Samak Sundaravej was elected

[plachon]

Anybody know where ex-FM Kanthati (mr Smiley) made his billions?

It's an interesting list in other ways than the absence of maids, drivers and close family, as pointed out by Tony, in that one can see there was a general relationship between wealth and senior position in Toxin's Cabinet that had nothing to do with capability or skills. Basically, the wealthier you were, the more senior position you'd be granted. Do you suppose some of them bribed Mr T for their posts, or does that only happen in the civil service?

[Old Man River]

Anybody know where ex-FM Kanthati (mr Smiley) made his billions?

Family money. Below is Dr. Kanthati's bio. Note, this bio relates to Kanta Enterprise International, a family company.

H.E. Dr. Kantathi Suphamongkhon

The owner of the properties and land belongs to H.E. Dr. Kantathi Suphamongkhon, Thailand's 39th Foreign Minister and former Thailand Trade Representative. The land has long been a part of the family’s ownership, actually spanning three-generations of respected landowners.

Their property interests expanded beyond Thailand in the second generation, with Lady Dootsdi Suphamongkhon, the current owner’s Mother. With her real estate interests and natural business acumen, the Suphamongkhon Family came to possess many properties in Beverly Hills, New York City, London and Paris in addition to their extensive landholdings in Thailand.

Dr. Suphamongkhon was elected to the Thai House of Representatives as Member of Parliament in 1995 and then again in 2001. He has served as Adviser on Foreign Affairs to several Prime Ministers and to the Speaker of the House Representatives in the Thai Parliament. Dr. Suphamongkhon represented Thailand as a diplomat at the United Nations in New York. Dr. Suphamongkhon served as Director of the Policy and Planning Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during 1993-1994.

Dr. Suphamongkhon holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Southern California, a Master of Arts degree in International Studies from the American University in Washington, D.C. His Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science was obtained at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Memberships and Affiliations: American Society of International Law, Asia Society (International Council Member); Advisory Committee on Protection of the Sea (ACOPS).

[sriracha john]

His Sunday shows are becoming quite enlightening... :D

Samak talks about resorting to the use of coins in times of economic crisis

In the Sunday talk show, Talking in Samak's Style, on Channel 11 today (February 17th), Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej spoke about the advantage in resorting to the use of coins during the economic crisis.

Samak says his talk today includes small documentaries of using coins in the United States of America in the past, adding that its knowledge will help lead the public members to solve their problem in terms of consumption and ways to survive in times of high cost living.

He says moreover, producing coins has created a deficit trading system in the Thai economy.

- ThaiNews

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

He's a case study waiting to be written for Psychology Today magazine.

Seeing that most here have close to nothing, maybe he's referring to the Greeks who used to cover a dead person's eyes with two coins.

I'm just delighted that it seems the big can of spare satang coins I've gathered as change over the years is going to solve the economic crisis.

Again with this coin stuff... does anyone have the foggiest notion about what this is all about???? :D

PM overseeing projects he presented at his weekly show

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Samak Sundaravej, says he is following up the projects presented at the Prime Minister's weekly television shows to ensure that the national problems are being solved in a concrete manner.

At the Prime Minister's weekly television show this morning (March 23rd), Samak insists that as the leader of the government, he wants the general public to know what the government is thinking and doing. Therefore, he has to give explanations to the media, aimed at creating a mutual understanding between both sides, and he would like to discuss ways to work out various issues in the country.

Prime Minister Samak adds that he is overseeing the government's projects and schemes, such as the plan to solve the economic problems by using small coins and the project to help debt-ridden teachers.

- ThaiNews (yesterday)

[sriracha john]

CONSTITUTION COURT

PM blasts selection of judges, says some are foes of Thaksin

PM Samak yesterday criticised the selection of four new Constitution Court judges, saying some of those chosen were enemies of ousted PM Thaksin. Samak insisted that some of the new judges had been against Thaksin's government. His comment was understood to be directed at Jarun Pukditanakul, who became Justice Permanent Secretary shortly after the coup. Mr Jarun was selected as a new judge along with Senior Judge of the Appeal Court Wasant Soypisut, former Ambassador to Poland Supoj Kaimook and former Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Chalermpol Ekuru. The four will join five other judges, 3 from the Supreme Court and 2 from the Supreme Administrative Court, under a new structure introduced by the constitution. There were 15 judges under the previous charter. The 3 other judges from the Supreme Court will be named on April 4, said Supreme Court President Wirat Limwichai, who chairs the selection panel. The selection date for representatives from the Supreme Administrative Court has not been set. The names of the four judges will be forwarded to the Senate for endorsement. A number of politicians from the Thaksin government are in the current government, including House Speaker and former Deputy Leader of the PPP Yongyuth Tiyapairat, who faces charges of vote buying.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/26Mar2008_news03.php

