Samak Sundaravej was elected

[Abrak]

What people should bear in mind is that many of Thailand's intellectual and monetary elite supported Thaksin when he was in power. However, they are not prepared to support him now under some Samak/Chalerm government or otherwise. They see him as very ex when it comes to the political scene.

That is why Samak's cabinet looks so dodgy.

This political Thaksin is very different from the one before.

[Plus]

I doubt they would support even Thaksin if it means prolonged confrontation, street protests, and general instability.

[Siripon]

Young Husband loves his 'genie out of the bottle' phrase, the 'inevitable march of historical forces' etc. It's hard to see so far ahead in Thailand, I prefer to concentrate on the next few months.

It's extraordinary how accomodating PPP have been regarding Cabinet seats to their partners:

PPP I seat per 11.1 members

Dhart Thai 1 per 6.1

Pua Paen Din 1 per 6.1

Ruamjai Chart Pattana 1 per 4.5

Matchima 1 per 5.5

Pracharat 1 per 5.1

The reason is almost certainly to maintain support in this crucial phrase dismantling the power network of the CNS, attempted in the upcoming April reshuffle, once that's achieved , I expect PPP to reshuffle the Cabinet, taking back some of those Cabinet seats.

This will lead to squabbling in the smaller parties and possible breakups,ultimately benefitting PPP as members seek sanctuary there. I see Noppadon said Thaksin may be back before May.

[Prakanong]

Samak apparently didn't know that Japanese can be bilingual...

Samak apologises Thai reporters for confirming his Cabinet list to Japanese reporters

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Saturday apologised to Thai reporters for giving details of his Cabinet lists to Japanese reporters without telling the Thai reporters.

Samak said he thought the Japanese reporters would report the list in Japanese in Japan instead of publishing it in English in wire services available worldwide. In his interview with the Japanese reporters, Samak confirmed he would hold the post of defence minister.

He said he would have luncheon meeting with Thai reporters at 11 am on Sunday.

"I deserve the anger of Thai reporters. Please forgive me. I didn't expect the news will come out so soon," Samak said.

- The Nation

The soap opera begins

My Singapore taxi driver last night who was a sweet old uncle worried about rising ERP (road charges) who when I said at least the roads are not like Bangkok said he was looking forward to Samak providing the comedy at ASEAN meetings and the like,

[Old Man River]

Bangkok elites know that the country depends on millions of peasants who are wasting their lives in poverty and ignorance.

I'm sure that this is the attitude of the Bangkok elites.....the "peasants" however don't really think that their lives have been wasted.....and frankly I agree with them....the life of an "ignorant" poor rural Thai "peasant" is a good one....not a waste as the self absorbed Bangkok elite would want you to think.

Rural Thailand is the basis for Thai culture.....the Bangkok elite won't be happy until the rural Thai peasants are toiling in miserable factory conditions in the city and the only place where authentic Thai culture can be seen is in theatres in Bangkok.

Chownah

Two weeks or so ago, I asked for definitions of what the elite are in Thailand. Not surprisingly, I got few answers and they were different. Despite not knowing who the Bangkok elite are, many people seem to know exactly what the Bangkok elite think. You would be surprised to find that many you think are among the Bangkok elite don't see themselves that way and also don't think the way you think they do. Life would be so much easier if we could just put people in groups and say this is what you are and this is what you think. It just doesn't work that way.

I like your comments vis a vis Thai politics and soap operas. I am not sure which it is.

[sriracha john]

Samak allows PTV to broadcast Government's policy announcement

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Saturday gave tacit support to pro-Thaksin unlicensed satellite station, PTV, by allowing it to broadcast the House session when the government announces its policy statement.

Samak gave the approval when Veera Musigapong and other PTV founders met him to seek the permission.

When reporters reminded him that the PTV was sued by the Public Relations Department as broadcasting without a license, Samak argued that ASTV of the Manage Group also broadcast without license.

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

- The Nation

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

An extremely weak attempt to rewrite history by the new PM.... as what really happened with ASTV was that after they were denied a license after applying, they then sought and WON the court's approval to broadcast, whereas PTV never even applied for a license.

Court rules for Sondhi

The Administrative Court yesterday ordered authorities to desist from shutting down the ASTV satellite service of government critic Sondhi Limthongkul and his media group’s website.

- The Nation / Published on Feb 3, 2006

Amazingly, this court victory occured while Thaksin was still PM.

