New Cabinet Appointed

[Tony Clifton]

from out of the bowels of the Interior Ministry.....

Chalerm reveals a plot to destabilise the government

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung on Friday claimed there was a movement aimed at discrediting and undermining the government by trying to stir up disturbances as a frameup to pin the blame on authorities.

"I confirm there is no one in this government who hates or wants to bicker with General Prem Tinsulanonda," he said in reference to this morning's incident which anticoup activists shouted foul words in front of the residence of the president of the Privy Council.

- The Nation (today)

This one has always been and still is very easy to figure out, especially with the budget needed for this propaganda campaign.

Watch the first video on top, the others below are also educative on Minister of Propaganda Jakaprob Penkair.

Click Here.

Edited April 25, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Commerce Minister Mingkwan hospitalised after collapse at seminar

BANGKOK – Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan collapsed while speaking at a seminar in Bangkok.

Attending physicians believed a lack of sleep may be the reason that he fainted and wanted to monitor his condition for one night.

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

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

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

These Cabinet Ministers are dropping like flies... as Mr. Bogus Diploma is the latest victim in this scourge of "fainting"

Social Development Minister in ICU

Doctors revealed that the Social Development and Human Security Minister is running a fever and is not suffering from any further health complications.

He was hospitalized after passing out yesterday evening. Although he is not in critical condition, doctors are keeping him in the ICU of Kasemraj Hospital.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng is being kept in the intensive care unit of Kasemraj Bangkae Hospital after he passed out yesterday evening while he was the guest of honor at a funeral at the Sala Daeng Temple.

Although Sutha soon regained consciousness, doctors are keeping a close eye on him. He’s being given a saline drop and being x-rayed. Initial tests show that Sutha has a healthy cardiovascular system despite having high cholesterol levels.

Doctors revealed that he has a high fever and has had little rest. Sutha has been instructed to refrain from drinking and smoking and will be released from the hospital in a couple of days.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

Minister of Social Development and Human Stability admitted to hospital after fainting

Media reports indicated that Minister of Social Development and Human Security Sutha Chansaeng has been admitted to Kasemraj Hospital in Bang Kae for a physical check up after he felt ill and fainted early yesterday evening.

Sources close to Sutha revealed that while he was meeting with citizens in the Bang Kae region earlier during the day, he experienced a short lapse in consciousness. * "short" is a relative term...I think this has been going on with him since 1984 when he was supposedly in the Philippines*

Doctors stated that the episode was a result of Sutha lacking rest as well as being under stress.

Hospital physicians have barred the minister from engaging in any work for at least the next two days. *is it possible for them to extend that for another couple of years*

- ThaiNews / 28-04-08

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile, at the Foreign Ministry....a determined and striding Noppadope announces the latest CRACKDOWN....

Foreign Affairs Minister promises crackdown on piracy

Minister of Foreign Affairs Noppadon Pattama said he is quite disappointed with a report from the United States stating that Thailand has topped 9th in the piracy and intellectual property infringement watch list.

Noppadon assured that in the past the government had worked with agencies in prosecuting over 7,000 cases of piracy totaling 3.7 million pieces of confiscated goods.

The minister said that the government has illustrated its cooperation and sincerity in tackling the problem, but will continue to move forward with the issue with instructions going to the National Police and Ministry of Commerce.

As for comments made by Director of the Department of Intellectual Property saying that punishments for piracy are too lenient, Noppadon agreed and said that all involved parties must consider ways to amend laws to facilitate the work of police.

- ThaiNews / 28-04-08

[Tony Clifton]

It's not health issues making them ill and fainting, it's the weight of guilt crushing them down 24 hours a day, one by one.

[sriracha john]

Jakrapob's in official hot water now.... again...

Democrat Asks for Probe into NBT's Bidding Process

The Democrats filed a complaint today with the Auditor General's Office asking for an investigation into the Prime Minister's Office Minister [Jakrapob], in charge of supervising state-run media, for his possible involvement in a controversial concession given to a certain news content provider.

