11 New Cabinet Members Appointed

[george]

His Majesty appoints 11 new Cabinet members

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King Saturday issued a royal command to appoint 11 new Cabinet members as following:

1) Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minster Pol Gen Kowit Watana

2) Deputy Prime Minister and Information and Communication Technology Minister Man Patanothai

3) Deputy Finance Minister Suchart Thadathamrongvej

4) Deputy Finance Minister Pichai Naripthapha

5) Social Development and Human Security Minister Anusorn Wongwan

6) Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsup

7) Deputy Commerce Minister Pichet Tancharoen

8) Deputy Interior Minister Prasong Kositanont

9) Culture Minister Somsak Kiartsuranon

10) Public Health Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul

11) Industry Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan

-- The Nation 2008-08-02

[george]

Samak government Cabinet reshuffle list announced

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's reshuffled cabinet list was announced Saturday evening after His Majesty King Bhumibol give his royal endorsement to the lineup.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said earlier that the shake-up was necessary to get the government back on track after some ministers were forced to resign having lost legal battles involving qualifications or other.

Mingkwan Saengsuwan was removed as deputy prime minister and commerce minister but took over the ministry of industry portfolio, replacing Suwit Khunkitti who announced earlier that he decided to pull his Puea Pandin Party out of coalition government, while former Health Minister Chaiya Somsab, who was forced to leave office, came back as Commerce Minister.

Former national police chief Pol.Gen. Kowit Wattana was named interior minister and as a deputy prime minister to replace outspoken Pol.Capt. Chalerm Yubamruang who said earlier that he would lost his post as interior minister.

Prasong Kositanond was appointed deputy interior minister.

New faces were included in the cabinet list were Phichet Tancharoen who was appointed to be deputy commerce minister; Suchart Thadadamrongwej and Pichai Nariptapand named deputy finance ministers while deputy parliamentary speaker Somsak Kiatsuranond becomes culture minister.

Chavarat Charnvirakul left the social development and human security ministry to become health minister and Culture Minister Anusorn Wongwan moves to the social development and human security ministry.

Minister of Information and Communication Technology Mun Pattanothai received the additional role of deputy prime minister.

Ministers who lost their portfolios included Deputy Commerce Minister Wiroon Techapaiboon; Deputy Finance Minister Ranongrak Suwanchawee; and Deputy Interior Minister Sithichai Kohsurat.

The reshuffle follows the last week's appointment of Tej Bunnag as foreign minister to replace Noppadon Pattama, who resigned after the court ruled that his signing of an agreement with Cambodia was unconstitutional.

-- TNA 2008-08-02

[jbowman1993]

His Majesty appoints 11 new Cabinet members

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King Saturday issued a royal command to appoint 11 new Cabinet members as following:

1) Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minster Pol Gen Kowit Watana

2) Deputy Prime Minister and Information and Communication Technology Minister Man Patanothai

3) Deputy Finance Minister Suchart Thadathamrongvej

4) Deputy Finance Minister Pichai Naripthapha

5) Social Development and Human Security Minister Anusorn Wongwan

6) Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsup

7) Deputy Commerce Minister Pichet Tancharoen

8) Deputy Interior Minister Prasong Kositanont

9) Culture Minister Somsak Kiartsuranon

10) Public Health Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul

11) Industry Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan

-- The Nation 2008-08-02

They took a man who was so inept that he couldn't even manage to report his own holdings to the government, in charge of the country's commerce... great.

[grtaylor]

Former national police chief Pol.Gen. Kowit Wattana was named interior minister and as a deputy prime minister to replace outspoken Pol.Capt. Chalerm Yubamruang who said earlier that he would lost his post as interior minister.

Good Riddance!

[sriracha john]

Former national police chief Pol.Gen. Kowit Wattana was named interior minister and as a deputy prime minister to replace outspoken Pol.Capt. Chalerm Yubamruang who said earlier that he would lost his post as interior minister.

Good Riddance!

Ahhh, but with the Samak II Cabinet we get to have more of the same...

Prospective Interior Minister Pol Gen Kowit Wattana was given a one-year suspended jail term in July last year for abuse of power.

