New Cabinet Appointed

[sriracha john]

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?

I take it to mean the Foreign Correspondents meeting last August.... as his "translation mistakes" excuse has been used regarding those comments.... and oh yes, there's YET ANOTHER impeachment, albeit not a Cabinet Minister in this case, in the works...

Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair

Democrat Leader Seeks Probe into Minister's Inappropriate Comments

The Democrat party leader asks the Prime Minister to investigate the Prime Minister's Office Minister for his inappropriate remark about the role of His Majesty the King.

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva reveals that he is preparing to forward information and letters related to the matter to Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej to express his concern over the attitude towards the monarchy presented by Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair.

Abhisit insists it is his duty as the Opposition leader of the House of Representatives to uphold national interest and protect the country's supreme institute.

The Democrat leader points out that Jakrapob's remark, delivered during a meeting at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand, was of a dangerous attitude, though he has tried to elude the allegation of lese majeste by blaming translation mistakes.

At the same time, Democrat deputy spokesperson Apichart Sakdiset reveals that he is planning to collect the signatures of 120 MPs to file a complaint with the Senate to impeach Bangkok MP from the People Power Party, Karun Hosakul for assaulting Democrat MP, Somkiart Pongpaiboon.

Apichart says that though the case is still under police investigation, the House fact-finding panel chaired by Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Virivachai has already resolved that Karun is guilty.

The Democrat's impeachment campaign against Karun will be completed next week.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Edited May 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Georgia (USA) state slogan: The Peach State

Thailand PPP slogan: The Impeachment State

[sriracha john]

PM's Office Minister Denies Lese Majeste

The PM's Office Minister has slammed the press for mistranslating his English speech, resulting in speculations about his loyalty to the monarchy. He is preparing to release an accurate translation to clear his name.

Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Jakrapob Penkair is in the hot-seat now for questions raised about his speech in English at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand before he became minister.

During the speech, it was said he made comments that could be deemed lese majeste. Lese majeste lawsuits have been filed against the minister.

The latest person questioning the controversial speech is Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who said yesterday he will send a letter to the premier, asking him to deal with the issue.

Today Jakrapob slammed the press for inaccurately translating his speech and said he will release an accurate translation of it to the public to prove his innocence.

Jakrapob also criticized the Opposition leader for using this issue for political gain.

The minister said he is not worried about the possibility of being moved out of Cabinet because of this issue, and he'll abide by any decision made by the premier.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[Plus]

I just read the full transcript of that August speech.

What a "deluded young man" indeed, as Nation editorial described him once.

[sriracha john]

I just read the full transcript of that August speech.

You have to reserve judgement.... as the Official Jakrapob Version hasn't come out yet.

The PM's Office Minister has slammed the press for mistranslating his English speech, resulting in speculations about his loyalty to the monarchy. He is preparing to release an accurate translation to clear his name.

Once his Thai version comes out, he will re-translate it back into English with results that I'm sure will differ from what you've read.

Edited May 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

Some of it is on Youtube. Maybe they'll block that again

[nomoretalksin]

I just read the full transcript of that August speech.

You have to reserve judgement.... as the Official Jakrapob Version hasn't come out yet.

Sorry if I quote him again, but I found his official statement/warning in 2001 quiet amusing (and shows

very well how these guys spin in politics) to read:

written by Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair

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

"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"

(that was back in 2001 a view months b4 he become his puppet)

[A_Traveller]

Some of it is on Youtube. Maybe they'll block that again

This morning ToT users were saying that YouTube was formally blocked by MICT.

Regards

Edited May 15, 2008 by A_Traveller

[Tony Clifton]

I haven't been able to play Youtube videos for weeks now. The pages open but videos never load.

"Blocked youtube? No we didn't, you can access the site can't you?: rolleyes:

[sriracha john]

Democrats to Forward Minister's Lese Majeste Issue to PM Tomorrow

The Democrat Party is ready to forward its documents on the lese majeste allegations against the PM's Office Minister to the premier tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the PM's Office Minister insists that he never intended to offend the monarchy and that the speech at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand was given before he accepted the minister post.

PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair insisted he had no intention to offend the monarchy with his speech at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand. He said he just analyzed the situation in Thai society and he was not an appointed minister at the time.

