New Cabinet Appointed

[sriracha john]

However, Number 3 is STILL stubborn and sure sounds confident he will be back in the new Cabinet... :D

Chaiya ready to rejoin Cabinet

The People Power Party executive, Chaiya Sasomsub, says he is ready to take on another ministerial post, and is confident that *unknown text missing from article*

Chaiya says the Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej may call a meeting to discuss the Cabinet reshuffle within the next two days. He expects that the upcoming reshuffle will be a major one.

Chaiya says the law does not prohibit him from becoming a Cabinet member again, after he was removed by the Constitutional Court due to asset disclosure violations.

According to various news reports, Chaiya is a political veteran and he could be sitting on the Commerce Ministry's top post to deal with issues within the ministry after the reshuffle.

- ThaiNews (today)

Edited July 28, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Of the three new additions, Anurak gets to lay claim to be Number 5.... while Surapong and Uraiwan decide on Number 6 and 7...

BREAKING NEWS: Deputy Transport Minister Suspended from Duties after Supreme Court Accepts Case

Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas decided to suspend his duties as Deputy Transport Minister after the Supreme Court's Division for Political Post Holders decided to accept the 2 and 3 digit lottery case this morning.

Anurak adds other ministers who have been named as defendants; including Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee and Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong, should decide for themselves if they should also suspend their duties.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited July 28, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

seems like Surapong doesn't want to be Number 6....

Surapong to continue working

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee said Monday that he would continue working as the finance minister despite the court's decision to accept a lawsuit against him.

He said the Council of State would be asked Tomorrow to rule if he could hang on to the position after the Supreme Court decides to proceed with the trial of the special lottery case.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Number 8 is waiting in the wings....

Chalerm Could Be Replaced as Interior Minister

The Interior Minister admitted to the possibility that he could be removed from the Cabinet due to the reshuffle in the Interior ministry; meanwhile, he believes the three ministers facing the two- and three-digit lottery case will ask the Constitutional Court to verify their status.

Interior Ministry Police Captain Chalerm Yoobamrung said it is possible that he will be removed from his post in the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.

Even though he has put a great effort into his work, he says the reshuffle in the Interior Ministry may cause dissatisfaction among some people.

As for the candidates for the new Interior Minister, Chalerm doubts that Police Captain Purachai Iamsomboon will be on the list as he is still facing the two- and three-digit lottery case.

The Minister also added that the lottery case that is being sent to the Supreme Court is one factor that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will take into consideration when he lines up his new Cabinet.

Personally, Chalerm believes that the three ministers facing charges will file a petition to the Constitutional Court, asking it to verify their status. However, for the time being and according to Chalerm, they can continue with their duties.

- DChalerm Could Be Replaced as Interior Minister

UPDATE : 28 July 2008

The interior minister admitted to the possibility that he could be removed from the Cabinet due to the reshuffle in the Interior ministry; meanwhile, he believes the three ministers facing the two- and three-digit lottery case will ask the Constitutional Court to verify their status.

Interior Ministry Police Captain Chalerm Yoobamrung said it is possible that he will be removed from his post in the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.

Even though he has put a great effort into his work, he says the reshuffle in the Interior Ministry may cause dissatisfaction among some people.

As for the candidates for the new Interior Minister, Chalerm doubts that Police Captain Purachai Iamsomboon will be on the list as he is still facing the two- and three-digit lottery case. The Minister also added that the lottery case that is being sent to the Supreme Court is one factor that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will take into consideration when he lines up his new Cabinet.

Personally, Chalerm believes that the three ministers facing charges will file a petition to the Constitutional Court, asking it to verify their status. However, for the time being and according to Chalerm, they can continue with their duties.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Number 5 has backed out now and joins Numbers 6 and 7 as insisting on staying...

Embattled Thai ministers stay in jobs for now

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Three Thai cabinet ministers facing a criminal lawsuit will stay in their jobs for now, pending advice from the government's legal experts, one of the ministers said on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear accusations that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ministers infringed lottery laws in 2003.

Among them are current Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas

"The Cabinet has instructed the Council of State to find a quick recommendation for these ministers," Anurak Jureemas told reporters after a cabinet meeting. The Council of State, the government's legal advisory body, could take two weeks to come up with a set of recommendations for the ministers, who can stay put and work on for now, its chief, Pornthip Jala, told reporters.

