliament dissolution....

Noppadon says government will not dissolve parliament

Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama affirms the government will not dissolve the parliament to avoid effects from the House Speaker’s case of electoral fraud.

Deputy Leader of the People Power Party (PPP), Karn Thienkaew, earlier suggested that the party should dissolve the parliament, due to the electoral fraud case of House Speaker and PPP MP Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

Noppadon says the dissolution of the parliament takes place only when the legislature and the administration have conflicts on the government's policy. *or as seen fit to do so historically by Thaksin*

Asked whether the party is likely to be disbanded, the minister says it takes quite some time to close the case. He also expresses his confidence that Yongyuth is innocent and it is not easy to dissolve the party.

However, he says if the party faces a dissolution charge, MPs who took no part in the alleged electoral fraud will not be banned from politics.

- ThaiNews (today)

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

they must be getting worried.... they've added the other option of pursuing constitutional amendment changes...

[Tony Clifton]

What`s Jakaprob up to these days? He`s unusually quiet.

[steveromagnino]

What`s Jakaprob up to these days? He`s unusually quiet.

Interrogating TV newsmen about whether they should keep their jobs based on reporting pre coup, during coup, now; various gay stuff; rejigging the line up on Channel 11 and giving all his mates jobs that lost work when ITV got restructured is the rumour.

THe Thai media are fairly relentless; they refer to J Ming (which basically is like calling him Sister Mingkwan ie. the man in the dress) and soon I expect J Jakaprob.

Amazing that they haven't been sued yet!

[sriracha john]

What`s Jakrapob up to these days? He`s unusually quiet.

This originates during the time he was a gang leader and a riot inciter... but it's having repercussions now.

Police Officer Accuses PM's Office Minister of Lese Majeste

A police officer at Bang Mod police station filed a report with the Crime Suppression division against PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair for committing lese majeste in an interview at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand before he became minister.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wattanasak Mungkandee, an interrogating officer at Bang Mod police station filed a report with Police Major Chatupon Ngamsuwitchakul against Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair for allegedly committing lese majeste.

The accusation was based on a statement made at a press conference held by Jakrapob as a member of the National United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Thailand on August 29, 2007.

The content of the statement reportedly was insulting towards the monarchy. A DVD of the interview and the transcript in English has been submitted as evidence.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

Launch of Modern 11 Channel

The Prime Minister's Office Minister launched a new look of the state-run Channel 11 under the name NBT Channel, saying that the focus will be on extending the time for news programs.

The new Channel 11 under the Department of Public Relations was unveiled under the new name of NBT station or Modern Eleven as a result of Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair's policy.

The changes to the station will include the channel's emblem, content, and programs. Its principal policy on broadcasting news programs is to be balanced, neutral, and fast.

The process of change is divided into two phases. The first one is to improve news shows from April 1st onwards. The air time will be extended for news and news analysis programs, making a total of nine to nine and a half hours per day.

The second phase, on the other hand, will start in July. Contents of programs will be diversified and improved in quality.

Many former anchors from the dissolved iTV station will take positions as reporters and anchors. :D

Jakrapop said that as the person directly in charge of the affairs of the channel, he wished to upgrade the channel so that it can serve as a public television station.

The new channel 11 will be tapping into the early evening audience and the telecast will be made available overseas.

The PM's Office Minister also said that he would like to use the channel to promote understanding among groups of people who are at conflict. *I guess it's better than encouraging people to throw rocks or inciting people to swing planks of wood* He also said the channel would not be used to criticize other media as that would be counter-productive.

- Thailand Outlook (yesterday)

[sriracha john]

New face for channel 11

Despite being the government mouthpiece in the past, the new channel will be impartial... though bad news won't be tolerated

Channel 11, known for being the government's mouthpiece, will turn into a public-television channel from April 1, PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair said yesterday.

