Samak Sundaravej was elected

[Tony Clifton]

In their second week in power, I said this government would be gone by April, here we are.

Shouldn't take much longer. They've already started physical assualts in parliament. and Thaksin is meeting neighbouring Prime Minister already.

[Old Man River]

In their second week in power, I said this government would be gone by April, here we are.

Shouldn't take much longer. They've already started physical assualts in parliament. and Thaksin is meeting neighbouring Prime Minister already.

It really depends on whether democracy remains. Apart from a brokered new government (dissolution, coup, intervention etc. - which is not anticipated), any resulting new government would be very similar to the current one, sans Samak. The people in the northeast will continue to vote as they have. Only a complete financial meltdown would get the people of the northeast to lose faith in the government they have elected (maybe), and nobody wants this.

[Plus]

It really depends on whether democracy remains.

How to you mean it, OMR?

"Democracy remains shut tight, away from the people", for example, is as good explanation as any other.

Both Samak and the rest of PPP are determined to stay on course and avoid government change or fresh elections for now. How they are going to play it out remains to be seen.

Their apparent rift might turn to be nothing as Samak is not so keen on staying as PM anymore, he is an old man (no offence) and though he appears feisty, he runs out of gas quickly. He'll probably stop fighting and let PPP do their thing. I think he already has.

Consitution amendments will be fought out between PAD and PPP, and the battle will be over coalition partners. PPP needs full control over all them for the vote in the parlament, PAD needs them to vote in the interests of people who elected them. Who will they listen to?

PPP can offer them sponsorship in the elections and positions in the next goverment and even absorb them ala TRT. PAD will show them that they will face voter backlash built up from the last elections plus opposition to backing self-serving charter amendments.

At the end of the day PAD is the only voice they might listen to, if they manage to show numbers on the streets. Academics, leftists, anit-coup groups - they are irrelevant in the large scheme of things and when all is said and done, they might spoil the party by opposing PAD and let TRT take control over country once again.

Like Anand said - there's no neutrality in this fight. Even if you think you can you take a "third" side, it will be pitching for one of the the two main ones, most likely TRT/PPP, like that Weng Tojirakan and his stupid fight for democracy. Did he go to Chiang Rai to offer flowers to Thaksin or not? He was invited.

[younghusband]

PAD will show them that they will face voter backlash built up from the last elections plus opposition to backing self-serving charter amendments.

If the PAD, even in its current weakened and flawed state, accepted that its role was as a pressure group and that any political settlement would be decided through general elections, most reasonable people would accept they served a necessary and useful job.The problem is the sense of entitlement PAD and its Bangkok middle class backers give out as though somehow they had the right to veto or block the majority's decisions, even if this means giving support to military intervention.It's usually a political mistake to give out this arrogant impression of entitlement as for instance the Clintons may shortly find out.

[Old Man River]

It really depends on whether democracy remains.

How to you mean it, OMR?

"Democracy remains shut tight, away from the people", for example, is as good explanation as any other.

Both Samak and the rest of PPP are determined to stay on course and avoid government change or fresh elections for now. How they are going to play it out remains to be seen.

Their apparent rift might turn to be nothing as Samak is not so keen on staying as PM anymore, he is an old man (no offence) and though he appears feisty, he runs out of gas quickly. He'll probably stop fighting and let PPP do their thing. I think he already has.

Consitution amendments will be fought out between PAD and PPP, and the battle will be over coalition partners. PPP needs full control over all them for the vote in the parlament, PAD needs them to vote in the interests of people who elected them. Who will they listen to?

PPP can offer them sponsorship in the elections and positions in the next goverment and even absorb them ala TRT. PAD will show them that they will face voter backlash built up from the last elections plus opposition to backing self-serving charter amendments.

At the end of the day PAD is the only voice they might listen to, if they manage to show numbers on the streets. Academics, leftists, anit-coup groups - they are irrelevant in the large scheme of things and when all is said and done, they might spoil the party by opposing PAD and let TRT take control over country once again.

Like Anand said - there's no neutrality in this fight. Even if you think you can you take a "third" side, it will be pitching for one of the the two main ones, most likely TRT/PPP, like that Weng Tojirakan and his stupid fight for democracy. Did he go to Chiang Rai to offer flowers to Thaksin or not? He was invited.

The fact remains, whether you (or I) like it or not, the majority of the people in Thailand have voted and will continue to vote for who they think will give them the most (really not so different from our countries) and that ends up being anyone related to Thaksin. The PAD, on the other hand, are the voice of the minority.

