Somchai Wongsawat To Be New PM

[Jai Dee]

Until the technical glitches have been resolved with the original topic, news bulletins, discussion, and opinions can be continued in this thread.

Once the technical problems have been overcome, this thread will be merged with the original to maintain continuity.

[Jai Dee]

HM the King to receive name of new PM for Royal Approval this evening

Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Pitoon Poomhiran (พิทูร พุ่มหิรัญ) revealed that this evening His Majesty the King will allow House Speaker Chai Chidchob his audience. The House Speaker will present His Majesty with the name of newly elected Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat for Royal Approval.

The atmosphere this morning at Mr. Somchai's residence located in Beverly Hill's village on Chaeng Wattana road is tranquil despite a celebration organized at the residence last night. Media trucks however have begun to setup equipment to televise Mr. Somchai's acceptance of the Royal Approval that will officially instate him as premier. Bang Khen (บางเขน) area police are providing security to the event.

The PM-to-be is scheduled to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border dispute with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning as well as the Ministry of Finance and the governor of the Bank of Thailand concerning the recent bankruptcy of the Lehman Brothers company.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

PM-elect sees few changes ahead

After being voted in as the new PM yesterday, Somchai Wongsawat said he expected his government to stay the entire term.

"According to law, the term of the House is four years. Eight months have passed so far, and we will have to deduce from that," Somchai said when asked if his government would be temporary, as predicted by some observers.

In reference to the ongoing political conflict, the PM-elect said his greatest wish was to restore peace and unity. "It's time for reconciliation. We will have to make Thailand peaceful and good for living," he said.

Though he declined to talk about his Cabinet line-up, citing the fact that his nomination is subject to royal endorsement, he said he would attend to immediate problems like flooding and the distress triggered by bankruptcies in the United States.

Somchai also said he would seek advice from his predecessor, Samak Sundaravej, and would work closely with opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. He also welcomed recommendations from people outside the Parliament.

With regards to his brother-in-law Thaksin Shinawatra, he would not say if he had been given any advice for even congratulations for being given the top post.

At the House of Representatives meeting yesterday, Somchai obtained 298 votes compared to 163 for Abhisit. Somchai, Abhisit, House Speaker Chai Chidchob and his two deputies Samart Kaewmeechai and Apiwan Wiriyachai abstained.

After the voting result was announced by the House speaker, Somchai thanked everyone for their support and even walked up to Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa to show his gratitude face to face.

While waiting for the results, MPs from factions that supported Somchai from the beginning started congratulating him. However, MPs close to banned influential politician Newin Chibchob, who previously backed Samak's re-nomination, chose to talk to one another even though they were few rows away from the new PM.

Somchai only just managed to secure support from MPs in the "Friends of Newin" faction on the eve of the voting, reportedly after hours of lobbying, bargaining and delivering some warnings.

Samak did not join yesterday's session, because, according to Somchai, he was caught in rush-hour traffic. The PM-elect was quick to add that he did not feel slighted and would call on Samak for advice later.

Source: The Nation - 18 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Deputy PPP Secretary-General says cabinet minister selections will be completed in 1-2 days

Deputy Secretary-General of the People Power Party Sukumpong Ngonkum (สุขุมพงศ์ โง่นคำ) commented on the party's selection of candidates to take ministerial positions in the new Cabinet. He projected that the PPP would be able to settle the matter within the next 1-2 days as many members of the party have expressed their wish to abstain from the positions such as recently dismissed PM Samak Sundaravej and Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee.

Mr. Sukumpong said that a roster of ministers should be ready for Royal Approval by the this Monday the 22nd of September as many of the current ministers will continue their role. He also admitted that there may be non-government individuals taking ministerial positions in ministries such as the Ministry of Foriegn Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. As for the position of Defense Minister Mr. Sukumpong said many members of the PPP are fit for the task.

As for a People's Alliance Democracy request for the new government to not seek the amendment of the constitution, the Deputy PPP Secretary-General said that a committee studying the matter will continue onward as it only has 30% of the constitution left to review. The committee has extended its review period by another 30 days. Mr. Sukumpong said that whether or not an amendment would talk place would be based on the majority vote and noted that a 150,000 strong document in support of amendment is still in place.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Democrat urges new PM not to reappoint people with tainted reputation

Assistant Secretary-General of the Democrat party, Thepthai Senphong (เทพไท เสนพงศ์), urges Somchai Wongsawat, who was voted by the parliament to be the new prime minister, not to allocate ministerial posts as requested by factions of the People Power party and not to re-appoint people in the Samak Sundaravej Cabinet with tainted reputation.