Edited February 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

You gotta love those white uniforms, usually a symbol of purity and peace which have nothing to do with this bunch.

Jakaprob Penkair is on the upper right. Watch how dangerous this guy becomes as weeks go by. The perfect Thaksin zombie was rewarded with a cabinet position.

What's wrong with Samak's brain to meddle with PTV so early?

Edited February 2, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Going back into the Thaivisa History Archives of Factual Information once again in regards to the PTV/ASTV issue... what's wrong with Samak using his MV-1 satellite service to broadcast the government's policy announcement? It's licensed and operational.

Why push the illegal PTV route so brazenly? Is he under that much pressure already to start rewarding the Thaksin backers at PTV? Or is he upset that he lost the Satellite War against ASTV previously?

A little snippet of background from the "TNT Bomb Discovered Near Thaksin's Residence" thread. Once again, this is pre-coup:

It's more than a charade; it's an utter mess

Every trick in the book is being used to gain an advantage; how much more is there to come?

< snipped >

When he went shopping at Siam Paragon about three weeks ago, the premier was greeted by "Thaksin - Get Out" shouts from some ill-wishers. His bodyguards and followers immediately physically attacked these opponents. Later at Central World, the prime minister's supporters, wearing white shoes and wrist bands, also used excessive physical force to hurt the Thaksin critics while police stood by and did nothing to prevent the violence.

The Central World incident threatened to rock the PM's stability. But the car-bomb incident stole the headlines. All newspapers went on to cover the car-bomb plot and buried the Central World violence on the inside pages.

Fearing the government might not have enough support on the air-waves, Samak Sundaravej was brought back to resume his media role. Samak will go eye-to-eye with Sondhi Limthongkul, one of the key members of the People's Alliance for Democracy, in the media war aimed at shaping public opinion.

Samak, through his MV-1 cable TV, will tell the government's side of the story, while Sondhi's ASTV cable TV has been quite successful so far in undermining the PM's credibility.

Between now and the election, one can expect to see more confrontations, more violence and greater divide in the country as Thaksin stakes all on his desperate bid to cling to power. But his opponents will try to prevent any comeback. The atmosphere is now returning to the post-Shin Corp sale period. Even networks of medical personnel have called on Thaksin to step down from politics. And the Thaksin camp is preparing to bring in grass-roots supporters to hit back in an eye-for-an-eye strategy.

- The Nation / Published on Sep 6, 2006

Edited February 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[chownah]

Samak allows PTV to broadcast Government's policy announcement

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Saturday gave tacit support to pro-Thaksin unlicensed satellite station, PTV, by allowing it to broadcast the House session when the government announces its policy statement.

Samak gave the approval when Veera Musigapong and other PTV founders met him to seek the permission.

When reporters reminded him that the PTV was sued by the Public Relations Department as broadcasting without a license, Samak argued that ASTV of the Manage Group also broadcast without license.

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

- The Nation

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

An extremely weak attempt to rewrite history by the new PM.... as what really happened with ASTV was that after they were denied a license after applying, they then sought and WON the court's approval to broadcast, whereas PTV never even applied for a license.

I see no inconsistency between what Samak said and what you said.....you both agree that ASTV broadcast without a license....and it seems that Samak feels that this is justification enough for having dealings with an unlicensed station. I don't see this as a rewrite of history as it seems that what he is saying is completely accurate at least from what you have said....it just seems that you don't like Samak supporting PTV....that's fine and I totally support your right to say that here in the forum but really there is no need to make the false accusation that Samak is rewriting history when according to what you have posted he is not.

Chownah

[sriracha john]

Mob leaders meet with PM

Leaders of the mob against the September 19th coup traveled to meet Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at his residence today. Sources say that they will have important posts in the Cabinet.

The mob leaders include Mr. Jakrapob Penkair, Mr. Veera Musikapong, Mr. Chatuporn Phrompan, and Mr. Natthawut Saikua. The Prime Minister's Secretary, Mr. Theeraphol Phornrampha, also visited Mr. Samak’s residence this morning.

Sources say Mr. Chatuphorn might be appointed as the Spokesman of the Prime Minister’s Office and Mr. Natthawut as the Deputy Spokesman.

- ThaiNews

[Tony Clifton]

[chownah]

Thanks for the pic Tony Clifton. Did you photoshop it? Is it funny?...or is it supposed to have some meaning?

Chownah

[Tony Clifton]

Samak allows PTV to broadcast Government's policy announcement

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Saturday gave tacit support to pro-Thaksin unlicensed satellite station, PTV, by allowing it to broadcast the House session when the government announces its policy statement.

