Somchai Wongsawat To Be New PM

[sriracha john]

(Left to Right) Somchai Wongsawat, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Peathongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra, Potjaman Shinawatra, Yaowapa Wongsawat

Thaksin always good man to us: Somchai

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat Thursday assured supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Chiang Mai that Thaksin is a good man.

Somchai is visiting Chiang Mai to take part in a merit-making rite for the ancestors of the Shinawatra family at the Rongtham Samakkhi Temple in San Kamphaeng district. A lot of people waited for him at the temple.

Greeting the supporters, Somchai said Thaksin supported him until he reached the highest political career. Somchai said he did not care how other people would view Thaksin, but for him and Chiang Mai people, Thaksin is always a good man.

"No matter how other people will view Thaksin, he is a good man to us and I am sure he is a good man," Somchai said.

- The Nation / 2008-10-02

Edited October 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The PPP in-fighting escalates further with them cussing each other in Parliament...in front of visiting students...

80-year-old House Speaker Chai Chidchob

House Speaker loses temper

House Speaker Chai Chidchob yesterday lost his temper and let slip an expletive while chairing the House session to name panel members in charge of vetting draft amendments to the money-laundering law.

I think the Nation is attempting to get favors from Chai by helping him out on the age issue by erroneously referring him to as a 79-year-old. Anyway, he's apologizing now...and he's already forgotten the reason he was cussing in front of student observers in the first place...

House speaker apologises for his rude word

House Speaker Chai Chidchob apologized on Thursday for losing his temper and let slip an expletive while chairing the House Session on Wednesday.

The 79-year-old House Speaker did not give reason why he lost his temper.

- The Nation / 2008-10-02

Edited October 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[ratcatcher]

Well, as they say in politics "The ayes have it!"

" Here's lookin' at you babe"

[sriracha john]

(Left to Right) Somchai Wongsawat, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Peathongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra, Potjaman Shinawatra, Yaowapa Wongsawat

Thaksin always good man to us: Somchai

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat Thursday assured supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Chiang Mai that Thaksin is a good man.

more praises for the previous PM from the current PM...

Thaksin 'a good man' : Grateful PM

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday insisted he was not an ingrate and praised his brother-in-law and ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra as a good man regardless of what had befallen him.

"San Kamphaeng is the birthplace of Thaksin and I have made my mark in life because of San Kamphaeng support," he said to a crowd of cheering villagers during his visit to Chiang Mai, the hometown of his wife Yaowapa and her brother Thaksin.

He said he owed Thaksin a debt of gratitude *no doubt payable in wire transfers* for helping him get a head start in life and that he shared the home town's sentiment of having good thoughts about Thaksin.

The prime minister took the trip to pay respect to the Shinawatra ancestors and had a busy day attending several functions.

After an overnight stay at his Mae Rim home, he began the day around 7 am by welcoming well-wishers who congratulated him on his appointment as prime minister.

An hour later, he took questions from reporters. He said he was legally a resident of Chiang Mai as his official domicile is located in Mae Rim district.

Commenting on the opposition movement led by the People's Alliance for Democracy, he said he had assigned Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to negotiate with the PAD.

He said street protests had tarnished the country's reputation *whereas having 2 proxy PM's and 2 criminal and incompetent Cabinets in a row has boosted the prestige of the country's reputation* and that he would try to find a resolution that would save face for all parties concerned.

He said the country had no choice but to find a way out of the turmoil.

Today he will attend a high-level meeting at Parliament to try to map out how to put politics back on course, he said. Joining him at the meeting were House Speaker Chai Chidchob, Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet, and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

After his press conference, he visited Wat Doi Suthep to pay respects to the Buddhist sacred site and talk to the abbot.

At the temple grounds, he encountered a protesting woman who shook plastic clapping hands, a symbol of PAD-led protests. Security guards quickly escorted the woman from the scene.

At 10.20 am, he stopped his motorcade to pay respects to the statue of the late monk, Khru Ba Sri Wichai. He then proceeded to attend the ancestral ceremony at Wat Samakkhi Rong Tham. Afterwards he gave the rally speech for San Kamphaeng residents.

