New Cabinet Appointed

[sriracha john]

I love the new ICT minister, he's so honest.

He was preparing to work at the Transport ministry but was shifted in the last moment. He didn't know anything about ICT so he called his friend to give him an intensive course, over the phone, I presume. Now he feels he is ready to take charge of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies.

You just can't make this stuff up.

It's a shame to see him use up one of his three Lifeline options, the "Phone-A-Friend", so quickly on just the initial 100 baht question, leaving only "Fifty-Fifty" and "Ask-The-Audience" in his attempt to reach the pinnacle of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in the Cabinet? game show.

ICT to the rescue...

ICT to enhance farming capacity via SMS

In order to help farmers to enhance their activities, Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Man Pattanotai, has come up with a plan to deliver agriculture-related information to farmers’ cell phones and posting on the Internet.

Man says the strategy aims to provide knowledge to farmers concerning up-dated agricultural tools, weather condition and plantation information. The plan was seen as a move to assist farmers in effective ways to improve farming. He says most of farmers can have access to instant information via mobile phones, and if the move succeeds, more than 30 million people in remote areas will be able to have access to useful information, just like in China.

Man further states that such technological application should not be limited to middle-class and upper class, but to all. He says the matter will be further discussed with TOT Public Company Limited and CAT Telecom to accelerate the idea into reality. In the meantime, Thailand Post Company Limited is being responsible for distributing the information to many areas up country.

- ThaiNews

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

*edit. Addendum:

ICT Minister Man has degrees in International Relations and Political Science.

Edited February 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[Abrak]

Two fairly obvious points spring to mind.

Thaksin was not obviously friendly with many of these politicians in the new cabinet. He used them when he first formed the TRT and then basically gave them a back seat. Now that he is in trouble he has turned to them once again. This cabinet doesnt look like a Thaksin government of old.

Secondly while the likes of Samak were happy to use Thaksin's name to get elected I am not so sure they will be happy to be bossed around now. This particularly applies to the likes of Chalerm. They have been around in politics a lot longer than Thaksin. They may give him his money back and let him off the hook but the idea that he is going to run the show is out of the question.

Finally we now have Chalerm running the police. Opposition on the streets of Bangkok might have been tolerated under Thaksin, I think it will be a different story now.

[John K]

Not to forget Thaksin was making enemies nearly as fast as he was making money.

[sriracha john]

It amazes me that as extremely arduous a task as being PM is during these difficult times with its multitude of pressing and diverse problems, that he undertakes, at age 72, the nearly equally daunting and time-consuming task of Defense Minister... Spreading oneself so thin as to not enable enough time and energy necessary to perform each separate task well... at age 72...

Lonely visit for Samak at defence ministry

PM Samak Sundaravej will begin his duties as Defence Minister for the first time tomorrow. He is expected to start off the morning by discussing various problems with the ministry staff. Samak will also assess the southern conflict and lay down measures to deal with the violence. But it seems he will be spurned by many senior military officials tomorrow. Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paojinda will not be there to greet Samak due to "a prior commitment." Reports are also rife that the former Chief of the Council for National Security Gen Chalit Phukphasuk will not be present either, but he has pledged to send a representative to greet Samak at the Defence Ministry. Meanwhile, Supreme Commander Gen Boonsrang Niampradit is expected to visit his military counterpart in Qatar today and will therefore not be able to give Samak a warm

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125832

[A_Traveller]

^ but it does give him 2 out of 7 votes at reshuffle time.

Regards

[John K]

It amazes me that as extremely arduous a task as being PM is during these difficult times with its multitude of pressing and diverse problems, that he undertakes, at age 72, the nearly equally daunting and time-consuming task of Defense Minister... Spreading oneself so thin as to not enable enough time and energy necessary to perform each separate task well... at age 72...

Between naps

[Tony Clifton]

It amazes me that as extremely arduous a task as being PM is during these difficult times with its multitude of pressing and diverse problems, that he undertakes, at age 72, the nearly equally daunting and time-consuming task of Defense Minister... Spreading oneself so thin as to not enable enough time and energy necessary to perform each separate task well... at age 72...

Lonely visit for Samak at defence ministry

PM Samak Sundaravej will begin his duties as Defence Minister for the first time tomorrow. He is expected to start off the morning by discussing various problems with the ministry staff. Samak will also assess the southern conflict and lay down measures to deal with the violence. But it seems he will be spurned by many senior military officials tomorrow. Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paojinda will not be there to greet Samak due to "a prior commitment." Reports are also rife that the former Chief of the Council for National Security Gen Chalit Phukphasuk will not be present either, but he has pledged to send a representative to greet Samak at the Defence Ministry. Meanwhile, Supreme Commander Gen Boonsrang Niampradit is expected to visit his military counterpart in Qatar today and will therefore not be able to give Samak a warm

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125832

Add to that Thaksin's old saturday morning propaganda radio program where he will read hour long speeches written by Thaksin himself (The Saturday Morning Voice group will rejoice ) AND a weekly Sunday tv show he announced earlier this week.