The Deputy Leader of Democrat Party, Alongkorn Ponlabutr, and Bangkok MP, Bunyord Sukthinthai, submitted a petition today with the Deputy Governor of the Auditor General's Office, Pisist Leelarwachiropars, asking for an investigation into the controversial contracts made by the National Broadcasting Television or NBT, which is operated under the supervision of the Public Relation's Department or PRD.

Alongkorn says there were irregularities in the contract made between the selected news programming provider, Digital Media Holding Company and the PRD which is supervised by the PM's Office Minister, Jakrapob Penkae.

He claims the bidding process for the selection of private companies to provide the station with news content was not transparent as the two bidders, Digital Media Holding and K-L-T-M Media Products, share the same address and telephone number.

The Democrat leader also cites that the deal may cause the government damage as the contact requires the bidding winner to pay only 45 million baht per year to the state, despite the fact that the company can generate 1.5 billion baht in its yearly revenue :D , so the deal could violate the Act on Bidding Rule of State Agencies Related Contracts and the Criminal Code.

Alongkorn also reveals that his party's panel on protection of media freedom is investigating the suspension of a radio program, "Jermsak's Viewpoint" hosted by a 2007 charter drafter, Jemsak Pinthong.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

the latest contestant in the "Laws Were Made To Be Broken" gameshow...

Deputy Commerce Minister Viroon Tejapaibul

NCCC: Deputy Commerce Minister Could Face Impeachment

After an impeachment was launched against the Public Health Minister for failing to declare all his assets, the Deputy Commerce Minister could be the next one in line for impeachment.

According to the Spokesperson for the National Counter Corruption Commission, or NCCC, Klanarong Chantik, Deputy Commerce Minister Viroon Tejapaibul is now being investigated by the anti-corruption agency.

It was earlier reported by the media that Viroon currently owns more than five percent in a private company and failed to disclose his shares to the NCCC within 30 days as required by law.

Senators sign petition for Wiroon to be disqualified

31 senators have signed a petition to be forwarded to the Constitution Court, asking it to disqualify Deputy Commerce Minister Wiroon Techapaiboon. The group of senators, led by Somchai Sawaengkarn, Prasarn Maruekkapitak, and Rosana Tositrakul, announced yesterday the petition would be forwarded to the court by the Senate Speaker. In their petition the group asked the Senate Speaker to request the Constitution Court to rule on whether Wiroon is still qualified to sit in the cabinet as a Deputy Commerce Minister. The National Counter Corruption Council recently recommended that Wiroon be removed from office after it ruled unanimously that he had violated the assets declaration law. The law requires ministers or their spouses to individually hold no more than 5% of the total registered equity in a company. They must inform the NCCC of their shareholdings within 30 days of taking office. Wiroon failed to do so, despite the fact that he was found by the NCCC to hold 22,000 of a total of 200,000 shares in Sapwattana Co, which is an 11% stake in the company's registered capital, as of Feb 29. Senator Somchai said he and 30 other senators believed Wiroon had violated the constitution, which should prompt his ministerial term to be automatically terminated. The Constitution Court is also considering the NCCC's recommendation to remove Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/03May2008_news12.php

[sriracha john]

Bangkok 'thumbs down' for entire Samak Cabinet after 3 months in office

BANGKOK, May 4 (TNA) - After administering Thailand for nearly three months, all 36 members of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's Cabinet failed to impress the Thai public, as all scored less than fifty per cent in a new poll conducted by Bangkok University's Bangkok Poll.

The Bangkok University's Bangkok Poll, interviewed 1,228 people living in Bangkok, found that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan scored the highest mark of 4.96 points out of 10, followed by Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kohsurat with 4.93 points and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Somsak Prissananantakul with 4.91 points.

Cabinet ministers scored the lowest ratings were Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung who received 3.39 points, followed by Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej with 4.04 points.

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasart received a slightly higher performance rating with 4.05 points.

Respondents said that domestic economic concerns problem and the rising cost of living were most critical as it scored 77.7 per cent followed by an ongoing violence in the restive South 75.2 per cent and corruption problem 71.8 per cent.

The coalition government of Samak came to power on February 6 following the general election in December 23.

[sriracha john]

Back to the Interior Ministry for the next nepotism case...