At noon, he went to pay respects at Wat Chedi Luang before attending a luncheon. About 10 PAD-led protesters congregated at the Chinese restaurant, but did not cause a disturbance.

He flew out at 2.45pm to return to Bangkok.

- The Nation / 2008-10-03

Edited October 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Healing rifts tops government's 16 priorities

The Somchai Wongsawat government has outlined 16 priorities in its policy statement to be presented in Parliament on Tuesday and pledged to devote its utmost attention to resolve the political rifts.

The policy debate is expected to last three days, from Tuesday to Thursday. Coalition and opposition lawmakers received copies of the policy statement yesterday.

The government priorities are:

- Forge national reconciliation to advance democracy forward

- Quell the unrest in the southern border provinces

- Promote cooperation and ties in the region

- Set up a risk-management mechanism to monitor the world financial crisis and its impacts on funds transfers

- Restore confidence for business and tourism

- Speed up essential investment projects

- Address the grievances relating to natural calamities, inflation, and oil-price hikes

- Establish a Farmers' Council and safeguard the risk exposure for commodity prices

- Ensure the community's access to capital

- Promote micro-lending to low-income people and small- and medium-sized businesses

- Enhance management efficiency of the OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) project

- Intensify the suppression of drug trafficking, dark influences, vice, and activities deemed harmful to the youths

- Improve public health care services

- Increase the efficiency in distributing and utilising water resources inside and outside irrigation areas

- Implement measures to lessen the impact of global warming

- Map out a master plan to brace for climate changes, energy price volatility, and world food crisis

In heeding the growing call for political reform, the government has voiced support for amending the charter's Article 291 to pave the way for the formation of a Constitution Drafting Assembly to take charge of reforms.

The CDA is slated to be an independent body representing various professional groups and will have a mandate to solicit ideas from all sectors of society in order to revamp the political system and rewrite the charter to reflect peoples' aspirations.

- The Nation / 2008-10-03

[sriracha john]

(Left to Right) Somchai Wongsawat, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Peathongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra, Potjaman Shinawatra, Yaowapa Wongsawat

Thaksin always good man to us: Somchai

Somchai is visiting Chiang Mai to take part in a merit-making rite for the ancestors of the Shinawatra family at the Rongtham Samakkhi Temple in San Kamphaeng district. A lot of people waited for him at the temple.

I'm sure they did wait... a bunch of money is on its way...

The Bangkok Post comments on a ceremony at Wat Rongtham Samagi that will be hosted by the PM's family, noting that the Shinawatra family ashes are kept at the temple. It was further noted that the Thaksin government had passed a 30-million-baht budget to restore the temple, which was cancelled after the coup. Thaksin has reportedly ordered his sister to find a budget for the project.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/011008_News/01Oct2008_news21.php

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

and to provide a distraction from that....

After his press conference, he visited Wat Doi Suthep

an even bigger bag of money...with interesting needs versus budget allocation totals...

Government to renovate Doi Suthep Temple

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat says the government will renovate the Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai province. A budget of 100 Million Baht has been approved for the renovation.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Worawat Uaapinyakul and the Director-General of the Fine Arts Department has reported that more 20 Million Baht is needed for the renovation of the temple.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-02

[sriracha john]

Protesters in Krabi prompt Chalerm to return to capital

Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung decided Wednesday to cancel all his work schedules planned in the South for Wednesday and Thursday after a group of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters staged a protest against him.

About 100 protesters gathered in front of Maritime Park and Spa Hotel in Krabi province since Tuesday night to demand that he be removed from the Cabinet. Chalerm, who was scheduled to meet government officials in Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket

what works for Chalerm, works for Chai....

Special Parliamentary tour called off following strong PAD protest

The House Speaker has cancelled the Parliamentary tour to southern Nakhon Si Thammarat after People's Alliance for Democracy supporters gathered to protest against him and led him to flee the hotel in the middle of the night.

Last night, around 200 People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD supporters gathered at the Twin Lotus Hotel in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where House Speaker Chai Chidchob was staying before he was to chair a special Parliamentary meeting with locals this morning.