Like a magic show, don't take your eyes off the hands.

Edited February 10, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[chownah]

Add to that Thaksin's old saturday morning propaganda radio program where he will read hour long speeches written by Thaksin himself

No no no!!! No need to read the speach.....Toxin will join the show through a satellite link!!!!! Why not? It isn't against the law!!!!

Chownah

[sriracha john]

Add to that Thaksin's old saturday morning propaganda radio program where he will read hour long speeches written by Thaksin himself (The Saturday Morning Voice group will rejoice ) AND a weekly Sunday tv show he announced earlier this week.

Like a magic show, don't take your eyes off the hands.

and what does he do on first show? Announces the desire for the creation of a new TTV (Thaksin TV) channel which the government would set up... and presumably at the expense of ending the highly educational TPBS...

PM hints at new TV station

Samak wants face-off between 'independent' and public television; ex-TITV staff could be absorbed

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday hinted that his government would set up a new independent television station and suggested it might employ former TITV staff who lost their jobs when the station was handed over to the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS).

The premier said he would prove within a day or two that capable people could have a channel where their abilities could be put to great use.

"They will have a channel where they can work independently. Then we will see which station, the independent or the public television station, is better," Samak said to a suggestion the government should crack down on media outlets critical of the government.

"We can't see justice when the most neutral, the best and viable television station is closed," the premier said on his first weekly television show yesterday morning. * iTV was neutral??? *

Although he did not mention the station by name, it was clear that Samak was referring to the closure of TITV and the transfer of its broadcast frequency to the recently established TPBS, the country's first public service television station.

Following the abrupt closure of TITV earlier this year, many of its staff lost their jobs.

A source in Samak's People Power Party said the government would set up the new station in the same way as iTV, by inviting bids from investors and the public to form a consortium for the new station. Launched as an independent station in 1995, iTV was last year taken over by the state and turned into TITV. The new station could be named TITV again, and some staff from the former TITV and the People's Television (PTV) could be recruited. PTV was launched by former Thai Rak Thai supporters to oppose the coup that deposed former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The government has full authority to set up a new TV station as the country still has no clear regulations on the matter, the source said.

Samak declined to answer reporters' questions later yesterday on whether he planned to turn PTV into a new TITV.

He said relevant parties were working on the plan and he would not divulge anything more.

"Why didn't you see any problems when someone seized a television station that had produced good programmes and generated Bt1.2 billion income a year," Samak said. "However, it was closed and replaced by another station that needs Bt2 billion from the government each year." * It was closed because despite how it supposedly "generated" 1.2 billion, it owed 100 billion in concessions and fines and interest to the government. *

TPBS is entitled to up to Bt2 billion in subsidy from the government's alcohol and tobacco taxes.

However, former TITV staff were unhappy with the idea of being offered jobs at PTV.

"I don't know his [samak's] real objective. However, if the new TV station is a transformation of PTV, I believe former TITV staff won't join," said a former TITV news reporter who declined to be named. The reporter disagreed with the move as politicisation of the media because PTV was set up for political purposes and not as a professional television.

Many former TITV staff are still optimistic that most of them will eventually be able to work at TPBS.

"After the three-month contracts of the current staff expire, we believe most former TITV workers will be called to TPBS," the reporter said.

PTV co-founder Jatuporn Promphan * and current People Power Party MP * said he did not know whether the station was to become the new station that Samak spoke about. However, he said he was aware PTV was forming a new editorial structure after being closed for a while.

Jatuporn, Nattawut Saikua and Jakrapob Penkair * the new Prime Minister's Office Minister in Samak's Cabinet * left PTV to enter politics, leaving Veera Musigapong to run the station. The station will start broadcasting again on Friday, the same day as TPBS, Jatuporn said. * Of note also is that Jatuporn, Nattawut, and Jakrapob were all previously arrested as instigators and leaders of a riot that injured hundreds. Also, AFAIK, PTV is still unlicensed to broadcast. *

PTV had its broadcasts suspended and was sued by the Public Relations Department (PRD) for broadcasting without a licence. Its founders then organised anti-junta rallies at Sanam Luang and broadcast via the Internet and through subscription.

However, the station kept a low profile until the People Power Party emerged victorious in the general election.

Samak revealed yesterday that PTV founder Veera had asked his permission - which he had given - to broadcast the House session when the government announces its policy statement. When reporters reminded him that the station was being sued by the PRD for broadcasting without a licence, Samak argued that ASTV, run by the Manager Group, also broadcast without a licence. * but ASTV does have court protection to broadcast, unlike PTV *

Samak said the government would enact new laws to legalise these unlicensed stations.