The ministers themselves argue there is no requirement under the constitution for them to step down.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, in power for six months and close to Thaksin, has already lost two ministers after court verdicts this month. *actually, 4 have gone*

In addition to the legal challenges, Samak's six-party coalition has been undermined by prolonged street protests.

Edited July 29, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

New Thai Central Bank Board raises policy doubts

BANGKOK, July 29 (Reuters) - Thailand's Cabinet appointed a new Bank of Thailand Board on Tuesday that may lead to a watering down of the central bank's efforts to rein in inflation, analysts said.

The new, 12-member Bank of Thailand (BoT) board, empowered to change the composition of the BoT's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), includes six new appointees favoured by Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, who disagreed with a recent BoT decision to raise interest rates.

Under an amended Bank of Thailand Act, the board is now chaired by someone from outside the central bank rather than by its governor as in the past.

The new board is headed by Pornchai Nujsuwan, a former head of the Budget Bureau and once an adviser to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose allies are now back in power.

Finance Minister Surapong is one of Thaksin's most trusted aides.

The pro-government appointees include a retired assistant central bank governor but also national police chief General Pacharawat Wongsuwan, current and former senior finance ministry officials, and a top prosecutor.

"The new appointees are people not particularly noted for their monetary expertise, a quality one would expect from people sitting on the BoT board," Associate Professor Lae Dilokvidhyarat of Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University said.

"Their backgrounds raise the question of whether the central bank would in future become an agency more responsive to government pro-growth policy," he said.

The new board also has the authority to change the BoT Governor, a prerogative previously held by the Finance Minister and the Cabinet.

Governor Tarisa Watanagase, who has in recent months put priority on fighting inflation rather than supporting economic growth, is due to retire in just over a year but there are persistent rumours the government wants her to go sooner.

The MPC raised its policy rate by 25 basis points in mid-July to fight inflation, which hit a 10-year high of 8.9 percent in June.

Most analysts expect the central bank to raise the rate by another 25 basis points at its next meeting in late August.

The BoT forecast on Monday that inflation would average 7.5-8.8 percent this year, up from the 4.0-5.0 percent expected in April and just 2.3 percent in 2007.

Economist Nuchjarin Panarode of Capital Nomura Securities said she did not expect any short-term market reaction to the appointments.

Even so, Varakorn Samakoses of Bangkok's Dhurakij Pundit University, was concerned about the longer-term implications.

"The new board members seem to have less monetary knowledge than their predecessors," he said.

"Their appointments are not much in line with the original spirit of amending the BoT Act, which is supposed to make the central bank more independent on monetary policy and less prone to government interference."

Edited July 29, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

ok, now things are really getting muddled... while Numbers 5, 6, and 7 flail away and refuse to leave.... a NEW Number 5, 6, 7, and 8 step up... as reported in...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2115173

Puea Pandin Party's withdrawal from the coalition government will leave four Cabinet seats vacant. These posts consist of those held by Suwit (Deputy Prime Minisiter and also Industry minister), Ranongrak Suwanchawee (Deputy Finance Minister), Mun Patanotai (Information and Communications Technology Minister), and Sithichai Kowsurat (Deputy Interior Minister).

Meanwhile, a major Cabinet reshuffle is expected to be announced shortly as Prime Minister Samak and his allies hastily move to consolidate their power base, according to Government House sources.

The imminent reshuffle will likely see 8-9 new Cabinet appointments, including Pol Gen Kowit Wattana as the new Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; Chaiya Sasomsub as the new Commerce Minister *Oh Lordy, that's gonna muddle up the numbering system if Number 3 returns to the line-up after being scratched* and Mingkwan Saengsuwan as a Deputy Prime Minister or the new PM's Office Minister.

Sources said Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung is likely to lose his Cabinet post as a result of the ruling People Power Party (PPP)'s in-fighting.

Previously, Chalerm attempted to solicit support from a group of northern and central MPs, but he was unsuccessful so the largest PPP fraction controlled by Newin Chidchob had managed to outmaneuver Chalerm.

Source said the reshuffle will also likely see replacements for Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas, and Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong.

The legal status of all these three ministers is now uncertain following the Supreme Court's acceptance of the two- and three-digit lottery case in which all three were alleged to have violated the law while in office during the tenure of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

- The Nation

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

What a mess..............

Edited July 30, 2008 by sriracha john

[^_^]

Chaiya Sasomsub as the new Commerce Minister *Oh Lordy, that's gonna muddle up the numbering system if Number 3 returns to the line-up after being scratched*

Looks like Chaiya managed to negotiate a high post when he attended Thaksin's birthday.