Mr Thepthai also praises Caretaker Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee who refuses to accept any posts in the new Cabinet due to his two- and three-digit lottery allegation. Mr Thepthai says further that other former ministers who are involved in any cases should take Dr Surapong as an example.

In addition, Mr Thepthai requests the new premier not to appoint people with intention to seek benefits from their post to prevent damage to the country and suggests that the new Cabinet should consist of ministers with specialties in their field of work.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet line-up to be submitted no later than Sept. 22nd

Party-list MP of the People Power party, Sukhumphong Ngonkham (สุขุมพงศ์ โง่นคำ), says the formation of a new Cabinet will be completed in the next 1-2 days after the endorsement of the new prime minister. The new Cabinet line-up is expected to be submitted to His Majesty the King on September 22nd latest.

Mr Sukhumphong says there are many members of the party who have refused to accept a ministerial post, including Former Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, Former Deputy Prime Minister Sahat Banditkul (สหัส บัณฑิตกุล), and Caretaker Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee.

As for the People Power party, Mr Sukhomphong says the party may select 4-5 new faces within the party as ministers but the foreign affairs and finance ministers may be outsiders. He says it is possible that the Ministry of Defence may be led by the new prime minister or a member of the party who is qualified for the post.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2008

[ubonjoe]

His Majesty signs royal command to appoint new PM

His Majesty the King signed a royal command to appoint Somchai Wongsawat as the new prime minister.

His Majesty granted an audience to Parliament President Chai Chidchob to nominate Somchai for the royal appointment at the Kraikungwol Palace in Hua Hin.

The Nation

Edited September 18, 2008 by ubonjoe

[Briggsy]

Am I correct in recalling that during the construction of Suwannaphum Airport, the new PM's wife, Yaowapha, gained the nickname "Madame 10%" as all contracts had to include a 10% cut to her? I can't find a link to this at present but I seem to recall this.

[sriracha john]

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

New First Lady Yaowapa Wongsawat

Amidst the conflict between former prime minister and Thai Rak Thai Leader Thaksin Shinawatra and Wang Nam Yen faction leader Sanoh Thienthong in 2005, Thaksin's younger sister rubbed salt in Sanoh's wounds by criticising him as being old so he should let younger politicians work.

That episode revealed the strong side of a woman who would one day become the First Lady, Yaowapa Wongsawat.

The wife of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was a Thai Rak Thai Party-list MP, and a Leader of the Party's Wang Bua Baan faction, one of the most powerful factions then. She was also an adviser to her brother, the then prime minister.

Although Yaowapa's voting right has been revoked when Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved (TRT Banned #13), more than 30 members of the faction are now in the People Power Party. The group is based in northern provinces.

The group includes Deputy Party Leader Sompong Amornwiwat and the outspoken Surapong Towijakchaikul.

One of those who showed dissatisfaction against Yaowapa's criticism at that time was Supon Fongngam, now the caretaker Deputy Interior Minister. Supon is one of the closest aides of Buriram's Newin Chidchob, whose rights have been revoked.

Therefore, opposition of Friends of Newin group against Somchai's premiership was not the first power play between the two groups.

On various occasions when the Thai Rak Thai Party MPs disagreed, Thaksin's wife Pojaman came to the rescue of the party. Likewise, Yaowapa exercised her charisma to mend rifts in the PPP.

Last month, when the PPP was shaken to its roots with 200 MPs signing up demanding the then prime minister Samak Sundaravej clarify letting police issue arrest warrant against Thaksin and Pojaman, Yaowapa and her sister Yingluck appeared at the Party headquarters. It needed people with Thaksin's blood to summon respect from the MPs. Somchai, however, said Yaowapa had nothing to do with politics as she just went to pay homage to the Buddha image at the headquarters. *B.S. alert*

She just talked when she met the MPs whom she had been familiar with.

Yaowapa has also been powerful in business especially in telecommunication and properties. Her family owns and owned listed companies such as Wyncoast Industrial Park and Traffic Corner. She was the president of M Link. *corruption and suspicious dealings available via search on various thaivisa threads*

There have been investigations into her family's businesses and her role in Thaksin's share concealment cases.