Jakrapob stated that he'll translate his speech himself, which he will finish doing by early next week, to prove his innocence. He earlier slammed the press for mistranslating his speech, causing widespread doubts about his loyalty to the crown.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party has collected Jakrapob's speeches made at the FCCT and elsewhere, which clearly show a viewpoint that is a danger to the monarchy.

The party will pass the information on to the Prime Minister tomorrow for the PM to consider if Jakrapob is suitable to remain a minister in charge of disseminating information to the public.

Abhisit adds this is not a political game and he does not want the issue to escalate, but he needs the PM to look into the issue as it could affect the Thai people's feelings and cause widespread discord.

However, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said today that the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle will only appoint a new Social Development and Human Security minister to replace Sutha Chansaeng, who resigned for health reasons.

It was earlier speculated that Jakrapob may be removed from his post to distance the government from the lese majeste allegation he is facing. Samak added that anyone with cases of lese majeste should file them with the police.

Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha revealed that he has completed the translation of Jakrapob's speech at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand and passed it to language experts, all of whom were of the opinion that the attitude of the Prime Minister's Office Minister is dangerous for the country.

The Democrats will submit the translated document to Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej for acknowledgement soon.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

and in OTHER Cabinet impeachment news.... that's one heck of a large pile of petitions...

An HIV/AIDS patients network led by Saree Ong-somwang hand a petition to the Senate calling for the impeachment of Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab.

Bangkok Post

[Tony Clifton]

Democrats to Forward Minister's Lese Majeste Issue to PM Tomorrow

The Democrat Party is ready to forward its documents on the lese majeste allegations against the PM's Office Minister to the premier tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the PM's Office Minister insists that he never intended to offend the monarchy and that the speech at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand was given before he accepted the minister post.

PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair insisted he had no intention to offend the monarchy with his speech at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand. He said he just analyzed the situation in Thai society and he was not an appointed minister at the time.

Jakrapob stated that he'll translate his speech himself, which he will finish doing by early next week, to prove his innocence. He earlier slammed the press for mistranslating his speech, causing widespread doubts about his loyalty to the crown.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party has collected Jakrapob's speeches made at the FCCT and elsewhere, which clearly show a viewpoint that is a danger to the monarchy.

The party will pass the information on to the Prime Minister tomorrow for the PM to consider if Jakrapob is suitable to remain a minister in charge of disseminating information to the public.

Abhisit adds this is not a political game and he does not want the issue to escalate, but he needs the PM to look into the issue as it could affect the Thai people's feelings and cause widespread discord.

However, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said today that the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle will only appoint a new Social Development and Human Security minister to replace Sutha Chansaeng, who resigned for health reasons.

It was earlier speculated that Jakrapob may be removed from his post to distance the government from the lese majeste allegation he is facing. Samak added that anyone with cases of lese majeste should file them with the police.

Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha revealed that he has completed the translation of Jakrapob's speech at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand and passed it to language experts, all of whom were of the opinion that the attitude of the Prime Minister's Office Minister is dangerous for the country.

The Democrats will submit the translated document to Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej for acknowledgement soon.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Here's nothing but yet another hi-so brat making faces to impress and bending over for success. Who does he think he is referring to people in government who differ with his or his criminal packed party's opinion as "germs", not too impressive for a PM's Office Minister. Only thing he's got going for him are a nice haircut and speaks decent English...big f#$% deal, he uses it mostly to swell his head up some more. The perfect Thaksin zombie to regain control over the media. Enjoy your short career while it lasts and while political parties like yours and politicians like you are still tolerated, both a dying breed.

A dangerous man playing dangerous games.

Watch him cry like a baby when it blows up in his face.

Jakaprob is the most dangerous man in that party but should be the first to have the carpet pulled from under his feet.

He'll never know what hit him.

This new government gives me the creeps.

I have never wanted to move my family out of here as much as I do now.

[sriracha john]

*wrong thread....