Banned TRT Party executive Saksiam to head panel

Deputy Interior Minister Supon Fongngam has appointed Saksiam Chidchob (TRT Banned #73), a younger brother of ex-Thai Rak Thai executive Newin (TRT Banned #6), to head a powerful, new working panel at the Interior Ministry. Saksiam was among the 111 TRT executives banned from politics for five years when the party was dissolved for poll fraud. Critics have called into question the appointment, which is seen as an attempt by elements still wielding power in the People Power Party to dominate the ministry which controls budgets and mechanisms in running provincial and local administration bodies. The 11-member panel, which will report to the Deputy Interior Minister, will comprise officials from the Department of Public Works and Town & City Planning, the Provincial Administration Department, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Department of Local Administration, the Provincial Waterworks Authority and the Community Development Department. The panel will be given the power to supervise and evaluate the performances of those agencies. Former Democrat member Chaiwat Sinsuwong was strongly critical of the new appointment. Mr Chaiwat said even though Saksiam's new post is not a political one, he still has the power to control many key government agencies. Inevitably, he would still be linked to politics, Mr Chaiwat said. "The Constitution Tribunal's verdict is meant to forbid the 111 TRT executives from politics." Mr Chaiwat added that Karuna Chidchob, Chief of Buriram Provincial Administration Organisation, had appointed Pornchai Srisuriyanyothin as Deputy PAO Chief. Karuna is Newin's wife. Mr Chaiwat said the appointment may be illegal as Pornchai, a former PPP MP candidate, was red-carded by the Election Commission.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/06May2008_news13.php

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

Meanwhile, it seems Dad is a shoe-in as the new House Speaker....

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1965471

Even with 2 of them banned, the Chinchob's are busy rebuilding a nice empire of power...

[sriracha john]

and 2 of the favorites of this Cabinet thread are under fire....

Dems want Jakrapob ousted

The Democrat Party will seek the impeachment of PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair for allegedly violating the constitution. Opposition members also plan to scrutinise Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng's educational qualifications. Chief opposition whip Sathit Wongnongtoey said his party has closely monitored Jakrapob's performance since he assumed office. He accused Jakrapob of abusing his power and interfering in the affairs of the state-owned National Broadcasting Service of Thailand (NBT), formerly Channel 11, and Mcot Plc, the operator of Modern 9 TV. The minister may have violated Articles 270 and 271 of the constitution, which means he could be removed from office, said Mr Sathit. The opposition whip had decided to seek Jakrapob's impeachment, he said. A petition would be submitted to the Senate Speaker, who would then pass it to the NCCC to set up an inquiry. The Democrats had also set up a working group to investigate Sutha's qualifications, following reports that he did not hold a bachelor's degree, as stipulated in the constitution for a cabinet member. The group's initial inquiry concluded that Sutha might not be qualified as a minister under Article 174 of the constitution. Sathit said the opposition would submit a petition to the House Speaker, probably this week, who would forward it to the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07May2008_news08.php

[sriracha john]

and the EC is looking at putting the brakes on the latest nepotism...

EC to vet Saksiam's posting

The Election Commission will look into the appointment of Saksiam Chidchob, a banned politician, to a panel at the Interior Ministry to see whether his position is a political one. Saksiam, one of the 111 banned former executives of the TRT Party and the younger brother of former TRT Cabinet Minister Newin Chidchob, has been appointed by Deputy Interior Minister Supon Fongngam to head a new working panel at the ministry. Critics have raised questions about the appointment of the banned politician to the ministry's panel. Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham yesterday said the appointment of Saksiam would be raised at an EC meeting.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07May2008_news09.php

[sriracha john]

Minister of Social Development and Human Security Sutha Chansaeng

Thai Cabinet Minister dared: Prove degree is real

Trying to beat a Thai newspaper report that he only finished secondary school, Sutha Chansaeng, the Thai Minister of Social Development and Human Security, claimed to have a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the Republican College in Quezon City.

and now, *POOF!* .... the "Double Dog Dare Ya" did it... and he's gone...

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

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

The last sentence is a new scandal he's facing....