Last Friday, Prime Minster's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, who supervises state electronic media, vowed to review the broadcasting of state-run media, including TPBS, that are funded by taxes.

However TPBS executives are certain the government cannot intervene in public media as it is protected by the broadcasting law. TPBS acting director Thepchai Yong said the government had to read the law clearly before managing its system.

"The reason for establishing TPBS is that a public TV, which is free from government and business organisations, is needed," Thepchai said. "The law states clearly what the missions of TPBS are. It has to disseminate news, information and knowledge to the public. I don't know whether the government had read the law clearly or not before it talked about TPBS a few days ago."

Thepchai said he did not know the reasons for forming a new independent TV channel. "To have more media is good for the public so that they have more alternatives. However, I'm not sure about its format and the purpose of forming the channel so I will not express any opinions on the issue," he said.

- The Nation

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

Related posts to these shenanigans are Posts #52, 53, and 57.

[sriracha john]

Excerpt from The Nation Editorial...

Mega-projects stalled by politics

Samak's plans to expand mass transit will have to overcome the hurdle of back-room politicking

The factor that will finally determine the future of the mass-transit projects is not money but politics.

Thai politics has a tricky nature in which situations keep changing as politicians in charge of ministries conduct their power plays. Discord and vested interests do exist among political parties and sometimes it is hard for them to avoid conflict when they have to work together.

Since the Transport Ministry is in charge of many mega-projects that involve huge investments and serve the general public's needs, it is understandable why political parties want their own man at its helm.

The formation of the Samak government was no exception and political jockeying over the transport portfolio was evident before the final decision was made. New Transport Minister Santi Prompat was not the definite choice from the very beginning, and there was at least one other candidate, former deputy Bangkok governor Sahas Bunditkul, who was reportedly preferred for the post by Samak himself. Santi, a party-list MP from the People Power Party, however, finally won the post. This is clear evidence of how major decisions in Thai politics are chiefly determined by political rather than practical factors. The same is true for the mass-transit projects that Samak has vowed to push.

Financial risk is not the most serious obstacle for their future; political risk is.

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

Excerpt from The Nation Cabinet Profiles...

Santi Promphat: Transport Minister

As a major real estate tycoon with connections to Thaksin Shinawatra, he was entrusted by Thaksin due to his generous financial contribution and was given the responsibility to oversee MPs in the upper central region and some of the northeastern provinces.

[sriracha john]

More on the Cabinet and Samak push to dump educational television in favor of political propaganda...

Samak wants to set up new independent TV station

PM Samak Sundaravej has floated the idea of setting up a new independent TV station to provide work for staff laid off from the former TITV station. He made the proposal during his new TV talk show. "I would like to stress that the best and independent TV station, one that could support itself financially, has just been dissolved. That's injustice. I am not defying anything, but in the next few days, I will make sure quality people will have the chance to work. We will let them work independently and we will see which is the better, the public television station [TPBS] or these quality people who do not need two billion baht from state coffers," he said. He kept quiet the question of whether the new media outlet will be run by former executives of the pro-Thaksin PTV. Panithan Wattanayakorn, a Chulalongkorn University political scientist, predicted the powers-that-be will try to control the media for their own gain. He said both Samak and his ousted predecessor, Thaksin Shinawatra, were well-versed in using the media as a tool to further their own political cause.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Feb2008_news02.php

[sriracha john]

It amazes me that as extremely arduous a task as being PM is during these difficult times with its multitude of pressing and diverse problems, that he undertakes, at age 72, the nearly equally daunting and time-consuming task of Defense Minister... Spreading oneself so thin as to not enable enough time and energy necessary to perform each separate task well... at age 72...

As an example...

POLITICS FIRST DAY AS MINISTER

PM Samak Sundaravej takes up the reins as Defence Minister today with plans to call in the top brass to talk about the unrest in the far South and military allowances. Samak is due to arrive at the ministry at the auspicious time of 9am. He said the ministry had arranged appointments for him throughout the whole day, but he had declined and said his engagements at the ministry should be limited to two hours.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Feb2008_news05.php

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

It's ok, the extremely dire Deep South issue can wait until he has more time...

[chownah]

It amazes me that as extremely arduous a task as being PM is during these difficult times with its multitude of pressing and diverse problems, that he undertakes, at age 72, the nearly equally daunting and time-consuming task of Defense Minister... Spreading oneself so thin as to not enable enough time and energy necessary to perform each separate task well... at age 72...

As an example...

POLITICS FIRST DAY AS MINISTER

PM Samak Sundaravej takes up the reins as Defence Minister today with plans to call in the top brass to talk about the unrest in the far South and military allowances. Samak is due to arrive at the ministry at the auspicious time of 9am. He said the ministry had arranged appointments for him throughout the whole day, but he had declined and said his engagements at the ministry should be limited to two hours.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Feb2008_news05.php

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

It's ok, the extremely dire Deep South issue can wait until he has more time...