Edited May 15, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Crime Suppression Division ready to receive documents from Jakrapob

Investigative officer of the Crime Suppression Division Police Major Chatuporn Ngamsuwichakul revealed to the media that Paholyothin Police Station investigative officer, Police Lieutenant General Wattanasak Moongkijakarndee, has submitted all related files, translations and video for a case against Prime Ministers Office Minister Jakrapob Penkae, which alleges he made defamatory comments against the nations highest institutions.

Police Lieutenant General Wattanasak has stated that if Jakrapob is ready with his own translations and would like to clarify the issue he may do so at his own discretion.

Members of the press have not yet been able to contact Jakrapob to inquire about the matter, but in his most recent interview the minister said that he would spend all of today analyzing his speech.

- ThaiNews (today)

[Tony Clifton]

Some footage of his speeches in the U.S. was shown on ASTV, ooohs and ahhs of surprise could be heard coming from the audience, sounded more like discomfort than approval and admiration. Smart guy who made the wrong choices to boost his carreer and income ahead of schedule. Danced with the devil, his career is over. Som nam na.

Edited May 18, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[SiamFalcon]

I watched the FCCT DVD of Jakrapob (bootleg version) checked the Thai websites and can sure see that Jakrapob and all his conspirators are going down big time - what amazes me is what took the Thai police, military and the Democrats so long to make an issue of this treason gang? I guess This Is Thailand and they were just taking their time as usual. There are websites and magazines with translations of most of it into Thai, the police have also announced that they will be making more arrests soon.

[sriracha john]

Unease over PPP's Spokesman's remarks

Many colleagues of People Power Party Spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang are uneasy with his latest remarks involving PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, a party MP said yesterday.

Sunai Jullapongsathorn, a PPP party-list MP, said Kuthep's colleagues viewed his recent comments as an attempt to create a good image for himself at the cost of the party.

The PPP spokesman on Saturday called on Jakrapob, a party MP, to explain himself "straightforwardly and sincerely" over allegations that a speech he gave after the 2006 coup was in contempt of the highest authority.

"In the event that, despite a full explanation, the public still has doubts, he should take responsibility by making a [proper] political decision. This is to prevent a possible impact on [PPP]," Sunai said.

He declined to clarify if a proper political decision meant resignation.

Sunai said yesterday Kuthep's views did not reflect that of the PPP or his colleagues.

Meanwhile, PPP deputy secretary-general Noppadon Pattama said he was not convinced by media reports that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wanted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to be replaced by ex-PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

- The Nation (today)

[plachon]

Unease over PPP's Spokesman's remarks

Many colleagues of People Power Party Spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang are uneasy with his latest remarks involving PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, a party MP said yesterday.

Sunai Jullapongsathorn, a PPP party-list MP, said Kuthep's colleagues viewed his recent comments as an attempt to create a good image for himself at the cost of the party.

The PPP spokesman on Saturday called on Jakrapob, a party MP, to explain himself "straightforwardly and sincerely" over allegations that a speech he gave after the 2006 coup was in contempt of the highest authority.

"In the event that, despite a full explanation, the public still has doubts, he should take responsibility by making a [proper] political decision. This is to prevent a possible impact on [PPP]," Sunai said.

He declined to clarify if a proper political decision meant resignation.

Sunai said yesterday Kuthep's views did not reflect that of the PPP or his colleagues.

Meanwhile, PPP deputy secretary-general Noppadon Pattama said he was not convinced by media reports that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wanted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to be replaced by ex-PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh[/b]. :D

- The Nation (today)

OMG! that would be going from the sublime to the ridiculous!!!! Like replacing Bozo the Clown with Coco the Clown, or a triceratops with a stegalosaurus! Must be some credence in it though, given the source.

[nomoretalksin]

Some footage of his speeches in the U.S. was shown on ASTV, ooohs and ahhs of surprise could be heard coming from the audience, sounded more like discomfort than approval and admiration. Smart guy who made the wrong choices to boost his carreer and income ahead of schedule. Danced with the devil, his career is over. Som nam na.

You have some links? Was it in Thai?