Edited May 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Sutha quits

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng, under fire over an allegedly fake university degree and improper assets reporting, resigned on Thursday. The resignation takes effect immediately, PM Samak Sundaravej told reporters. Sutha is the first minister in the Samak administration to resign, although other ministers are also under a cloud. Anake Hutankabodi, the minister's secretary, said Mr Sutha resigned because he is not healthy, adding that doctors told him to rest a lot because he stands a chance of being paralysed. Few believed that explanation. He is being investigated by the oppositon Democrat Party following reports that he did not hold a bachelor's degree, as stipulated in the constitution for a cabinet minister. He claimed to hold a BA from a Philippines university, a claim that is widely disbelieved. He is also accused of refusing to report assets and debts of a son he fathered outside legal marriage to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) as

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=127560

[sriracha john]

Embattled sutha quits, citing health

Sutha Chansaeng, the Social Development and Human Security Minister, yesterday resigned from the Cabinet citing health problems.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej approved his resignation which Sutha submitted yesterday morning. Samak told reporters the resignation would take immediate effect. The PM was tight-lipped over who will replace Sutha.

Sutha was admitted to Kasemraj Hospital again last Sunday after he passed out while hosting a funeral at a temple in Bang Khae district on April 27. He was admitted to the intensive care unit.

"After his hospitalisation, Sutha thought about resigning. If he becomes paralysed, who will take care of his wife and his children," said Anek Hutangkabadi, Sutha's adviser.

*Who will take care of his wife and children now that he has resigned from employment?*

Anek said Sutha's wife sobbed over the phone while seeking advice on how to prepare his resignation.

He insisted Sutha should resign because of his health problems, not because of scandals about his failure to report the assets of his out-of-wedlock son or fake educational credentials.

According to Anek, Sutha had suffered a stroke. Doctors found that Sutha had suffered brain damage and must receive immediate treatment at the hospital or else his life would be at risk.

"The brain scan shows that the right side of his brain is damaged. If he uses his brain too much, he may end up being paralysed," Anek said.

*Perhaps it might be best for believeability that a medical doctor verify and explain his condition because Anek is talking out of his arse.*

However, Kasemraj Hospital Bang Khae director Dr Suwit Kositsurangkhakul said Sutha was admitted again a few days ago because he had nausea, dizziness and fainting spells.

*ahhh ok... thanks Doc... now then, could you explain that to Anek so that his BS is lessened?*

"During his first hospitalisation period, we detected a slight problem in his brain," Suwit said. He said Sutha's brain wave was similar to that of an epileptic patient.

"It's possible he has had the abnormality since he was young but the symptoms didn't really show until he worked too hard, had too much stress and lacked enough rest," Suwit said.

*thanks again, Doc... could you explain the difference between epilepsy and a stroke to Anek, please?*

However, a source from the PPP said banned Thai Rak Thai Party executive Sudarat Keyuraphan had asked Sutha to resign to reduce the mounting political pressure on the ruling party.

*Ahhh... now the real truth is emerging*0

Sutha, the first minister to resign from Samak's administration, was accused of lacking qualifications because he had allegedly failed to complete university-level education. He was later also accused of having failed to report the assets of his out-of-wedlock son.

"Sudarat advised him to use his health problems as the excuse," the source said.

*The former Bird Flu Minister is an expert in the field of deceptive lying.*

The source said Bangkok MP Vichan Meanchainant of the PPP will likely replace Sutha.

However, Samak may not reshuffle the Cabinet soon, the source said and may assign Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat as acting minister. He reportedly wanted to wait for the impeachment of Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap and Deputy Commerce Minister Wirun Techapaiboon.

*sheesh... the house of cards is falling*

Sutha, 48, has been in the political arena for more than 20 years and had been a close aide of Sudarat since they were in the Palang Dharma Party together. He was Sudarat's deputy when she was in charge of Thai Rak Thai Bangkok MPs.

Sutha had been a Bangkok councillor twice since 1985 and an elected Bangkok MP four times since 1992. He has taken many adviser and assistant-secretary posts for ministers and deputy ministers including Interior, Finance, Transport and Agriculture.

He was also a Thai Rak Thai executive in 2002-2004, and is currently an executive member of the People Power Party.