As it relates to internal squabbles within the PPP, one thing that us foreigners often lose sight of is that in Thailand, the PM has a great deal of power. At the end of the day, there isn't a whole lot of people that Samak needs to answer to. He can reshuffle his cabinet at will and his MP's need to continue to support him until he causes the constitution to be re-written, and he isn't in a hurray to do this. Time will tell how this plays out, but that is where the power game is being played. It isn't at the level of the PAD, as that game is being played among the voting minority, academics and the few foreign journalists that are really interested in Thailand.

[sriracha john]

The power of positive thinking... by declining a second term, it presumes that he'll finish the first....

Samak rules out second term

Just two months after taking office, and with controversies jolting his administration to its core, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has said he will not seek a second term in office.

In his latest effort to convince the public that he is not hungry for power, the 73-year-old veteran politician told reporters on Friday that he would not run in the next election.

His announcement came just a day after checking out of hospital. It was not clear if his two-day hospital experience shed some light on his future. *it sure did dampen all the news talk about his imagined coup*

The controversial political figure used to call himself a "nominee" of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, but changed his tune after taking the current post, say that he was a genuine prime minister and that he was here to stay.

Samak's People Power Party (PPP), an offshoot of Thaksin's disbanded Thai Rak Thai, has proposed eliminating a provision in the Constitution that says political parties convicted of electoral fraud will be disbanded.

Samak maintained that the PPP's proposed constitutional amendments were not designed for personal gain. Just over a month ago it was a "hidden hand" that was out to discredit the PPP. Just last week, it became clear that the PPP, as well the two coalition partners - Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya - could be dissolved by the Constitution Court if it is ruled that their executives were involved in election fraud.

Moreover, in a sign of party infighting between Samak and pro-Thaksin MPs, PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang, criticised Samak and outspoken Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung for making "provocative statements". Kuthep criticised Samak for suggesting another coup if political instability continues and accused Chalerm of "lowering himself to the level of the PAD" (People Alliance for Democracy).

Samak shot back saying, Kuthep "probably doesn't have much to do."

"I'm indifferent by the criticism," Samak said in respond. "I feel pity for him because he (Kuthep) has come under great criticism," Samak said.

The Constitution was approved in Thailand's first-ever constitutional referendum in August 2007.

Samak argued yesterday that his elected government had a mandate to change the charter. "My People Power Party won a majority, so it is legitimate for us to make amendments," he told reporters in a weekly briefing. "I have no political future. I will not run in the next election. The next general election will be held without me," he said.

- The Nation

Edited April 6, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

PAD will show them that they will face voter backlash built up from the last elections plus opposition to backing self-serving charter amendments.

If the PAD, even in its current weakened and flawed state, accepted that its role was as a pressure group and that any political settlement would be decided through general elections, most reasonable people would accept they served a necessary and useful job.The problem is the sense of entitlement PAD and its Bangkok middle class backers give out as though somehow they had the right to veto or block the majority's decisions, even if this means giving support to military intervention.It's usually a political mistake to give out this arrogant impression of entitlement as for instance the Clintons may shortly find out.

All they did was hold ONE indoor meeting, and you are all over them for "flawed state", "sense of entitlement", "support for military intervention", "arrogant impression" and what not.

Like it or not but PAD is the only force that represents people who are not afraid to stand up to scum like Yobamrungs or Newin+Youngyuth. Opposing PAD is playing in the hands of the worst Thai politics has ever produced.

Fortunately people who argue for this "silent majority" (practically non-existent, btw) are not taken seriously by mainstream society. When five Thammasat lecturers supported PPP's move to amend the constution they looked like being on their payroll, nothing more.

>>>>

The fact remains, whether you (or I) like it or not, the majority of the people in Thailand have voted and will continue to vote for who they think will give them the most (really not so different from our countries) and that ends up being anyone related to Thaksin. The PAD, on the other hand, are the voice of the minority.

The fact remains that the only pro-Thaksin party got 36% of votes in last elections, far short of the majority, and the only way they could muster a coalition was by publicly renouncing their pro-Thaksin agenda. Will PPP fair better this time around, when they abandoned all pretense of reconciliation? Do you think their performance impressed even die hard Thaksin supporters?

Do you think Thaksin is ready to be accepted back, all charges dropped? Really? Do you think he WANTS to be back in PM position?

Which party will get votes that went to coalition partners in December? They didn't vote PPP, they didn't vote for Democrats, they voted for the "third option" and I bet they were hugely disappointed, I mean ones that trusted Banharn or Snoh, and even Somsak.

I doubt PPP counts on a favourable election outcome, btw - they want constitution rewrite without new polls.

This constution rewrite is what people should be focused now, and the only way people can make themselves heard is through PAD, like it or not.

[sriracha john]

In the latest episode of the funniest reality show on television... we get 3 disses for the price of 1... including one of his own underlings...