[sriracha john]

COMMENTARY

Jakrapob's troubles begin with his mouth

Of all the so-called "lightning rod" ministers in the cabinet of PM Samak, PM Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair appears to stand out. In just 3 months, this former leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UFDD) has firmly established himself as a controversial figure in government. Even Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab, who managed to make enemies of health advocacy groups and patients with his plan to do away with compulsory licensing for life-saving drugs, and Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng, who was accused of not being qualified because of his doubtful educational background, might be embarrassed for being outshone by the new kid in town. Jakrapob made a name for himself when he led a protest last August. It turned violent when protesters clashed with police. The incident led to the arrest of UFDD leaders, Jakrapob included, and their subsequent detention for almost two weeks before they were granted bail. Shortly after being made PM's Office minister in charge of overseeing state media, Jakrapob made newspaper headlines when he suggested that MCOT President Wasant Paileeklee should be removed because of alleged under-achievement when the organisation failed to make profit targets. Protests by critics and media organisations prevented the minister from having the MCOT chief sacked, for now at least. There were other controversies. In a meeting with a group of illegal community radio operators, Jakrapob told them that they would be allowed to continue their operations if they agree to toe the government line. This attempt to co-opt the community radio network was seen as contravening state policy to have radio frequencies reallocated by the National Broadcasting Board. But the most controversial and disturbing of all the controversies started by the firebrand minister seems to be the long speech he delivered to the Foreign Correspondents Club in Bangkok last August shortly after he was released from jail for his role in the violent demonstration. We would have been totally in the dark about Jakrapob's talk to foreign correspondents had it not been for the Democrats who took pains to get the controversial speech transcribed and translated into Thai. As members of the public, I believe we are entitled to know what a minister thinks about our highest institution, the monarchy, and what he has to say on the subject in public. The title of the long lecture is "Democracy and the Patronage System of Thailand". I will not elaborate on the content of Jakrapob's speech, since it has already been widely distributed. Whether several remarks in the lecture are deemed lese majestie or not I have no idea, but after having read the full text I feel some of the remarks are disturbing and unpleasant.

- Veera Prateepchaikul is Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Post Publishing Co Ltd.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/19May2008_news16.php

[Tony Clifton]

Some footage of his speeches in the U.S. was shown on ASTV, ooohs and ahhs of surprise could be heard coming from the audience, sounded more like discomfort than approval and admiration. Smart guy who made the wrong choices to boost his carreer and income ahead of schedule. Danced with the devil, his career is over. Som nam na.

You have some links? Was it in Thai?

It was on ASTV 1, Thai version.

There may also be footage on TOC, Thailand Outlook Channel.

[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

Senators to choose candidate to replace Sutha

Bangkok Senator from the People Power Party Sakol Moungsiri revealed that all Upper House representatives from Bangkok have scheduled to meet to consider a replacement in the position of Minister of Social Development and Human Security following the resignation of Sutha Chansaeng.

The Prime Minister recently commented that he would deal with the matter, which requires a Cabinet adjustment, soon. The Senators have agreed to meet tomorrow to finalize their choice for a candidate.

- ThaiNews (today)

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

perhaps ex-PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh????

[SiamFalcon]

An Evidence Record: “Accountability” Has Been Missing from Thai Government Dictionary

“THAKSIN” on Thai Flag Displayed in Thaksin’s Football Match: “We Do not Know Yet Who Did It”!

Luksna Kornsilpa

May 16, 2008

On May 16, 2008; there was a radio broadcast of a supposedly parliament meeting where the minister of PM office replied to questions about how the Thai government dealt with “THAKSIN” on Thai flag displayed in Thaksin’s football match issue.

The minister said, “We do not know yet who did it”!

Since the question was not about a goat at the bottom, but about accountability at the top, the reply did not provide any meaningful answer. But the minister did not seem aware, and complained being asked over and over, while kept nagging his opponents regarding the use of this issue for political benefit; which sounded nonsensical since the question represented the interest of the Thai nation.

The author used to teach a politician who had served as minister a number of times in several ministries, and even then he did not score top of the class in management test. It is clear that being minister does not guarantee being well versed, especially in the branch of art or science most required to do the job.

Especially in the government constructed based on the policy to accept elected representatives who had records of cheating at the use of educational qualification; both knowledge and ethical standards thereof are considered unacceptably poor.

…

To have one’s name on something is a means to indicate ownership.

Flag is an international symbol of an independent nation.