What works for Chalerm and works for Chai, now works for Kowit...

Kowit cancels private trip to Chumphon

Interior Minister Kowit Watana cancelled his private trip to Chumphon Friday for fear of a protest by supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy, a source said.

The source said Kowit had a plan to visit the province to pay a respect to the statue of Prince Chumphon and the provincial administration made a reservation at a local restaurant for the minister and his group.

The minister was initially scheduled to leave Bangkok at 10 am. The source said the trip was leaked to PAD supporters who gathered in a small group at the statue.

But the minister cancelled his trip after learning that some PAD supporters had planned a protest against him.

- The Nation / 2008-10-03

[Samuian]

(Left to Right) Somchai Wongsawat, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Peathongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra, Potjaman Shinawatra, Yaowapa Wongsawat

Thaksin always good man to us: Somchai

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat Thursday assured supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Chiang Mai that Thaksin is a good man.

Somchai is visiting Chiang Mai to take part in a merit-making rite for the ancestors of the Shinawatra family at the Rongtham Samakkhi Temple in San Kamphaeng district. A lot of people waited for him at the temple.

Greeting the supporters, Somchai said Thaksin supported him until he reached the highest political career. Somchai said he did not care how other people would view Thaksin, but for him and Chiang Mai people, Thaksin is always a good man.

"No matter how other people will view Thaksin, he is a good man to us and I am sure he is a good man," Somchai said.

- The Nation / 2008-10-02

Here we go... the publicity stunt is in full motion, the current pm, a individual who studied law and has been a judge. Can one conclude that his judgment is impaired because of his relationship and that this man feels that he owes a favor?

Edited October 3, 2008 by Samuian

[animatic]

Protesters in Krabi prompt Chalerm to return to capital

Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung decided Wednesday to cancel all his work schedules planned in the South for Wednesday and Thursday after a group of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters staged a protest against him.

About 100 protesters gathered in front of Maritime Park and Spa Hotel in Krabi province since Tuesday night to demand that he be removed from the Cabinet. Chalerm, who was scheduled to meet government officials in Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket

what works for Chalerm, works for Chai....

Special Parliamentary tour called off following strong PAD protest

The House Speaker has cancelled the Parliamentary tour to southern Nakhon Si Thammarat after People's Alliance for Democracy supporters gathered to protest against him and led him to flee the hotel in the middle of the night.

Last night, around 200 People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD supporters gathered at the Twin Lotus Hotel in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where House Speaker Chai Chidchob was staying before he was to chair a special Parliamentary meeting with locals this morning.

What works for Chalerm and works for Chai, now works for Kowit...

Kowit cancels private trip to Chumphon

Interior Minister Kowit Watana cancelled his private trip to Chumphon Friday for fear of a protest by supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy, a source said.

The source said Kowit had a plan to visit the province to pay a respect to the statue of Prince Chumphon and the provincial administration made a reservation at a local restaurant for the minister and his group.

The minister was initially scheduled to leave Bangkok at 10 am. The source said the trip was leaked to PAD supporters who gathered in a small group at the statue.

But the minister cancelled his trip after learning that some PAD supporters had planned a protest against him.

- The Nation / 2008-10-03

What parlementary wimps.

Can't hold a meeting because people are outside the building..

What no airconditioning so the windows can be closed?

A dozen people at the statue and Kowit takes a runner.

Sounds like he is easily kowed...

Chai couldn't sleep that night?

Flee his hotel? Like these people wanted to physically injure him?

Or they just won't shut up with the questions that he can't give straight answers to.

Or he just decide to go someplace quieter?

[hammered]

Wasnt sure where to post this but there is an excellent editorial in the Post today on Chalerm's amazing inactivity over the tainted milk:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/071008_News/07Oct2008_news21.php

[Samuian]

(Left to Right) Somchai Wongsawat, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Peathongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra, Potjaman Shinawatra, Yaowapa Wongsawat

Thaksin always good man to us: Somchai

Somchai is visiting Chiang Mai to take part in a merit-making rite for the ancestors of the Shinawatra family at the Rongtham Samakkhi Temple in San Kamphaeng district. A lot of people waited for him at the temple.