The Democrat Party yesterday cancelled its plan to ask the Constitution Court to impeach Sutha through the House Speaker. The party claimed Sutha was unqualified.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Sutha resigns from Cabinet

Sutha Chansaeng resigned as Social Development and Human Security Minister yesterday, in a move that may lead to a cabinet reshuffle. He tendered his resignation letter yesterday. The letter was delivered by his assistant to PM Samak. The resignation took immediate effect. Sutha returned to hospital in Bangkok this week. Medical records show he had a history of seizures when he was young. *which reinforces the epilepsy, not "stroke", diagnosis* PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee said yesterday that leaders of party factions would meet next week to discuss a cabinet reshuffle prompted by Sutha's resignation. Soon after taking office three months ago, Sutha was confronted with allegations that he bought a bachelor's degree from a college in the Philippines. He was also accused by the opposition Democrat Party of concealing his wealth. The minister allegedly used a bank account of his child born out of wedlock to hide his fortune.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09May2008_news03.php

[sriracha john]

Thumbs-down for Samak and cabinet

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his Cabinet have let down the public in their first three months in office, according to a survey and government critics.

The government has failed to reconcile conflicting groups and has ruled with arrogance, Suriyasai Katasila, Secretary-General of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, said yesterday.

Its weak economic team has brought the country to the verge of paralysis, with prices for staples such as rice and sugar and the cost of living skyrocketing, he read from a statement issued by the CPD that gave the thumbs-down to the Samak administration's performance.

On the political front, the government has created strife in the country over constitutional amendments to whitewash some politicians and parties, Suriyasai said.

Conflicts between former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his alleged nominee Samak over the past three months have inevitably polarised the coalition.

The lack of solidarity in the government has weakened its power to solve the country's problems and implement policies.

The statement also said the country now faces new risks of another coup, economic problems and interference in the justice system just to save one man.

Noppadol Kannika, director of Abac Poll Research Centre, said most respondents to its opinion poll gave the government less than a 50-per-cent score for its performance.

Its survey from May 6-10 about the government's job approval rating after three months drew 3,404 responses in Bangkok and some provinces.

The questions covered SML funds, the village and communities fund, OTOP products, measures to solve global warming, tourism policies and a debt moratorium.

Both provincial and capital respondents gave the government less than a 50-per-cent score for urgent tasks the government must tackle such as easing the public's burden from rising oil prices, restoring harmony among people in the country, and ending violence in the South.

Provincial respondents, however, gave a "passing" mark to Samak, at 55.8 per cent, while Bangkok respondents gave him a "failing" grade at 41.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap said he did not believe Samak should reshuffle the Cabinet now because each minister should be given more time to prove himself.

Responding to the impeachment proceeding against him in protest against his decision to review the compulsory licensing of cancer drugs, Chaiya insisted he carried out the policy with transparency and honesty.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

The public must be stupid..... because...

Government is on track, says spokesman

Several recent opinion surveys found the PPP-led government had failed to impress the public in the first three months it has run the country, particularly in curbing the soaring cost of living. Instead, the ruling PPP opted to give priority to the proposed amendment of the 2007 Constitution, which is seen as saving the coalition parties from dissolution and allowing former PM Thaksin to walk free. Government spokesman Pol Lt-Gen Wichienchote Sukchoterat gave his opinions.

What do you think about the surveys and the government's opponents?

I think

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/12May2008_news05.php

[sriracha john]

*double posted*

Edited May 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

*triple posted*

Edited May 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The latest dream merchandising from the Cabinet...

Finance Minister to Turn Ratchadamnern into Cultural Road

The Finance Minister is proposing a plan to convert Ratchadamnern Avenue into a cultural road to promote the finer aspects of Bangkok.

A budget of 1.6 Billion Baht has been set aside for the project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee said in two weeks he’ll meet with relevant authorities to kick start a plan to turn Ratchadamnern Avenue into a cultural road.

He says this is an attempt to preserve Thai culture and to emphasize the cultural aspects of Bangkok.

The project will receive a 1.6 Billion Baht budget to beautify the Ratchadamnern area. The government will allow world class architects to bid for the project. The design will have to reflect the historical and social importance of the Ratchadamnern area.

The move to turn the historical road into a cultural attraction will see the Government Lottery Office being torn down. But Surapong ensures that the project will be able to create lively cultural interests to Ratchadamnern Avenue.