Samak attacks 'shameless' fortune-teller [et al]

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday lashed out at a fortune-teller, a social critic, and a spokesman for his [own] People Power Party for making negative comments about him and his government.

During his weekly "Talking Samak's Style" programme broadcast on the state-run NBT (formerly known as Channel 11), Samak pulled no punches against social critic Thirayuth Boonmi and fortune-teller Warin Buawiratlert. He also hit back at PPP Spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang for having suggested that the PM should be doing more and talking less.

Samak lashed out at Warin for trying to politicise a prediction to undermine his government. The fortune-teller reportedly said on Friday that the political situation would spiral out of control next month, resulting in the collapse of Samak's leadership, and that Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda would become the next prime minister following military intervention.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama yesterday said Anupong had assured with his life that there would be no coup by the Army under his leadership. "He said to me that anyone going to overthrow the government will have to do so over his dead body. They will have to shoot him first," Noppadon said. *I'm wondering if Anupong is willing to corroborate that he actually said that. That's a very powerful statement to be announcing that someone else said it before that person himself announces it.*

During his programme, Samak also attacked Thirayuth, a lecturer at Thammasat University's Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology, for pointing to degradation in five areas of society, including political morality.

"He should have looked in the mirror to see how much he has degraded, how time has changed his facial look. What he did hasn't done much benefit to the country. It's just a show of ego," Samak said.

In response to Kuthep's criticism, Samak said his programme was not meant to be a weekly report by the prime minister and that he wanted to talk about various issues he preferred.

- The Nation

[Old Man River]

>>>>

The fact remains, whether you (or I) like it or not, the majority of the people in Thailand have voted and will continue to vote for who they think will give them the most (really not so different from our countries) and that ends up being anyone related to Thaksin. The PAD, on the other hand, are the voice of the minority.

The fact remains that the only pro-Thaksin party got 36% of votes in last elections, far short of the majority, and the only way they could muster a coalition was by publicly renouncing their pro-Thaksin agenda. Will PPP fair better this time around, when they abandoned all pretense of reconciliation? Do you think their performance impressed even die hard Thaksin supporters?

Do you think Thaksin is ready to be accepted back, all charges dropped? Really? Do you think he WANTS to be back in PM position?

Which party will get votes that went to coalition partners in December? They didn't vote PPP, they didn't vote for Democrats, they voted for the "third option" and I bet they were hugely disappointed, I mean ones that trusted Banharn or Snoh, and even Somsak.

I doubt PPP counts on a favourable election outcome, btw - they want constitution rewrite without new polls.

This constution rewrite is what people should be focused now, and the only way people can make themselves heard is through PAD, like it or not.

The fact remains that the PPP received enough votes to easily put together a government, while no other party came close. I say this sadly, but it is fact. As you know, in Thai democratic history the only party to ever garner enough votes to put together a government without a coalition was the TRT. Hence, a coalition involving the PPP was business as usual.

I don't discount the importance of the PAD as it is an organized part of the check and balance system. However, in the total scheme of things, it is a minority and for the foreseeable future is not likely to play a major part in Thai politics. Presently, the power play is within the PPP and it is the intent of many MP's within the party to have the constitution re-written so that all cases against Thaksin have to be dropped and his money returned. I highly doubt that should this occur, Thaksin would want a new election and a return to politics. Why put your money at risk again? Most probably he will take his role as one of the richest in the country and set up the foundation he has talked about so his legacy remains in tact among the country's poor.

The wild hares in all of this is Samak, should he continue to want to remain in power and not seek the constitution to be re-written, a PPP dissolution which would lead to MP's having 60 days to join a different party and put together a new (assuredly pro Thaksin) government, or a coup or Royal intervention, neither of these being anticipated.

All of the above doesn't even take into account the economy, which is the real issue among the PPP's voter base with soaring energy and agricultural commodity prices. Samak will rue the day he decided to turn the tables on Thaksin. Supported by inexperienced financial "wizards," Mr. "let them eat chicken" is beginning to learn how hard this job of PM really is.

[sriracha john]

A stinging indictment of the Phad Thai cook....

Political follies still dominate centre stage

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was greatly incensed by public utterances made by at least three different men with diverse career backgrounds, attitudes and political orientations.

Their words touched a raw nerve with him and left him fuming only two days after he was discharged from a top hospital.

He had been bedridden with influenza and food poisoning, an odd mixture of maladies that coincidentally kept him out of public view while Thaksin Shinawatra, the real boss of his political party, was in town for a second homecoming to steal some of the limelight for political gain.

Four days in the hospital must have re-energised the ageing political diehard. Back behind the microphone at Government House last Friday for his usual sparring session with reporters, Samak retained his vitality, roaring like a lion ready to take on its adversaries.

