Samak Sundaravej was elected

[Plus]

It's confirmed - Surapong is gone, Virabongsa is the new tsar.

PPP has lost all really important portfolios, all they can do is take the credit for whatever Tej Bunnag and Virabongsa, and possibly Purachai achieve in the future.

Big blow to Samak's ambitions, he's been finally put to place.

The rest of the PPP is no doubt furious but helpless.

[younghusband]

It's confirmed - Surapong is gone, Virabongsa is the new tsar.

PPP has lost all really important portfolios, all they can do is take the credit for whatever Tej Bunnag and Virabongsa, and possibly Purachai achieve in the future.

Big blow to Samak's ambitions, he's been finally put to place.

The rest of the PPP is no doubt furious but helpless.

The big blow to Samak is one interpretation.Another might be that the removal of PPP second raters and replacement by competent outsiders rather strengthens his position, especially in the context of a couple of supportive messages from where it matters most.If you argued it was a big blow for Thaksin I could understand thet better.Samak is not and never was a Thaksin lackey.

[A_Traveller]

Virabongsa hm... What's that old saying, beware what you wish for, you may get it? Apart from having done exceedingly well, I recall his 'contributions' during the '97 crisis and its aftermath. His main criticism seemed to be everyone was wrong {except him presumably} but strangely never offered any constructive advice. Further, he became a proponent of the 'Taxsinoimc' approach, and in 05/06 was expounding on the spend our way out of this school of economics {Mega projects etc.} as a way forward {to what?}.

Somehow he always seems to be of the opinion that fault lies elsewhere, speculators, insufficient protectionism, minimise reforms of the financial system, were his clarion calls after '97.

Regards

[marquess]

It's confirmed - Surapong is gone, Virabongsa is the new tsar.

PPP has lost all really important portfolios, all they can do is take the credit for whatever Tej Bunnag and Virabongsa, and possibly Purachai achieve in the future.

Big blow to Samak's ambitions, he's been finally put to place.

The rest of the PPP is no doubt furious but helpless.

The big blow to Samak is one interpretation.Another might be that the removal of PPP second raters and replacement by competent outsiders rather strengthens his position, especially in the context of a couple of supportive messages from where it matters most.If you argued it was a big blow for Thaksin I could understand thet better.Samak is not and never was a Thaksin lackey.

I read this statement and thought interesting but perhaps slightly optimistic, then when I saw who posted it I wasn't so surprised!

[sriracha john]

[younghusband]

It's confirmed - Surapong is gone, Virabongsa is the new tsar.

PPP has lost all really important portfolios, all they can do is take the credit for whatever Tej Bunnag and Virabongsa, and possibly Purachai achieve in the future.

Big blow to Samak's ambitions, he's been finally put to place.

The rest of the PPP is no doubt furious but helpless.

The big blow to Samak is one interpretation.Another might be that the removal of PPP second raters and replacement by competent outsiders rather strengthens his position, especially in the context of a couple of supportive messages from where it matters most.If you argued it was a big blow for Thaksin I could understand thet better.Samak is not and never was a Thaksin lackey.

Really? Are you suggesting there is no ambiguity in the Thaksin/Samak relationship? Most commentators think otherwise.However if you are only interested in a dig at me feel free.You will always get support -see above- from the one track minders on this forum.

I read this statement and thought interesting but perhaps slightly optimistic, then when I saw who posted it I wasn't so surprised!

[Plus]

The big blow to Samak is one interpretation.Another might be that the removal of PPP second raters and replacement by competent outsiders rather strengthens his position...

Yes, his position is stronger, but with less power.

All real power has been taken away form him and the PPP. He can still chair meetings and talk on TV but he doesn't make any decisions anymore, not on economy, not on finances, commerce, foreign relations, and soon country's administration, too.

And neither does PPP, btw. They have been effectively excluded, and they can't openly rebel against Samak because he can still dissolve the house.

[Samuian]

Come on, they are going to lower the VAT some 3% for "economic stimulus"...well these are fiscal politics aren't they!?

Shouldn't we all embrace and hug 'em for this?

Who is going to pay the bill?

Edited July 28, 2008 by Samuian

[sriracha john]

Come on, they are going to lower the VAT some 3% for "economic stimulus"...well these are fiscal politics aren't they!?