Thanks for the pic Tony Clifton. Did you photoshop it? Is it funny?...or is it supposed to have some meaning?

Chownah

Maybe I should have quoted this as well in the first place.

First, this VERY EARLY move from Samak with PTV, what do you think is coming next?

It's guaranteed they have kept this "above the law" attitude, with many from the banned 111 still highly involved, and these mafia style politicians will prove it faster than we think.

Nothing was learned by this bunch, nothing.

Coming soon to a parliament near you.

Edited February 3, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Noppadon denies commenting on possibility to take on Foreign Minister role

Deputy Secretary-General of the People Power Party Noppadon Pattama said that he will not yet comment on data uncovered that his name has been suggested to take on the role of Foreign Minister. He did say though that anyone taking on the position should focus on remedying the ailing economy and working inline with other ministries.

Furthermore, Noppadon also stated that the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) has begun to disagree with him on many issues, such as the lottery issue.

Noppadol says that the PPP considers the NCCC to be an extra-judicial body, but nonetheless will not interfere with the group and allow it to finish its term.

- ThaiNews

Edited February 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[chownah]

Samak allows PTV to broadcast Government's policy announcement

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Saturday gave tacit support to pro-Thaksin unlicensed satellite station, PTV, by allowing it to broadcast the House session when the government announces its policy statement.

Thanks for the pic Tony Clifton. Did you photoshop it? Is it funny?...or is it supposed to have some meaning?

Chownah

Maybe I should have quoted this as well in the first place.

First, this VERY EARLY move from Samak with PTV, what do you think is coming next?

It's guaranteed they have kept this "above the law" attitude, with many from the banned 111 still highly involved, and these mafia style politicians will prove it faster than we think.

Nothing was learned by this bunch, nothing.

I'm still not sure if the picture was meant to be funny or if it conveys a message. It isn't especially funny for many reasons: first if Samak is flipping someone off is that funny? second in Thailand does an extended middle finger have any meaning at all? third it doesn't even look like his mood is consistent with flipping someone off...it looks more like he's patiently explaining something. If it was not meant to be funny (which seems to be the case) then what is the message? The picture doesn't seem to add any substantial meaning to the words which you have belatedly provided. Your words would be just as effective (or not) without the picture as with it.

So...I really don't get it. What's the point.........oh.......and by the way.......did you photoshop it?...it looks like someone did.

Chownah

[Ricardo]

Noppadon denies commenting on possibility to take on Foreign Minister role

Deputy Secretary-General of the People Power Party Noppadon Pattama said that he will not yet comment on data uncovered that his name has been suggested to take on the role of Foreign Minister. He did say though that anyone taking on the position should focus on remedying the ailing economy and working inline with other ministries.

This may be a silly question, but why should a Foreign Minister be so concerned, with the local-economy, rather than with relations with other countries ? Should that have said - Finance Minister instead ?

Furthermore, Noppadon also stated that the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) has begun to disagree with him on many issues, such as the lottery issue.

Until he is appointed to some relevant position, why should the NCCC give a dam_n, about his personal opinion, or is this the start of PPP interference and meddling, in the operation of justice and anti-corruption bodies ? Surely the PPP has agreed, with their minor-party coalition-colleagues, not to do any such thing ?

Noppadol says that the PPP considers the NCCC to be an extra-judicial body, but nonetheless will not interfere with the group and allow it to finish its term.

Well that's a resounding vote of confidence, and political support, for the fight against corruption ... NOT !

Why isn't the new government encouraging it instead, to expand its operations, and look for corruption over the past 16 months ? Or do they just intend eventually to disband it, in case it finds anything, embarrassing to anybody important ?

- ThaiNews

[Ricardo]

Samak allows PTV to broadcast Government's policy announcement

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Saturday gave tacit support to pro-Thaksin unlicensed satellite station, PTV, by allowing it to broadcast the House session when the government announces its policy statement.

So it's OK to break the law ?

Samak gave the approval when Veera Musigapong and other PTV founders met him to seek the permission.

When reporters reminded him that the PTV was sued by the Public Relations Department as broadcasting without a license, Samak argued that ASTV of the Manage Group also broadcast without license.

Official line - Two wrongs now make a Right !

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

and the government will make it legal, retro-spectively !

- The Nation

A fine example showing how the new government intends to uphold the rule of law.