[Plus]

They gave him an "important" position where he has no real power if he displeases other economic ministers.Look at what happened to Mingkwan.

I suppose Virabongsa will consolidate all decision making now.

If, God forbid, they can't get him on board, they'll look just like a bunch of unsupervised thieves looting the treasury.

[Jai Dee]

Pua Paendin party declares wihdrawal from coalition

Minister of Industry and Deputy Prime Minister, acting as the leader of the Pua Paendin Party Suwit Khunkitti (สุวิทย์ คุณกิตติ) called on a press conference late yesterday to declare the resignation of his party from the coalition government.

Mr. Suwit reasoned that the government has preoccupied itself too much on amending the constitution and the Pua Paendin Party would like to focus on issues of living quality, he also mentioned that his party has different views on how the Phrea Vihear issue was handled.

The Pua Paendin leader said that he had informed the Prime Minister of his party's decision to leave the coalition after yesterday's Cabinet meeting.

He said that his party will still focus on creating unity from this point onward and wished that politics in the future would use tactics other than confrontation as the wish of His Majesty the King.

Mr. Suwit also said that he had informed Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silapa-acha of the matter, but whether or not Chart Thai would follow in the event would be of their own choice.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 July 2008

[Jai Dee]

PM to submit Cabinet reshuffle for royal approval

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej revealed yesterday that he would present the new list of Cabinet members, following a reshuffle, for royal approval this morning. He declined to reveal at the time how many positions had been adjusted and asked that the public wait 2 days for complete disclosure.

As for negotiations with Cambodia, Mr. Samak said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was speaking with the army and assured that the situation would improve.

The PM spoke to the press after lecturing for 2 hours on the importance of Thai language on the occasion of Thai Language day.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 July 2008

[Jai Dee]

PM dismissed giving reasons on Mr. Suwit’s withdrawal

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Mr. Samak Sundaravej, did not give reasons on the withdrawal announcement of the Deputy Prime Minister, Industry Minister and leader of the Puea Pandin Party, Mr. Suwit Khunkitti. Mr. Samak also did not respond to the question whether he asked Mr. Suwit to step down from his post.

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister and Chart Thai Party deputy leader, Mr. Somsak Prissanananthakul, says many sides would like to know if the withdrawal announcement was Mr. Suwit's own decision.

He added that if the withdrawal was made under the decision of the Puea Pandin Party, the Chart Thai Party may need to hold a discussion with its members as both parties previously joined the coalition with mutual conditions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 July 2008

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung points to his preferred replacement

Chalerm Admits He is to Be Removed from Cabinet

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung admitted to reporters that he could indeed be removed from the current Samak Cabinet.

The Interior Minister was absent from the weekly Cabinet meeting today. But Chalerm claimed he was absent because he has a sore throat. He denied intentionally missing the meeting to spite Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej for allegedly planning to transfer him out of the Interior Minister post.

- Thailand Outlook

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

Disclaimer: The photo is real, the story is real, the photo caption was facetiously made up.

[sriracha john]

Mustn't forget yet another Cabinet minister hanging by a thread...

Constitution Court to Rule on Fate of Deputy Commerce Minister Next Wednesday

The court hearing into status of the Deputy Commerce Minister was held today. A verdict on the case will be issued by judges by the middle of next week.

On Tuesday, nine Constitutional Court Judges presided over the court hearing session for Deputy Commerce Minister Viroon Techapaiboon's ministerial position.

A complaint filed by a group of Senators seeking a ruling on the status of Deputy Commerce Minster claims that Viroon violated the ban on public office holders from holding over 5 percent of shares in a private company, as he did not submit his assets list with the National Counter Corruption Commission within 30 days after taking office.

Two plaintiffs, Somchai Sawaengkarn and Warin Thiamcharas, and three witnesses who are senior officers of Commerce Ministry's Business Development Department attended the hearing, while the defendant was represented by two attorneys.

During the investigation, an official from the Business Development Department clarified that the Sap Wattana Company, which the Deputy Commerce Minister held shares in, organized meetings on December 20th, 2007 and January 15th, 2008 to dissolve its operations, then a notice of the company's closure was filed to the Department on April 22nd.

However, the witness said the dissolution of the company would be effective as soon as shareholders made a resolution to shut down the firm, while the notice of the defunct company is mainly for notifying the public.