The illness obviously failed to sap his stamina despite an earlier complaint about tiredness resulting from exhaustive visits to neighbouring countries. Yet this should not have been a matter of being overworked, as problems old and new await the able hands of Cabinet members.

Samak appeared subdued during his Sunday morning television talk show, leading people to believe he may have mellowed due to the daunting task facing him and may have learned that political pretensions don't pay, especially in his case.

That's why Samak chose to be his true self, disregarding civility while dealing with unpleasant issues and detractors. In his view, all of them deserved his barrage of unkind words for having the gall to challenge his national stewardship.

The first to feel the acid tongue of Samak was People Power Party spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang who boldly advised him not to indulge too greatly in nonsensical activities and rambling, saying he should instead pay more attention to a results-oriented performance while in office.

Kuthep is an ex-monk with long years spent studying and preaching Buddhist precepts. People suspect he chose to lecture the combative boss out of a desire to please a senior party leadership now increasingly displeased with Samak over his refusal to toe the line as Thaksin's political nominee.

Yet what the spokesman received was only a caustic remark: "The man had too much free time; therefore, much ado about nothing."

But in the two following cases, Samak smelled blood. A fortune-teller in Chiang Mai who is much revered by military figures and other notables made a prediction suggesting there could be bloodletting in the streets resulting from political conflicts and violence.

What's more, the soothsayer went a step further, predicting Samak's term would not last long and that the present Army chief would succeed him following the turbulence. The role of the military in politics will remain strong for quite a while.

"The guy should feel ashamed of himself. He erred in his earlier foretelling that Abhisit, not myself, would be prime minister. Now see what's reality," Samak said.

No more soft talk and niceties.

He continued for a few more minutes, verbally tearing the fortune-teller to shreds. If words could kill, Samak may be a mass murderer. The list of his victims would be long indeed.

The soothsayer needs a lot of soothing words for himself. He should take pride in being given such significance by the prime minister, who took him quite seriously. Samak's anger somehow reflects his inner worries about his own vulnerability and lack of support within the party.

Yet he saved the last word for Thirayuth Boonmee, a well-known political scientist and social critic at Thammasat University whom Thaksin greatly abhors for his usually hurtful lectures and projecting unpleasant scenarios. The former student activist is also a keen inventor of terms ridiculing the powers that be.

While still in power, Thaksin blew his top quite a few times whenever the lecturer came out with a new analysis. The man appeared to be harmless enough, but his words stung, infuriating Thaksin and his cronies, who took turns to discredit whatever statements Thirayuth made, but to no avail.

The five causes for political and social decay marshalled point by point by the lecturer did not target Samak in particular - not even a mild reference was made - but rather focused mainly on the prevailing political situation. That was enough to enrage him, resulting in a sarcastic rebuttal devoid of good manners.

Maybe Kuthep was correct that Samak should devote more time to serious business rather than taking verbal pot shots at his critics.

Two months have been wasted without anything productive having been accomplished. Instead, the period has been ridden with a series of controversial issues and scandals.

As of now, this lack of any real achievement is fully compensated by an oversupply of nonsensical acts and talk, with several Cabinet members proving themselves top-notch talents in these areas. Nobody can tell when the show of follies will end.

- The Nation (today)

[Plus]

The fact remains that the PPP received enough votes to easily put together a government, while no other party came close.

If PPP was so confident they would have put amendements to a public referendum. The fact is they know that won't pass. I wonder if they are sure their coalition partners will vote the party line, but, they've got no other choice - it's a race against courts.

The way they are going about it looks like a desperate attempt, I personally don't see a chance of them being able to stop dissolutions in time, especially if PAD manages to manipulate public mood firmly against it. And do you think it's possible to dissolve AEC and get all cases thrown out of courts? I just don't see it.

Also I don't think Thaksin wants to be involved with this fight himself, it's the PPP and banned execs who need amendments the most.

[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.

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

- The Nation

From "I know nothing" to.... "I haven't thought about it"...... comedy writers can't outdo Samak's own words....

PM: I haven't thought about cabinet reshuffle

PM Samak insisted Tuesday that he has no plan to reshuffle the cabinet. His statement came after NCCC disqualified Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab from office after his wife failed to inform the NCCC that she owns more than 5 per cent of shares in a public company by the deadline. Samak said he has not thought about the reshuffle.

"I haven't thought about it," he told reporters.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126986

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

Chaiya's actual ouster is covered in the thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1915598

New Cabinet Appointed

[Old Man River]

The fact remains that the PPP received enough votes to easily put together a government, while no other party came close.

If PPP was so confident they would have put amendements to a public referendum. The fact is they know that won't pass. I wonder if they are sure their coalition partners will vote the party line, but, they've got no other choice - it's a race against courts.

