Samak Sundaravej was elected

[Lilawadee]

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

When was the last time you saw an obscene gesture in a political cartoon (in a regular publication like a newspaper, etc) ?

From the forum rules:

By using this service you agree;

1) You will not use thaivisa.com to post any material which is knowingly or can be reasonably construed as false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, referencing prostitution (including bargirls and barboys), referencing suicide, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of any law.

[Jai Dee]

OK folks, you've had your fun.

Can we now get back to discussing the political developments in Thailand, rather than bickering about photoshopped images and cartoons?

[Jai Dee]

Prime Minister invites press into home, prepares meal

Recently appointed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday invited members of the press into his home located in Soi 81 of Navamintr (นวมินทร์) road to accustom them to his new position. On the occasion Mr. Samak personally prepared a meal for the over one hundred reporters. The meal consisted of Indian style Curry noodles and rice noodles with fish ball.

While warmly attending to the media personnel the Prime Minister revealed details of his conversation with Privy Councilor General Vijit Kulwanich (วิจิตร กุลวณิชย์) which took place while he laid a wreath at Victory Monument on the occasion of Veterans day. Mr. Samak said that General Vijit spoke to him of the history of Veteran’s day which has lost importance in recent times, especially amongst youngsters. General Vijit suggested that the Ministry of Education implement measures to deal with the issue.

Mr. Samak also mentioned highlight’s in government policies and agenda’s of the new administration to the press members of the course of the two hour visit to his personal residence.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 February 2008

[Plus]

The event went rather well.

Perhaps if Samak sticks to cooking and feeding people and leaves governing to brothers, wives and cousins of banned politicians he'll be ok with the media.

Maybe posting government beat reporters in Hong Kong and outside the houses of TRT execs would make more sense than hanging around government house, unless they get hungry.

[sriracha john]

more on the festivities and spousal proxies...

SAMAK CURRIES SOME FAVORS

Samak is well known for his culinary skills, along with his solid experience in politics. The informal meeting with the new PM veered off into food issues despite reporters' attempts to guide the conversation to his prospective cabinet and other political issues. "Please don't touch on the cabinet issue," he said, trying to avoid responding to criticisms of a number of politicians who are expected to take key positions in his first government. However, he admitted there were some problems in trying to match people from the six coalition parties to ministerial positions. He said he disagreed with the idea of appointing Ranongrak Suwanchawee, who has nursing experience, to the job of Deputy Finance Minister, but said there would be no more changes. Mrs Ranongrak is the wife of banned TRT executive Pairote Suwanchawee.

"Anyway, if we can work, we can make it through the four years of the government's term,'' he said. His government plans to propose an amendment to the constitution which he said was written to put a political block on Thaksin Shinawatra.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/04Feb2008_news03.php

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

It only makes sense that if a medical doctor is made Finance Minister that a nurse be made Deputy Finance Minister.

[sriracha john]

and more on Suriyasai's recommendations...

CPD warns govt not to repeat TRT mistakes

Abuses 'could trigger more street protests'

The Campaign for Popular Democracy (CPD) yesterday urged the new government to correct the faults of its parent TRT Party and avoid adopting the same authoritarian-style rule that led to the 2006 military coup. The coalition government, to be led by the PPP made up largely of former TRT MPs, has made it clear it will adopt most of the populist policies of the government of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra. CPD Secretary-General Suriyasai Katasila said the new government "must dare to accept the failure of the policies, learn from it and avoid repeating it". Its populist programmes did not work and failed to solve problems, especially those affecting the poor, he said. "Thaksin used to say that poverty would be eradicated within five years. But if you take a look at the current situation you can see that there is a crisis of poverty," he said. Low income earners and the rural poor have suffered from chronic debt caused by policies that hand out freebies, while unskilled workers still earn very little and bear the brunt of a higher cost of living, he said. "The policies are short-term bribes to buy people's loyalty without efficient and sustainable management," he said. Mr Suriyasai also commented on the TRT government's questionable human rights record. He said the Thaksin government made major mistakes in handling problems in the three southernmost provinces and in launching the "War on Drugs" campaign. Key PPP executives have even talked about reviving the drug suppression programme without acknowledging the alleged extra-judicial killings of more than 2,500 people, he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/04Feb2008_news09.php

Edited February 4, 2008 by sriracha john

[simplicius]

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:

The help and advice is appreciated.