After the hearing, court president Chat Chonlaworn ordered the prosecutors to review the case and submit a report to the court within seven days. The court will issue a ruling on the case at 10 a.m. on Wednesday August 6th.

Senator Warin Thiamcharas told the media the court has focused on ceasing the operation of the company. He also questioned the closure notice which was filed on April 22nd. The Deputy Commerce Minister had to file his assets list with the National Counter Corruption Commission on March 6th.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[hammered]

PM dismissed giving reasons on Mr. Suwit’s withdrawal

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Mr. Samak Sundaravej, did not give reasons on the withdrawal announcement of the Deputy Prime Minister, Industry Minister and leader of the Puea Pandin Party, Mr. Suwit Khunkitti. Mr. Samak also did not respond to the question whether he asked Mr. Suwit to step down from his post.

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister and Chart Thai Party deputy leader, Mr. Somsak Prissanananthakul, says many sides would like to know if the withdrawal announcement was Mr. Suwit's own decision.

He added that if the withdrawal was made under the decision of the Puea Pandin Party, the Chart Thai Party may need to hold a discussion with its members as both parties previously joined the coalition with mutual conditions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 July 2008

Old B-boy seems to be angling for a better hand in the next cabinet.

Funny all this talk of whose decision it all was about Suwit when it seems a poorly kept secret and one well reported that Newin Chidchob decided he would be out. Thai politcs as normal. A nice factionally carved up new cabinet awaits us or will it really be one imposed on PPP powerful outsiders other than Thaksin et al as speculated by some? Oh well not long to wait I guess

[Old Man River]

PM dismissed giving reasons on Mr. Suwit’s withdrawal

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Mr. Samak Sundaravej, did not give reasons on the withdrawal announcement of the Deputy Prime Minister, Industry Minister and leader of the Puea Pandin Party, Mr. Suwit Khunkitti. Mr. Samak also did not respond to the question whether he asked Mr. Suwit to step down from his post.

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister and Chart Thai Party deputy leader, Mr. Somsak Prissanananthakul, says many sides would like to know if the withdrawal announcement was Mr. Suwit's own decision.

He added that if the withdrawal was made under the decision of the Puea Pandin Party, the Chart Thai Party may need to hold a discussion with its members as both parties previously joined the coalition with mutual conditions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 July 2008

Old B-boy seems to be angling for a better hand in the next cabinet.

Funny all this talk of whose decision it all was about Suwit when it seems a poorly kept secret and one well reported that Newin Chidchob decided he would be out. Thai politcs as normal.

Yep, and the fact that Suwit withdraw before the reshuffle was simply a way to save face. He has known for quite some time.

[sriracha john]

One of Suwit's own refuses to go quietly... and also with that... refutes Suwit's withdrawal....

ICT Minister Mun defies leader, wants cabinet post

Puea Pandin Party will continue to work with the government, even though its Party Leader Suvit Khunkitti decided to withdraw himself from the government, Deputy Party Leader Mun Patanotai said Thursday. His statement contradicted that of Suvit, who said Wednesday that the party is withdrawing from the People Power Party-led coalition due to disagreements on a number of issues. "Puea Pandin is still with the government...after having talked to senior politicians within the party, we have no plan to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129165

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

"senior politicians within the party" ... is that in reference to the Chief of the Party Vatana???

Has Mun been using Skype (afterall Mun is the ICT Minister) to place international calls to the Poipet casino to speak with him while he remains on the run from the law???

Edited July 30, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The game of Musical Chairs continues...

Somsak tipped to join the Cabinet

House Deputy Speaker Somsak Kiartsurannot on Wednesday said he had tendered his resignation since Tuesday to pave way for the Cabinet line-up.

Somsak still retains his House seat and is slated for the position of Social Development and Human Security Minister.

He will replace incumbent Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, who is expected to secure the Public Health portfolio.

- The Nation

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

so it's possible that Social Development and Human Security Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, who replaced Resigned/Fired Number 1 for his current position may be switched to Public Health Minister to replace Resigned/Fired Number 3.

Edited July 31, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister to Declare His Future in Political Arena

The current Interior Minister will hold a press conference on July 31 as his name is not in the lineup for the new Cabinet. He said it's fortunate that the People's Alliance for Democracy will not be attacking him from this moment on.

Police Captain Chalerm Yoobamrung refused to comment on the Cabinet reshuffle as the lineup has not yet been granted royal endorsement. He admitted, however, that his name is not on the list of new Cabinet members, despite the Puea Pandin Party announcing a withdrawal from the coalition government.