"Channel 11 will become one of Thailand's most valuable public television stations," Jakrapob said during the launch of the new channel called National Broadcasting of Thailand (NBT). NBT will bring in former iTV staff members known for their sympathetic view of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

These include Chom Petchpradab, a former iTV news editor who interviewed Thaksin after he was ousted in a coup, only to have the military junta ban the interview.

Despite its history as a government mouthpiece, Jakrapob insists the new channel will be impartial and deliver news quickly and transparently. "It's a television channel that serves the people," he said.

However, even though Jakrapob vowed to keep the NBT impartial, he was quick to add that broadcasting bad news about the government would not be in the best interests of the country.

Pachern Penkham, acting director-general of the Department of Public Relations which oversees the channel, said the station had already become popular with the public. "We have a show that almost everybody watches - [PM] Samak Sundaravej's weekly talk show."

- Daily Xpress (today)

[sriracha john]

Channel 11 is now "sorted"... so next up on the for the riot leader's media campaign is....

MCOT Chief next in line for the chop

Jakrapob: Resign or wait to be investigated

MCOT President Wasan Paileeklee looks set for the axe after Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair yesterday accused the former journalist of not doing his job well. "[Mr Wasan] should consider resigning, or he can wait until a new MCOT Board is appointed and launches an investigation," Jakrapob said. A new board is to be named at the shareholders' meeting next month. MCOT, which operates Channel 9 and a number of radio stations, is 60% owned by the Finance Ministry and was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2004. "I would like to wait and see what exactly [Jakrapob] said," Mr Wasan said. "But I would say that MCOT's performance has improved steadily. I am confident that I can answer any questions." MCOT last year reported net profits of 1.11 billion baht on revenues of 3.95 billion. The government has reshuffled a number of senior officials in recent months. They include former Public Relations Department Chief Pramoj Rajthavinij , former National Police Chief Pol Gen Sereepisut Taemeeyaves and Siriwat Tiptaradol, former Head of the Food and Drug Administration. Media experts expressed surprise the government would move for a change at MCOT. A securities analyst noted that MCOT's net profits had improved each quarter since Mr Wasan was appointed in the second quarter of 2007. MCOT labour union president Orawan Klimviratkul said if Mr Wasan was to be forced out it should be the board's decision, not the government's.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/25Mar2008_news001.php

[sriracha john]

The article reads like the exact opposite of its headline....

A woman of substance

There are four female ministers in premier Samak Sundaravej's 35-member Cabinet. They are Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong, Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop, Deputy Finance Minister Ranongrak Suwanchawee, and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsuthin. Of these four women, Anongwan, the wife of former Agriculture Minister Somsak Thepsuthin (TRT Banned #18), is the youngest and appears in the news most often, not because of her role as the Environment Minister, but because she is leader of the embattled Matchima Thipataya Party. The party is awaiting a ruling by the Election Commission on whether it should be dissolved for electoral fraud.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/19Mar2008_news35.php

Now it's the nominee's husband's turn...

Former TRT Executive Claims Constitution Amendments Benefit Everyone

A former executive member of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party has voiced his support for a possible amendment to the Constitution. He says it will benefit all parties involved. *

Former minister in the Thaksin administration and one of the 111 banned executives of the Thai Rak Thai party Somsak Thepsuthin (TRT Banned #18) says he agrees with a joint decision made by the six coalition parties to immediately amend the new Constitution. *and with it, the pre-coalition forming promises are broken*

Somsak says he feels amendments need to be made to at least four articles in particular. They include Article 237 which stipulates that a political party must be dissolved if it is found that the party's executive members are involved in wrongdoing, Article 265 which prevents Members of Parliament from interfering with civil agencies *yeah, I can see where this one in particular might be considered particularly reprehensible and heinous*, Article 266 which prevents MPs from becoming Advisors or Secretaries to ministers, and Article 309 which legalizes the interim Constitution of 2006.