[sriracha john]

Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Warns of Coup Plot

March 28 (Bloomberg) -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said unidentified people are plotting to stage a coup in the country and insisted they won't succeed because he and the army chief are in close contact.

Samak told reporters that people were trying to destabilize his government, and when asked to elaborate said he'd received a leaflet with the names of coup plotters.

"I am not so worried about the talk about a possible coup," Samak said at a weekly news briefing in Bangkok today. He declined to elaborate on the alleged plot or identify the conspirators.

Samak's People Power Party, made up of allies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leads the ruling coalition government after winning most seats in the December election.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, a politics lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, said the current political and social environment in Thailand didn't resemble that prior to the 2006 coup.

"We saw ripening social and political conditions before the last coup, and there were noticeable movements of military forces for months," he said by telephone today. "But right now, we don't see those pre-conditions."

Samak reiterated the coalition's plan to abolish an article in the constitution that allows political parties to be disbanded if their leaders are found guilty of breaking election laws.

The Supreme Court on March 20 said it would consider a lawsuit accusing Yongyuth Tiyapairath, the parliamentary Speaker and former Deputy Leader of the PPP, of violating election laws during the December ballot.

Edited March 28, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

PM: Some still hope to stage a coup

PM Samak said that some groups still have the idea of trying to stage a military coup against his government, but added he is not worried about that because it is not easy to do so. "Some people do not give up. They are still trying. They are still holding meetings. They still think they can stage a coup," Samak told reporters. "But I'm not worried." He said he has received classified information that backed up this idea. "I am 100% certain that they have not given up," he added.

He also said that these people are targeting PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair and himself. "I'm always careful," he said, adding jokingly that it would not hurt to stay temporarily in jail.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126778

[sriracha john]

PM: Plans Exist to Try to Overthrow Government

The Prime Minister claims some groups of people have a plan to create a situation to pave the way for a coup to overthrow his government. He declined to comment on today's meeting of the anti-government group, the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej said today's forum by the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD should not extend further, but he declined to comment further on the group's meeting today.

The Prime Minister further expressed that some groups intend to cause a chaotic situation to pave the way for a coup to overthrow his government, but he said the move will not be successful and he revealed that he has received letters warning him to beware of a coup.

However, Samak declined to comment on whether the groups he mentioned are involved with some high-ranking Army officers and insisted he is not worried about a coup d'etat.

He also said these groups of people have run a smear campaign against Cabinet members, particularly PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[plachon]

PM: Plans Exist to Try to Overthrow Government

The Prime Minister claims some groups of people have a plan to create a situation to pave the way for a coup to overthrow his government. He declined to comment on today's meeting of the anti-government group, the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej said today's forum by the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD should not extend further, but he declined to comment further on the group's meeting today.

The Prime Minister further expressed that some groups intend to cause a chaotic situation to pave the way for a coup to overthrow his government, but he said the move will not be successful and he revealed that he has received letters warning him to beware of a coup.

However, Samak declined to comment on whether the groups he mentioned are involved with some high-ranking Army officers and insisted he is not worried about a coup d'etat.

He also said these groups of people have run a smear campaign against Cabinet members, particularly PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Extreme paranoia is always a sign of a failing regime, so right now there is little need for a coup as these clowns are headed for self-destruction at this rate.

It seems far more likely he is preparing the ground for one of those famous "crackdowns", where anybody the govt does not take a shine to could be given a "sent to jail" card, as he strongly hinted in the earlier comments. It's all the more worrying, as the Drugs War is soon to kick off, and nobody should need reminding as to what a resounding "democratic" success by an elected government (thereby legitamising it in some posters eyes, apparently) that was last time.

[sriracha john]

and nobody should need reminding as to what a resounding "democratic" success by an elected government (thereby legitimizing it in some posters eyes, apparently) that was last time.