Yeah, you are right about that....he's lucky that the Deep South is not in a total state of riot in which case he would have to act immediately (fire from the hip comes to mind). It is good that he wants to do some team building and to give everyone some time to think and assimilate everyone's ideas about the possible ways to proceed..........seems like it is a refreshing change to see someone willing to be thoughtful about this problem rather than rash and hasty.

Chownah

[John K]

Add to that Thaksin's old saturday morning propaganda radio program where he will read hour long speeches written by Thaksin himself

No no no!!! No need to read the speach.....Toxin will join the show through a satellite link!!!!! Why not? It isn't against the law!!!!

Chownah

Well seeing is that is all about politics, and Thaksin is banned, for Thaksin to go on the air would certainly highlight his arrogance.

[sriracha john]

It amazes me that as extremely arduous a task as being PM is during these difficult times with its multitude of pressing and diverse problems, that he undertakes, at age 72, the nearly equally daunting and time-consuming task of Defense Minister... Spreading oneself so thin as to not enable enough time and energy necessary to perform each separate task well... at age 72...

As an example...

POLITICS FIRST DAY AS MINISTER

PM Samak Sundaravej takes up the reins as Defence Minister today with plans to call in the top brass to talk about the unrest in the far South and military allowances. Samak is due to arrive at the ministry at the auspicious time of 9am. He said the ministry had arranged appointments for him throughout the whole day, but he had declined and said his engagements at the ministry should be limited to two hours.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Feb2008_news05.php

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

It's ok, the extremely dire Deep South issue can wait until he has more time...

Yeah, you are right about that....he's lucky that the Deep South is not in a total state of riot in which case he would have to act immediately (fire from the hip comes to mind). It is good that he wants to do some team building and to give everyone some time to think and assimilate everyone's ideas about the possible ways to proceed..........seems like it is a refreshing change to see someone willing to be thoughtful about this problem rather than rash and hasty.

Chownah

yep.. and at 2 hours here and 2 hours there at a time, it's only going take 53 months to decide what to do.

[A_Traveller]

Where's the I don't know if I should laugh or cry emoticon?

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap Chaovarat Chanweerakul on Monday defended a decision to appoint a bully son of the Interior Minister as an aide in his ministry.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung's son Wan is slated to become the assistant secretary to Deputy Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul. The appointment will be formalised in tomorrow's Cabinet meeting. "In the past, society saw this boy in a scary way but I see him as a well-mannered and polite boy," Chaiya said. He compared Wan to Ong Kuliman, a notorious bandit in the Buddhist scriptures who reformed and reached enlightenment.

He said he would designate Wan as a presenter in the awareness campaign against drinking and smoking, praising him as role model who has turned to public service after involving in pub brawls.

The Nation Edited February 11, 2008 by A_Traveller

[sriracha john]

Where's the I don't know if I should laugh or cry emoticon?

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap Chaovarat Chanweerakul on Monday defended a decision to appoint a bully son of the Interior Minister as an aide in his ministry.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung's son Wan is slated to become the assistant secretary to Deputy Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul. The appointment will be formalised in tomorrow's Cabinet meeting. "In the past, society saw this boy in a scary way but I see him as a well-mannered and polite boy," Chaiya said. He compared Wan to Ong Kuliman, a notorious bandit in the Buddhist scriptures who reformed and reached enlightenment.

He said he would designate Wan as a presenter in the awareness campaign against drinking and smoking, praising him as role model who has turned to public service after involving in pub brawls.

Wan does have some experiences...

Pol Maj-General Pramote Pathumwong said Chalerm told him Wan was still suffering from injuries he received in the fight, which happened at the Route 66 Pub on Royal City Avenue. Wan allegedly entered the venue despite a parole condition barring him from entering night-entertainment establishments.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=43218

At Least No One Was Murdered This Time, Chalerm's Boys At It Again

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...st&p=456407

Wan claims he is victim in pub fight

Wan showing off his wound

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=479170

PAROLE VIOLATION

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=231377

His brother Wan, who held down the police officer while Duang shot him

Chalerm Yoobamrung's sons have been linked to 12 alleged incidents of brawling, physical assault, shootings, or other incidents at bars and discotheques in a three year period, but have never been punished.

- BBC

I'm sure he'll make just a dandy Assistant Secretary to Deputy Interior Minister

Edited February 11, 2008 by sriracha john

[marshbags]

Where's the I don't know if I should laugh or cry emoticon?

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap Chaovarat Chanweerakul on Monday defended a decision to appoint a bully son of the Interior Minister as an aide in his ministry.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung's son Wan is slated to become the assistant secretary to Deputy Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul. The appointment will be formalised in tomorrow's Cabinet meeting. "In the past, society saw this boy in a scary way but I see him as a well-mannered and polite boy," Chaiya said. He compared Wan to Ong Kuliman, a notorious bandit in the Buddhist scriptures who reformed and reached enlightenment.