Somsak also agrees with move to grant amnesty to the 111 executive party members of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party who have been banned from politics for 5 years. *What? no added "beneficial to all parties involved" add-on for this one, too?* He says the ban is infringing upon the rights of the banned politicians who are now unable to join in political activities.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Edited March 25, 2008 by sriracha john

[steveromagnino]

However, even though Jakrapob vowed to keep the NBT impartial, he was quick to add that broadcasting bad news about the government would not be in the best interests of the country.

Of course, only appointing ITV former staff and also getting rid of anyone that didn't oppose the coup/favour the former TRT and current PPP administration...yes that is definitely impartial.

Total s&*thead this greasy moron.

[sriracha john]

Channel 11... Channel 9..... let's not forget radio now....

Minister to Revamp MCOT and Reclaim Radio Frequencies

After turning the government’s Channel 11 into a new news network called NBT TV, the PM Office Minister in charge of overseeing the media is looking to revamp MCOT and reclaim up to five radio stations.

In his efforts to revamp the country’s free television networks, the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Jakrapob Penkair says he is looking at MCOT, its failure to produce a profit :D *see above article in Post #402*, and its internal problems.

MCOT, formerly known as the Mass Communications Organization of Thailand before it was privatized and traded on the stock exchange, currently operates Channel 9 and several radio stations in Thailand.

Jakrapob said after he officially transformed Channel 11 into NBT television that he will now focus on MCOT. The PM Office Minister says MCOT currently has many internal problems and he has learned that many of the employees are not happy.

Jakrapob goes on to say that a possible change in MCOT’s management is possible. However, since MCOT is now a private company, he must first wait a the appointment of a new executive board. *government controlling involvement in a private company???* :D

The Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office also admits that he is considering taking back the right to operate the radio frequencies from major operators nationwide.

He says he has instructed the Public Relations Department to look into the reclaiming of five major radio stations. They include FM 88, FM 93.5, FM 95.5, FM 97, and FM 105.

Jakrapob claims that these stations only broadcast negative news reports and that they should be managed directly by the PRD. *there THAT is, again*

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Edited March 25, 2008 by sriracha john

[plachon]

However, even though Jakrapob vowed to keep the NBT impartial, he was quick to add that broadcasting bad news about the government would not be in the best interests of the country.

Of course, only appointing ITV former staff and also getting rid of anyone that didn't oppose the coup/favour the former TRT and current PPP administration...yes that is definitely impartial.

Total s&*thead (turd burglar to boot) this greasy moron.

What does he mean "not be in the best interests of the country"?! This is the guy who pretended he was some sort of last defender of the bastions of democracy, shedding a crocodile tear like some kind of prima donna last year over "the right to free speech". Remember that interview with The Nation, where Jak said he'd fight to the end for "democracy". Again, it seems the definition was rather narrow (meaning the right to rape and pillage of about 0.01 % of the population and everyone else can "Shut up!")

Oh, how the "oppressed" can turn to be the "oppressors" in a bat of the eye, once in power. Sad.............

[steveromagnino]

Oh, how the "oppressed" can turn to be the "oppressors" in a bat of the eye, once in power. Sad.............

Given that he alledgedly commented to members of the media that he had accepted cash support and given that alledgedly a picture of the former PM with his arm around him adorns his office, can you really believe much of the drivel coming from this 'bastion of democracy'?

Then again, freedom of the press is not really a core component of democracy like eliminating watchdogs, buying votes and popularism with tax payer money is.

[Tony Clifton]

About a month ago, on 2008-02-21 , Jakaprob referred to some people as germs and talked about getting rid of germs, see article below.

The Little Emperor must be so proud and nauseous with confidence right now.

Jakaprob is in ninja mode now, kicking the chairs from under people right and left, on a mission.

He'll be the first one to get the carpet pulled from under his feet, traitor to his country.

Getting rid of germs'

PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair said yesterday he would take one month to evaluate whether permanent officials were following government policy - or should be transferred .