Shouldn't we all embrace and hug 'em for this?

Who is going to pay the bill?

Seems ya gotta check these pie-in-the-sky government threads hourly.... this morning's proposal to hack the VAT has been axed by the soon-to-be fired medical doctor of finance in the afternoon...

[sriracha john]

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej wears Thai sarong during a visit to Armed Forces Development Command on Thursday.

The Nation

[hammered]

Maybe I have come late to this piece of news or maybe I just plain missed it but I hear that before the Udon attack that Samak had called upon PPP supporters to "kill" their politcal opponents.

No wonder the loon has kept his mouth shut since. Shades of the 70's and proof to anyone who thought otherwise that he has not moderated his extremist authoritarian even facist incitement and views. Just what Thailand needs in a PM right now.

[sriracha john]

It's Sunday, boys and girls... tune in the Samak Cartoon Show and watch the hijinks...

at least he didn't give another lecture on languages...

PM to establish advisory team of non-government individuals

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej revealed on his weekly talk show this morning that he is preparing to establish a panel of 5 advisers who will assist the Cabinet on issues of the Economy.

Samak said that the 5 are very capable individuals, but for legal reasons cannot officially participate in the government. *<deleted>??? Who are they??? Guys out on parole? These shadowy unnamed figures will guide the economy??? Now THAT'S reassuring.* :D

The PM also expressed his opinion that the former Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadol Pattama dealt with the registration of Phrea Vihear correctly and criticized that his good work resulted in punishment. *Is he criticizing a Constitutional Court decision??? Perhaps his Health Minister cum Commerce Minister Chaiya should share his court defamation conviction tales with him.*

- ThaiNews / Aug. 3, 2008

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[joe beets]

It's Sunday, boys and girls... tune in the Samak Cartoon Show and watch the hijinks...

at least he didn't give another lecture on languages...

PM to establish advisory team of non-government individuals

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej revealed on his weekly talk show this morning that he is preparing to establish a panel of 5 advisers who will assist the Cabinet on issues of the Economy.

Samak said that the 5 are very capable individuals, but for legal reasons cannot officially participate in the government. *<deleted>??? Who are they??? Guys out on parole? These shadowy unnamed figures will guide the economy??? Now THAT'S reassuring.* :D

Sounds to me like code for the 111.

Hey, if it's ok for the Democrats can have shadow ministers, what's wrong with Samak saying, "Make mine more shadowy"?

Mine goes to 11.

[sriracha john]

ok, boys and girls... now that we're back from that commercial break, brought to you by the 111 Foundation for the Inept... let's get back to some more cartoons, ok?

PM admits to criticizing PBS

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej commented on his weekly talk show this morning that he admittedly feels compelled to make biting remarks against PBS as the television station constantly presents programming critical of the government, despite having 2 billion baht worth of government sponsorship yearly.

*How dare they criticize... Don't they realize who signs their paychecks???*

The PM said that the Public Relations Department, which has an employee count of 3,000 only uses 1.5 billion baht a year. The Premier also assured that the Southern situation will improve soon as the government is fully focused on the issue. *Which should be right around April of 2019.*

- ThaiNews / Aug. 3, 2008

[hammered]

ok, boys and girls... now that we're back from that commercial break, brought to you by the 111 Foundation for the Inept... let's get back to some more cartoons, ok?

PM admits to criticizing PBS

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej commented on his weekly talk show this morning that he admittedly feels compelled to make biting remarks against PBS as the television station constantly presents programming critical of the government, despite having 2 billion baht worth of government sponsorship yearly.

*How dare they criticize... Don't they realize who signs their paychecks???*

The PM said that the Public Relations Department, which has an employee count of 3,000 only uses 1.5 billion baht a year. The Premier also assured that the Southern situation will improve soon as the government is fully focused on the issue. *Which should be right around April of 2019.*

- ThaiNews / Aug. 3, 2008

Apart from possibly the elections bit Samak really doesnt get this democracy thing or any of the stuff that goes along with it. No surprise really considering all that 1976 stuff that he is still in denial about.

[sriracha john]

and now, kiddies...before we sign off, here's some more...