That though would be tantamount to switching off Jerry Springer in the midst of a particularly juicy episode.

[chownah]

The Campaign for Popular Democracy (CPD) yesterday urged the new government to correct the faults of its parent TRT Party and avoid adopting the same authoritarian-style rule that led to the 2006 military coup.

It is very refreshing to ee the CPD giving friendly advise to help the new gov't. I'm sure the new gov't appreciates their advise.

Chownah

[sriracha john]

Samak Sundaravej *Looks like he's using sign language to talk about Abhisit*

Anticipation on New Cabinet at Its Peak

After some reported changes, the Cabinet Secretariat says the new government line-up is ready to be submitted for the royal endorsement. All eyes are being kept on the faces of the new cabinet under the stewardship of the People Power Party.

And after the country has been holding its breath for many days now, it is reported that the Cabinet Secretariat has completed the verification of the line-up, and found no conflicts of interest that might lead to any repercussions on the appointment of the new ministers.

PM Samak Sundaravej, who visited the People Power Party headquarters this morning, however, declined to comment on the submission of the cabinet line-up for the royal endorsement.

Samak told reporters over the weekend that he was not he was not fully satisfied with his cabinet line-up as there were certain restrictions placed by coalition parties.

Meanwhile, Deputy People Power Secretary-General Noppadon Pattama said that the new line-up has taken in several factors to consider the appropirate appointment of new ministers and the PM’s comments on the issue only reflect Samak Sundaravej’s sincerity and determination to work for the country.

Noppadon also called on members of the new cabinet to prove all criticisms wrong once they take office.

He also denied that a Puea Pandin Party MP’s recent comment on Prime Minister Samak would cause rifts within the six-party coalition.

- Thailand Outlook

[marshbags]

Bangkok Post Breaking News at 15:02

Quote

Thaksin brother-in-law snags an office

(BangkokPost.com) – Deputy leader of the People Power party (PPP) Somchai Wongsawat proved he is eager to get started with work with the next cabinet by sending a subordinate to reserve his office at Government House.

Mr Somchai, who is also the brother-in-law of PPP founder Thaksin Shinawatra, was unofficially named deputy prime minister and education minister in the new cabinet list that has yet to be endorsed by His Majesty the King.

Mr Somchai sent his aide Boonsong Teyiraphirom to Government House to reserve the room for him.

Unquote

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125701 for the full B.News item

Yet another reference to the exiled one and his relationship with the newly formed party.

Who says he doesn,t have the pull on the parties strings and isn,t the main influence via the substitute Party members who act on his say so............. top to bottom.

marshbags

Edited February 4, 2008 by marshbags

[Plus]

A couple of months from now Surayud minister will look like angels comparing to this gang.

[chownah]

Bangkok Post Breaking News at 15:02

Quote

Thaksin brother-in-law snags an office

(BangkokPost.com) – Deputy leader of the People Power party (PPP) Somchai Wongsawat proved he is eager to get started with work with the next cabinet by sending a subordinate to reserve his office at Government House.

Mr Somchai, who is also the brother-in-law of PPP founder Thaksin Shinawatra, was unofficially named deputy prime minister and education minister in the new cabinet list that has yet to be endorsed by His Majesty the King.

Mr Somchai sent his aide Boonsong Teyiraphirom to Government House to reserve the room for him.

Unquote

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125701 for the full B.News item

Yet another reference to the exiled one and his relationship with the newly formed party.

Who says he doesn,t have the pull on the parties strings and isn,t the main influence via the substitute Party members who act on his say so............. top to bottom.

marshbags

Samak has always been really forthright about admitting that he is a nominee for Toxin....he has never hid the fact and has stated it publicly many times....so....I really haven't heard of anyone who denies Toxins imprtance in the new gov't. I think everyone admits that Toxin is the main influence. There is nothing illegal with that...they asked me for permission to act as Toxin's nominee and by-pass me...I told them sure go ahead for now but if push comes to shove I'll resume my position as top dog once again.....and there is nothing illegal with them being my nominee either.