To have the name “THAKSIN” on Thai flag can then signify that Thaksin owns the Thai nation. To be owned is to be slave (see Longman’s dictionary), To put the name on the Thai flag and to display it in public can be a means to announce that the Thai nation are Thaksin’s slave.

That is too serious for the whole nation to accommodate in peace.

Of course, Thaksin’s nominee government, as always referred to by the current PM, cannot ensure impartiality in handling the harassment where their leader was clearly accountable.

The government has been scrutinizing hard (or hardly?) to maybe find some invisible foreign football fans doing it because of strong admiration towards Thaksin "without knowing Thai culture”.

Since flag-denoting-a-nation and having-a-name-on-something-denoting-ownership are common global understanding, not just specific nation’s culture; Thaksin’s nominee government, by so stating, seemed to declare itself ignorant.

Having the ignorant lead the nation is extremely dangerous.

If they still want to find the foreign goat at the bottom who did not know Thai culture, they may need to find the Thai goat living in Thailand who did not know Thai culture as well. Who organized the distribution of “Long Live the King” flags among villagers to express strong admiration towards Thaksin?

The following photo was from a Thai media, evidence of Thaksin being overly contented to be greeted with “Long Live the King” flags. If this was what actually happened; with the sense of appropriateness that all leaders should have, he had to refuse such arrangement immediately.

Where was his ACCOUNTABILITY?

There was no excuse whether people did that by themselves because they were willing. Leader need to lead people in the appropriate way, not to follow people in the wrong direction. However, after examining the picture a bit deeper, information from some of the faces nearby indicated neither willingness nor admiration.

Two events, one co-factor; for information analysts, this is a major clue to the real root cause.

Coming back to “Who did it”!” versus “Who is accountable for it”:

The following meanings of accountability indicate that leader needs to be at the forefront in answering stakeholders and accepting liabilities and punishment due to misconduct within his scope of responsibility:

- the liability of a board of directors to shareholders and stakeholders for corporate performance and actions of the corporation (www.academyofcg.org);

- the obligation to demonstrate and take responsibility for performance in light of commitments and expected outcomes (www.informationmanagement.gc.ca);

- a concept in ethics with several meanings … often used synonymously with such concepts as answerability, enforcement, responsibility, blameworthiness, liability and other terms associated with the expectation of account-giving … Accountability is defined as "A is accountable to B when A is obliged to inform B about A’s (past or future) actions and decisions, to justify them, and to suffer punishment in the case of eventual misconduct"… In leadership roles, accountability is the acknowledgment and assumption of responsibility for actions, products, decisions, and policies including the administration, governance and implementation within the scope of the role or employment position and encompassing the obligation to report, explain and be answerable for resulting consequences … In recent years, there has been a growth in the need for transparency with more and more pressure being put on corporations and businesses to be more accountable in their actions to society and the environment. (en.wikipedia.org)

During Thaksin administration, there was a case of underground train accident in Bangkok, where Thaksin immediately charged the train operation personnel (the goat at the bottom). Knowledgeable management mostly know, that if operation level personnel could ever cause harmful accident so easily, the mistake lies with higher management in their administration loopholes (accountability at the top). This is one of the clearest evidence that accountability has been missing from Thai government dictionary some time ago.

Now Thaksin’s nominee government just provided the other fresh evidence stressing the fact that accountability has been missing from Thai government dictionary once more, by disregarding ACCOUNTABILITY of the football team owner, an ex-PM and their own leader; and dwelling further in search of a goat at the bottom.

By doing so, there is no effect in concealing misconduct; it rather reveals the fact that both Thaksin’s own administration and Thaksin’s nominee administration lack the most important quality of leader: They did not show they ever knew what ACCOUNTABILITY means. What type of leader slip under the goat to skip ACCOUNTABILITY?

If it eventually becomes clear that accountability has been missing from Thai government dictionary, there is enough reason for the Thai nation to wish for the day when they have a true leader who would bravely exercise the meaning of ACCOUNTABLITY and make sure the whole nation shall not become somebody’s slave. By that time, how and from where the new government emerges would not matter anymore, since it is much better than the Falsified Democratic - Enslaving Administration they seemed to be facing at the moment.