[jumnien]

The level of discourse is sinking lower and lower. If Thai people in the United States were blogging about Barack Obama looking like a baboon, you'd really hear quite a bit of flack about it. Seems farang in Thailand posting the same arrogant racist comments about Thai politicians is just fine and dandy amongst the elite right-wing junta lovers.

[Ricardo]

The level of discourse is sinking lower and lower. If Thai people in the United States were blogging about Barack Obama looking like a baboon, you'd really hear quite a bit of flack about it. Seems farang in Thailand posting the same arrogant racist comments about Thai politicians is just fine and dandy amongst the elite right-wing junta lovers.

I didn't see anybody here say Samak looked like a baboon ? Pig, yes, but not baboon.

If you detect "arrogant racist comments" here, you might consider reporting it to the mods, who in my experience are correctly very impatient with racism, so that they can take appropriate action.

And I'm afraid that, in many western countries, political humour does indeed sometimes focus upon the appearance or dress or habits of politicians, but they accept that this will happen & don't react as strongly as you have. Perhaps the popular, in some cases, Thai practise of issuing a billion-baht defamation-suit shows a certain reluctance, to live up to these standards of tolerance.

Isn't Samak himself currently supposed to be in jail, having lost a defamation case, or is sauce for the goose not also sauce for the Thai gander ?

Lastly would you care to name some of "the elite right-wing junta lovers" you refer to as posting these comments ?

[younghusband]

The level of discourse is sinking lower and lower. If Thai people in the United States were blogging about Barack Obama looking like a baboon, you'd really hear quite a bit of flack about it. Seems farang in Thailand posting the same arrogant racist comments about Thai politicians is just fine and dandy amongst the elite right-wing junta lovers.

I didn't see anybody here say Samak looked like a baboon ? Pig, yes, but not baboon.

If you detect "arrogant racist comments" here, you might consider reporting it to the mods, who in my experience are correctly very impatient with racism, so that they can take appropriate action.

And I'm afraid that, in many western countries, political humour does indeed sometimes focus upon the appearance or dress or habits of politicians, but they accept that this will happen & don't react as strongly as you have. Perhaps the popular, in some cases, Thai practise of issuing a billion-baht defamation-suit shows a certain reluctance, to live up to these standards of tolerance.

Isn't Samak himself currently supposed to be in jail, having lost a defamation case, or is sauce for the goose not also sauce for the Thai gander ?

Lastly would you care to name some of "the elite right-wing junta lovers" you refer to as posting these comments ?

Actually sunrise07 has a very fair point.The threads on Samak's appearence complete with pictures and insulting comments are as close to racism as makes no difference.He certainly not a goodlooking fellow but the repeated insults ignore that his features,shared by many Thais, are essentially ethnic characteristics.The fact that the Thai press is also guilty makes no difference but in any case it is doubly offensive when foreigners are involved.

I am sure the moderators are aware of this problem who as you say are very impatient with racism.

Edited February 3, 2008 by younghusband

[nothingleftbutfaith]

The level of discourse is sinking lower and lower. If Thai people in the United States were blogging about Barack Obama looking like a baboon, you'd really hear quite a bit of flack about it. Seems farang in Thailand posting the same arrogant racist comments about Thai politicians is just fine and dandy amongst the elite right-wing junta lovers.

Obama is handsome and well beheved. Samak is ugly and acts like a pig . Can't you see.

[ray08]

The level of discourse is sinking lower and lower. If Thai people in the United States were blogging about Barack Obama looking like a baboon, you'd really hear quite a bit of flack about it. Seems farang in Thailand posting the same arrogant racist comments about Thai politicians is just fine and dandy amongst the elite right-wing junta lovers.

Obama is handsome and well beheved. Samak is ugly and acts like a pig . Can't you see.

I don,t know ,but i prefer women,

[Lilawadee]

I thought only women were concerned with how handsome a politician is.. Either I'm wrong, or there's more ladies on the forum than immediately apparent.

Chownah: Of course it's not funny.. unless you're 13 years old and just discovered photoshop on daddies computer.. then it's kinda c00L duDe.

[Plus]

Why don't you take it to "Samak looks like a pig" thread.

Tony's photoshopping is no more offfensive than daily political cartoons.

>>>>

If that's the start - Samak taking a role of media licensing body and Noppadon hinting that NCCC should toe HIS line on many issues, including lottery one, than we are in for an enterntaining year.

I don't know how rats are viewed in Chinese calendar, but the western stereotype already fits.