Let's face it though....ultimately Toxin has no say....if they decide to ignore him they certainly can do this and if they do there is nothing he can do legally....that's why the relationship is perfectly legal....it is only maintained because the people in the gov't decide to maintain it which is certainly something they can legally do.....there is no law against a person in gov't from getting advise from anyone and everyone....and this is as it should be....I wouldn't feel like I lived in a free society if anyone was legally restricted from hearing and accepting advise from anyone.

Chownah

Edited February 4, 2008 by chownah

[younghusband]

A couple of months from now Surayud minister will look like angels comparing to this gang.

Possibly but at least this lot has the approval of the people of Thailand as opposed to the unelected gangsters who seized power by force.

[A_Traveller]

And so it begins....

NEW GOVERNMENT Thaksin and Samak clash over Cabinet

PM keen to chart own course, angering 'boss' to return to UK

Published on February 5, 2008

Cracks have begun to appear in the relationship between Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Thaksin Shinawatra, as Samak wants to have a bigger say in forming the Cabinet and hang on to his premiership over the next two to three years.

According to sources familiar with the development, Samak is now causing trouble for Thaksin because he wants to have his own way in running the government.

Shortly after his appointment as prime minister, Samak decided to reshuffle the list of Cabinet members presented to him by all six coalition partners. He found several of the candidates to be unacceptable.

His interference in the formation of the Cabinet resulted in the removal of Chai Chidchob and Srimuang Charoensiri from the list of candidates for portfolios in the Office of the Prime Minister and Energy Ministry respectively. Chai is the father of Newin Chidchob from Buri Ram.

"Samak is now causing a lot of headaches for Thaksin and Newin," said one political observer.

Political sources said Samak had reshuffled up to 12 positions in the Cabinet list presented to him.

Samak led the People Power Party, a reincarnation of Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party, to election victory. Thaksin is believed to have a great deal of influence in the PPP. The members of Samak's Cabinet, including Samak himself, had earlier been looked upon as simply Thaksin's nominees.

But Samak now wants to have his own way in forming the Cabinet and running the government. He gave an interview last week complaining that his Cabinet looked like "ugly ducklings".

Later he explained that he would like Wuthiphong Chaisaeng to serve as deputy finance minister rather than Ranongrat Suwanchavi, the wife of Phairoj Suwanchavi.

Samak has also brought in Sahas Banditkul, his long-time aide, to help him run the administration. Sahas is earmarked to serve as deputy prime minister.

Samak is expected to complete the Cabinet list for His Majesty's endorsement on February 6.

Another sign that reflects Samak's determination to stay in office for at least two to three years is the announcement over the weekend that his government will invest Bt500 billion in transport mega-projects and water systems.

Samak is good at managing transport projects, and Sahas would help him in this primary task.

Samak's intention to stay in office appears to run against the wishes of Thaksin, who does not mind an ugly-duckling Cabinet, according to political sources.

Sources say the ousted prime minister thinks the new government should last only for the short term - focusing on reforming the constitution or introducing amnesty legislation for the 111 former executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai - before dissolving Parliament.

Political sources said Samak was willing to work on constitutional reform or amnesty legislation but only after he has been premier for the next two to three years - not six months.

Sources said Thaksin was so upset with Samak that he flew from Hong Kong back to London over the weekend.

Surapong Suebwonglee, who is expected to be finance minister, tried to play down the conflict in the Cabinet formation, saying there won't be any rift among Cabinet members, particularly among the deputy prime ministers.

He said nobody had any objection to the arrival of Sahas as deputy prime minister, since Sahas will help Samak in the transport sector, which is one of Samak's fortes.

The Nation

LINK

[Ricardo]

.....there is no law against a person in gov't from getting advise from anyone and everyone....and this is as it should be....I wouldn't feel like I lived in a free society if anyone was legally restricted from hearing and accepting advise from anyone.