Chalerm says he is not disappointed, but rather relieved that he will not be a target of the PAD's attacks any longer.

The Interior Minister said he will hold a press conference at the Interior Ministry at 2 PM on July 31 to declare his plan of action following the Cabinet reshuffle.

Chalerm also added that the Deputy Interior Minister Sitthichai Kowsurat had notified the prime minister of his resignation and is now staying in France.

- Thailand Outlook

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

So Sitthichai Kowsurat has slipped in quietly to be Number 5? Not one to doubt Chalerm's honesty, but perhaps best to wait for confirmation.

[Tony Clifton]

By the looks of the pics above, I think he wasn' t in it for the dental plan.

[sriracha john]

Perhaps some movement soon on adding three more club members to the Resigned/Fired Group...

PM's Office Minister calls for suspension of three Cabinet members

PM's Office Minister Choosak Sirinin said on Thursday that he was about to propose for a suspension of three Cabinet members involved in the lottery case.

Choosak said Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej should suspend the three in light of the looming litigation on the matter by the National Counter Corruption Commission

The NCCC was poised to petition the Constitution Court for a ruling to suspend the three.

The three are Finance Minister Surapong Seubwonglee, Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Secretary packs Noppadon's belongings from Foreign Minstry

Speculation that Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama would resign heightened Wednesday after his personal secretary packed his belongings at the ministry.

The secretary packed Noppadon's things throughout the day Wednesday.

The Foreign Minister is scheduled to reach Bangkok 6:05 am Thursday. Sources said he will hold a press conference in the afternoon.

deja vu....

Interior Minister Packs Belongings from Office

It's been reported that Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung has ordered his assistants to pack up his belongings at the Interior Ministry. He's confirmed with reporters he has been replaced as Interior Minister.

- Thailand Outlook

[hammered]

This cabinet reshuffle still has the potential for the lobbying, rivalry and infighting which is very real in the PPP to break into the open. How yesterdays court case affects the internal PPP politcs also remains to be seen but it will.

Dont expect a lovely cabinet full of nice highly qualified people. It will in all likelihood be even more packed with Newin Chidchobs frontmen and the removal of Chalerm will only be at best be a sop to media opinion.

[Tony Clifton]

Remaining sober for the job of Interior Minister was just too demanding for Chalerm.

[Plus]

Well, it happened yesteday, didn't it?

Nothing to write home about, why Samak bothered in the first place? Surapong hangs on despite being a defendant in a court case, Mingkwan has gone over to Industry (what did they do to deserve this?), and Commerce was given to that pest Chaya who had just been booted out.

How's that for restoring confidence?

Some were hoping that Samak would reshuffle the cabinet to improve its political image but all that happened is that PPP factions readjusted their quota after six months performance review.

Virabongsa was appointed government economic advisor, pending Surapong's case resolution, I think. Yet he started off by attacking Bank of Thailand and its credibility. That would be a lovely battle to watch, just what Thailand needed, an extra fight.

[sriracha john]

The latest mass emailing making the rounds amongst the Thais is one on Chalerm's daughter, nicknamed Punch and spelled

พั้นซ์ พชรมน อยู่บำรุง (a cut n paste of the Thai script and searched in Google images reveals much more)

She's a bit actress trying to make it big and apparently felt the need to be more "open" in order to supplement the family's income in the absence of Chalerm's salary as Interior Minister....

Edited August 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

Has she been appointed to the cabinet?

Would be great for the image(s).

[slapout]

A most definete improvement on the gene mix that resulted in the 3 boys that he whelped, physical wise. Have not been exposed to any news reports that I remember about her. Maybe she has been influenced by different family members.

[sriracha john]

"whelped"....

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

now moving back to the perspective Commerce Minister... perhaps they may want to hold off with naming him...

Senate informed of Chaiya's impeachment process

Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej informed the upper house that he had sent the impeachment complaint against former Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasompsup to the National Counter Corruption Commission.

Prasopsuk said the signatures of 22,383 voters, who sponsored the complaint, had been verified so the complaint was sent to the NCCC in accordance with Article 272 of the Constitution.

- The Nation

Edited August 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

The return of Chaiya will sink any attempt by Samak to launch his new cabinet as the new and the bold and the clean. However, Chaiya is avery powerful person the PPP and one who funds sections of it, so no doubt he will return, and he still has to do his job for big pharma. Still it owuld be nice to see the senate impeach one who wants to make sure the cost of drugs in Thailand goes up.