Agreed... already we have...

20,000 petitioners seek impeachment of Thai health minister

This thread is a natural continuation of the New Cabinet Appointed thread in that it could be retitled: New Cabinet Impeached

Journalist Associations Plan to Launch Impeachment against PM's Office Minister

from the thread...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=177230

Edited March 28, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Another Sunday talk show...another round of Samakisms...

Samak says it's not fair for critics to find fault with him

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej complained Sunday that critics like to find fault with him.

He said he was a new-face prime minister and a talkative person so it was difficult for him to keep a protocol on what the prime minister could say and could not say.

"Google is waiting to spread my slips of the tongue around the world. They are watching for my slips of the tongue. So, I have to complain here," Samak said.

He was speaking during his Sunday morning TV programme on Channel 11.

- The Nation

[BigSnake]

Samak elected PM with 310 votes

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej was elected as the new prime minister with 310 votes.

Democrat Party leader Ahbisit Vejjajiva got 163 votes.

Nearly all present coalition MPs vote for Samak, except Samak himself and the House speaker.

Three MPs abstained and one was absent

The roll call voting was held after MPs disputed for 2 hours and 40 minutes as to whether a debate should be held before the voting.

Source: The Nation - 28 January 2008[/so was Thaskin, with a better margin, look what happen to him.

[sriracha john]

The sage verbage of a true genius...

Samak vows to say 'I know nothing' when asked questions by media

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej denied Sunday the he was the one who triggered speculation about another coup and vowed to say "I know nothing" when the media asked him for comments on coup rumours.

He said he talked about the coup plot about his government because he was responding to questions from reporter. He said the media always tried to try fault with him and always laid traps for him to fall in to with their questions.

"From now on, when reporters ask me questions, I'll say 'I know nothing'," Samak said.

- The Nation

Edited March 30, 2008 by sriracha john

[plachon]

The sage verbage of a true genius...

Samak vows to say 'I know nothing' when asked questions by media

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej denied Sunday the he was the one who triggered speculation about another coup and vowed to say "I know nothing" when the media asked him for comments on coup rumours.

He said he talked about the coup plot about his government because he was responding to questions from reporter. He said the media always tried to try fault with him and always laid traps for him to fall in to with their questions.

"From now on, when reporters ask me questions, I'll say 'I know nothing'," Samak said.

- The Nation

"Hey, Meester Fawlty. I know nuuuu-feeng!" spaketh Samak "Manuel" Sundaravej to a reporter today, when asked about his role in the 76 bloodshed at Thammasat and his connections to extreme right-wing paramilitary groups.

[sriracha john]

PM affirms existence of coup plot

The Prime Minister reassured that there is no conflict within the PPP concerning the amendment of charter section 309.

He also affirmed the existence of a coup plot while the army commander-in-chief stressed that the army will not be mobilized under unusual circumstances

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Samak Sundaravej said in an interview prior to his trip to Laos for the Great Mekong Sub-region Summit 2008 that he will not comment on the amendment of section 309 of the charter as doing so will only bring trouble.

His voicing of disapproval earlier was not a well-informed act. :D The amendment is in the discretion of the PPP's charter-drafting committee.

Prime Minister Samak then said that news of a coup plot has nothing to do with the military and he does not understand why the press is interviewing military officers. *A coup not involving the military??? Who's going to do it then? Som tam sellers driving tanks? Fruit stands utilized for the road blocks? Lottery ticket sellers storming Parliament?* :D

He said that there is a secret assembly and that some are trying to trick him into identifying the coup planners. *Trick??? How can he make such serious accusations without elaborating? The entire country would naturally be concerned and wanting additional information instead of his hide-and-go-seek game he's playing*

He insists, however, that he will not fall for the trick despite having been pressured by those quoting section 157 to accuse him of negligence of duty.

Before the interview, the Prime Minister discussed the matter during Prime Minister Talk, saying that there is group of people planning to stage a coup, as he has seen the fliers. *Fliers??? oh well then, that confirms it 100%*

Nevertheless, he said that the military has no part in the plan and rebuked the press for distorting the facts so that he was attacked for giving false information on the coup. He then asked the media to hold more seminars.

The Army Commander-in-Chief General Anupon Paojinda told the press before departing with the Prime Minister that he would inform the public in case of any troop activation for training.