Jakrapob is the minister overseeing the Public Relations Department and was responding to reports he would transfer Pramote Rathavinit, who is Director-General of the department.

Jakrapob said he did not intend to show off his power over permanent officials, but it was necessary to evaluate their performance in adhering to government policies.

"They will be evaluated on that basis only. It's not about personal matters, or about the past, or whether they supported the dictatorship. It is about the present, because we are a democratic government."

"We need to clean the germs. But what are the criteria? Where are germs? We will take one month for the evaluation," he said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Channel 11... Channel 9..... let's not forget radio now....

Minister to Revamp MCOT and Reclaim Radio Frequencies

Jakrapob goes on to say that a possible change in MCOT’s management is possible. However, since MCOT is now a private company, he must first wait a the appointment of a new executive board. *government controlling involvement in a private company???* :D

guess I got my answer...

Government to control board of MCOT

PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair next week will fill vacancies on MCOT's Board of Directors as he presses for President Wasan Paileeklee to step down.

Of the 13 seats on the board, nine positions are vacant, so the new board will have a majority vote to take action against management.

Jakrapob, who supervises the partly state-owned operator of ModerNine TV and other mass-media outlets, said he would give Wasan until May to prove his management capability.

He will also chair a committee to examine MCOT's performance after the firm was found to have incurred a Bt27-million loss.

*which is actually not a loss, but a decrease in profits from the previous year... as reported earlier, MCOT had over a One Billion baht gain (aka profit)*

Jakrapob, a close ally of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, denied he would name some of the 111 former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party to the new MCOT Board. *that would be too obvious, best to get some nominee proxies to do it... like they have done for the Cabinet*

"The law clearly stipulates the qualifications of board members, so it's not possible to nominate just anyone. The names also need the approval of MCOT shareholders. *how about the shareholders' involvement in the board of directors selection?* After we get the new board members, we'll consider whether we need a new president," he said. *Adios, Khun Wasan*

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Jakrapob has a full plate now...

Thai minister accused of insulting the monarchy

BANGKOK (AFP ) — A Thai minister who led protests last year against the September 2006 coup has had criminal charges of insulting the revered monarchy filed against him, a police officer said Tuesday.

Jakrapob Penkair, a Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, is accused of slighting the royal family during a talk at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand last August.

If convicted of the serious lese majeste charge, he could face 15 years in jail.

Police Lieutenant Chatuporn Ngarmsuvichakun told AFP that another officer filed the complaint against Jakrapob -- a close ally of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- and supplied a video and transcript of the event.

"Police will do more investigations before taking any action because this case is sensitive," he said.

Jakrapob, who was a government spokesman under Thaksin, organised street demonstrations against the 2006 coup which ousted the divisive prime minister. *which resulted in rioting by thugs that injured hundreds*

He was awarded for his loyalty with a ministerial post when Thaksin's allies returned to government in December in the first elections since the putsch.

- AFP / 3-26-08

[sriracha john]

Police Officer Accuses PM's Office Minister of Lese Majeste

The accusation was based on a statements made at a press conference held by Jakrapob as a member of the National United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Thailand on August 29, 2007.

The content of the statements reportedly were insulting towards the monarchy. A DVD of the interview and the transcript in English has been submitted as evidence.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Thai minister accused of insulting the monarchy

Jakrapob Penkair, a Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, is accused of slighting the royal family during a talk at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand last August.

- AFP / 3-26-08

YouTube Video:

About This Video

Listen to Jakrapob Penkair saying how he is going to reveal "General Prem's dirty tricks and bring him out of his hole by showing how he pull strings".

Jakrapop states that Thaksin Shinawatra has only some loyalty and clearly insinuates that Thaksin is not even loyal to his own lovely wife, Pojaman.

Such accusations into the personal lives of others show an immaturity in the politicians of Thai Rak Thai both in trying to create sexual sensationalism as well as divide society.