The bank account of her daughter Chinnicha was also frozen when the Assets Examination Committee investigated Thaksin's. Chinnicha is now a Chiang Mai MP. *the family that steals together, stays together*

Although Yaowapa said yesterday she would just take the role of a housewife, her role should not be underestimated.

Thaksin even admires Yaowapa's talent. He once mentioned that had Yaowapa been his brother , she would have had taken a ministerial post.

If Yaowapa was not banned from politics, it might have been her turn now to be Thailand's first female prime minister.

- The Nation / 2008-09-19

Edited September 19, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thaksin 'still boss'

A PPP envoy is believed to be on his way to London to submit the potential line-up of the Somchai Cabinet to the perusal of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a former Deputy Leader of the PPP, has been ordered to Britain by new PM Somchai to update Thaksin on the political situation and seek his advice on allotment of Cabinet seats, a source in the PPP said. Some changes could be made to the proposed line-up based on his advice. The source said the line-up has yet to be finalised. It is being prepared by core Party members, including Yongyuth and Deputy PPP Leader Sompong Amornwiwat and is expected to be finalised on Sunday. The source said attempts are underway to weaken the political clout of former TRT executive Newin Chidchob who commands the rebellious Friends of Newin faction in the PPP. The faction, which has 73 MPs under its wing, opposed Somchai's nomination, but then had a change of heart. The source said Sompong is likely to be moved from the Justice Ministry to the Interior Ministry, where he is expected to challenge Newin's clout. It is also reported that the Friends of Newin faction will lose the seat being held by Supol Fongngam, Deputy Interior Minister. The post is not in the quota held by the Friends of Newin group as claimed, said the source. Rifts over the allocation of cabinet seats in the faction are also emerging. Chaiya Promma, a member of the Friends of Newin group, said the four ministers in the group's quota should be changed. The group should meet to discuss candidates for the cabinet posts. A group of 40 PPP MPs, meanwhile, signed a petition to block Puea Pandin Leader Suvit Khunkitti from joining the Cabinet. Their move follows speculation he will be named Industry Minister. PPP MP for Lopburi Suchart Lainamngern, said the Party MPs question Suvit's loyalty, citing the Puea Pandin Leader's pullout from the Samak government in late July.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=130778

[jamesjdaly]

^^Yup. Back to square 1.

Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a former deputy leader of the People Power party, has been ordered to Britain by new prime minister Somchai Wongsawat to update Mr Thaksin on the political situation and seek his advice on allotment of cabinet seats, a source in the PPP said.

[sriracha john]

Minister of Social Development and Human Security Sutha Chansaeng

Thai Cabinet Minister dared: Prove degree is real

Trying to beat a Thai newspaper report that he only finished secondary school, Sutha Chansaeng, the Thai Minister of Social Development and Human Security, claimed to have a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the Republican College in Quezon City, Philippines.

and now, *POOF!* .... the "Double Dog Dare Ya" did it... and he's gone...

BREAKING NEWS

Social Development Minister Resigns

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng decided to resign from the post, effective immediately.

and now, he's all the way out the door...

Sutha resigns as PPP MP

People Power Party MP Sutha Chansaeng Thursday resigned, citing his health problems. Sutha, former Social Development and Human Security Minister, said he submitted his resignation to the registration clerk of the House of Representatives at 3 pm.

He said he did not consult Party Leaders about his resignation, but he had to quit politics to receive treatment.

He said he would not return to politics later, but would do social works instead.

- The Nation / 2008-09-19

Edited September 19, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

60 some million Thais and the only suitable candidate just happens to be the new PM is Thaksin's brother in-law.

[sriracha john]

...and Somchai mistakenly thought all that cheering he heard outside his window office at the airport was for him...

The lead singer of X-Japan poses for photos upon arrival at Don Muang Airport on Thursday. He and his band visited Bangkok to promote their official website.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Chalit: Strip Thaksin of his red passport

Says ex-PM no longer deserves the honour

Thaksin Shinawatra's diplomatic passport should be revoked because court warrants have been issued for his arrest and he no longer has the respect of the people, Air Force Chief Chalit Phukpasuk said yesterday. "It is in keeping with Foreign Ministry regulations to honour the former PM [with a diplomatic passport]. But as he has now fallen from grace, he no longer deserves such an honour," he said. He said Thaksin failed to appear in court to defend himself, and this reflects badly on him.