However, unusual mobilization of the troops will not occur, as the army and the first region army have assured the Prime Minister. He then affirmed that a coup will not happen as long as he is still in office.

General Anupong also said that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's return is not any concern of the military but of the police force which is in charge of security.

- Thailand Outlook / 30 March 2008

[sriracha john]

PM criticizes media for distorting news

At the Prime Minister's weekly television program this morning (March 30th), the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Samak Sundaravej, says he did not state that certain groups of people could be planning to stage another coup to overthrow his government. *you mean all these various press reports of him saying so are erroneous and fabricated???* :D

Samak criticized certain media members for distorting the news, saying they have been trying to arouse the situation and present the news in a negative light. He insists that the army is not involved in this matter, and he also refuses to comply with the opposition's demand for him to reveal the individuals who could be plotting to stage a coup.

In response to the news about certain ministers and government officials allegedly asking for personal benefits from certain government agencies, the Prime Minister says if such claims are true, he would like the responsible media members to present the evidence within three days. *how about applying the same criteria for his own reputed claims of an impeding coup???* Otherwise, he would consider such news to be untrue.

However, Prime Minister Samak says he would not take legal action against them.

- ThaiNews / 30 March 2008

[sriracha john]

COMMENTARY

Crying wolf does country no good at all

PM Samak's disclosure last week of a coup plot by elements he did not identify, but claimed were bent on toppling his administration reminds me of Aesop's fable The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf. Apparently, there was no credible evidence to back up his claim of a coup conspiracy, except for a short note addressed to the PM at Government House, which an average man would have dismissed out of hand, let alone a man with the high status of a government leader. Had he been really worried about it, Samak would have ordered authorities to investigate rather than taking the case to the public with not a shred of credible evidence.

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

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/31Mar2008_news20.php

[sriracha john]

Certainly sounds reasonable...

Samak urged to back his coup threat claim with evidence

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday urged Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to publicly show a leaftlet on coup threat he claimed was sent to him.

Samak said last week a leaflet with detail who were planning to stage a coup against his government was inserted in his file for Cabinet meeting.

Abhisit said Samak should support his claim with evidence because his claim about the coup threat shook business confidence in the country.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

EDITORIAL

What was the PM thinking?

It is now five days since PM Samak told reporters he had a document which proved that certain people were plotting to stage a coup d'etat and overthrow his government. When the leader of the nation makes such a startling statement, this is what the country and the world want to hear: Who are the traitors trying to destroy the nation, and what exact steps have been taken to arrest the leaders and followers for their trial on charges of treason? Unfortunately, the country got no such information. Instead, the premier blamed the news media for spreading a story about a coup. Then he went off to Laos. This was not Samak's finest day. In many ways, the premier has failed to realise he is no longer just a populist demagogue, whipping up election campaign crowds. Words have consequences, but words by national leaders are heard, literally, by millions. When Samak threw out his titbit about a coup during a scheduled media briefing last Friday, there were only two possibilities. Either he knew that reporters assigned to the meeting would transmit his news about a coup to the nation, or he thought it was too unimportant for them to mention. In reality, Samak is an expert propagandist. He is both a former newspaper columnist and publisher. He knew perfectly well what he was doing. The question is, why did he want to cause public panic, concern in financial houses, and trouble in foreign capitals? He should be pressured to explain. Samak's claim on Sunday that it was reporters who raised the issue of a coup, are facile and do not match the facts. If that were not enough, he left Army Chief Anupong out in the cold. Anupong, the one person who had nothing to do with raising the issue of the coup, was probably flabbergasted to have to explain that neither he nor the military planned a coup, now or ever. The Thai business community was openly upset about Samak's remarks. Business sentiment is still tetchy at best after a coup. It that weren't enough, the foreign chambers of commerce and business circles burnt up the phone lines and internet messaging. They were clearly alarmed at the statement by the PM that hostile elements were planning to overthrow the government by force. Calls from overseas Thais came to this newspaper within three hours of Samak's press conference. Thai citizens abroad worried about whether there was going to be more violence and more anti-democratic moves at home. They fretted over what to tell foreigners about the direction and outlook for Thai politics. This concern, particularly from overseas, is the lesson Samak should take away from his lamentable and misguided talk of a coup. It is hard to imagine what the PM could have done to create more concern, less information, or a worse image of the country. It is fair to say that Samak damaged the image of Thailand with

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/01Apr2008_news16.php

Edited April 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Who wants to be Prime Minister???