Jakrapop knows that the Democrats would sue him if he used sexual slander as would many others, he decided to take advantage of the fact that whoever is privy councilor will never stoop so low as to get involved in squabbles with the public over insults.

It now seems clear to many that Thaksin is using Youtube, Wiki etc as a political PR tool with the help of Jakrapop and Riche Monde and others to create turmoil and chaos in the normally quiet peaceful nation of Thailand.

The Thaksin Shinawatra charges

Acts of dishonesty:

1. Purchase of land worth 772 million baht from the Bank of Thailand's Financial Institutions Development Fund.

2. Purchase of rubber saplings worth 1.44 billion baht by the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Ag and Cooperatives.

3. Purchase of luggage conveyor belts and CTX 9000 bomb scanners. Damage to state: 1.5 billion baht.

4. Issuance of two and three-digit lottery tickets by the Government Lottery Bureau. Damage to state: 37.790 billion baht. +

5. Loans by Krung Thai Bank executives. Damage to state: 5.185 billion baht.

Abuse of power to accumulate unusual wealth:

1. Change in agreement on revenue sharing for prepaid mobile phone services to benefit AIS. Damage to state: 71.667 billion baht.

2. Change in agreement on the rate of revenue sharing between TOT and AIS. Damage to state: 700 million baht.

3. Issuing of an executive decree on telecommunications excise taxes, and a cabinet resolution turning concession fees into excise taxes. Damage to state: 30.667 billion baht.

4. Instructing TOT to rent and invest unnecessarily in the satellite frequency of Shin Satellite. Damage to state: 700 million baht.

5. Ordering Exim Bank to allow the Burmese government to draw loans amounting to 1 billion baht in order to buy products and services from Shin Satellite.

6. Using international trade negotiations to trade national interests for those of the satellite businesses of Shin Corp, adding considerable business value to Shin Satellite.

More recently Thaksin has been implicated in the murder of the lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit by his wife in Geneva.

This bizarre smoke and mirrors event was held at:

Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand

Penthouse, Maneeya Center Building

518/5 Ploenchit Road (connected to the BTS Skytrain Chitlom station)

Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Tel.: 02-652-0580-1

Fax: 02-652-0582

Web Site: http://www.fccthai.com

Everybody is welcome not only journos, stringers and NGOs! - Most hosted events offer free buffets and free wine!

You don't have to be a member to visit!

If you missed the event you might be able to buy a DVD copy from the club for 600 THB to listen to the Jakrapop version of Thai history starting in the Sukhothai period then the Ayuttaya era, he then he jumps past the Krung Thon era into the the Rattanakosin era up to the date of his speech in which he states that there will be an uprising of the poor and a clash between the "new"and "old" democracy and a change in the Thai political system.

[sriracha john]

From one PM's Office Minister to another PM's Office Minister....

Jakrapob told to rethink dismissal of MCOT Chief

The PM's Office Minister Chusak Sirinin has warned Jakrapob Penkair to think twice before dismissing MCOT President Wasan Paileeklee from his post. He said the transfer of Wasan could be a violation of article 268 of the constitution on the intervention of an organisation's internal operation. "Jakrapob should carefully study the legalities involved with the possible transfer of Wasan and whether or not he actually has the right to dismiss him from his current post. He should be careful because he could face a counter lawsuit if it turns out that he had acted illegally," Chusak warned. Jakrapob recently warned Wasan that his job was on the line due to his poor performance. He suggested that Wasan resign or wait until a new board is named next month and an investigation is launched on his performance. Mr Wasan insisted MCOT's performance has improved steadily ever since he took office in April 2007.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126739

Edited March 26, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

He just keeps into more and more criminal hot water....