Chownah

Agreed, so it's well-and-good that various out-going ministers, and the Democrats in opposition, are offering advice pro-bono to the new government, which they're free to take or disregard. But I'd feel uncomfortable if the new PM, as head of the political arm of government, were not the one making the final political decisions. I'd view that as being a little undemocratic.

Possibly but at least this lot has the approval of the people of Thailand as opposed to the unelected gangsters who seized power by force.

Some of the military leaders are mafiosi, or violent criminals ? Then the BiB will of course investigate, and be almost as successful, as when the mass-killings in the South or the drugs war were looked-into.

[John K]

And so it begins....

NEW GOVERNMENT Thaksin and Samak clash over Cabinet

PM keen to chart own course, angering 'boss' to return to UK

Published on February 5, 2008

Cracks have begun to appear in the relationship between Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Thaksin Shinawatra, as Samak wants to have a bigger say in forming the Cabinet and hang on to his premiership over the next two to three years.

According to sources familiar with the development, Samak is now causing trouble for Thaksin because he wants to have his own way in running the government.

Shortly after his appointment as prime minister, Samak decided to reshuffle the list of Cabinet members presented to him by all six coalition partners. He found several of the candidates to be unacceptable.

His interference in the formation of the Cabinet resulted in the removal of Chai Chidchob and Srimuang Charoensiri from the list of candidates for portfolios in the Office of the Prime Minister and Energy Ministry respectively. Chai is the father of Newin Chidchob from Buri Ram.

"Samak is now causing a lot of headaches for Thaksin and Newin," said one political observer.

Political sources said Samak had reshuffled up to 12 positions in the Cabinet list presented to him.

Samak led the People Power Party, a reincarnation of Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party, to election victory. Thaksin is believed to have a great deal of influence in the PPP. The members of Samak's Cabinet, including Samak himself, had earlier been looked upon as simply Thaksin's nominees.

But Samak now wants to have his own way in forming the Cabinet and running the government. He gave an interview last week complaining that his Cabinet looked like "ugly ducklings".

Later he explained that he would like Wuthiphong Chaisaeng to serve as deputy finance minister rather than Ranongrat Suwanchavi, the wife of Phairoj Suwanchavi.

Samak has also brought in Sahas Banditkul, his long-time aide, to help him run the administration. Sahas is earmarked to serve as deputy prime minister.

Samak is expected to complete the Cabinet list for His Majesty's endorsement on February 6.

Another sign that reflects Samak's determination to stay in office for at least two to three years is the announcement over the weekend that his government will invest Bt500 billion in transport mega-projects and water systems.

Samak is good at managing transport projects, and Sahas would help him in this primary task.

Samak's intention to stay in office appears to run against the wishes of Thaksin, who does not mind an ugly-duckling Cabinet, according to political sources.

Sources say the ousted prime minister thinks the new government should last only for the short term - focusing on reforming the constitution or introducing amnesty legislation for the 111 former executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai - before dissolving Parliament.

Political sources said Samak was willing to work on constitutional reform or amnesty legislation but only after he has been premier for the next two to three years - not six months.

Sources said Thaksin was so upset with Samak that he flew from Hong Kong back to London over the weekend.

Surapong Suebwonglee, who is expected to be finance minister, tried to play down the conflict in the Cabinet formation, saying there won't be any rift among Cabinet members, particularly among the deputy prime ministers.

He said nobody had any objection to the arrival of Sahas as deputy prime minister, since Sahas will help Samak in the transport sector, which is one of Samak's fortes.

The Nation

LINK

This as absolutely classic. This open fighting is all evidenced for the EC. For this to be going on Samak must be way down the list of having power for him to want to fight back. Thaksin is not giving advise, he is showing power. This is going to be one heck of a dance with the devil for Samak.

[sriracha john]

Just the reason

Chart Thai Party MP Kamol Jiraphanwanitch said yesterday he missed out on becoming Deputy Agriculture Minister due to the conflict of interest bill.

The draft law is designed to preclude the possibility of conflict of interest involving holders of high political office. The National Legislative Assembly has approved the bill but some MPs have referred it to the Constitution Court, saying it is a violation of human rights.