- Bangkok Post

The above borroowed from this thread's precursor which needs linking for background of its vast resource of information on the Samak I Cabinet:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Cabinet-Appointed-t168077.html

New Cabinet Appointed

[sriracha john]

Samak described the Samak I Cabinet as "ugly"... how will he and others refer to the Samak II Cabinet?

Thailand's Samak Replaces Ministers After Protests

Aug. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej removed five ministers and announced six new appointments following months of street protests and a series of court rulings that forced out key members of his Cabinet.

Samak transferred Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan to the Industry Ministry, while Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee kept his position. Chaiya Sasomsup, who was forced to step down as health minister after the Constitutional Court said he failed properly to disclose assets, replaces Mingkwan.

The overhaul of what Samak has called an "ugly" Cabinet is aimed at calming anti-government protesters who say he is a proxy for former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, deposed in a 2006 coup. Three ministers, including Thaksin's former lawyer and a prominent anti-coup campaigner, have quit over legal rulings since Samak formed his government six months ago.

New cabinet members include Kowit Wattana, a former police chief who briefly joined the junta after the coup before falling out with the leadership. He replaces Chalerm Yoobamrung, a former police captain who escorted Thaksin from the airport when he returned in February after 18 months in exile.

The shuffle comes after consumer confidence dropped for three straight months and the benchmark SET Index dropped almost 23 percent since street protests began May 25. Thailand's currency was the worst performer in Asia over the same period, declining about 4.3 percent against the dollar.

The protests against Samak are led by Sondhi Limthongkul, a former Thaksin business associate who fell out with the ex- premier in 2005 and led demonstrations that preceded the coup. His group has vowed to continue protesting until Thaksin is convicted on corruption charges.

"We are in need of a capable economic team," said Ekachai Chongvisal, who helps oversee $2.3 billion at Tisco Asset Management Co. in Bangkok, before the announcement today. "The problem with the government at the moment is that there seems to be a lot of talk and not much action, so whoever comes in must push forward."

Surapong, the Finance Minister, faced pressure to resign after a court ruled July 28 that the former premier's administration illegally created a lottery. Surapong was one of three ministers who also served in Thaksin's administration. The others are Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemart, who also stayed in Cabinet. *if the Court decides they need to step down, we may well end up with the Samak III Cabinet soon*

"The three ministers have said they're not budging, so Samak would need a lot of courage to actually replace them," said Prudhisan Jumbala, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.

Samak appointed Tej Bunnag, a former ambassador to the U.S., as Foreign Minister on July 26. He replaced Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's former lawyer who quit July 10 after the Constitutional Court ruled that the Cabinet acted beyond its power in approving a joint statement backing Cambodia's attempt to list the Preah Vihear temple as a United Nations World Heritage site.

Protests stemming from the decision prompted Cambodia and Thailand to deploy 1,500 soldiers to the area for two weeks before they agreed to a troop withdrawal on July 29.

A ruling by the Supreme Court that a former executive of Samak's People Power Party bought votes in last year's election could lead to the dissolution of the party. The party denies wrongdoing.

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[Chang_paarp]

They took a man who was so inept that he couldn't even manage to report his own holdings to the government, in charge of the country's commerce... great.

I wonder if he will gt it right this time or just trot out the same documents he used last time?

[sriracha john]

Thai prime minister announces Cabinet reshuffle

BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand's embattled prime minister announced a Cabinet reshuffle on Saturday, a widely expected move seen as an attempt to fend off growing calls for his resignation.

The reshuffle by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej came as thousands of anti-government protesters continued to demonstrate in Bangkok. Protesters have held relentless rallies since May, accusing Samak's government of attempting to block corruption charges against ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and trying to amend the constitution to cling to power.

The reshuffle involved 11 Cabinet posts, including the key interior, commerce, industry and public health ministries.

Samak's original Cabinet took office in February, following December elections that were the first since a 2006 military coup ousted Thaksin for alleged corruption and abuse of power. The Cabinet was heavily criticized as full of Thaksin allies who were unqualified, unsuitable or tainted by corruption charges.

Since then, Samak has been forced to defend his administration against critics who contend it has failed to revive the country's sagging economy and was doing the bidding of Thaksin, who returned to the country from self-imposed exile in February.

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama was forced to resign last month after being accused of jeopardizing the country's claims to land near an ancient Cambodian temple.