The project, in addition, will allow a subway to pass underneath Ratchadamnern Avenue, Pan Fah Bridge, and Pran Nok Intersection. Surapong believes this will also help alleviate traffic problems in the area.

There are many culturally and historically important monuments and buildings along Ratchadamnern Avenue. The area is also located close to Sanam Luang, the National Museum, and the ever popular Khao San road.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

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

"culturally and historically important" + "Khao San road" =

"1.6 Billion Baht" + "government" =

Edited May 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[plachon]

Reading the lame excuses being made up for Sutha, I reckon the epilepsy one should have been reserved for that other educational qualification-challenged PPP memeber, Karun's karate kick on Somkiat.

"Honest, your honour, I was quietly walking through the dining room minding my own business, when I had this violent epileptic fit. The condition has been lying dormant since I was a kid, but the sight of his commie beard and intellectual looks brought on a turn. The fact that I missed by a mile is only proof it was epilepsy and not malicious intent."

A dead cert alibi, if only his advisors could grasp the magic of mysterious medical conditions rearing their head to explain mid-life crises.

[Tony Clifton]

From Potjaman to Sutha, they've all cited illness.

[sriracha john]

Thumbs-down for Samak and Cabinet

Here's a daunting task...

Government ready to outline achievements

The government will announce its achievements after three months in office on May 20, government spokesman Wichianchot Sukchotirat said yesterday.

He dismissed public surveys that gave the thumbs down to the government's performance on every level.

He said it was likely the Cabinet will be reshuffled for one position, at the Social Development and Human Security Ministry. However, the six coalition parties will meet to discuss whether any of them want to reshuffle their ministers.

- The Nation (today)

Edited May 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Opposition moves to impeach Jakrapob

The opposition will launch impeachment proceedings tomorrow against Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair for interfering in the media, which is an offence according to the Constitution.

Opposition Chief Whip Sathit Wongnongtoey said yesterday that Jakrapob will be accused of violating the Constitution by interfering with the media such as MCOT and the state-run NBT channel. Sathit, also a Democrat Party executive, said the impeachment case would be filed with the Senate Speaker tomorrow.

The opposition would cite Articles 270 and 271 of the charter, which allow a minimum of one-fourth of the House members to lodge their complaint to impeach public-office holders for malfeasance or abuse of authority.

Jakrapob, who oversees state media, said yesterday he was not concerned about the opposition move.

"We both have duties under the parliamentary system," he said, adding he was ready to explain himself and would provide the necessary information to a committee to be set up to investigate the allegations against him.

In a related development, opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said he would file a complaint with Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej over Jakrapob's recent controversial speech at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand.

Abhisit said Jakrapob's speech involved a "sensitive issue" about high authority even though he had denied that and said the controversy was caused by mistranslation. Abhisit said Samak had always said he was absolutely loyal to the monarchy so he should act to prevent any misunderstanding in society.

"I'd like the prime minister to be informed about this matter so that he can determine if a person with such an attitude deserves his trust," said Abhisit, who is also the Democrat Party leader.

- The Nation (today)

[Ricardo]

Thumbs-down for Samak and Cabinet

Here's a daunting task...

Government ready to outline achievements

The government will announce its achievements after three months in office on May 20, government spokesman Wichianchot Sukchotirat said yesterday.

He dismissed public surveys that gave the thumbs down to the government's performance on every level.

He said it was likely the Cabinet will be reshuffled for one position, at the Social Development and Human Security Ministry. However, the six coalition parties will meet to discuss whether any of them want to reshuffle their ministers.

- The Nation (today)

This reminds me of a song by Tom Paxton.

It starts with the line "I'll sing of Spiro Agnew, and all the things he's done ... "

followed by a long silence ...

[Tony Clifton]

Jakrapob's first appearance at the Correspondent's Club clearly showed the Thaksin zombie in him.

I did see a glimpse of Jakaprob exaggerating his pronunciation and facial features on a second evening of the Correspondent's Club shown on ASTV this week but missed 99% of it, I'll look out for it and see what he's up to now.