Kamol said his family had received a concession from the government for a quarrying and stone-crushing operation, and it might be against the law for him to continue with this business and hold a Cabinet position at the same time. Thus, he was forced to withdraw from the list of ministers in Chart Thai Party's quota.

He said he could have transferred the business to non-relatives but was afraid of being cheated. Also, his children did not want him to sell the family business.

Chart Thai Party later nominated Sompat Kaewpichit, a Nakhon Pathom MP, as Deputy Agriculture Minister instead of Kamol.

Kamol said he was not upset at missing out on the position, but was disappointed at speculation that he paid 20 Million Baht to Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-archa for the post.

"It's not true. I never paid anything. This rumour comes from a major party that wants to discredit Chart Thai," he said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

PAD warns over Thaksin

Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday issued a warning to the Samak Sundaravej government to avoid repeating the abuses committed by the Thaksin Shinawatra regime.

A meeting to issue the warning was attended by top organisers of the 2006 anti-Thaksin protests, including Sondhi Limthongkul, Pipob Thongchai, Somkiart Pongpaibul and Somsak Kosaisuk.

The PAD threatened fresh street protests if the government tried to whitewash former prime minister Thaksin and install him in power once again.

It voiced suspicion that Thaksin was working through his puppets in order to clear corruption charges against him within three to five months before forcing the government to call a snap election to pave way for him to grab power.

- The Nation

[Jai Dee]

PPP secretary-general says Dr. Thaksin will not be behind economic team

The People Power Party (PPP) secretary-general, Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, says the deposed Prime Minister and former leader of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, will not get himself involved with the coalition government's plan to restore the national economy. Dr. Surapong says the ousted Prime Minister can offer advices without over-committing himself, as he has already given up his political career.

However, the PPP secretary-general says the new government's management style will be more flexible. He says the Prime Minister, Mr. Samak Sundaravej, will act as the sole chief executive officer (CEO), and he will assign various tasks to respective units. He also says the government's economic team will not comprise of one leader to hold all responsibilities like the economic teams in the previous administrations.

As for the cases charged against Mr. Samak, Dr. Surapong says the Prime Minister is still positive and untroubled.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2008

[Lilawadee]

And so it begins....

I'd say 'so it continues'.. It's yet another 'The Nation' article, a paper that has proven the last couple of years to produce just spin and confusion rather than news.

In the the following quotes I'm not doubling up, these are actual occurrences of such phrases in the article you quoted:

According to sources familiar with the development...

... said one political observer.

Political sources said ...

... according to political sources.

Sources say ...

Political sources said ...

Sources said ...

The Nation

I mean, come *ON*... Other news sources (does The Nation even qualify as such?) manage to present news by listing their source of the information. I will post two Bangkok Post articles that I think are better examples of journalism, not fairy tales from anonymous 'sources'.

[Lilawadee]

From THE BANGKOK POST

Charter changes later

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said Sunday there is no hurry to pass the constitutional amendments he promised during the election campaign, a vow that slightly eases political tension as the new government prepares to take office.

The changes can wait, but Mr Samak promised they would be accomplished before the end of his four-year term. That only presumes he gets to that point. Many believe the government will last less than two years.

....................................

----------

That would be so wrong

By Achara Ashayagachat

From opposite sides of the political spectrum, former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai party and a Thammasat University law lecturer are in firm agreement that any move to dissolve two parties would undermine the political system and the stability of the elected government.

Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya parties were elected to help to tackle the country's economic woes, these and other critics say.

....................................

Edited February 5, 2008 by Jai Dee
Due to copyright restrictions, only 2 paragraphs can be quoted from the BKK Post

[John K]

So is it time to start applying the 180 from the truth yet from the PPP? Thaksin will be into everything if the PPP don’t go down, and if they do he will just try to jump onto another party and do it again.

[Jai Dee]

PM and Cabinet to take part in sworn-in ceremony tomorrow afternoon

The Prime Minister, Mr. Samak Sundaravej (สมัคร สุนทรเวช), insists that he will lead all 35 Cabinet members to the sworn-in ceremony before His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at 4:30 PM tomorrow (February 6th).