PM criticizes PAD's intention to oppose amendments

Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej said the PAD does not support the constitutional amendments because the group is afraid it would not be able to hold rallies again, should Article 63 be amended. At the Prime Minister's weekly television program Sunday morning, Samak said the PAD is not concerned that the government will amend Articles 237, 190 and 309 to aid ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as claimed. According to Article 63, individuals have the right to form political parties to conduct activities in accordance with their political intentions. The anti-government group fears that amending this article would disallow them from organizing demonstrations, said Samak. *How so? How is one related to the other??? Also, btw, does Samak really want to amend the constitution to say it is NOT the right of individuals to form political parties??* :D The premier said the PAD groups in different provinces are trying to instigate violence in their areas *as opposed to them, in reality, being the TARGETS of violence????* by enclosing the provincial city halls, aimed at toppling the government. He said the government

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129247

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

and now, kiddies...before we sign off, here's some more...

PM criticizes PAD's intention to oppose amendments

Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej said the PAD does not support the constitutional amendments because the group is afraid it would not be able to hold rallies again, should Article 63 be amended. At the Prime Minister's weekly television program Sunday morning, Samak said the PAD is not concerned that the government will amend Articles 237, 190 and 309 to aid ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as claimed. According to Article 63, individuals have the right to form political parties to conduct activities in accordance with their political intentions. The anti-government group fears that amending this article would disallow them from organizing demonstrations, said Samak. *How so? How is one related to the other??? Also, btw, does Samak really want to amend the constitution to say it is NOT the right of individuals to form political parties??* :D The premier said the PAD groups in different provinces are trying to instigate violence in their areas *as opposed to them, in reality, being the TARGETS of violence????* by enclosing the provincial city halls, aimed at toppling the government. He said the government

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129247

Hey havent yopu worked out yet that Samak's little speeches apart from satisfying an ego even more immense than his gut are just a bunch of Samak-mumbo-jumbo aimed at ******* people off and making them angry interspersed with the odd announcement of something. Justy rememeber he is the PM and numero uno around here and anything he says is true and fact and must never be questioned especially by anyone half a day younger than him.

PS He was put in his post by master to ammend the constitution and then call an election but cant exactly fess up to that.

[sriracha john]

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej revealed on his weekly talk show this morning that he is preparing to establish a panel of 5 advisers who will assist the Cabinet on issues of the Economy.

Samak said that the 5 are very capable individuals, but for legal reasons cannot officially participate in the government.

What is there about Virabongsa that would make it illegal for him to participate in the government?

New advisory team must work smoothly with economic ministers to boost economy

BANGKOK, Aug 3 (TNA) - Senior business executives say the Thai government's new economic team will help boost the image of the government due to the major reshuffle having just taken place, but warn that it must quickly solve the immediate economic problems facing the country.

Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Chairman Santi Vilassakdanont said the appointment of a five-member economic advisory team including former Finance Minister Virabongsa Ramangkura by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej would at least boost the image of the government because Virabongsa has a wide knowledge of the macro-economy.

However, private business executives are concerned whether advice to be given by the team will really be heard by the economy-related government ministers, Mr. Santi said, adding that the prime minister must give considerable power to the advisers.

The economic advisers must speed up solving problems including the rising cost of living, helping small- and medium-sized enterprises to survive and expand their operations, and using imported oil more efficiently, he said.

As many believe the current government will be short-lived, it should also quickly invest in mega-projects and disbursing budget to help boost the economy, Mr. Santi said.

Pornsil Patchrintanakul, Deputy Secretary-General of Board of Trade (BoT), said he is confident that that new economic team can solve economic problems but he is still concerned as to whether the group could work as a team with government officials.

International trade practices must go in the same direction, Mr. Pornsil said, adding that the industry and commerce ministries must also help and see that production and exports go hand in hand.

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[stumonster]

New advisory team must work smoothly with economic ministers to boost economy

maybe it eludes the poor boy , or maybe he is not part of this world.

but we are at the begininnig of a worldwide recession - stabilise , and set Thailand up to recover as quickly as possible when the chance arises.

[sriracha john]

Senility rears its ugly head again...

Angry PM and the toilet stakeout

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday lost his temper, yelling at a group of reporters in a market after they waited for half an hour for him outside a toilet.