[Tony Clifton]

Samak allows PTV to broadcast Government's policy announcement

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Saturday gave tacit support to pro-Thaksin unlicensed satellite station, PTV, by allowing it to broadcast the House session when the government announces its policy statement.

Thanks for the pic Tony Clifton. Did you photoshop it? Is it funny?...or is it supposed to have some meaning?

Chownah

Maybe I should have quoted this as well in the first place.

First, this VERY EARLY move from Samak with PTV, what do you think is coming next?

It's guaranteed they have kept this "above the law" attitude, with many from the banned 111 still highly involved, and these mafia style politicians will prove it faster than we think.

Nothing was learned by this bunch, nothing.

I'm still not sure if the picture was meant to be funny or if it conveys a message. It isn't especially funny for many reasons: first if Samak is flipping someone off is that funny? I actually see the whole party flipping off half the country and the justice system and countless other organizations and independant bodies. Just wait and see if you yet don't. second in Thailand does an extended middle finger have any meaning at all? Don't try it on kamikaze bus and truck drivers, I have and it works... third it doesn't even look like his mood is consistent with flipping someone off...it looks more like he's patiently explaining something. Well he's not known for that lately is he? If it was not meant to be funny (which seems to be the case) then what is the message? The picture doesn't seem to add any substantial meaning to the words which you have belatedly provided. Your words would be just as effective (or not) without the picture as with it.

So...I really don't get it. What's the point.........oh.......and by the way.......did you photoshop it?...it looks like someone did.

Yes, the original is actually GW Bush giving the finger, common on Google.

I've said it before, to those who don't like it, use the Forum's IGNORE function.

-Tony

Chownah

Edited February 3, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[Supaporn]

01:41:49']

second in Thailand does an extended middle finger have any meaning at all? third it doesn't even look like his mood is consistent with flipping someone off...it looks more like he's patiently explaining something. Chownah

I am pretty sure it means the same thing in Thailand... haha - I was 'flipped off' by a Thai Airways Captain when he didn't get his way.... OR... Maybe he was patiently explaining someting to me???

[simplicius]

Tony's photoshopping is no more offfensive than daily political cartoons.

Those political cartoons have a minimum of craft at least, and don't resemble a 5 year old's first attempts at photoshop - though without the slightly disturbing hate displayed in this poster's amateurishly doctored photos.

Reading this discussion nearly as fascinating as following the Britney Spears coverage. Keep it up up!

Edited February 3, 2008 by simplicius

[sriracha john]

Tony's photoshopping is no more offfensive than daily political cartoons.

Those political cartoons have a minimum of craft at least, and don't resemble a 5 year old's first attempts at photoshop - though without the slightly disturbing hate displayed in this poster's amateurishly doctored photos.

Reading this discussion nearly as fascinating as following the Britney Spears coverage. Keep it up up!

Recognizing you're supposedly new on Thaivisa.... as Tony suggests, try the ignore button, so that you don't have to witness anything "disturbing."

This is quite easily achieved by going to any of his posts and clicking on the little down arrow next to his name that appears as:

Tony Clifton (if he's offline) OR Tony Clifton (if he's online)

Select the first option, which will appear as:

View Member Profile

On the new page, look along the left side and you will see:

Profile

Scroll down on Profile until you see:

Options

Click on the little down arrow of Options and select the first option, which appears as:

Ignore User

and voila'.... no more "disturbing" images.

Now normally I would have just sent this as a personal message, but as other users have been given the same advice repeatedly, it is apparent that others may also be unaware of how to do the above, so it seemed best to inform all users as a public service announcement.

Welcome to Thaivisa.

[sriracha john]

'Puppet Cabinet' warned

Four sectors of society will rebel if Thaksin and former Thai Rak Thai figures pull strings, says Suriyasai

A leading political action group yesterday warned that the apparent "puppet" status of the Samak government would be its undoing and predicted the administration could soon come under pressure from four sectors of society.

The Campaign for Popular Democracy called the Cabinet of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, which has yet to be officially announced, a "puppet Cabinet" due to alleged connections between several prospective ministers and more superior elements who are not entitled to hold legitimate official posts.

CPD Secretary-General Suriyasai Katasila said most Cabinet members would be nominees of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is facing charges for alleged corruption, or leaders of factions from the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party who have been banned from politics for five years. These people would "pull the strings" from outside Government House, he said.

"The decision-making will be mostly outside Government House - both inside and outside the country, unlike past Cabinets," Suriyasai said. "We see several Cabinet members will have to wait for orders from those who are in power."