Mr. Samak says he earlier had a telephone conversation with the US President, Mr. George W. Bush, and they talked about the military cooperation between both countries, as the cooperation halted during the coup two years ago. The Prime Minister says the bilateral ties between Thailand and the US are still cordial, and it is a positive sign for the two countries.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2008

[sriracha john]

I need a serious drink ... what is the next depressing news ...!

Chalerm Yubamrung as Interior Minister?

First things first, two other threads on the new PM:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1664079

Politicians 'took 500 million baht bribes for fire trucks deal'

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=115978

Former Bangkok Governor Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison, Samak out on bail

Now, a Chalerm thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1672911

Prospective Interior Minister Plans to Revive War on Drugs

And finish with another thread on another pending Cabinet Minister:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1778018

Prospective Environment and Natural Resources Minister previously expelled and punished

We can add two more illustrious individuals to the "Cabinet Crime-Watch Thread List" as:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1801626

Prospective Finance Minister Surapong and Prospective Labour Minister Uraiwan Face Prosecution over Lottery Scheme

Edited February 5, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

I'm going to contest the Hammered Heineken Sweepstakes (no, I haven't forgotten that) if George wins the free beer for submitting Surapong's name as the Finance Minister and Surapong is either:

1. indicted

2. found guilty, but released on bail

[Jai Dee]

News Analysis: Who lines up Thailand's new Cabinet

Thailand's new Cabinet lineup has been submitted for royal approval by the Cabinet Secretariat on Monday while the King will grant a royal audience on Wednesday afternoon for the prime minister. And then, the new 36-member Cabinet will swear in before the King, starting the life of the first elected government since the military coup in 2006.

However, during the past months from the general election to the Cabinet lineup, the new premier Samak Sundaravej was never seen as the real power leader, no matter in the control of People Power Party (PPP) or the new government. Since he has publicized that he is a proxy of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted during the coup, Thaksin is always considered as a "premier behind."

But some figures in the PPP never admitted. PPP's Secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee reiterated on Tuesday that Thaksin will not have a role in the new government as some had speculated.

"Thaksin said so himself that he will only give advice but he has washed his hands of politics and will never take on a full-time political position," Surapong said.

Tipped to become the next finance minister, Surapong insisted the new government's economic team will not be headed by one individual.

"There will only be one economic chief executive officer (CEO) handling all financial matters, and that's the prime minister Samak. The prime minister will assign various tasks to certain individuals deemed as capable enough to achieve desired results." he said.

"Unlike in past administrations, there will no longer be one person overseeing everything on the economic front," he added.

Nevertheless, on the issue of Cabinet lineup, local media saw the estrangement between Samak and Thaksin, both wanted a strong impact on selecting ministers.

The Nation newspaper said on its Tuesday edition that cracks have begun to appear in the relationship between Samak and Thaksin, as Samak wants to have a bigger say in forming the Cabinet and hang on to his premiership over the next two to three years.

According to sources familiar with the development, Samak is now causing trouble for Thaksin because he wants to have his own way in running the government.

Shortly after his appointment as prime minister, Samak decided to reshuffle the list of Cabinet members presented to him by all six coalition partners. He found several of the candidates to be unacceptable.

His interference in the formation of the Cabinet resulted in the removal of Chai Chidchob and Srimuang Charoensiri from the list of candidates for portfolios in the Office of the Prime Minister and Energy Ministry respectively. Chai is the father of Newin Chidchob while Newin is the closest aide of Thaksin.

"Samak is now causing a lot of headaches for Thaksin and Newin," a political observer was quoted by the Nation as saying.

Political sources said Samak had reshuffled up to 12 positions in the Cabinet list presented to him.

Samak led the PPP, a reincarnation of Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party, to election victory. Thaksin is believed to have a great deal of influence in the PPP. The members of Samak's Cabinet, including Samak himself, had earlier been looked upon as simply Thaksin's nominees.

But Samak now wants to have his own way in forming the Cabinet and running the government. He gave an interview last week complaining that his Cabinet looked like "ugly ducklings."

Later he explained that he would likely bring in Sahas Banditkul, his long-time aide, to help him run the administration. Sahas is earmarked to serve as deputy prime minister but he is unacquainted by Thaksin.