Thaksin and his wife, Potjaman, were put on trial in connection with the Ratchadaphisek land purchase, jumped bail and failed to turn up to hear the court verdict on Wednesday. Thaksin is also accused of corruption and cronyism in a number of other legal cases. Thaksin and Potjaman are living in Britain, where they are seeking political asylum. Supreme Commander Boonsrang Niempradit called on Somchai to ensure Thaksin receives the justice he deserves. "The new prime minister must dispense justice to everyone. Ensuring justice does not necessarily mean offering assistance. Sometimes, justice involves meting out punishment as well," Gen Boonsrang said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/190908_News/19Sep2008_news08.php

[sriracha john]

as long as Thaksin is "still boss" from London, it's not without its downsides for him...

but I hope he at least gets proper medical attention there....

Thaksin appeal rejected

The Appeals Court yesterday upheld a lower court's decision to reject a defamation lawsuit filed by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra against former Matchima Thipataya Party Leader Prachai Leophairatana, and the editor and publisher of Thai Post daily. Thaksin took a case to the Criminal Court following Mr Prachai's comment in Thai Post newspaper that Thaksin had meddled with the Dec 23 general election. The lawsuit also named Thaweesin Sathirattanacheewin, editor of Thai Post, and San Su Anakot Co, publisher of the newspaper. Rejecting the case, the Criminal Court said Thaksin requested that hearings be postponed without proper reason. The former PM had claimed during the course of the hearings that he had back pain and could not attend. :D Thaksin, who is living in exile in London, had also failed to ask the Criminal Court to summon his witnesses to testify against the defendants as

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/190908_News/19Sep2008_news12.php

[Jai Dee]

HM the King endorses new PM

At 17.29 yesterday (September 18th), Parliament President Chai Chidchob (ชัย ชิดชอบ) was granted an audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to nominate Mr. Somchai for the royal appointment at the Kraikungwol Palace in Hua Hin of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej later on signed a royal command to appoint Mr. Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) as Thailand’s 26th prime minister.

The royal proclamation bore a royal seal prior to the delivery to newly elected prime minister’s residence at Beverly Hill village, situated on Chaeng Watthana road.

Mr. Somchai was born on August 31st, 1947 and is a member of the People Power Party (PPP). He is married to Mrs. Yaowapha Wongsawat (เยาวภา วงศ์สวัสดิ์), a sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and has three offspring. In 1970, Mr. Somchai graduated from Thammasat University with a Bachelor of Laws, and became a Barrister-At-Law in 1973. He later earned a Master of Public Administration from Thailand's National Institute of Development Administration in 2002.

In 1974, Mr. Somchai was appointed an assistant judge and became a judge in 1975. He was appointed to the position of Chief Justice of Phang Nga Court in 1986 and was designated to the Cabinet as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in 1998. He became Permanent Secretary in November 1999, and served until March 2006.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2008

[sriracha john]

Here's something for the PM to deal with on his 2nd day in office...

Thai Police on Alert as Thaksin Supporters Plan Bangkok Rally

Sept. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Thai police vowed to prevent violence today when supporters of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra rally for the first time since a confrontation with opponents 17 days ago left one person dead.

Soldiers are ready to deploy if the pro-Thaksin group, meeting to mark the two-year anniversary of the military coup that deposed him, starts moving from its site a few kilometers from anti-government protesters. The clash between the two groups Sept. 2 prompted the declaration of a state of emergency.

"The kind of clash that happened earlier this month can't happen again," said police spokesman Surapol Thuanthong. "Police and soldiers have been working together."

Today's rally comes two days after lawmakers chose Thaksin's brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat, who leads the People Power Party, as prime minister. The army and police haven't moved to disperse the mostly middle-class protesters who seized Government House on Aug. 26.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, which led protests against Thaksin before the 2006 coup, says it will continue demonstrating until the government falls. Its leaders distrust elections and want a parliament dominated by appointees.

"The People's Alliance gave birth to the Sept. 19 coup," said Jaran Ditapichai, a government supporter who led rallies to protest the 2006 coup. "This time it won't work. They are a big threat to democracy and we will stop them."

Pro-government supporters will come mostly from Bangkok, with the rest from the poorer northeast region, a Thaksin stronghold that voted in the PPP on a platform of cheap health care, village loans and debt forgiveness. Jaran said they had no plans to confront the People's Alliance.

"The confrontation temperature is lowered a little bit," said Paul Quaglia, director of PSA Asia, a Bangkok-based security and risk assessment consulting firm. "The general political environment isn't really supportive of a violent clash."