"With nonstop protests against the government, Samak had no choice but to replace some of his unpopular ministers," said Sukhum Nuansakul, a political lecturer at Ramkhamhaeng University, who predicted that Samak was buying time before moving to dissolve Parliament and call fresh elections.

The reshuffle is unlikely to win over Samak's critics, since most of the new faces are also considered close allies of Thaksin or unqualified to tackle the country's growing economic problems.

The government reported Friday that inflation had hit a 10-year high of 9.2 percent due to rising food and fuel costs.

"It is very disappointing to see the new Cabinet list," said Abisith Vejjajiva, who heads the opposition Democrat Party. "The new Cabinet cannot give Thais any hope in dealing with the economic situation."

Retired police Gen. Kovit Wattana was named the new interior minister, replacing the unpopular Charlerm Yoobamrung. The opposition accused Charlerm of being behind a July 25 attack in which hooligans used axes and sticks to beat anti-government protesters in northeastern Thailand. More than 20 people were injured, some seriously.

Chaiya Sasomsup, who earlier this month was disqualified as health minister, was chosen to head the Commerce Ministry despite a Constitutional Court ruling that he violated asset disclosure rules by failing to fully declare his wife's shareholdings.

Mingkwan Saengsuwan, who came under fire for his performance as commerce minister, was transferred to run the Industry Ministry.

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

PM unveils new line-up in cabinet

The government yesterday unveiled its new cabinet line-up, but critics say they doubt it will be able to tackle problems facing the country. The reshuffle marks the return of Chaiya Sasomsab to the Cabinet. Samak still retains his double duty as PM and defence minister, while he added the position of Deputy PM to the portfolio of Mun Patanotai, who is the ICT Minister. A source said the additional responsibility for Mun was a reward for keeping the Puea Pandin Party in the coalition government led by the PPP. Also gone were Chalerm Yubamrung as interior minister, Lt Ranongrak Suwanchawee as Deputy finance minister, Viroon Tejapaibul as deputy commerce minister and Sithichai Kohsurat as deputy interior minister. Government spokesman Wichienchote Sukchoterat defended Chaiya, saying he had no corruption problems when he quit the top job at the Public Health Ministry. *he didn't quit..he fought tooth and nail to do the exact opposite... he's only gone now because he was "Fired" by the Constitution Court* Chaiya said he had the right to return to the cabinet because he was not banned from politics and his comeback was not against the constitution. But critics were not convinced after seeing the list of the new cabinet team. Prapas Pintobtang, a political analyst at Chulalongkorn University, called the new cabinet a reflection of the interests of various factions in the PPP, which pose the question whether they will be able to work together as a unit. The government might not last long, even with the new faces, due to problems it was facing, especially with its bid to amend the constitution, the analyst said. Samak could eventually be forced to dissolve parliament and let voters decide the future of the charter, he added. "Society should closely watch the projects that will be urgently approved by the government," he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/030808_News/03Aug2008_news03.php

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

I wonder if Giles Ungpakorn will be sticking with his description:

Peoples Power Party, headed by ultra Right-wing Prime Minister Samak Suntarawej. His cabinet is staffed with gangsters and sleazy politicians.

The analyst who said the peopel will have to watch out for the impending project approval scheme top fill coffers prior to an election is probably making a good point.

[sriracha john]

11 new Cabinet members

10) Public Health Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul

Chavarat Charnvirakul

Founder. Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited

Corruption:

Kaewsan Atipho, head of the corruption probe on Suvarnabhumi airport's Rail Link project, said yesterday his team had wrapped up the investigation and would propose that criminal charges be lodged against those suspected of irregularities. They include ... Sino-Thai Engineering

-Bangkok Post / May 15, 2007

and a year earlier..

Disregard for public safety with slip-shoddiness:

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Chairman Terdsak Sedthamanop said there were cracks on the pillars of the airport Rail Link under construction. Terdsak said the contractor, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Plc (Stecon), would be responsible for the costs of the investigation and any repairs. The investigation was prompted by a report by a team from the Office of the Auditor-General which said there were cracks in 22 pillars and in some support beams.

- Bangkok Post / May 9, 2006

Connections with Thaksin:

Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Plc, has already signed 26 Billion Baht worth of contracts on mega-projects with the Thaksin government.