[nomoretalksin]

Comment by Mr. Jakrapop Penkair in 2001

read very carefully below....

written by Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair

Source/Link: http://www.capwip.org/activities/WomenAndM...b%20penkair.doc

ASIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON MEDIA & TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP

November 8 – 10, 2001, AIM Conference Center, Makati City, Philippines

QUOTE

Media and Transformative Leadership:

Current Practices, Experiences, Insights

A Case of Thai Journalist

An Outline By Mr. Jakrapob Penkair

Vice President, The Thai Broadcast Journalists Association

CEO & President, Malagan, Co., Ltd. (Media Production House)

Media and Transformative Leadership

- Transformative leadership in any society, for me, is not only increasingly visible, but inevitable. It is actually the maturing of a society, in which new tools of technology assist and push for the transformation of the mindset.

- My stance as a journalist and, hopefully, a citizen is therefore not how to build it, but rather how to cope with and nurture it.

- Before discussing the issue of transformative leadership, let me tell you, how, in broadest term, we categorize the media.

1. Reflective media: Those in this category report reality (or what they believe to be). They do not try to seek truth, sometimes to the degree of indifferent observers. War reporters, nightlife investigators are of some good examples.

2. Interpretative media: Those in this category try to establish truth, turning them into engaged observers. Sometimes the society at large suffer from their "wag the dog" behavior, reports that go beyond the pace of the society itself. Investigative reporters/journalists, talk-show hosts, analysts are examples.

- The line between two categories can be blurry at times. CNN, a United States of America news agency, and BBC, that of Britain, during the Year 2001 attacks on Afghanistan, for instance. CNN stops acting as a news agency but more like a cheerleader for the losses of its nation. BBC, more of less, stays the same way. In this case, BBC chooses to "reflect" on what happens while CNN changes its role into an interpreter of what happens. Immensely different.

- But we need both kinds of media in the process of transformative leadership and take them further. In order to strike a balance, we have to help develop the third party: the critical audience. Education is of supreme importance at this point. Moreover, the first two categories need to be enhanced and improved.

- Thus, when we desire to bring the media along in the concept, we have to know what kind of media we are dealing with.

Distortion

- There are 2 evils of media manipulation:

1. Political Control

2. Commercial Control

- My humble experiences have indicated that while both manipulations are destructive to a society. The Commercial Control seems worse. Political Control always encourages

competing forces, since power is opted for struggling. But Commercial power aims for zero-sum game, or profit maximizing, resulting in less competition. The worst-case scenario of the Commercial Control is the so-called "cross media ownership".

- In Thailand, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra masters both politics and media commercial market. He is combining the two powers into one. A real risky time for Thai media.

- Everyone in the society should pay close attention to the issue. Without press freedom, we will be in serious lacking of tool to the transformative leadership.

- The point of decision is: whether media is only a bridge for us or media is a part the content in what we call transformative leadership.

Suggestions

1. We must involve media in the first place. Some wait to engage the media only for public communication purposes, i.e. press conference, etc. That is not an effective idea. We cannot expect the press to absorb and understand complex issues at the very end of the process.

2. Those in the media must stop looking at issues with the mainstream VS. discourse frame of mind. We have to try to blend them into one same list of issues. We must treat emerging issues as the same and judge on their merit.

3. Media works on transformative leadership must be popular. They cannot afford to be obscure. People must desire to receive and take in. Dramatic means of popular medium should be applied. But you do not have to lower your values to do that. Sometimes, the combination between education and entertainment helps. "Edutainment" can be an effective solution.

4. Journalists themselves must be lifelong learners of social issues. They must be able to make a distinction between information and knowledge.

5. Stereotyping of women in Thailand's media is a problem. I have had an experience trying to prepare a young women into an effective news reporter, only to lose her beauty and elegance to entertainment world, due to the channels' executive decision. Transformative leadership will be rough if women are constantly stopped at the door. It is madness if a woman need to look pretty and appealing before a chance is given to her in order to help out with the transformative leadership. That must be changed.