[sriracha john]

Unease over PPP's Spokesman's remarks

Many colleagues of People Power Party Spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang are uneasy with his latest remarks involving PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, a party MP said yesterday.

Sunai Jullapongsathorn, a PPP party-list MP, said Kuthep's colleagues viewed his recent comments as an attempt to create a good image for himself at the cost of the party.

The PPP spokesman on Saturday called on Jakrapob, a party MP, to explain himself "straightforwardly and sincerely" over allegations that a speech he gave after the 2006 coup was in contempt of the highest authority.

"In the event that, despite a full explanation, the public still has doubts, he should take responsibility by making a [proper] political decision. This is to prevent a possible impact on [PPP]," Sunai said.

He declined to clarify if a proper political decision meant resignation.

Sunai said yesterday Kuthep's views did not reflect that of the PPP or his colleagues.

Meanwhile, PPP deputy secretary-general Noppadon Pattama said he was not convinced by media reports that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wanted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to be replaced by ex-PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. :D

- The Nation (today)

OMG! that would be going from the sublime to the ridiculous!!!! Like replacing Bozo the Clown with Coco the Clown, or a triceratops with a stegalosaurus! Must be some credence in it though, given the source.

The circus carnival comes full circle now....

Chavalit to defend Jakrapob

ex-PM steps into speech row

PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair has turned to former premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh for help in clearing what was said to be a political smear campaign involving the embattled minister's speech before the last election.

Jakrapob met Chavalit in Nakhon Phanom yesterday to discuss the issue. He quoted Chavalit as saying that he would help explain the issue to the public so as to avoid further confusion.

"There's been a movement aimed at bringing about political turmoil and deeper conflicts within society," Jakrapob said.

*lemme guess.... invisible hands??.... balding mystery person??? ..... the Man in the Iron Mask???? *

Opposition MPs and other critics have put pressure on Jakrapob, a close ally of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, over his speech given to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand last year.

Part of that speech, given in the wake of a national referendum endorsing the post-coup 2007 charter, was alleged to be lese majeste.

Jakrapob said yesterday that he would make a Thai translation of the English speech given at the FCCT available to the public by Thursday. He hoped the translation would clarify things and prove his innocence.

Recently, Chavalit returned to the media spotlight by publicly suggesting a movement is under way that poses threats to the monarchy, capitalism and the military.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, who is Jakrapob's colleague in the ruling People Power Party, yesterday called for an opportunity for Jakrapob to defend himself against the allegations.

He said the government would not intervene in the matter and would ensure justice.

However, the chiefs of the armed forces expressed concern that the monarchy, a highly respected national institution, had been dragged into the ongoing political conflict.

Royal Thai Navy commander-in-chief Admiral Sathirapan Keyanond said it was extremely improper to cite the royal institution in political rifts.

He also advised the media to boycott people who have resorted to this tactic in a bid to overcome their political foes.

Royal Thai Air Force commander-in-chief ACM Chalit Phukpasuk said he was worried about attempts to engage the monarchy in political conflicts.

"We soldiers don't want the top institution to be tainted," he said.

- The Nation (today)

Edited May 19, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Unease over PPP's Spokesman's remarks

Many colleagues of People Power Party Spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang are uneasy with his latest remarks involving PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, a party MP said yesterday.

Sunai Jullapongsathorn, a PPP party-list MP, said Kuthep's colleagues viewed his recent comments as an attempt to create a good image for himself at the cost of the party.

The PPP spokesman on Saturday called on Jakrapob, a party MP, to explain himself "straightforwardly and sincerely" over allegations that a speech he gave after the 2006 coup was in contempt of the highest authority.

"In the event that, despite a full explanation, the public still has doubts, he should take responsibility by making a [proper] political decision. This is to prevent a possible impact on [PPP]," Sunai said.

He declined to clarify if a proper political decision meant resignation.

Sunai said yesterday Kuthep's views did not reflect that of the PPP or his colleagues.

Meanwhile, PPP deputy secretary-general Noppadon Pattama said he was not convinced by media reports that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wanted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to be replaced by ex-PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. :D

- The Nation (today)

OMG! that would be going from the sublime to the ridiculous!!!! Like replacing Bozo the Clown with Coco the Clown, or a triceratops with a stegalosaurus! Must be some credence in it though, given the source.