- The Nation / March 6, 2006

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

yep... should fit in...............

[hammered]

Those who were deluded enough to think that Samak was going to fill his government with enlightened beings who would save the country are going to be mighty disappointed by this cabinet that is arguably even more ugly than the previos. Then again our cheerleader of massacres and announcer of calls to kill politcal opponents probably never had a say in the choices.

[sriracha john]

11 new Cabinet members

5) Social Development and Human Security Minister Anusorn Wongwan

Absurd decision-making:

Culture Minister Anusorn Wongwan has declared war against tank tops, hot pants and seductive costumes during the water festival. Ironically, the minister's public relations team has recruited Girly Berry, a popular all-female band often seen in tiny tops and mini skirts *and even less*, to present the campaign to persuade teenagers to wear appropriate outfits during Songkran.

- Bangkok Post / April 2, 2008

and

Speaking with words that will surely be eaten soon:

Culture Minister Anusorn Wongwan said Girly Berry should not be judged by how they dress on stage. "They don't dress in revealing clothes in real life," the Culture Minister said. "It's just for their job. I met them and I found them to be very good girls who want to do the right thing."

- Associated Press / April 2, 2008

followed by:

Lack of simple foresight and capable of extreme vengence:

Girly Berry band too sexy for Anusorn

Wearing skimpy outfits at a Songkran event may lead to the popular girl band Girly Berry being stripped of their role as the respectable young face of the Culture Ministry. Culture Minister Anusorn Wongwan expressed disappointment with the teenage girl band yesterday and threatened to ''blacklist'' them.

- The Nation / April 17, 2008

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

yep... he, too, should fit in... as well as he had in the Samak I Cabinet

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Police General Kowit Watana

Interior Minister says he will clarify constitutionality of position on Wednesday

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Police General Kowit Watana revealed that he will meet with civil servants this Wednesday to study his duties before fully taking on his new role.

Police General Kowit declined to answer to questions that his instating may be unconstitutional due to a prison sentence he received earlier. He asked that the press wait until Wednesday and promised to clarify the issue while the Government Spokesman assured that the matter is a non-issue due to the fact that the case has not yet been finalized.

- ThaiNews / Aug. 3, 2008

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

Even pretending that it is not of a concern for a country to have its Cabinet Ministers be convicted criminals... "not finalized" also means he could end up being taken from his Interior Minister office and taken directly to prison to serve his time for abuse of power. That always puts a nation's best face forward in front of the world.

A police general convicted of abusing his power and given a prison sentence...

yep... he, too, should fit in...

Edited August 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

It's tough to beat the comedy of the government spokesmen... (yet another police general no less)

PMs Spokesman assures confidence in new Cabinet

Spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister Police Lieutenant General Wichianchote Sukchotrat stated yesterday of the new Cabinet list that he believes in their ability and was assured there would be no problems.

He said that many of the names were acceptable by the public and all the members are skilled individuals.

As for some positions that have been filled with individuals that may have recent or pending legal problems, Police Lieutenant General Wichianchote said that the matter should not affect their capable work.

- ThaiNews / Aug. 3, 2008

[hammered]

Well they certainly dont care about their image. It is amusing to think that the new interior minister thinks that it is up to him and some unidentified government propoganda mouthpiece to clarify his legal position rather than a relevent court.

Still I am sure we wont have to wait long until Kowit has his constitutionality challenges with a court case. I know we all joke about polticians being like criminals but...........

[cloudhopper]

In light of all this does anyone care to speculate why they were all "approved"?

[hammered]

In light of all this does anyone care to speculate why they were all "approved"?

They cannot not be approved. It is up to the courts to decide now if anybody wants to make a complaint. If nobody does they will remain.

[cloudhopper]

Samak government Cabinet reshuffle list announced

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's reshuffled cabinet list was announced Saturday evening after His Majesty King Bhumibol give his royal endorsement to the lineup.

"Endorsed" then.

[Plus]

One thing is obvious - all TRT polices and ideals have gone out of the window.

[sriracha john]

A bit more info on the new Interior Minister....and other Cabinet shenanigans...