Suriyasai also warned that economic problems caused by populist policies of the former Thai Rak Thai regime as well as political woes could prompt the four groups to demonstrate against the government.

He said the CPD believed the Samak coalition's term would be shorter than that of the Surayud government because problems from past policies would emerge and bring it down. The government would definitely face strong protests if it fails to find concrete measures to resolve problems within five months, he said.

The rural folk or farmers would be the first group to rally because populist policies by the Thaksin government had placed them deep in debt, Suriyasai said.

The government also faces protests from workers seeking higher pay and improved welfare to offset inflation and a higher cost of living.

The middle class, who are most affected by the worsening US credit crisis and a global economic slowdown, would also protest if their situation deteriorated.

Suriyasai said members of the former People's Alliance for Democracy would also stage rallies if the government tried to interfere with the judicial process or help Thaksin enact a law that would lift the ban on ex-Thai Rak Thai executives.

Suriyasai said the Samak government should learn from past mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Meanwhile, Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said his party would give the Samak government a chance to tackle the country's problems. But the government must resist corruption as it would further damage the country, he said. The Democrats will immediately check such abuses if they surfaced, he said.

Trakul Meechai, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, said it was difficult for a coalition government to serve its full term. The government's stability is mainly up to the coalition alliances, he said. There were problems even assigning ministers, while the People Power Party had fewer than half the House seats and the party had divisions. "We can't say that the coalition parties will certainly stay with the PPP government for better or worse," Trakul said. Profit negotiations and whether policy administration would cause conflicts will also be factors, he said. * Some of these problems are exemplified by Post #264 and Post #266. *

Considering a Cabinet line-up that even premier Samak admitted was not the best, it would be easy for the government to make mistakes. The government should be able to enjoy a honeymoon period until the funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana is completed, Trakul said. However, the qualifications of the prime minister and serious economic problems might have a big impact on the government. Another factor was how Samak treats protesters.

The opposition Democrat Party's shadow cabinet could only point to the weaknesses in the government's administration and use the information in a censure debate. As it lacked adequate votes to form a government, the Democrat Party is not expected to topple the government, but to take time in convincing voters and build its popularity until the next election, Trakul said.

Ramkhamhaeng University political scientist Sukhum Nualsakul said he did not see any reason for the government not to serve its term. Mobs cannot topple the government by themselves, he said. But if the government does something unacceptable, such as dissolving the Assets Examination Committee or rescinding laws about conflicts of interest passed by the National Legislative Assembly, then it cannot stay on even for just a day, he said. Mobs may protest if problems such as further oil price hikes cause public hardship.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

More cracks already forming in the coalition's runway...

Puea Pandin questions Samak's class

A Puea Pandin Party member of Parliament yesterday said Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej lacked political etiquette for questioning the suitability of the party's choice for Deputy Finance Minister.

Samak yesterday refused to retract his statement, saying he disagreed with the selection of Ranongrak Suwanchawee, a member for Nakhon Ratchasima. Samak said on Saturday he disagreed with the choice, but admitted there was nothing he could do. It is Puea Pandin's right to name its Cabinet quota.

Samak prefers Wutthipong Chaisang, a brother of Chaturon (TRT Banned #2), the former Thai Rak Thai Party Leader.

Ranongrak, a former public health official, is the wife of Pairoj Suwanchawee (TRT Banned #69), a former Thai Rak Thai executive banned from politics.

Ronritthichai Khankhet, a Puea Pandin member for Yasothon, said the party would not change its selection. All its members agreed Ranongrak was qualified. Ronritthichai said there should be no concerns about Ranongrak. It is not known which departments or agencies she will be asked to oversee. Ronritthichai added that teams of experts and advisers would assist Ranongrak. He said the People Power Party should respect the decision. He added that several People Power Cabinet members were not experts in the affairs of the ministries they would take charge of.

Samak said yesterday his comments were a slip of the tongue. "I made a slip by criticising a choice of Cabinet member. I was criticised for it. I was simply complaining, because there is nothing I can do about it. I have to give in."

"They asked me why I spoke about it, so I won't talk about it today," Samak said. "I wanted them to know how I felt. I asked them to change the selection but they did not, and I had to give in. But, I want them to know that I disagree. I feel I have lost face to have it come out this way, so I need to tell them. Anyway, I had to give in to their demands," Samak said.

- The Nation

Edited February 4, 2008 by sriracha john