"I do, I do"

PM has fallen ill

Spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister Police Lieutenant Captain Vichianchote Sukchotirat revealed that Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej has forwarded his daily duties to Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Jakrapob Penkae.

Jakrapob has thus presided over the ceremony marking Government Officer’s Day at the Government House.

The Prime Minister’s Office has revealed that Samak is feeling under the weather and is fatigued as well as experiencing diarrhea.

He declined to make a personal statement to the press upon his return from the GMS meeting in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, where he had already begun to show symptoms of cough.

- ThaiNews (today)

[Jefferson]

It is now five days since PM Samak told reporters he had a document which proved that certain people were plotting to stage a coup d'etat and overthrow his government. When the leader of the nation makes such a startling statement, this is what the country and the world want to hear: Who are the traitors trying to destroy the nation, and what exact steps have been taken to arrest the leaders and followers for their trial on charges of treason?

I'm happy to hear the Bangkok Post finally finds the right words for what to call it when a democratic government is overthrown by force.

"Destroying the nation" and "Treason"

Better late than never I suppose.

Edited April 1, 2008 by Jefferson

[ando]

In a country that has averaged a coup every 3 years over the past 6 decades I don't think its paranoid to be suspicious of potential plots for the next one.

We do call it TREASON in western democracies. The trouble with some of the powerful upper class is that they think its normal politics.

Its like the lunatics running the asylum when the military can take over government and rewrite the constitution to their liking at will.

Democracy will never progress in Thailand until the government brings the military to heel.

[ando]

Who wants to be Prime Minister???

"I do, I do"

PM has fallen ill

Spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister Police Lieutenant Captain Vichianchote Sukchotirat revealed that Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej has forwarded his daily duties to Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Jakrapob Penkae.

Jakrapob has thus presided over the ceremony marking Government Officer’s Day at the Government House.

The Prime Minister’s Office has revealed that Samak is feeling under the weather and is fatigued as well as experiencing diarrhea.

He declined to make a personal statement to the press upon his return from the GMS meeting in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, where he had already begun to show symptoms of cough.

- ThaiNews (today)

Cant trust that foreign food.

[sriracha john]

Did the great chef make himself sick???

Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej cooks a local Laotian dish before eating it at breakfast as he tours a market on the sidelines of his Greater Mekong Subregion Summit Monday, March 31, 2008, in Vientiane, Laos. Samak stayed home from work with an upset stomach Tuesday after returning from Laos.

Associated Press

[sriracha john]

Dissension in the ranks....

Kuthep calls for less talk, more action

People Power Party (PPP) spokesman, Kuthep Saikrajang, told Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday to act more and talk less to make the government more efficient.

Kuthep said the government had made no significant improvements to the country in two months in office, unlike the Thaksin administration, which achieved far more during the same period.

He said many PPP MPs want Samak to visit rural areas, something Thaksin did often, in order to get first-hand information about their problems and find proper solutions. It would also help prevent Samak from giving too much importance on news issues that "originate from the imagination", such as coup threats.

"Deviation from the normal path of working will waste chances to help the public and discourage government supporters," Kuthep said.

He sympathised with Samak for having to face a barrage of questions from the media, but he must be more selective to ensure the important issues concerning the government get proper media attention.

The PPP spokesman said his views were personal and reflected the problems the PM had in dealing with the media and news priorities.

He said former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who enjoyed the loyalty of many politicians in power, was not behind his move.

Kuthep said Samak had told a recent PPP meeting a seminar would be held to allow MPs to exchange views. "Now is a good time for me to let the prime minister know about the problems I see," he said.

"I have to inform him through the media although I may get admonished. The party also needs to suggest to the government about how to work," the spokesman added.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair described Kuthep's criticism of Samak and their government as a show of democratic practice within the ruling party.

But another PPP source said many people were upset with Kuthep's comments as they could stem from his disappointment in failing to get a Cabinet post.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

and now that poor Samak has been squirreled away in a hospital.... which is just in time as all the hullabaloo over his "coup" news occured....

but now we have... denials... that EVEN if he DID say these things... it's no big deal...

afterall, nobody listens or cares...... :D

Government affirms foreign countries pay little attention to rumours of coup

Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tharit Charungvat, disclosed that foreign countries do not pay attention to the rumors of movements to stage another coup d’tat in Thailand.