The reporters had followed Samak to the Marketing Organisation for Farmers market after a "tip-off" he might leave for Sisaket to visit the disputed area near Preah Vihear.

Seeing a number of reporters following him, Samak went inside the market toilet. After almost thirty minutes, a reporter was sent to check Samak's whereabouts after the PM's car and other security officials' vehicles had left the market.

Samak then walked out of the toilet towards the reporters, lambasting them angrily.

"I have never seen any one as foul and wicked as you are. Are you insane? Have not your association and your editors ever taught you? The Prime Minister of Thailand wanted to go to a lavatory, and you stood right outside waiting. I sat in the toilet and did not come out and what can you do?'' he said.

The PM kept scolding for 15 minutes until almost all had left except one TV station camera man.

"I scolded you so much and you are not yet ashamed and still want to take a clip out of me?" Then he walked straight to the cameramen to challenge him.

Samak ended his war of words when he received a telephone call through his mobile and left the market.

- The Nation / Aug. 4, 2008

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

He desperately needs a visit from Mr. Happy Toilet....

and a good urologist and/or gastroenterologist if he's routinely in the bathroom for half an hour...

but clearly a psychiatrist is the speciality of first priority...

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

and now, kiddies...before we sign off, here's some more...

PM criticizes PAD's intention to oppose amendments

Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej said the PAD does not support the constitutional amendments because the group is afraid it would not be able to hold rallies again, should Article 63 be amended. At the Prime Minister's weekly television program Sunday morning, Samak said the PAD is not concerned that the government will amend Articles 237, 190 and 309 to aid ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as claimed. According to Article 63, individuals have the right to form political parties to conduct activities in accordance with their political intentions. The anti-government group fears that amending this article would disallow them from organizing demonstrations, said Samak. *How so? How is one related to the other??? Also, BTW, does Samak really want to amend the constitution to say it is NOT the right of individuals to form political parties??* :D The premier said the PAD groups in different provinces are trying to instigate violence in their areas *as opposed to them, in reality, being the TARGETS of violence????* by enclosing the provincial city halls, aimed at toppling the government. He said the government

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129247

For a different interpretation of Article 63... but which again begs to ask the question, does Samak really want to amend the constitution to do the opposite of what this different interpretation says is constitutionally correct? Either meaning of Article 63 (Cue Someone, Please, To Provide A Verbatim Post of the Article 63, Please) is equally reprehensible, whether it's barring individuals from forming political parties OR barring individuals from protesting peacefully....

From The Nation / Aug. 4, 2008:

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday that the PAD was opposing the charter amendment because it was worried about losing the right to protest if the government amends Article 63 that guarantees the public the right to gather in protest without carrying arms.

In his weekly address "Talk Samak Style", the premier said: "The PAD said it opposed the charter amendment now and wanted the government to amend the charter after all court cases against Thaksin [shinawatra] end. But actually it fears that the government would amend Article 63.''

Chamlong dismissed Samak's accusation, saying the PM was trying to distort the issue. He said the PAD mainly opposed the plan to remove Article 190, Article 237 and Article 309.

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[bulmercke]

Senility rears its ugly head again...

Angry PM and the toilet stakeout

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday lost his temper, yelling at a group of reporters in a market after they waited for half an hour for him outside a toilet.

The reporters had followed Samak to the Marketing Organisation for Farmers market after a "tip-off" he might leave for Sisaket to visit the disputed area near Preah Vihear.

Seeing a number of reporters following him, Samak went inside the market toilet. After almost thirty minutes, a reporter was sent to check Samak's whereabouts after the PM's car and other security officials' vehicles had left the market.

Samak then walked out of the toilet towards the reporters, lambasting them angrily.

"I have never seen any one as foul and wicked as you are. Are you insane? Have not your association and your editors ever taught you? The Prime Minister of Thailand wanted to go to a lavatory, and you stood right outside waiting. I sat in the toilet and did not come out and what can you do?'' he said.

The PM kept scolding for 15 minutes until almost all had left except one TV station camera man.

"I scolded you so much and you are not yet ashamed and still want to take a clip out of me?" Then he walked straight to the cameramen to challenge him.