The way they are going about it looks like a desperate attempt, I personally don't see a chance of them being able to stop dissolutions in time, especially if PAD manages to manipulate public mood firmly against it. And do you think it's possible to dissolve AEC and get all cases thrown out of courts? I just don't see it.

Also I don't think Thaksin wants to be involved with this fight himself, it's the PPP and banned execs who need amendments the most.

Thaksin needs the amendments the most as it is his money and ass that is on the line. There is no question about this. If the amendments are put in place, then the court cases would simply cease to exist like they never happened.

I don't know if the amendments would pass a public referendum, but the PPP won't test it and they won't have to if Samak does what he is supposed to do. If he doesn't (and I am just thinking out loud here) perhaps Thaksin would welcome a PPP dissolution. If Samak continues to drag his feet on the amendments, a PPP dissolution would allow Thaksin's supporting MP's 60 days to join another party. Perhaps one of the small parties that won a few seats would be the new proxy party. Stranger things have happened.

[Plus]

Sure Thaksin would like AEC being dissolved, but I don't think it's going to happen and I don't think it's his defence plan anyway. There's absolutely no public support for that, unlike party dissolution that at least some coalition partners are interested in. Also there's the argument for political stability if the parties are not dissolved.

I simply don't believe they'll be able to pass any amendments at all, there are too many hoops to jump through and too much opposition. If they try, Warit's predictions might come true.

[sriracha john]

Samak in a winner-take-all gamble with charter rewrite

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is steering his government right into a political storm triggered by the coalition's push to amend the Constitution.

Samak could have projected his leadership in any manner to ensure stability. But he has chosen to take on the rewriting of the charter, which is seen as a highly controversial move that could backfire and bring about the prime minister's downfall.

To the uninitiated, Samak's political gambit does not make sense. Government politicians think otherwise. They do not just cheer him for courting a head-on collision with opponents, but work overtime to fuel the raging confrontation.

Within just a few weeks, the government has managed to attract massive opposition and create a situation that has all the hallmarks of what happened before the Thaksin administration was ousted from power in 2006.

Samak and his coalition allies are playing a high-risk, high-stakes game to ride out a political whirlwind, which can either catapult the government into the stratosphere of power or pummel it to a pulp.

It will soon be seen whether the Samak government ends up as a powerhouse or a listing ship. Regardless of the outcome of the charter rewrite, the People Power Party is likely to stay in power.

The debate on constitutional changes has picked up momentum since last month. Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa made the initial move by alluding to a possible conspiracy to disband his party, as well as the People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties.

Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee sounded the alarm about the eroding investment climate due to the political uncertainty relating to the legal wrangling over electoral fraud.

Samak joined in the fray and spearheaded the move to amend the charter, which he said was being manipulated by an "invisible hand" to undermine his government.

Initially, his top priority was rewriting Article 327, the clause on party dissolution, although the government would later address other "controversial" provisions. Last week, he modified his stance so that it fell in line with amendments propagated by his party.

He said he no longer opposed the rewrite of Article 309, a key provision confirming the legal shield granted to the junta and its activities, including the formation of the Assets Examination Committee, the anti-graft body dealing with cases involving Thaksin.

It is strange but true that he and his party are like a body with two heads when it comes to discussing constitutional changes. Leading party figures, such as PM's Office Minister Choosak Sirinin, appear to have worked out their plans ahead of him.

The prime minister and his main coalition party have pleaded for public support by showing their willingness to overhaul the charter in order to accomplish what they described as the advancement of democracy and the elimination of the junta's influence on the political system.

The government is not too coy to admit having self-preservation as a goal even though it prefers to portray itself as the torchbearer for democratic rule. Hence it has relegated its opponents to the role of dictatorship sympathisers.

Although the government has attracted a fair share of supporters, the opposition movement is growing by leaps and bounds. The government's propaganda about the struggle between democracy vs dictatorship appears unconvincing.

Samak may have a reasonable claim that in order to do his job, he and his allies need to stay in power. But many see a conflict of interest when the government is trying to fix the game by changing the rules.

Judging from the war of words between the government and its opponents, it is likely that the rewrite process, if begun, will be lengthy and acrimonious. It will not be swift and smooth, as coalition MPs have predicted.

Yet, the government is determined to plough on with the constitutional changes.

Samak has complained time and again about his government being the victim of political bullying. When in hot water or facing a looming problem, he is quick to pass the blame.

Right before setting charter amendments as his top agenda, rumours spread that his main coalition party was dissatisfied with his leadership and that the party was searching for a new leader; one of the contenders was Surapong.

Samak's spearheading the move to rewrite the charter has conveniently buried such rumours. The charter debate has in turn delegated to back pages other bad news, such as the soaring price of food and the dilemma facing rice farmers who cannot increase production because of lack of water and expensive fertiliser,.