Among the new ministers, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Kowit Wattana is expected to come in for the strongest criticism. He is fighting a malfeasance case in the Appeals Court. The Criminal Court earlier convicted him of abusing authority in his transfer of subordinates when he was the National Police Chief.

Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsap is another who will face criticism. He was disqualified as Public Health Ministerjust last month after failing to meet a deadline to declare his wife's assets to the National Counter Corruption Commission.

A ruling by the Constitution Court on the qualification of former deputy commerce minister Viroon Techapaiboon will be keenly anticipated. The court is scheduled to make a ruling on Wednesday over allegations Viroon violated the Constitution for failing to declare his stakes in Sup Wattana to the National Counter Corruption Commission within the deadline. Although Viroon was removed from the Cabinet [in the recent shuffle], the court will go ahead with its ruling.

- The Nation / Aug. 4, 2008

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

and in separate article discussing PAD:

PAD also criticised the appointment of former National Police Chief Pol General Kowit Wattana as Interior Minister although the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court had sentenced him to one year's imprisonment after finding him guilty of malfeasance over the transfer of police.

But Chaiya insisted yesterday he is now qualified as his wife had unloaded the shares to be less than 5 per cent as allowed by the Constitution.

Kowit said he would explain about the legal case against him on Wednesday after he is sworn in tomorrow.

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

So let's see... the Kowit will finally speak only AFTER he's sworn in... and Chaiya thinks that what was legal, and was actually illegal, last month will be good to go now because he's legal now.

This duo are amazingly inspirational.

[hammered]

Well as Samak seems to like spending a bit of time in the toilet he will be well at home when close to this little lot.

[Tony Clifton]

Well as Samak seems to like spending a bit of time in the toilet he will be well at home when close to this little lot.

I bet he was chewing on something in there.

[sriracha john]

undoing Noppadope's work...

Wirachai returns to be Foreign Ministry's Director-General of Legal Affairs

The Cabinet endorsed on Tuesday the Foreign Ministry's proposal for Wirachai Palasai to resume position as Director-General of Legal and Treaties Department.

Former Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama moved Wirachai to be ambassador attached to the ministry after he reportedly voiced disagreement with Noppadon concerning the Preah Vihear temple dispute.

Wirachai was replaced by International Economy Department Krit Kraijitti.

However, when Noppadon resigned, Tej Bunnag, the new Foreign Minister, moved Wirachai and Krit back to their former positions.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

What's good enough for Chaiya's return is surely good enough for Chalerm...

Outgoing Interior Minister wishes well to subordinates

Outgoing Minister of Interior Police Captain Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday bid farewell to high ranking officials of the Interior Ministry on the event of his vacating of the ministerial post.

The former Cabinet member said that he had formed personal bonds with the officials and thanked them for understanding his work ethic as well as bidding them good luck; saying that the Interior Ministry was a sacred government office.

He also responded to Democrat claims that he was distressed by his removal by stating that he was not affected by the event and felt fully supported.

Police Captain Chalerm assured that he harbored no ill-will towards the government and affirmed that he still greatly respects the Prime Minister.

He said that despite his removal now, he may still take another ministerial position in the years to come.

- ThaiNews / Aug. 6, 2008

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

see ya 'round, Chalerm...

we've no doubt NOT heard the last from you...

[Jai Dee]

HM the King instructs new ministers to fulfill their righteous pledges

His Majesty the King addressed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday as he led the new members of his Cabinet to pledge their oaths at Hua Hin province, saying that those who have sworn to serve as ministers must attend to their duties as sworn as the nation is in need of ministers.

His Majesty commented that their righteous duties will benefit the nation while their unrighteous actions will be detrimental to the nation, and thus the ministers must seek to better the country.

His Majesty wished for the ministers to be able to fulfill their duties as they had pledged.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 August 2008

[marshbags]

HM the King instructs new ministers to fulfill their righteous pledges

His Majesty the King addressed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday as he led the new members of his Cabinet to pledge their oaths at Hua Hin province, saying that those who have sworn to serve as ministers must attend to their duties as sworn as the nation is in need of ministers.

His Majesty commented that their righteous duties will benefit the nation while their unrighteous actions will be detrimental to the nation, and thus the ministers must seek to better the country.

His Majesty wished for the ministers to be able to fulfill their duties as they had pledged.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 August 2008

It has just shown it on NBT and you can clearly hear Samaks pledges of loyalty.