Samak showed a strong signal that he want to stay in office as long as possible. However, sources said the ousted prime minister thinks the new government should last only for the short term -- focusing on reforming the constitution or introducing amnesty legislation for the 111 former executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party.

Political sources said Samak was willing to work on constitutional reform or amnesty legislation but only after he has been premier for the next two to three years -- not six months.

The Nation said Thaksin was so upset with Samak that he flew from Hong Kong back to London over the weekend.

Surapong, former government spokesman of Thaksin and now is expected to be finance minister for Samak, tried to play down the conflict in the Cabinet formation, saying there won't be any rift among Cabinet members, particularly among the deputy prime ministers.

He said nobody had any objection to the arrival of Sahas as deputy prime minister, since Sahas will help Samak in the transport sector, which is one of Samak's fortes.

Source: Xinhua - 05 February 2008

[chownah]

.....there is no law against a person in gov't from getting advise from anyone and everyone....and this is as it should be....I wouldn't feel like I lived in a free society if anyone was legally restricted from hearing and accepting advise from anyone.

Chownah

Agreed, so it's well-and-good that various out-going ministers, and the Democrats in opposition, are offering advice pro-bono to the new government, which they're free to take or disregard. But I'd feel uncomfortable if the new PM, as head of the political arm of government, were not the one making the final political decisions. I'd view that as being a little undemocratic.

You and I might feel uneasy with a PM who simply implements another persons policies but the people who voted for Samak knew precisely that he was a nominee for Toxin so I guess for him to get the bulk of his advise from Toxin is really not so undemocratic at all....the voters are getting what he said he would provide and what they voted for. There is a precedent for this in US politics...Reagan was famous for surrounding himself with advisors and running the gov't with little of his own input....and from most reports the voters were well happy with the results......I don't particularly admire what he accomplished or how he did it but I would not go so far as to say that it was "undemocratic" for the gov't to be run that way.....please...let's NOT have a discussion of US politics.

Chownah

[simplicius]

And so it begins....

NEW GOVERNMENT Thaksin and Samak clash over Cabinet

PM keen to chart own course, angering 'boss' to return to UK

Published on February 5, 2008

...

According to sources familiar with the development, Samak is now causing trouble for Thaksin because he wants to have his own way in running the government.

...

Another sign that reflects Samak's determination to stay in office for at least two to three years is the announcement over the weekend that his government will invest Bt500 billion in transport mega-projects and water systems.

...

Sources said Thaksin was so upset with Samak that he flew from Hong Kong back to London over the weekend.

The Nation

LINK

The Nation again shines in presenting articles for the troglodytes.

The Nation forgets again that any position should be supported by arguments that are both valid and sound.

This is nothing but a blatant insult to any intelligence above the level of pondlife.

Cheer on, boys...

[Plus]

None of the people privy to this kind of internal struggles would say anything publicly, and keeping names of the source is a usual practice. Where did you get the idea that only Nation is engaged in this?

And who says that this kind of rumors never appears in Thai language newspapers?

You can't call it irresponsible either, because at least on one occasion Nation was sued for reporting false informantion. They know the dangers, they know their sources, they discuss their front page content in editorial meetings.

Samak's meddling with cabinet appointments is well documented, he briefed the public on it himself.

"Another sign that reflects Samak's determination to stay in office for at least two to three years is the announcement over the weekend that his government will invest Bt500 billion in transport mega-projects and water systems. "

That makes perfect sense, even to pondlife.

[Jai Dee]

Army chief says PAD can criticize government

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Anupong Paochinda (อนุพงษ์ เผ่าจินดา), says the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has the right to criticize the government's performance as usual.

Gen. Anupong says everyone has the right to express their opinions in the democratic regime, and it would not be wrong for the PAD to give comments regarding the new government’s performance as long as they do not violate other people’s rights and freedom. He also believes no violence would take place. However, he would like all sides to give time for the government to perform its duties so the country could move forward.

Gen. Anupong also asks people to take a wait-and-see stance on the government’s performance, as the Senators and MPs have been appointed to solve different problems for the people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2008