With attention focused solely on the charter rewrite, the government seems to have escaped the wrath of having no tangible achievements.

To many, the charter rewrite may be a deadly political storm, but to Samak and his allies, it is a convenient diversion from all other problems. The government is building a bigger fire to fight an existing one.

Should the fire threaten to burn down the stage, the People Power Party always has Samak to offer up as its human sacrifice before starting the game anew under a new leader. If Samak manages to push through the constitutional changes, a toast is in order for him and the People Power Party.

- The Nation

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

What's missing from the above article is the development today that rather than target specific articles of the constitution to be amended, the PPP is now wanting to rewrite the entire constitution.... and to do so without a national referendum.

Edited April 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

'Rewrite it all'

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said on Tuesday the whole 2007 constitution should be amended. Samak said he is confident that chaos will not arise as a result of the charter amending process. He described altering the constitution as a "common practice". He also indicated the changes will be made by the government, approved by the parliamentary majority - without a public referendum.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=126992

[Old Man River]

Sure Thaksin would like AEC being dissolved, but I don't think it's going to happen and I don't think it's his defence plan anyway. There's absolutely no public support for that, unlike party dissolution that at least some coalition partners are interested in. Also there's the argument for political stability if the parties are not dissolved.

I simply don't believe they'll be able to pass any amendments at all, there are too many hoops to jump through and too much opposition. If they try, Warit's predictions might come true.

The situation is so fluid right now, nobody knows which way this will all go.

Forget what the media is reporting. First they reported that Samak said he will amend the constitution shortly, then that Samak said he would wait close to the end of his term (4 years) and now back to that Samak said he will amend the constitution shortly. Samak says he will do a lot of things then does the opposite. It all depends, at the end of the day, what is best for him and I don't think he knows yet. One thing for sure is he is holding the cards. If he wants to amend the constitution without a public referendum, he can do it.

And, as I said on Monday, none of this is even taking into account the economy.

[sriracha john]

perhaps it would much better if he was...

I am not growing string beans: Samak

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Sunday said it was not fair for the media to criticise his government as having no achievements after two months in office.

He said the government has been working hard and running the country is not string bean growing.

He said he has made several foreign trips, which benefited the country, but the media ignored such works.

- The Nation (today)

[Ricardo]

'Rewrite it all'

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said on Tuesday the whole 2007 constitution should be amended. Samak said he is confident that chaos will not arise as a result of the charter amending process. He described altering the constitution as a "common practice". He also indicated the changes will be made by the government, approved by the parliamentary majority - without a public referendum.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=126992

Doesn't this make the PPP-led coalition-government even less democratic, than the military-appointed government which preceeded it, since they at least asked the voters to approve their admittedly less-than-perfect constitution ?

[sriracha john]

A Samak-Thaksin divide?

PM's outbursts give ample hints

You don't have to be a veteran political pundit to detect from PM Samak Sundaravej's latest Sunday TV show that his sense of insecurity is probably getting out of control.

He has become the genie that refuses to go back in the bottle.

Publicly, Samak was hitting out at all newspaper columnists for spreading the story that ex-premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, was overshadowing him in all public appearances.

Privately - and he would undoubtedly deny it outright - Samak is shaken by Thaksin's various public moves to upstage him. Samak's latest live-telecast outburst was not aimed so much at the press, but an indirect rebuttal against the growing public impression that he was nothing but a "figure-head" who can be removed at any time once the "real party's owner" so decides.

Is there a conflict between the man and his surrogate? Is that speculation about a Samak-Thaksin split really coming to a head?

The real answer may lie in another question: Why is it that Thaksin hasn't visited Samak to seek the traditional Songkran blessings? Or, to make it more politically correct, vice versa?

You may argue that Thaksin and his nominee have deliberately tried to avoid any public reunion. But several inside sources have suggested that the two haven't had any contact, official, or otherwise, since Thaksin returned home.

That, to put it mildly, is too curious to be true. Samak made the "unrefined" move on television by reading, word for word, a Thai Rath column that portrayed him as a hopeless ineffective chief executive - with the conclusion that Thaksin would fare better in all ways.

In a tell-tale sign that he was no more Thaksin's "nominee," Samak lashed out: "I AM in charge. You say he may be making a comeback. Just tell me how? How can he make it back to power? He is back in the country only to fight court cases…"

Not only ago, he had asked Samak to serve as his political substitute to revive the party, under a new name. Now, if you could read Samak's depressed mind through his trembling lips, it would be unfair for him to reclaim the seat so soon. Reading between the lines, one can sense Samak's desperate argument that he had, afterall, led the People Power Party to an impressive electoral victory, thereby vindicating Thaksin to a great extent.