Tharit, who is also Director-General of the Information Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, says the ministry has received no reports on response of foreign countries, especially the United States, to the premier’s announcement to the public that there are movements to stage a coup.

He said further that the U.S. has neither requested Thailand to clarify the premier’s announcement nor expressed concern over the matter. *probably because they already sorted out early on that he's just a babbling incompetent*

The spokesman says it is not necessary for the ministry to explain the matter to foreign diplomatic missions to Thailand as Army Chief Gen.Anupong Paochinda has strongly dismissed the coup rumors to the public.

- ThaiNews / 3 April 2008

[Insight]

You could probably personify any reaction from the U.S. as a brief glance at most, a roll of the eyes, a shake shake of the head then back to business as usual...

[Plus]

They didn't send a note to Anupong, what else was he supposed to say.

And Samak is conviently ill.

In the meantime some other government spokesman came out to critisise government spokesman Kuthep for critisising Samak.

Who's next?

[sriracha john]

Perhaps those scantily-attired new Culture Ministry spokeswomen will weigh in....

Edited April 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

well, well, well...

Premier gets cornered by his own party

The seeds of political confrontation have been sown, and there is irony all over the place

First, Kuthep Saikrachang, spokesman for the People Power Party, came out to slam Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej over his poor performance. Implicit in his remarks was that Samak, who is an outsider from the PPP viewpoint, had already enjoyed his payback. It is time for him to go.

Second, big-time politicians in the PPP are about to launch a forceful drive for a drastic Constitution overhaul. They know that doing so will attract fierce opposition and will potentially lead to confrontation or clashes on the streets. They also want to hasten the demise of the Samak government once, of course, the business of rewriting the Constitution is finished.

All of these tricks are taking place only two months after the Samak government assumed power.

This is rare in Thai political history: a sitting government is a source of political instability itself, and is doing everything to hasten its own collapse instead of trying to hang on for the full four-year term.

Most Thais have accepted the outcome of the December 2007 election that put the PPP - a reincarnation of the Thai Rak Thai Party - into power. After two years of political impasse, including the coup that went wrong, the Thai people are willing to give the Samak government a chance to really do its job.

The main task of the government is to ensure political stability, tackle the low economic growth rate, create jobs and tame the inflationary pressure triggered by energy and food price rises. If the Samak government can start up one of the proposed mega-projects, it will help kick in private investment, which will create a multiple effect on economic expansion, adding new jobs to the market.

How can this happen if People Power wants to remove its prime minister? Moreover, it also wants to invite political confrontation by proposing a rewrite of the Constitution at this early stage instead of tackling the economic problems.

Most people now are seeing that the PPP wants to rewrite the Constitution to serve its own benefit rather than focus on the country's real problems.

Investors and political analysts are concerned about the political instability that might arise from the possible dissolution of the Chat Thai, Matchima and People Power parties for alleged election fraud. Another worrying development is the re-emergence of the People's Alliance for Democracy, which was a catalyst in bringing down the Thaksin government in 2006.

Going back to the euphoria of the People Power election victory in December 2007, you might recall that nobody expected Samak to become prime minister. People Power fielded Samak as its leader because it wanted him to serve as an opposition leader in Parliament. So when Samak took the highest political office in the land, the signal from People Power was that he should stay only for a year at most and then dissolve Parliament after completing the rewrite of the Constitution.

But Samak has rebelled. He wants to run the country his own way and will only initiate constitutional amendments in the waning months of his four-year term. Samak's rebellion has upset ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is believed to have dug into his deep pockets for People Power.

The name of the game for People Power now is the rewrite of the Constitution. This will serve mainly to nullify the laws created by a military installed interim government. The party wants to whitewash the graft cases against Thaksin, avoid party dissolution and restore legitimacy back to the 111 banned executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai.

Thaksin's game plan is moving in accordance with the script. People Power is zeroing in on Article 309, looking to amend it to nullify the Assets Examination Committee, set up by the military after the coup to go after Thaksin. But the legal effect of scrapping Article 309 is still open to debate. Articles 69 and 237 involve political party dissolution if party executives knowingly commit election fraud.