Jakrapob faces SEC probe

Securities regulators have launched an investigation into whether recent statements by PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair regarding MCOT Plc violated disclosure laws. ''The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating whether recent statements [about MCOT] violated the law,'' said SEC spokeswoman and director for corporate affairs Charuphan Intararoong. She said disclosure of privileged information that could affect share prices would be a violation of Articles 239 and 240 of the SEC Act. ''In any case, we will also need to look at the intentions of the person who made the statements,'' Mrs Charuphan said. Jakrapob on Monday suggested MCOT president Wasan Paileeklee should step down due to the broadcaster's poor financial performance in January. Disclosure of privileged financial information about a listed company is a clear violation of securities laws. MCOT has yet to disclose its first-quarter performance and is not scheduled to do so until next month. Article 239 of the SEC Act prohibits dissemination of information that could ''cause any other person to understand that the prices of any securities will increase or decrease'', except where such information has already been disclosed to the stock exchange. Article 240 makes it a crime to disseminate false news that could affect share prices. Violations of either section are punishable by prison terms of up to two years or fines of at least 500,000 baht. Jakrapob yesterday shrugged off the SEC's inquiry.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/27Mar2008_news02.php

[sriracha john]

Government to inspect education degree of minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat says relevant units have to inspect complaints on education degrees of Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng.

The Secretary-General of the Office of the Civil Service Commission, Preecha Watcharaphai, says the office has already examined the case of Sutha and found that his academic institution is accredited by the Philippines government.

The Secretary-General also says the Secretariat of the Cabinet can clarify the education background of Sutha.

- ThaiNews / 3-18-08

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former TRT Party MP and current PPP Party MP and current Social Development and Human Security Minister, Sutha Chansaeng

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Management (1984)

Republican College, Murphy, Philippines

*No school website and only a yahoo email account listed as a contact. As a presumably small college of no note, presumably most courses would have been taught in Tagalog.*

more woes for the Sudarat proxy nominee...

Sutha faces scrutiny over his qualifications

Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat promised further examination into the educational credentials of Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng if that would clear any suspicion, said yesterday.

Somchai, who is also Deputy Prime Minister [as well as being married to Thaksin's sister], said Sutha's educational background was checked by the Cabinet Secretariat when he was appointed to the Cabinet.

"We can do the checking again if there is any suspicion. We will make things clear and there will be no attempt to hide anything," Somchai said. He said the Education Ministry would work with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in any further probe about Sutha's educational background.

Sutha, who insisted that he had graduated with a bachelor's degree, said that he was "glad" to be examined. "I am ready to cooperate to allow the truth to be known," he said. *could you repeat that same sentence in Tagalog for us, please?*

The Constitution requires members of the Cabinet to have at least a bachelor's degree, compared to the 1997 charter, which also required Members of Parliament to have minimum university education.

A recent document by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security stated that the minister graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Management) from Republican College, Philippines, in 1984.

Sutha has never specified the information in previous official documents about his educational background.

In 1985, his campaign flyer for Bangkok's City Council election stated his maximum education as Grade 12. *perhaps in all the excitement he would have forgotten that he just completed 4 years of studying in the Philippines the year before.* In his campaign flyer for last year's general election, it was specified as an Advanced Diploma and Certificate in Logistics and Transport. *from something called "The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transportation United Kingdom". Anyone know it?*

The CSC Secretary-General, Preecha Watcharaphai, yesterday said the agency had made an initial investigation and discovered that the Republican College is an institution of higher education that is certified by the CSC.

However, the agency has not investigated whether Sutha actually graduated from the college as that would infringe on his personal right. :D *well then, why have the law if it's not followed???*

- The Nation (today)

Raising more questions than it answers....

Philippine college confirms Sutha's degree

Sutha Chansaeng, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, was indeed graduated from Republican College in Philippines in 1984, a senior college official said.

"Our records show that he indeed graduated from our school in 1984," Ditas Lapata, a staff member of the 59-year-old school's registrar's office, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Lapata's confirmation on Sutha, a first time minister, seemed to clear his name from doubts whether he was really graduated from this little known school of Philippines.

Sutha told reporters that he graduated from Republican College with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Management) degree in 1984 in quelling a newspaper report that he just finished Grade 12, or the equivalent of secondary school.