The news clipping, if you see it, and understand Thai, speaks volumes.

Respectfully observed.

marshbags

Edited August 6, 2008 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

a more specific timeline for Chalerm's triumphant return.... along with a snub...

Yesterday evening, a farewell banquet was hosted for Chalerm Yoobumrung, former Interior Minister. Many Interior Ministry officials joined the party, but no representatives from the People Power Party showed up.

The former Interior Minister told the media after his dismissal that he respects the decision by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. Chalerm added that he believes he will return to the Interior Minister post within five years.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited August 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

New Cabinet: rotten wine in broken bottle

Every political pundit in town, it seems, has given up on grading the quality of the new Samak Cabinet line-up. The reason is clear: it's not the qualifications that count.

Nobody is quite sure whether the prime minister himself had any say in picking the new ministers in the first place. That could be his saving grace, though. If Samak could "boast" about not having the freedom of choice of his own Council of Ministers, he could then disclaim responsibility for forming another below-par Cabinet.

Remember when he introduced his first team of ministers with the bizarre confession: "It's a bit like an ugly duckling." And he didn't even promise to do any better the next time around.

I have since refused to attach a name to any of his Cabinet members' faces. The reason is simple: they aren't supposed to be "working" ministers. Either they are nominees of some powerful figures within the parties in the coalition government - or they are the "financiers" of the parties. Or if the money men are too shy or overtly disqualified for the job, their stand-ins will be nominated.

And these are the men and women who are supposed to have the necessary brains and ethical standards to lead this country out of its ongoing trials and tribulations.

To be fair though, the premier did try to recruit some non-partisan academics, who are supposed to be among the country's best and brightest. But not only has he failed to get the really good and competent economists, the ones he has managed to lure into the net have shown great reluctance to jump in with both feet.

Virabongsa Ramangkura, the so-called "man for all seasons" in economics, first rejected a ministerial post. He told close friends that former premier Prem Tinsulanonda, with whom he had served as an outstanding economic adviser before, would frown upon his accepting this post. It's no secret that Samak has declared himself a political foe of Gen Prem, who is also president of the Privy Council.

But for some mysterious reason, Virabongsa was eventually persuaded by Samak to become his chairman of the economic advisory board. But is it going to be smooth sailing? For one thing, Virabongsa, who holds several executive posts in a number of business concerns, says he won't quit his posts in the private sector. He will not draw a government salary as the PM's chief adviser. And he is working around the requirement for political appointees to declare their assets to the anti-corruption agency.

That's going to be a tricky proposition. Virabongsa will find it difficult to fend off "conflict-of-interest" allegations if he continues to earn salaries, which are known to be substantial, from his private firms while providing advice on economic issues to the government.

Besides, Virabongsa's high-profile position in the government will offer him access to lots of confidential information about high-level government policies which could be seen to benefit his own business interests. Virabongsa says he sees nothing wrong with his attending Cabinet meetings as the premier's chief economic adviser, because that's what he had done when he held a similar position in the Prem administration. That's not going to go down well with Samak's critics and Virabongsa's detractors.

Virabongsa doesn't have to be reminded, of course, that whether it's in terms of political integrity, personal respectability or ethical standards, Samak is no Prem.

Quite apart from the issue of conflict of interest, the other major question is how Virabongsa and his five-member advisory team could have any impact or make any real difference to the Samak government's performance in resolving the escalating economic malaise. The advisers don't have any legal authority. Nor do they carry any political clout within the coalition government, in which various factions vie for influence over the formulating of economic policies that will benefit their own coffers and boost their electoral chances in the future. How Virabongsa and his team of advisers can effectively penetrate that wall of political protectionism remains a big question mark.

In the end, Samak's position after the latest Cabinet reshuffle boils down to his sad state of affairs: he now has a new Council of Ministers not of his own choice - and a team of economic advisers he personally chose that can't make any difference in the first place.

And he has nobody else to blame.

- The Nation

[Siripon]

Virabongsa, famous for criticising every government's policy until he joins the government. I heard on the news that Narongchai is currently on the board of 30 companies, how can these men deny there's a conflict of interest ?

Fat paychecks and thick skins go together.