Of course, it would not be unusual for Samak to feel that he is entitled to enjoy being in the limelight at least for a while longer. Now, Thaksin and some of his close aides in the Cabinet seem to have given Samak short shrift only three months after the election.

The critical remarks by PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang against Samak are only one example of such a move to discredit the premier just as Thaksin is busy making public charity appearances in an obvious "rebranding" campaign.

Samak, of course, has every right to feel betrayed. He had after all risked his own political reputation to undertake the "nominee's role" for Thaksin. His was nothing less than a political "suicide bombing" mission to save Thaksin from total demise. And now, Thaksin, deliberately or otherwise, is upstaging him in every possible forum.

Samak may even be compelled to think this is the case of "killing the general after the war has been won." But Thaksin doesn't necessarily share Samak's assessment in this regard. He might have come to the conclusion that the war had not been won because of Samak. It was Thaksin's grass-roots popularity and mammoth financial machine, with Samak serving only as a "nominal head", that won the day.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if some of Thaksin's close aides are already telling their boss that the "nominee" is doing everything possible, short of a public "declaration of independence", to block Thaksin's return to power.

Samak was never expected to be an "obedient surrogate" in the first place. But then, he wasn't supposed to break out of the populist mould. He hasn't refused to toe the line outright. Yet, he has failed to live up to the minimum requirement of carrying the "Thaksin torch." Most importantly, perhaps, Samak was not expected to show his discomfort of being a die-hard "nominee." The understanding was that he would be more than happy to assume that role - and was supposed to, at least publicly, demonstrate that he would enjoy playing the role.

The moment he attempted to be "my own man", Samak could begin his countdown to permanent retirement.

He has yet to learn the lesson that one can't be an effective nominal prime minister and a proud self-made politician at the same time.

- Suthichai Yoon, The Nation (today)

Edited April 16, 2008 by sriracha john

[Ricardo]

Can anybody help me identify this elderly man, whose picture I vaguely recall having seen occasionally on Thai TV, although recently less-often than last year ? I believe he may once have been some sort of TV-personality or worked in the catering trade ?

However now he seems to have become delusional, claiming to be Thailand's Prime Minister, and making all the decisions about running the country, but feeling threatened by mysterious or malicious unidentified forces.

Is there no medical-assistance available, to assist such cases regain their grip on reality, in their declining years ?

[Tony Clifton]

I once met him in the Philippines.

[sriracha john]

PM wants deal on amending constitution

Talks with coalition party bosses planned

PM Samak plans to bring the PPP's plan to amend the constitution up for consultation with other coalition party leaders to find common ground. The PM has stood firm on the need to revamp the structures of two specific independent agencies, the Election Commission (EC) and the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC). He said the procedures of installing the EC and the NCCC had been flawed and needed to be corrected. It was necessary to find replacements for existing EC and NCCC members. There had been no malicious intent in reducing the remaining tenure of members of the two agencies, he said. Details regarding the expiration of the tenure of the existing members of the EC and NCCC would be stated in the transitory provision of the amended charter, he said. Samak declined to give details of the planned talks with other party leaders. ''I am not giving any interviews right now. I will talk straight to the audience during my talk show on Sunday,'' he said. He confirmed that the plan to amend the charter would not favour the three parties facing possible dissolution, the PPP, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, or former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who is facing charges brought against him by the Assets Scrutiny Committee.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/19Apr2008_news14.php

[Ricardo]

PM wants deal on amending constitution

Talks with coalition party bosses planned

PM Samak plans to bring the PPP's plan to amend the constitution up for consultation with other coalition party leaders to find common ground.

Wasn't it a pre-condition by some parties, of joining the PPP-led coalition, that this sort of interference in the cases against Thaksin & co, would not take place ?

The PM has stood firm on the need to revamp the structures of two specific independent agencies, the Election Commission (EC) and the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC). He said the procedures of installing the EC and the NCCC had been flawed and needed to be corrected.

This is the most important flaw, to be ammended, that he could find ? Or are these the top-prioroty for someone else's agenda ?? Didn't Samak go on-record as being very satisfied with the working of the EC during and just after the election which put him into power ? So what flaws has he now suddenly discovered ?

It was necessary to find replacements for existing EC and NCCC members.

Preferably replacements who are blind & deaf, but can count stacks of money, staying dumb goes almost without saying. Three monkeys might consider applying.

There had been no malicious intent in reducing the remaining tenure of members of the two agencies, he said. Details regarding the expiration of the tenure of the existing members of the EC and NCCC would be stated in the transitory provision of the amended charter, he said.

Tar, feathers & rails spring to mind.