Somchai will need to find a replacement for Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, who said he wouldn't accept a ministerial post.

Somchai's PPP faces dissolution after one of its executive members was convicted of vote buying. Surapong said in an interview earlier this week that the government may only last another few months.

Thailand's benchmark SET Index has dropped more than 31 percent since the People's Alliance began protests on May 25. The baht has lost 6.2 percent in that time.

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin to vet cabinet

King appoints Somchai PM by royal command

The potential line-up of the Somchai Wongsawat cabinet is believed to be on its way to London for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's perusal. Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a former deputy leader of the People Power party, has been ordered to Britain by new prime minister Somchai Wongsawat to update Mr Thaksin on the political situation and seek his advice on allotment of cabinet seats, a source in the PPP said. Some changes could be made to the proposed line-up based on his advice.

The report of the list being delivered to London came after His Majesty the King yesterday endorsed the nomination of deputy PPP leader Somchai Wongsawat as the new prime minister.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[brahmburgers]

"Yaowapa said yesterday she would just take the role of a housewife"

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - The Nation / 2008-09-19

.....yea right, and I'll just take the roll of Elvis pole dancing for the Pope.

Yaowapa is continued teflon coating protection for Thaksin. Compare photos (and resumes) of Somchai side by side with his wife, and it's clear who wears the pants.

[sriracha john]

Their deeply profound mutual affection is clearly evident...

Thailand's new Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat hugs his wife Yaowapa after receiving the royal command during a ceremony to accept his post, at his residency in Bangkok September 18, 2008. Parliament elected Somchai, a brother-in-law of Thaksin Shinawatra, as prime minister on Wednesday to replace Samak Sundaravej, who had to step down last week after being found guilty of a conflict of interest.

REUTERS

Thailand's new Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, left, hugs his wife Yaowapa, right, after receiving the royal command as the prime minister at his residence in Bangkok Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Somchai met with foreign policy and financial experts Thursday, a day after being elected, but steered clear of the thousands of anti-government protesters camped on the grounds of his office.

Associated Press

Edited September 19, 2008 by sriracha john

[AlKing]

Correct me if I am wrong. The Thaksin family is the 1st in Thailand to have 2 membes as Thai PM. Singapore and US have a father & son team. Pakistan have a husban & wife team.

[Jai Dee]

New PM makes personal phone call to PAD Leader in attempt to resolve conflict

People's Alliance for Democracy Leader Somkiat Pongpaibool (สมเกียรติ พงษ์ไพบูลย) revealed that last night (September 18th), newly elected Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat made a personal phone call to PAD chief Sonthi Limthongkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) to discuss possibilities to resolve ongoing political conflicts.

The PAD has planned to hold a seminar to amass opinions on the concept of "New Politics" this Sunday.

PAD Co-leader Piphop Thongchai (พิภพ ธงไชย) indicated that if Constitution amendments are continually sought he will propose amendments that will alter the process used to entrust authority to politicians. He stated that the amendments would allow participation from all sectors of the public and make politicians unable to absolve their peers from any wrong-doing, alluding to accusations against the Samak Sundaravej administration.

Mr. Sonthi stated that this coming Monday, the PAD would reveal a model for its "New Politics" which would illustrate its processes and organization. He said that whether or not the public accepts the concept was not important as the PAD only wants to put out the idea.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2008

[Siripon]

Here's something for the PM to deal with on his 2nd day in office...

Thai Police on Alert as Thaksin Supporters Plan Bangkok Rally

Sept. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Thai police vowed to prevent violence today when supporters of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra rally for the first time since a confrontation with opponents 17 days ago left one person dead.

Soldiers are ready to deploy if the pro-Thaksin group, meeting to mark the two-year anniversary of the military coup that deposed him, starts moving from its site a few kilometers from anti-government protesters. The clash between the two groups Sept. 2 prompted the declaration of a state of emergency.

"The kind of clash that happened earlier this month can't happen again," said police spokesman Surapol Thuanthong. "Police and soldiers have been working together."

Today's rally comes two days after lawmakers chose Thaksin's brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat, who leads the People Power Party, as prime minister. The army and police haven't moved to disperse the mostly middle-class protesters who seized Government House on Aug. 26.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, which led protests against Thaksin before the 2006 coup, says it will continue demonstrating until the government falls. Its leaders distrust elections and want a parliament dominated by appointees.