The Thai Constitution requires Cabinet members to have at least a bachelor's degree.

The controversy took a twist when it was discovered that the minister was issued a passport for the first time in 1994 , a decade after he graduated from Republican College, which is located at 42 18th Ave., Murphy, Quezon City.

Thai foreign ministry officials have refused to disclose details about Chansaeng's passport, citing his right to privacy.

The Bangkok-based Daily Xpress newspaper reported that Sutha had never specified the degree as educational background in official documents.

In 1985, the newspaper said, his campaign flyer for the Bangkok City council elections stated his maximum education as Grade 12. But another flyer in last year's general elections listed "Advanced Diploma and Certificate in Logistics and Transport."

Sutha said he did not claim his degree from the Philippines earlier because that country's Civil Service Commission had not yet certified the academic institution when he graduated. *The school had been operating, without certification, for 35 years when he graduated???* :D

The Inquirer said that established in 1949 by the family of Dr. Horosi Aguiling, Republican College currently offers bachelor's degrees in education, commerce, criminology and liberal arts, secretarial courses, and master's degrees in arts and education, in addition to secondary education. It now has a student population of 600.

Lapata told the Inquirer that sometime last month, "somebody from the Thai Embassy came over to check (Sutha's) school records here," Lapata said. "We later sent by DHL copies of the records they requested."

- The Nation (today)

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Sounds like it's about a half-notch up on the academic ladder with Khao San Road University of Technology....

[sriracha john]

In a revealing look at the new government, one Cabinet Minister under criminal investigation approves an additional criminal investigation of another Cabinet Minister already being criminally investigated on another matter....

Finance Minister Approves SEC Probe against Jakrapob on MCOT

The Finance Minister has given the green light for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to take action against Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair for deliberately disclosing reports on the performance of MCOT in advance, which in-turn has driven MCOT share prices down by as much as 3.45 percent on Wednesday.

This morning, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee said that the Securities and Exchange Commission has the authority to investigate whether Jakrapob is guilty of disclosing data that could be considered as insider information, particularly the operation reports of MCOT, with claims that the company had incurred capital losses of 27 million baht for the first time in seven year.

Surapong said regardless, the wrongdoer would be punishable by law, if he is found to have violated the SEC’s regulations.

The decision would solely depend on the SEC’s judgment, whether its officials would be courageous enough to take action against the wrongdoer.

Despite his formal position as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Finance Minsiter said he has never attended any of the SEC’s meetings during the past months because he wanted its officials to work independently without the ministry’s intervention.

He said SEC is in the process of changing its regulations which would no longer automatically appoint the Finance Minister as chairman of the commission.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

Even considering how bad the Thaksin Cabinet was at lying, the ability of this new Cabinet to be effective liars is definitely lacking...

Sutha Chansaeng, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security

The Philippine Daily Inquirer acquired a copy of Sutha's upper-secondary school transcript, which was translated in 1984 and used by Sutha to enroll at the Republican College. However, the photo attached to the transcript looks like it was taken during 2006-2007 because it shows him wearing a yellow tie in honour of His Majesty the King's 60th year on the throne.

The controversy took another turn when it was discovered that the minister's first passport was issued in 1994, a decade after he graduated from Republican College in Quezon City.

Sutha submitted his upper-secondary-education transcript to the college in 1984 - the year he is said to have graduated.

- DAILY XPRESS (today)

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

Must have been quite the accelerated baccalaureate program... 4 years of university jammed into under 1.

[younghusband]

In a revealing look at the new government, one Cabinet Minister under criminal investigation approves an additional criminal investigation of another Cabinet Minister already being criminally investigated on another matter....

Finance Minister Approves SEC Probe against Jakrapob on MCOT

The Finance Minister has given the green light for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to take action against Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair for deliberately disclosing reports on the performance of MCOT in advance, which in-turn has driven MCOT share prices down by as much as 3.45 percent on Wednesday.