The circus carnival comes full circle now....

Chavalit to defend Jakrapob

ex-PM steps into speech row

PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair has turned to former premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh for help in clearing what was said to be a political smear campaign involving the embattled minister's speech before the last election.

Jakrapob met Chavalit in Nakhon Phanom yesterday to discuss the issue. He quoted Chavalit as saying that he would help explain the issue to the public so as to avoid further confusion.

"There's been a movement aimed at bringing about political turmoil and deeper conflicts within society," Jakrapob said.

*lemme guess.... invisible hands??.... balding mystery person??? ..... the Man in the Iron Mask???? *

Opposition MPs and other critics have put pressure on Jakrapob, a close ally of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, over his speech given to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand last year.

Part of that speech, given in the wake of a national referendum endorsing the post-coup 2007 charter, was alleged to be lese majeste.

Jakrapob said yesterday that he would make a Thai translation of the English speech given at the FCCT available to the public by Thursday. He hoped the translation would clarify things and prove his innocence.

Recently, Chavalit returned to the media spotlight by publicly suggesting a movement is under way that poses threats to the monarchy, capitalism and the military.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, who is Jakrapob's colleague in the ruling People Power Party, yesterday called for an opportunity for Jakrapob to defend himself against the allegations.

He said the government would not intervene in the matter and would ensure justice.

However, the chiefs of the armed forces expressed concern that the monarchy, a highly respected national institution, had been dragged into the ongoing political conflict.

Royal Thai Navy commander-in-chief Admiral Sathirapan Keyanond said it was extremely improper to cite the royal institution in political rifts.

He also advised the media to boycott people who have resorted to this tactic in a bid to overcome their political foes.

Royal Thai Air Force commander-in-chief ACM Chalit Phukpasuk said he was worried about attempts to engage the monarchy in political conflicts.

"We soldiers don't want the top institution to be tainted," he said.

- The Nation (today)

Interesting to think that most things that come out of the mouth of he who oversaw the destruction of the Thai financial system cannot be understood by anyone whatever language they are in, while the videoed comments of Mr. J can be quite easily translated into Thai. Maybe then if they are deemed by the authorities to be innocuous or innocent they could be broadcast live on national TV, so all the people could see how badly wronged Mr. J had been. Of course if they were in some way in breach of the law as stated such a course should definitely not be taken.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin: Jakrapob must explain speech or resign

Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra urged Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair to retreat if he cannot reconcile the lese majeste accusation against him. Thaksin said Jakrapob has to explain on the issue to public because this is a very sensitive matter. "If he cannot make it clear, then it'd be better for him to retreat," Mr Thaksin said, adding that the royal institution should be given more importance than political matters. The embattled minister also faces pressure from the People Power party to resign to show responsibility for a controversial speech given at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand in August last year and for a second speech in Thai during a visit to the United States. The speech was considered by many as an attempt to challenge the royal

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127769

[Tony Clifton]

Disposable fools.

[plachon]

Disposable fools.

Exactly................Jak is going to learn who his real friends are in the coming days and weeks, and he can already count out Mr T, leaving him really out on a limb with no safety net. And all that rabble rousing in front of Prem's house is not going to win him any friends, when the evidence goes to court, so I think it's adieu, so long farewell to this young pretender. His next trip to the clink could be longer than the last methinks.

[nothingleftbutfaith]

Disposable fools.

Exactly................Jak is going to learn who his real friends are in the coming days and weeks, and he can already count out Mr T, leaving him really out on a limb with no safety net. And all that rabble rousing in front of Prem's house is not going to win him any friends, when the evidence goes to court, so I think it's adieu, so long farewell to this young pretender. His next trip to the clink could be longer than the last methinks.

Asslickers have to taste shit, at some point.

[Tony Clifton]

Will others learn anything from this when Thaksin lets everyone know that Jakrapob is now on his own?

Very few will.

The Little Emperor can drop you anytime he feels like it and he knows there are plenty more disposable fools where Jako came from.

I guess employment for him can now only be found in the private sector amongst the many criminal litigants that make up the PPP.