November 8, 2001

Jakrapob Penkair: 96 Soi Phatthakan 44, Phatthanakan Road, Suan Luang,

Bangkok, Thailand 10250

Tel. (66-2) 720-4705-6 Fax. (66-2) 321-0731

------

UNQUOTE

"How about that then?" (Jakrapop speaking to an international audience, after Thaksin finished his speach at the Aids Conference in Bangkok, where Thaksin tried to explain to the audience, what a golden job he did, with his "war on drugs" and "fighting against aids". With a view hundred local knowing farang shouting foul in the background)

After above statement about press freedom, a view months later in that 2001 Jakrapop popped out, and turned his opinion from white to black and became Thaksin's spokesman for TRT and turned 180degres to became life-time servant of Dr. Talksin version of democracy (rather dictatorship as most Bangkok people now and recall).

Since then he never stops to trying to convince us, that he and Thaksin are fighting for the "freedom of democracy" and "press and media freedom".

See just the last view months, what he had to say about those matters.

Even worse, just a view weeks ago, again Khun Abhisit and the opposition party "the Democrats" requested form the current government (and Jakrapop

holding therefore the golden key) equal or similar air-time on government TV channels. How else could they get their opinions equally, fair and democratically heard with the big voter population, especially in the country-side? And also get equal chance to win any election (TRT=PPP are also still clearly cheating & vote-buying each election)!

Of course Jakrapop replied in his twisted/spinning way (learned from his master); he couldn't find any air-time currently for the Democrats! What do we have now? Samak and the PPP=TRT blairing us weekly on Radio and TV, about their apparent coalition, government progress and continue criticize furthermore all people who don't agree with this groups. Sounds familiar? Same same as Thaksin did. Continuing story even up today.

6-7 years on since the TRT=PPP took over, more or less all the goverment TV channels (which are basically the voters only informations source = votes), we

still have this unequal and unfair media distribution. Jakrapop is fighting now very hard to let his master's group's voice "only" to be heard, and the Democrats still up to today (since approx 2001) still nearly have no air-time on any government TV channels.

I reclaim and repeat what Mr. Jakrapop Penkair suggested himself back in 2001:

Quote

Everyone in the society should pay close attention to the issue. Without press freedom, we will be in serious lacking of tool to the transformative leadership.

Unquote

If you say so, why don't you make sure it will happen, Mr. Penkair, and give "the democrats" equal air-time, as you suggest yourself?

Edited May 14, 2008 by nomoretalksin

[hammered]

Jakrapob's first appearance at the Correspondent's Club clearly showed the Thaksin zombie in him.

I did see a glimpse of Jakaprob exaggerating his pronunciation and facial features on a second evening of the Correspondent's Club shown on ASTV this week but missed 99% of it, I'll look out for it and see what he's up to now.

Jakrapob cares mostly about Jakrapob. Lots and lots of style over substance with Mr. "I dont believe in free speech". Admittedly being a lapdog for the dear party leader did give him the foot up for what otherwise would have been the continuation of a career of utter mediocrity and lack of talent. Still in the modern world where we must admire "achievers" we must of course take our hats off to his use of expedience to further his standing in Thai society. One wonders if he may be in line to take the hand in marriage of one of dear party leaders (nice ring about about that phrase considering the obviously stalinist approach employed in all things political by the stilted imagination of no free speech man) kids now.

[Plus]

Abhisit mentioned Jakrapob's "recent" speech at FCCT as being inappropriate and petitioned Samak, as a staunch royalist, to reconsider giving Jakrapob a position in the Cabinet.

Anyone knows anything about it? How recent was that speech, he made an appearance there last August, I beileve, is it the one Abhisit is talking about or was there another, more recent one?

[sriracha john]

Shifting briefly over to the Justice Ministry.... there's ANOTHER Cabinet Minister impeachment in the works.... this time it's Thaksin's old school chum...

Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat

Justice Minister not concerned over allegation on fraud documents

Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat says he is not concerned over the Opposition’s campaign to impeach him and that it will affect the government’s work. Sompong expresses his confidence that he has always perform his duty in line with laws.

The minister says he is ready to clarify the Opposition’s allegation concerning forging fake documents. However, he says it is too early for the Opposition to inspect the government as the latter has worked for only three months.

Sompong says he believes that the Opposition has some in-depth information to inspect him, but it may not be sufficient. :D The minister states that he knows what materials are being held by the Opposition to impeach him as he is head of the ministry.

- ThaiNews (today)