Samak ended his war of words when he received a telephone call through his mobile and left the market.

- The Nation / Aug. 4, 2008

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

He desperately needs a visit from Mr. Happy Toilet....

and a good urologist and/or gastroenterologist if he's routinely in the bathroom for half an hour...

but clearly a psychiatrist is the speciality of first priority...

Edited August 3, 2008 by bulmercke

[Tony Clifton]

How long will this country have to endure such an abominable creature as PM?

[sriracha john]

Samak appoints five economic advisers

PM Samak has confirmed the appointment of 5 advisers to his economic ministers, a decision given the thumbs down by the opposition Democrat Party. "The PM has appointed five qualified people. They will help take care of the economy," Samak said in his weekly address on NBT. The advisory team is led by Virabongsa Ramangkura, an economist and former Finance Minister. They will work with ministers in charge of the economy, including Chaiya Sasomsab, who is the new Commerce Minister, Mingkwan Sangsuwan, who becomes Industry Minister, and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee. Samak said the 5 advisers did not want to be Cabinet members as they preferred to keep their huge personal incomes from the private sector and not declare their assets. *LOL, not suspicious in the least...as there are multiple logical reasons WHY these requirements are in place* The new advisers have been criticised for having possible conflicts of interest as they have the opportunity to get inside information from the Cabinet while they sit on the boards of private companies. *Can't get much more dodgy than that*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129264

[Plus]

And the first thing they want to do is to cut corporate tax by 5%. These capable people are going to war with Bank of Thailand over stability vs growth. And because they are capable, they are likely to prevail.

What effect will it have on the economy? A fight with the Bank of Thailand is not likely to produce the growth they are looking for, even if the growth is what is needed at the moment (and that's a big if).

[sriracha john]

More on the antithesis of Mr. Happy Toilet...

Journalists flush out Samak

After his weekly talk show yesterday, PM Samak played a game of hide-and-seek with reporters, lying low in a public toilet at a Bangkok food market. But the journalists did not give up the hunt, and were on the scene when a visibly flustered PM emerged from the cubicle and lashed out at them. After finishing his live Samak talk show on NBT television channel, Samak declined to answer reporters' questions about his latest cabinet reshuffle and his upcoming trip to Sisaket province. As usual, he then went to the Or Tor Kor market of the Marketing Organisation for Farmers in Chatuchak district with a convoy of reporters following. At the market, however, camera crews and journalists could not find Samak. But some vendors let on on he was in a public toilet. After 30 minutes elapsed, and his van and accompanying police car had left, reporters doubted Samak was in any of the small, old and hot toilets. Male reporters approached to check and saw two bodyguards standing in front of the last toilet in the men's rooms. After almost one hour, Samak's black BMW arrived. Then Samak emerged, looking frustrated. He approached and stared the reporters down one by one before lashing out at them. "I have never seen anyone as bad as these damned people. I have never seen such an awful thing. The prime minister was in the toilet and they were standing in his way, blocking him from exiting. Is this how their editors trained them? It's awful, it's shameful. Can't I have any privacy? Should I be filmed inside while emptying myself? They should be checked to see if they are insane. This is not human. I was sitting inside, as was my right. Who has a problem? I would like just to shop and go to the toilet, but they kept filming. Are you insane? Channel owners and editors won't air my two-hour Thai teaching program, but they'll keep filming the prime minister going to the toilet." Samak's presence drew a crowd of vendors and shoppers. The hide-and-seek game ended when Samak left the market without buying

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/040808_News/04Aug2008_news05.php

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

Is it a constitutionally-guaranteed "right" to "empty" oneself?

[mrtoad]

More on the antithesis of Mr. Happy Toilet...