"The People's Alliance gave birth to the Sept. 19 coup," said Jaran Ditapichai, a government supporter who led rallies to protest the 2006 coup. "This time it won't work. They are a big threat to democracy and we will stop them."

Pro-government supporters will come mostly from Bangkok, with the rest from the poorer northeast region, a Thaksin stronghold that voted in the PPP on a platform of cheap health care, village loans and debt forgiveness. Jaran said they had no plans to confront the People's Alliance.

"The confrontation temperature is lowered a little bit," said Paul Quaglia, director of PSA Asia, a Bangkok-based security and risk assessment consulting firm. "The general political environment isn't really supportive of a violent clash."

Somchai will need to find a replacement for Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, who said he wouldn't accept a ministerial post.

Somchai's PPP faces dissolution after one of its executive members was convicted of vote buying. Surapong said in an interview earlier this week that the government may only last another few months.

Thailand's benchmark SET Index has dropped more than 31 percent since the People's Alliance began protests on May 25. The baht has lost 6.2 percent in that time.

I'm not sure if Kwanchai , the rabble rouser Udon DJ will appear at Sanam Luang tonight as I heard on the grapevine that he's been ordered to report to his boss in London; if Thaksin hadn't sold off Air Asia it would be worth starting a new route to London.

[chuang]

Democrat urges new PM not to reappoint people with tainted reputation

Assistant Secretary-General of the Democrat party, Thepthai Senphong (เทพไท เสนพงศ์), urges Somchai Wongsawat, who was voted by the parliament to be the new prime minister, not to allocate ministerial posts as requested by factions of the People Power party and not to re-appoint people in the Samak Sundaravej Cabinet with tainted reputation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2008

What a hypocrisy...

[sriracha john]

Police on alert for UDD rally Friday

Acting Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief Jongrak Juthanont called a meeting with senior police officers on Friday morning to prepare for the gathering of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) to mark the second anniversary of military coup. The group planned to stage a rally at Sanam Luang on Friday evening. Police officers and soldiers will be deployed around the site to prevent clashes between the group and the anti-government group People's Alliance for Democracy, which gathered at the Government House a few kilometres away. The two group clashed 17 days ago. The clash, which prompted ex-premier Samak Sundaravej to impose a state of emergency in Bangkok, left one

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=130784

[sriracha john]

14 companies of soldiers and police to be deployed to prevent clash between PAD, DAAD

Fourteen companies of policemen and soldiers will be deployed to prevent demonstrators led by Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship and People's Alliance for Democracy from moving toward each other and clash, a deputy police chief said.

Pol Maj Gen Surapol Thuanthong, deputy police commissioner-general, said the security officers would be deployed at three locations when the DAAD begin its rally at Sanam Luang in the evening.

The first line of security officers will be deployed at the Phan Fah Leelas Bridge, the second line in front of the Agriculture Ministry, and the last line in front of the Army headquarters.

He said five companies of policemen and five companies of soldiers will be stationed at the area in front of the Army head office and the officers will be fully armed with crowd-control tools, backed up by fire trucks and barbed wire.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Pro-government Rally Marks Coup Anniversary

BANGKOK, THAILAND: Police planned tight security for a pro-government rally Friday (19 Sept) to welcome Thailand's new prime minister on the second anniversary of a 2006 coup that ousted his brother-in-law, then leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Political tensions remained high two days after the election of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. But authorities and anti-government protesters said initial talks were under way to ease a political standoff.

Somchai has appealed for unity and reconciliation to mend Thailand's deep political divide, which began when anti-government protesters took to the streets in 2006 to demand Thaksin's resignation and paved the way for the 19 Sept military coup that ousted him later that year.

Thaksin, a telecommunications billionaire, is accused of buying his way into power and then enriching himself at the country's expense during two terms in office. He is in exile in London after recently fleeing the country to escape corruption charges.

To register their opposition to the coup, government supporters planned an evening rally at Sanam Luang, a Bangkok park near the prime minister's office where anti-government protesters have been camped since 26 Aug.

Violence erupted 2 Sept _ the last time government supporters and opponents held competing rallies _ with protesters from both sides chasing each other through the streets with sticks and slingshots. One person was killed and dozens injured.

Bangkok police chief Gen. Jongrak Jutanond said officers deployed in the area would be armed only with shields but were taking precautions to prevent a repeat of the violence.

"If there are signs of the situation getting out of control, we will send in anti-riot police with batons and tear gas to prevent a clash," he said.