He said he would designate Wan as a presenter in the awareness campaign against drinking and smoking, praising him as role model who has turned to public service after involving in pub brawls.

Wan does have some experiences...

Pol Maj-General Pramote Pathumwong said Chalerm told him Wan was still suffering from injuries he received in the fight, which happened at the Route 66 Pub on Royal City Avenue. Wan allegedly entered the venue despite a parole condition barring him from entering night-entertainment establishments.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=43218

At Least No One Was Murdered This Time, Chalerm's Boys At It Again

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...st&p=456407

Wan claims he is victim in pub fight

Wan showing off his wound

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=479170

PAROLE VIOLATION

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=231377

His brother Wan, who held down the police officer while Duang shot him

Chalerm Yoobamrung's sons have been linked to 12 alleged incidents of brawling, physical assault, shootings, or other incidents at bars and discotheques in a three year period, but have never been punished.

- BBC

I'm sure he'll make just a dandy Assistant Secretary to Deputy Interior Minister

What an insult to all law abiding Thai who respect not only the laws of the land, but earn their credentials and qualifications honourably and make many sacrifices to enhance their prospects of working to better Thai society.

This family on the other hand have earned the right to be encarcerated for many years to come and that is putting it lightly.

Take note all you supporters of this newly elected government and all that is unfolding before you.

Shame once again for all those who subscribe to the arrogance of these officials and their alledged democratical right to re enforce a doctorine of self rewarding principals, while showing no consideration what so ever for the right and wrong as society judges their actions.

They do not even care about the future of Thailand or it,s majority of citizens who are unfortunate enough to be outside the ranks of the so called PUYAI elected officials of the PPP coalition and their families.

How disgustingly abhorrent they are !!!!!!!

marshbags ... and sickened by yet another snub on an honourable Thailand and it,s respected /respectful law abiding society

Edited February 11, 2008 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

PRD shoots down PM's independent TV dream

The PM’s Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair may have many ideas running through his head about setting up a new commercial-free television station, but the Director-General of the Public Relations Department, Pramote Rathavinit, has assured him that this will not be legally possible. "Proposals to set up an independent television station would not be possible under the constitution which requires the National Broadcasting Commission to have been set up first before such a station can be established," he explained. The idea of setting up a new independent TV station to provide work for staff laid off from the former TITV station was floated by PM Samak Sundaravej.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125858

[chownah]

It amazes me that as extremely arduous a task as being PM is during these difficult times with its multitude of pressing and diverse problems, that he undertakes, at age 72, the nearly equally daunting and time-consuming task of Defense Minister... Spreading oneself so thin as to not enable enough time and energy necessary to perform each separate task well... at age 72...

As an example...

POLITICS FIRST DAY AS MINISTER

PM Samak Sundaravej takes up the reins as Defence Minister today with plans to call in the top brass to talk about the unrest in the far South and military allowances. Samak is due to arrive at the ministry at the auspicious time of 9am. He said the ministry had arranged appointments for him throughout the whole day, but he had declined and said his engagements at the ministry should be limited to two hours.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Feb2008_news05.php

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

It's ok, the extremely dire Deep South issue can wait until he has more time...

Yeah, you are right about that....he's lucky that the Deep South is not in a total state of riot in which case he would have to act immediately (fire from the hip comes to mind). It is good that he wants to do some team building and to give everyone some time to think and assimilate everyone's ideas about the possible ways to proceed..........seems like it is a refreshing change to see someone willing to be thoughtful about this problem rather than rash and hasty.

Chownah

yep.. and at 2 hours here and 2 hours there at a time, it's only going take 53 months to decide what to do.

So...you are predicting that the new gov't will do NOTHING about the problem in the south for 53 months?....or are you going to do some back pedaling here? I don't think it will take 53 months for them to do something.....I doubt that whatever they do will solve the problem...noone has been able to solve this problem...ever....

Chownah

[sriracha john]

It amazes me that as extremely arduous a task as being PM is during these difficult times with its multitude of pressing and diverse problems, that he undertakes, at age 72, the nearly equally daunting and time-consuming task of Defense Minister... Spreading oneself so thin as to not enable enough time and energy necessary to perform each separate task well... at age 72...

As an example...

POLITICS FIRST DAY AS MINISTER

PM Samak Sundaravej takes up the reins as Defence Minister today with plans to call in the top brass to talk about the unrest in the far South and military allowances. Samak is due to arrive at the ministry at the auspicious time of 9am. He said the ministry had arranged appointments for him throughout the whole day, but he had declined and said his engagements at the ministry should be limited to two hours.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Feb2008_news05.php

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

It's ok, the extremely dire Deep South issue can wait until he has more time...