Samak declined to give details of the planned talks with other party leaders. ''I am not giving any interviews right now. I will talk straight to the audience during my talk show on Sunday,'' he said. He confirmed that the plan to amend the charter would not favour the three parties facing possible dissolution, the PPP, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, or former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who is facing charges brought against him by the Assets Scrutiny Committee.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/19Apr2008_news14.php

[sriracha john]

If it's Sunday, it must mean it's time for more weekly guffaws from the unintelligible one...

PM says Thais should eat less to help farmers

PM Samak Sundaravej has asked Thais to consume less rice for the benefit of Thai farmers at a time of rising rice prices. Speaking during his weekly programme aired on television and broadcast on the radio, the premier described the rice situation as something that will go according to supply and demand, but said farmers could sell their rice stocks at more than double the usual price to importers and encouraged Thais to make a sacrifice by eating less rice. According to Samak, the government is currently negotiating with neighbouring countries to import cheap fertiliser to help cut the cost of production for paddy farmers. He also vowed to crack down on those responsible for producing counterfeit

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127196

[Tony Clifton]

This week :

Samak Sundaravej has asked Thais to consume less rice for the benefit of Thai farmers at a time of rising rice prices.

Let's rewind back by about a week:

An estimated 200,000 tons of rice, worth 100 million dollars, has gone missing from national warehouses in Thailand this year as world prices of the commodity soared, state media reported Monday. The grain has disappeared from the government’s rice stockpile of 2.1 million tons, kept in national warehouses as a means of curbing high prices on the local market and assuring a food supply for the poor, said Bank of Thailand (BoT) senior economist Benjamas Kotenongbua.

[sriracha john]

There are additional clarifying instructions from Samak besides "eat less"..... :D

Pay more, eat less, be happy

PM Samak appealed to Thais nationwide to bear up under higher costs for rice, even to eat less if necessary, because higher prices help the farmers. Speaking during his weekly TV-radio broadcast to the nation, Samak said the rising cost of rice is a natural market mechanism based on supply and demand. But he said all Thais should consider that higher prices mean that farmers are able to sell their rice stocks at more than double the usual price to exporters, and increase their income. *that is, when 200,000 tons of stockpiled rice doesn't turn up missing* "If you sacrifice and pay more for rice, a bit more, not much more, it will benefit farmers," he said. If necessary, eating a little less rice would let the farmers sell it at even higher prices for export. Prices of high-quality khao hom mali (fragrant rice) have risen by about 50 per cent in Bangkok markets and supermarkets in the past three months. There was some question about Samak's assertion that the farmers stand to profit, however. The last main rice harvest was late last year, long before prices started rising. *the Bangkok Post is ruining the propaganda value of the rhetoric about "helping out the little guy* In addition, few rice farmers keep paddy for more than a few days, or perhaps a few weeks. The typical rice farmer sells his crop almost as he harvests it, and few of the 3.6 million families engaged in raising rice are likely to have seen any benefit from the rising prices so far.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=127202

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

Can someone please inform Samak that a 50% increase is NOT "a bit more, not much more"....

Edited April 21, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

I can feel another scam coming down hard.

[sriracha john]

Speaking of "eating less"....

Samak Sundaravej

however, on a positive note, I think we found the missing 200,000 tons of rice....

Edited April 22, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The astounding maneuvers of the Prime Minister marches on......... :D

Chalerm Yubamrung talks to newsmen after showing up at Thong Lor police station with his son Duang, right March 2004

PM 'lobbied' for Duang's return

PM Samak is reported to have lobbied for the reinstatement of Duang Yubamrung, son of Interior Minister Chalerm, to the army. Duang was dismissed from the military following his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a police officer in October 2001. He was removed from his post and stripped of his rank after he failed to report for work within 15 days. He fled to Malaysia, where he finally surrendered and was later acquitted of the murder charge by the Criminal Court. According to the source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Judge Advocate General's Department and the legal affairs department of the Supreme Command have been requested to jointly find a legal approach to reinstate Duang to the army. "The request has been made verbally and confidentially. There is no written document," said the source. The special request to the Defence Ministry was reportedly pushed through by Chalerm, the source said. Chalerm was said to have discussed the issue with Samak and ousted PM Thaksin. If reinstated, Duang would reportedly return to his former post, a sub-lieutenant at the Armed Forces Security Centre, which is responsible for carrying out intelligence work and giving protection to VIP guests. Duang, whose name was changed from Duangchalerm [following his murder trial], was a prime suspect in the shooting of Pol Sgt-Maj Suvichai Rodwimut, a Crime Suppression Division detective, in a brawl at the Twenty Club on Ratchadaphisek road on Oct 29, 2001.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/22Apr2008_news04.php

Edited April 22, 2008 by sriracha john