Rally organizers said their event was intended as a peaceful forum for discussing the political crisis and to show support for Somchai.

"We want to talk about Thailand's political situation since the coup two years ago," said Jatupon Prompan, a leader of the pro-government group Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship.

The anti-government campaign, run by the People's Alliance for Democracy, says Somchai's family ties to Thaksin should disqualify him from holding the top office.

The coup that ousted Thaksin came after months of demonstrations by the alliance, which then took aim at his predecessor, Samak Sundaravej, whom they accused of being Thaksin's proxy.

Samak was forced from office last Tuesday (9 Sept) when a court found him guilty of violating the constitution by accepting pay for hosting TV cooking shows.

The anti-government alliance and thousands of supporters have pitched tents on the grounds of Government House, the prime minister's office compound, and have refused to leave. They say that any member of the ruling People's Power Party, which is full of Thaksin allies, is unacceptable as prime minister. The PPP won elections in December.

Unable to access Government House, Somchai has set up a temporary office at Bangkok's old international airport.

Somchai has struck a conciliatory tone in contrast to the belligerent stance of Samak, who refused to talk with the anti-government protesters. Somchai said Friday that his administration was "in the process of negotiating" with the alliance's leaders but did not elaborate. One of the alliance leaders, Chamlong Srimuang, said the government's outreach was a "positive signal" but also declined to elaborate, saying the process had just begun.

- Associated Press / 2008-09-19

[hammered]

Thaksin to vet cabinet

King appoints Somchai PM by royal command

The potential line-up of the Somchai Wongsawat cabinet is believed to be on its way to London for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's perusal. Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a former deputy leader of the People Power party, has been ordered to Britain by new prime minister Somchai Wongsawat to update Mr Thaksin on the political situation and seek his advice on allotment of cabinet seats, a source in the PPP said. Some changes could be made to the proposed line-up based on his advice.

The report of the list being delivered to London came after His Majesty the King yesterday endorsed the nomination of deputy PPP leader Somchai Wongsawat as the new prime minister.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

So just as Somchai starts his "negotiations with PAD manouver", which by the way was a tactical masterstroke, he is immediately undermined by a source in the PPP letting it out of the bag that Thaksin will choose the cabinet, which immediatley gives grounds for the PAD to refuse the negotiations if they want. However, their five questions response is a tactical masterstroke in response. High level and very skilled politcal gamesmanship by both sides but with one side being undermined from within.

[sriracha john]

Thai PM visits his new office in abandoned airport terminal

BANGKOK (AFP / 52 minutes ago) — Thai Premier Somchai Wongsawat inspected his new offices Friday at an abandoned airport terminal where he is moving the seat of government to avoid protesters trying to force him from power.

Somchai is converting a terminal at Bangkok's domestic Don Mueang airport into temporary offices for the more than 2,000 staffers who normally work at Government House, which has been besieged by protesters for more than three weeks.

The airport was Thailand's main international gateway until a new hub opened two years ago and most of the sprawling complex on the northern edge of Bangkok has since been empty.

"Today I come to survey the site and I find that it's solid," Somchai told reporters, adding that he would work from the airport "until Government House returns to normal."

Thousands of royalist protesters stormed the main government complex on August 26, setting up a camp on the lawn to demand that the ruling People Power Party (PPP) leave government.

This week the protesters installed a large tent for shelter from the rain and spread 80 truckloads of sand to cover the once manicured lawn which had turned into a mudpit. They have set up washing machines in the garden and provide free food and haircuts.

Supporters of the government plan their own rally at a nearby plaza late Friday but insist that they will stay clear of the Government House to prevent any clashes.

Rival protesters fought in the streets on September 2, leaving one government supporter dead and prompting a state of emergency in Bangkok that was only lifted on Sunday.

Thai media have reported that Somchai called protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul to propose opening negotiations on ending the standoff but the prime minister declined to confirm the reports.

"We are all Thais so we can talk to one another. We do not harbour permanent hatreds although we have different opinions," he said.

Somchai declined to answer questions about his efforts to name a cabinet, saying only that he would announce the new government soon.

Parliament elected Somchai as prime minister on Wednesday after his predecessor Samak Sundaravej was forced from office by a court that ruled he had been paid illegally for hosting TV cooking shows.

The protesters accuse the PPP of acting as a front for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled in a military coup exactly two years ago. That complaint has taken new resonance with the election of Somchai, who is married to Thaksin's sister.