This morning, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee said that the Securities and Exchange Commission has the authority to investigate whether Jakrapob is guilty of disclosing data that could be considered as insider information, particularly the operation reports of MCOT, with claims that the company had incurred capital losses of 27 million baht for the first time in seven year.

Surapong said regardless, the wrongdoer would be punishable by law, if he is found to have violated the SEC’s regulations.

The decision would solely depend on the SEC’s judgment, whether its officials would be courageous enough to take action against the wrongdoer.

Despite his formal position as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Finance Minsiter said he has never attended any of the SEC’s meetings during the past months because he wanted its officials to work independently without the ministry’s intervention.

He said SEC is in the process of changing its regulations which would no longer automatically appoint the Finance Minister as chairman of the commission.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Reality check needed here.I'm guessing that there is only the vaguest understanding here of what the SEC regulations against insider trading are designed to prevent.Key questions are 1.Does Jakrapob have some kind of vested interest in MCOT performance and 2.Are the reports of losses correct or incorrect.Unless there is some kind of incriminating factor -so far undisclosed - we are back again in the realm of politically driven silliness.I'm not saying that Jakrapob shouldn't have been more careful when talking about previously undisclosed information on a listed company - but this over excited response is just over the top.

Anyway, if true, why is MCOT performing so badly?

[sriracha john]

On another front, I suppose the People Power Party will need to amend this part of the new constitution as well as the other ones that go against them... as this goes against everything Jakob the Liar stands for...

Jakrapob warned by journalists

Three journalists' associations have warned PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair to stop meddling with the mass media in the wake of his bid to pressure MCOT Plc's President to resign. The Thai Journalists Association, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, and the National Press Council of Thailand said Jakrapob's action against the MCOT President and reclaiming control of five radio frequencies from the concessionaires could give parliament members, senators or MPs sufficient grounds to ask the Constitution Court to remove him for harming press freedom.

Media freedom is guaranteed by the 2007 Constitution.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/28Mar2008_news06.php

[younghusband]

On another front, I suppose the People Power Party will need to amend this part of the new constitution as well as the other ones that go against them... as this goes against everything Jakob the Liar stands for...

Jakrapob warned by journalists

Three journalists' associations have warned PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair to stop meddling with the mass media in the wake of his bid to pressure MCOT Plc's President to resign. The Thai Journalists Association, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, and the National Press Council of Thailand said Jakrapob's action against the MCOT President and reclaiming control of five radio frequencies from the concessionaires could give parliament members, senators or MPs sufficient grounds to ask the Constitution Court to remove him for harming press freedom.

Media freedom is guaranteed by the 2007 Constitution.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/28Mar2008_news06.php

Anyone would think the Government had a majority shareholding in MCOT and some kind of right to hold its managers responsible for performance.I see there may be some doubt as to precisely MCOT has been performing, so we await details.If MCOT has in fact been performing well Jakrapob will need to explain himself.

Note to poster.If you use baby talk "Jakob the liar" etc, it undermines your content.Sarcasm/satire is OK but as a rule of thumb assume forum members have a mental age of over 12.

[sriracha john]

The esteemed privilege of being the first of these yoohoos in the new cabinet to be petitioned for removal goes to...

Impeachment proceedings activated against Chaiya

The Consumer Protection Foundation on Friday submitted a petition to launch the impeachment proceedings against Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap.

The petition was endorsed by 20,000 voters and lodged with Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet.

It cited four reasons as grounds form impeachment.

In the first reason, Chaiya is accused of imposing unnecessary burden on the health budget by reviewing the compulsory licensing of four cancer drugs. Second, he has violated constitutional provisions in trying to reverse the complusory licensing and acted in contrary to the government policies on equal access to health care. Third, he reassigned senior health officials without any justification. Fourth, he has failed to safeguard consumers and patients.

- The Nation (today)

Edited March 28, 2008 by sriracha john