Yeah, you are right about that....he's lucky that the Deep South is not in a total state of riot in which case he would have to act immediately (fire from the hip comes to mind). It is good that he wants to do some team building and to give everyone some time to think and assimilate everyone's ideas about the possible ways to proceed..........seems like it is a refreshing change to see someone willing to be thoughtful about this problem rather than rash and hasty.

Chownah

yep.. and at 2 hours here and 2 hours there at a time, it's only going take 53 months to decide what to do.

So...you are predicting that the new gov't will do NOTHING about the problem in the south for 53 months?....or are you going to do some back pedaling here? I don't think it will take 53 months for them to do something.....I doubt that whatever they do will solve the problem...noone has been able to solve this problem...ever....

...ever... since Thaksin's government made things worse...

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's heavy-handed tactics were widely blamed for exacerbating the unrest in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1741339

But the situation certainly stands no chance of improving if whatever little attention it does receive is done so in between naps and other pressing issues facing this nation from the television cook and part-time Defense Minister.

btw, in case you didn't recognize 53 months as a facetiously sarcastic figure, Samak's PM-ship ends in 47, if that.

Edited February 11, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Chalerm's son to get 'role model' job

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap yesterday revealed that Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung's son, Wan, will be a presenter for the Public Health Ministry's campaign against drinking and smoking, besides being appointed as an Aide to Deputy Health Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul.

The appointment will be formalised at today's Cabinet meeting.

"In the past, society saw this boy in a scary way, but I see him as a well-mannered and polite boy," Chaiya said.

He compared Wan to Ong Kuliman, a notorious bandit in the Buddhist scriptures who reformed and reached enlightenment.

He said he would designate Wan as a presenter in the awareness campaign against drinking and smoking, praising him as role model who has turned to public service after being involved in pub brawls.

Wan's father Chalerm said yesterday he was not aware of his son's possible appointment. However, he added that Wan was well qualified for the job, given that he had received a master's degree in law. Wan is not an MP and did not contest in the December election.

*That certainly wasn't for lack of trying by himself or his father*

Chalem threatens to leave People Power Party

Controversial politician Chalerm Yoobamrung Sunday threatened to leave the People Power Party if it refuses to field his two sons as candidates in the December 23 election.

Chalerm made the threat following reports the party would not pick the sons to run for seats in Bangkok.

Chalerm said he joined the party after being approached by a leading member. But he insisted his two sons run on its ticket in the capital.

"If People Power does not select me and my two sons - Wan and Duang - as Bangkok candidates, I'll be ready to leave the party," Chalerm told a news conference at his home.

- The Nation

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

No word yet on whether Chalerm was waving a large-caliber handgun while making his threats.

Chalerm said he would definitely not appoint Wan to any post at the Interior Ministry in order to avoid criticism.

The president of the StopDrink Network, Songkran Phakchokdee, welcomed Chaiya's idea of assigning Wan as a presenter of the ministry's campaign against drinking and smoking - if Wan himself had quit smoking and drinking.

If Wan had not quit or quit only recently then this would be a bad idea, Songkran said, emphasising that his network usually picked people who had kicked bad habits as presenters, because people could better relate to them.

"Wan is a well-known person and, with his post as an Aide to the Deputy Health Minister, he has good standing in society. If he becomes the campaign presenter because he has given up drinking and smoking, I offer my appreciation," he said, adding that the move might start a trend for other people to quit.

Wan was a co-defendant in the trial over the 2001 murder of police sergeant Suvichai Rodvimut during a pub brawl. His younger brother, Duang, was the first defendant in the case. Duang, Wan and three others were in acquitted in March 2004 of charges related to the murder. *as well as, according to the BBC, eleven other bar fights, nightclub stabbings, etc... including this little double-header gem of his*

The incident allegedly occurred the previous evening after Miss Sawita showed up at the party with another man. Apparently Wanchalerm was jealous and announced that, "Anyone who has danced with me doesn’t go dancing with someone else." He then smacked her in the face.

Wanchalerm is one of the two brothers still under investigation for allegedly forging Army draft card documents for which they have both been released from the police force.

- Pattaya Mail

- The Nation

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

Some insight into the Health Minister's point of view...

Excerpt from The Nation Cabinet Profiles:

Chaiya Sasomsap: Public Health Minister

His family is known as Nakhon Pathom's godfather because the Sasomsap family members are politicians and ruled the election's Nakhom Pathom seats for a long time.

---------

btw, Chaiya's "well-mannered and polite boy" is 31 years old.

Edited February 11, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

Perfect candidates made of 100%TRT/PPP fabric.

[sriracha john]

The cavalcade of Thailand's finest entering the Cabinet continues to parade in......