Journalists flush out Samak

After his weekly talk show yesterday, PM Samak played a game of hide-and-seek with reporters, lying low in a public toilet at a Bangkok food market. But the journalists did not give up the hunt, and were on the scene when a visibly flustered PM emerged from the cubicle and lashed out at them. After finishing his live Samak talk show on NBT television channel, Samak declined to answer reporters' questions about his latest cabinet reshuffle and his upcoming trip to Sisaket province. As usual, he then went to the Or Tor Kor market of the Marketing Organisation for Farmers in Chatuchak district with a convoy of reporters following. At the market, however, camera crews and journalists could not find Samak. But some vendors let on on he was in a public toilet. After 30 minutes elapsed, and his van and accompanying police car had left, reporters doubted Samak was in any of the small, old and hot toilets. Male reporters approached to check and saw two bodyguards standing in front of the last toilet in the men's rooms. After almost one hour, Samak's black BMW arrived. Then Samak emerged, looking frustrated. He approached and stared the reporters down one by one before lashing out at them. "I have never seen anyone as bad as these damned people. I have never seen such an awful thing. The prime minister was in the toilet and they were standing in his way, blocking him from exiting. Is this how their editors trained them? It's awful, it's shameful. Can't I have any privacy? Should I be filmed inside while emptying myself? They should be checked to see if they are insane. This is not human. I was sitting inside, as was my right. Who has a problem? I would like just to shop and go to the toilet, but they kept filming. Are you insane? Channel owners and editors won't air my two-hour Thai teaching program, but they'll keep filming the prime minister going to the toilet." Samak's presence drew a crowd of vendors and shoppers. The hide-and-seek game ended when Samak left the market without buying

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/040808_News/04Aug2008_news05.php

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

Is it a constitutionally-guaranteed "right" to "empty" oneself?

Considering how full of shit Samak is, 30 minutes sounds like a pretty short dump.

[frodo]

"I have never seen any one as foul and wicked as you are. Are you insane? Have not your association and your editors ever taught you? The Prime Minister of Thailand wanted to go to a lavatory, and you stood right outside waiting. I sat in the toilet and did not come out and what can you do?''

[sriracha john]

Samak appoints five economic advisers

PM Samak has confirmed the appointment of 5 advisers to his economic ministers, a decision given the thumbs down by the opposition Democrat Party. "The PM has appointed five qualified people. They will help take care of the economy," Samak said in his weekly address on NBT. The advisory team is led by Virabongsa Ramangkura, an economist and former Finance Minister. They will work with ministers in charge of the economy, including Chaiya Sasomsab, who is the new Commerce Minister, Mingkwan Sangsuwan, who becomes Industry Minister, and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee. Samak said the 5 advisers did not want to be Cabinet members as they preferred to keep their huge personal incomes from the private sector and not declare their assets. *LOL, not suspicious in the least...as there are multiple logical reasons WHY these requirements are in place* The new advisers have been criticised for having possible conflicts of interest as they have the opportunity to get inside information from the Cabinet while they sit on the boards of private companies. *Can't get much more dodgy than that*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129264

dam_n the improprieties... it's full speed ahead....

Cabinet approves Virabongsa economic team

The Cabinet on Tuesday has appointed former Finance Minister Virabongsa Ramangkura as the PM’s economic advisor, government spokesman Wichienchote Sukchoterat said. According to Wichienchote, executives in Virabongsa’s economic advisory team include Office of Knowledge Management and Development chairman Narongchai Akaraseni, Policy Research Institute Foundation chairman Kanit Sangsubhan, and National Economics and Social Development Board advisor Porametee Vimonsiri. The economic team can join the Cabinet meetings to consider economic issues. *They can also plan their stock purchases and sales in accordance with what occurs at Cabinet meetings and other closed-door governmental meetings, can sit on the Board of Directors of businesses doing deals with the government, purchase land on prospective government projects gleaned from insider information, and can do so much more and all with absolutely no accountability.... sweet deal*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129316

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

Transparency? We don't need no stinkin' transparency!

Edited August 5, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Government refuses to give up on advisers plan

The government is pressing ahead with its plan to have five economic advisers attend Cabinet meetings even though they have refused to quit their positions on the boards of private companies. A Government House source said PM Samak Sundaravej will report the advisers' appointment to the Cabinet for acknowledgement today. The source also said that Samak will propose meeting allowances for the five advisers led by economist Virabongsa Ramangkura. Government spokesman Wichienchote Sukchoterat said the government is not concerned about speculation that some of the advisers will use inside information gained from the meetings for their personal benefit. The government's plan has come under fire as the advisers may have possible conflicts of interest given that they have refused to quit their posts on the boards of private companies while serving as economic advisers.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/050808_News/05Aug2008_news009.php