There is a bumpy road ahead over the bid to rewrite the Constitution, potentially pushing the country into more political confrontation. During this time, Thaksin can always claim that he is out of power and has nothing to do with it.

But you can place your bets now as to who will be the first go: Manchester City's Sven Goran Eriksson or Samak.

- The Nation (today)

[Old Man River]

well, well, well...

Premier gets cornered by his own party

The seeds of political confrontation have been sown, and there is irony all over the place

First, Kuthep Saikrachang, spokesman for the People Power Party, came out to slam Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej over his poor performance. Implicit in his remarks was that Samak, who is an outsider from the PPP viewpoint, had already enjoyed his payback. It is time for him to go.

Second, big-time politicians in the PPP are about to launch a forceful drive for a drastic Constitution overhaul. They know that doing so will attract fierce opposition and will potentially lead to confrontation or clashes on the streets. They also want to hasten the demise of the Samak government once, of course, the business of rewriting the Constitution is finished.

All of these tricks are taking place only two months after the Samak government assumed power.

This is rare in Thai political history: a sitting government is a source of political instability itself, and is doing everything to hasten its own collapse instead of trying to hang on for the full four-year term.

Most Thais have accepted the outcome of the December 2007 election that put the PPP - a reincarnation of the Thai Rak Thai Party - into power. After two years of political impasse, including the coup that went wrong, the Thai people are willing to give the Samak government a chance to really do its job.

The main task of the government is to ensure political stability, tackle the low economic growth rate, create jobs and tame the inflationary pressure triggered by energy and food price rises. If the Samak government can start up one of the proposed mega-projects, it will help kick in private investment, which will create a multiple effect on economic expansion, adding new jobs to the market.

How can this happen if People Power wants to remove its prime minister? Moreover, it also wants to invite political confrontation by proposing a rewrite of the Constitution at this early stage instead of tackling the economic problems.

Most people now are seeing that the PPP wants to rewrite the Constitution to serve its own benefit rather than focus on the country's real problems.

Investors and political analysts are concerned about the political instability that might arise from the possible dissolution of the Chat Thai, Matchima and People Power parties for alleged election fraud. Another worrying development is the re-emergence of the People's Alliance for Democracy, which was a catalyst in bringing down the Thaksin government in 2006.

Going back to the euphoria of the People Power election victory in December 2007, you might recall that nobody expected Samak to become prime minister. People Power fielded Samak as its leader because it wanted him to serve as an opposition leader in Parliament. So when Samak took the highest political office in the land, the signal from People Power was that he should stay only for a year at most and then dissolve Parliament after completing the rewrite of the Constitution.

But Samak has rebelled. He wants to run the country his own way and will only initiate constitutional amendments in the waning months of his four-year term. Samak's rebellion has upset ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is believed to have dug into his deep pockets for People Power.

The name of the game for People Power now is the rewrite of the Constitution. This will serve mainly to nullify the laws created by a military installed interim government. The party wants to whitewash the graft cases against Thaksin, avoid party dissolution and restore legitimacy back to the 111 banned executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai.

Thaksin's game plan is moving in accordance with the script. People Power is zeroing in on Article 309, looking to amend it to nullify the Assets Examination Committee, set up by the military after the coup to go after Thaksin. But the legal effect of scrapping Article 309 is still open to debate. Articles 69 and 237 involve political party dissolution if party executives knowingly commit election fraud.

There is a bumpy road ahead over the bid to rewrite the Constitution, potentially pushing the country into more political confrontation. During this time, Thaksin can always claim that he is out of power and has nothing to do with it.

But you can place your bets now as to who will be the first go: Manchester City's Sven Goran Eriksson or Samak.

- The Nation (today)

Thanong is spot on with his analysis. Samak came into power, allegedly as a short term nominee and subsequently decided he liked the position and wanted to stay for 4 years. Ex TRT in the PPP want him to rewrite the constitution so graft cases against Thaksin cease to exist and then they will cause enough instability within the party so that a snap election is called for, leading to Samak's removal. Samak, on the other hand, has always coveted this position and will drag the rewriting process out as long as possible. Samak can reshuffle his cabinet at will and moreover, is well aware that ex-TRT MP's won't turn on him yet as a government collapse prior to the constitution being rewritten gains the ex-TRT nothing. The cases against Thaksin would remain. Currently, the PPP is certainly a house divided.