Silampha Lertnuwat, an ex-Thai Rak Thai MP from Bangkok, is likely to become Adviser to Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama. Deputy Interior Minister Sitthichai Kowsurat has reportedly nominated Chonsawat Asavahame, son of Puea Pandin Party Chief Adviser Vatana Asavahame, as his Secretary's Deputy.

*colorful guy that Chonsawat, he'll compliment Bar Brawler Wan perfectly*

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=121774&hl=

Mayor Charged After "Drunken Fight With Police", Samut Prakan mayor busted

*and father Vatana is no slouch as a role model, either*

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had given him information showing Vatana Asavahame had been involved in international marijuana trafficking for 20 years

and

Vatana Asavahame and nine others will be charged with involvement in corruption surrounding the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project.

and

Vatana Asavahame and other 10 defendants encroached on forest reserves totalling in more than 8,734 rai

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...c=94944&hl=

Vatana Charged With Encroaching On Forest Reserves In Phang Nga

Holders of Secretarial and Advisory jobs will reportedly receive a monthly salary of 60,000 baht.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/12Feb2008_news13.php

[jbowman1993]

The cavalcade of Thailand's finest entering the Cabinet continues to parade in......

Silampha Lertnuwat, an ex-Thai Rak Thai MP from Bangkok, is likely to become Adviser to Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama. Deputy Interior Minister Sitthichai Kowsurat has reportedly nominated Chonsawat Asavahame, son of Puea Pandin Party Chief Adviser Vatana Asavahame, as his Secretary's Deputy.

*colorful guy that Chonsawat, he'll compliment Bar Brawler Wan perfectly*

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=121774&hl=

Mayor Charged After "Drunken Fight With Police", Samut Prakan mayor busted

*and father Vatana is no slouch as a role model, either*

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had given him information showing Vatana Asavahame had been involved in international marijuana trafficking for 20 years

and

Vatana Asavahame and nine others will be charged with involvement in corruption surrounding the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project.

and

Vatana Asavahame and other 10 defendants encroached on forest reserves totalling in more than 8,734 rai

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...c=94944&hl=

Vatana Charged With Encroaching On Forest Reserves In Phang Nga

Holders of Secretarial and Advisory jobs will reportedly receive a monthly salary of 60,000 baht.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/12Feb2008_news13.php

Is there anyone in or associated with PPP who is NOT a criminal or just a complete dirtbag? I'd love to find at least one....

[sriracha john]

Sorry, Mr. Bowman, but here's yet another Crime-Watch Minister with pending criminal litigation...

Jakrapob just doesn't get it

To say that PM Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair's early days have been disappointing is an understatement. With a faltering economy, murder in the South, political tension already heating up Bangkok and a hot, dry season about to affect millions of farmers, Jakrapob defined his two most pressing problems. The first is to control the state media, which he described as ''still too biased.'' The second is to expand media control to non-state media. Within a day, PM Samak angled in to the subject. He thinks Thailand should have an independent TV news station. It used to have one, of course, iTV, set up in the wake of the 1992 Black May uprising. Samak's plan is a little hazy, but he seems to envision a government station that could employ the former iTV-TITV staff who were put out of work by the establishment of TPBS. Jakrapob said the idea will have to wait for a while. It is hard to see how a government-established news station would be more credible than all the other government-supported stations. And one must wonder why the government needs yet another TV station. Jakrapob's concern about the media does not bode well. The government's press and public relations policies were viewed sceptically before it took office. For an important minister to start his term with a round of radio, TV, news and telecommunications censorship and intimidation hardly seems necessary, let alone reasonable. The only place that can lead is down the same old, worn path of the Thaksin Shinawatra government, which never saw a news outlet it did not think it could improve with an ever-heavier hand.

Editorial continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/12Feb2008_news18.php

[sriracha john]

and.... ANOTHER who parades in as a new member to the PPP team... and with the-nearly-requisite pending criminal litigation... as a riot instigator and leader and wire-tapper... he's now taking over the job that his criminal

co-defendant Jakropob used to have with Thaksin...

Police have charged them with instigating violence and the assembling with intent to disturb the peace.

and

Three charged with wire-tapping

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=132614&hl=

Nine Anti-coup Leaders Detained

Natthawut Saikua

Former DAAD Leader to Serve as Government Spokesman

Former Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) Leader Natthawut Saikua, who was involved in staging a rally on July 22, 2007 against the coup makers and led to clashes between protestors and police outside the residence of Privy Council President, yesterday expressed readiness to serve as the new government spokesman, claiming that he has been approached for the post and still awaits his official appointment.

Currently, Natthawuts colleague and former DAAD leader Jakrapob Penkair, who has recently been appointed as the new Prime Ministers Office Minister was reportedly doubling as caretaker spokesman for the government.

Natthawut admitted that the government had offered him the post earlier, but he has not made an announcement just yet because he still await for the official announcement of his new position.

The former DAAD leader claimed he was qualified for such post, dismissing reports that he has been rewarded for participating in the DAADs July 22nd demonstration against the military junta and the Privy Council President.

Though Natthawut failed to win a Parliament seat in the December 23rd election when he ran as a party-list candidate of the People Power Party in Bangkoks zone 8, the People Power-led coalition government still considered to designate him to an important post.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited February 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The "birthday gift" of Post #61 is opened...

New Energy Minister Pays Respect to Sacred Monument

The new Energy Minister and her husband pay respect to a revered monument at their hometown of Nakhon Ratchasima for morale in tackling her new job.

New Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop and her husband Suwat (TRT Banned #22), who is a former key member of the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party and one of the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai executives, paid respect to the statue of Tao Suranaree in their hometown of Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Poonpirom has been criticized as being a nominee minister for her husband who is banned from politics.

- Thailand Outlook

[Tony Clifton]

Jakaprob needs to spend less time on facial expressions, something he's copied from the Little Emperor, and more time on tuning his brain to the country's needs instead of a personal carreer boost at any cost. The man is nothing but an actor with a fixation on an old man AND total control over the media for the Little Emperor's return of which they dream about like schoolgirls and a singing boy band.

Anyway, you can see that most of these people are made of the same criminal fabric required to be part of the TRT/PPP gang. Look at their group photos fir Chr!st's sake, it looks like a mafia meeting. Criminals are widely accepted amongst their ranks. Leaves me thinking that maybe about half the country that voted them in also feel the same or are made of the same fabric.

The way things are going with these strange nominations, I even wonder if we'll ever see The Man in Black even make a comeback anytime soon beating up again on senior citizens or maybe some other group preparing a revenge on coup leaders and associates, auditors, EC, CNS, PAD, etc.

One thing is for sure, this country's reputation abroad is only sinking lower and lower as long as it's people tolerate this kind of sh!t. No, it;'s not politics, it's sh!it...

Edited February 12, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

*and father Vatana is no slouch as a role model, either*

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had given him information showing Vatana Asavahame had been involved in international marijuana trafficking for 20 years

and

Vatana Asavahame and nine others will be charged with involvement in corruption surrounding the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project.

and

Vatana Asavahame and other 10 defendants encroached on forest reserves totalling in more than 8,734 rai

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...c=94944&hl=

Vatana Charged With Encroaching On Forest Reserves In Phang Nga

Speaking of Vatana... he was involved in one of his criminal cases today...

Vatana Asavahame

Puea Pandin Party's Key Member Testifies on Land Purchase Scam

The Chief Advisor to the Puea Pandin Party submitted a complaint to the Constitution Court seeking a ruling on whether his corruption charge should be under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, hearings into his case kick off today.

The Supreme Court's Division for Political Post Holders today held the first hearing into the corruption charge which was filed by the Attorney-General against former Deputy Interior Minister and now Chief Advisor to the Puea Pandin Party, Vatana Asavahame, for exploiting his administrative power in issuing a land title deed for a plot in Klong Dan district of Samut Prakarn province.

Before giving his testimony at the hearing, Vatana said he feels relieved since his charge is already in the court process and insists he has never done anything wrong, but says he is ready to prove his innocence.

However, Vatana submited a complaint with the Constitution Court, seeking a ruling on whether his charge should be under the judicial power of the Supreme Court's division for the cases against political post holders or the Criminal Court.

Vatana claims his charge was filed before the promulgation of the Constitution's organic bills on the hearing into the charges against political post holders and the prescription of the lawsuit had already been completed.

In this case, the Attorney-General accused Vatana of using his post as Deputy Interior Minister in cooperating with some officials of the Land Office and Public Administration Office in Samut Prakarn province to approve the request for the purchase of a title deed of a public plot of land by a private company.

The plot of land was later sold to the Pollution Control Department for construction of a wastewater treatment plant.

Meanwhile, Vatana also insisted he has no involvement with the decision by the Puea Pandin party to nominate his son, Chonsawat Asavahame, for the post of Secretary to the Deputy Interior Minister.

He is also not worried that society will compare his son with Duang Yoobumrung, the son of Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung. Both families' sons are notorious for their drinking and brawling at night entertainment venues.

However, Vatana insists Chonsawat is capable enough to take the post and believes the lawsuits his son is facing will not dampen his performance.

The Puea Pandin Party Chief Advisor also hinted that he is considering a full return to politics, if he is still healthy. As for his party's meeting this Friday, Vadhana says he will not meddle in its resolutions as several members are capable enough, particularly the Party Leader.

- Thailand Outlook

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

By all means, Vatana, please re-enter politics... your country's Cabinet desperately needs people of your high morals, ethics, and honesty.... and don't forget to bring along some really good weed.

Edited February 12, 2008 by sriracha john