I'm sure they did wait... a bunch of money is on its way...

The Bangkok Post comments on a ceremony at Wat Rongtham Samagi that will be hosted by the PM's family, noting that the Shinawatra family ashes are kept at the temple. It was further noted that the Thaksin government had passed a 30-million-baht budget to restore the temple, which was cancelled after the coup. Thaksin has reportedly ordered his sister to find a budget for the project.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/011008_News/01Oct2008_news21.php

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

and to provide a distraction from that....

After his press conference, he visited Wat Doi Suthep

an even bigger bag of money...with interesting needs versus budget allocation totals...

Government to renovate Doi Suthep Temple

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat says the government will renovate the Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai province. A budget of 100 Million Baht has been approved for the renovation.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Worawat Uaapinyakul and the Director-General of the Fine Arts Department has reported that more 20 Million Baht is needed for the renovation of the temple.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-02

Healing rifts tops government's 16 priorities

The Somchai Wongsawat government has outlined 16 priorities in its policy statement to be presented in Parliament on Tuesday and pledged to devote its utmost attention to resolve the political rifts.

The policy debate is expected to last three days, from Tuesday to Thursday. Coalition and opposition lawmakers received copies of the policy statement yesterday.

The government priorities are:

- Forge national reconciliation to advance democracy forward Well, it was quite successful, wasn't it?

- Quell the unrest in the southern border provinces lucky, what happened in Bangkok didn't happen simultanousely in the south too!

- Promote cooperation and ties in the region -

- Set up a risk-management mechanism to monitor the world financial crisis and its impacts on funds transfers

- Restore confidence for business and tourism Full success due to yesterday's actions!

- Speed up essential investment projects like the restoration of Dio Suthep Temple, 30 Million for the Sankamphaeng Temple of the Shin Clan and the MEGA Projects to line the pockets of this proxy cabinet!

- Address the grievances relating to natural calamities, inflation, and oil-price hikes - Accomplished with full force Yesterday!

- Establish a Farmers' Council and safeguard the risk exposure for commodity prices as in the Rice, rubber trees saplings Scandal?

- Ensure the community's access to capital - more bribing of rural voters?

- Promote micro-lending to low-income people and small- and medium-sized businesses - see above!

- Enhance management efficiency of the OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) project - Doesn't work, too many similiar products, few varieties! On Samui one Outlet is closed down already

- Intensify the suppression of drug trafficking, dark influences, vice, and activities deemed harmful to the youths - More extrajudicial killings?

- Improve public health care services - closing down more hospitals with the 30 Baht scheme without proper budget allocation?

- Increase the efficiency in distributing and utilising water resources inside and outside irrigation areas Whose construction company will get the contracts?

- The Nation / 2008-10-03

After the showdown yesterday - I don't think that Prem will still sport a big smile when hearing the word "Somchai"...and certainly may not look upon him with gratitude - he managed to seriously p_ss off some very important people in trying to show gratitude to his brother in law to whom "he owed so much"!!

Edited October 9, 2008 by Samuian

[sriracha john]

There was a case against Prasong regarding articles he wrote about 2001 Constituion Court acquital fo Thaksin. In that trial one of the defence witnesses, a judge himself, testified that he heard from one of the justices on the case told him that Yaowapa approached him with offer of ambassador post for his son in exchange for non-guilty verdict. That judge never testified himself, I believe, but sworn testimony of his colleague is still there.

Somchai accused of attempted bribery

Anti-corruption campaigner Veera Somkwamkid filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) yesterday, accusing PM Somchai Wongsawat of attempting to bribe a judge on the panel which heard the asset concealment case against Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001. His laid his complaint under article 167 of the Criminal Code. Mr Veera alleged both Somchai and his wife Yaowapa, a younger sister of Thaksin, had tried to bribe a judge on the Constitution Court bench to rule in favour of Thaksin, who was then PM. The couple had then taken the judge to see Thaksin, according to Mr Veera. Mr Veera backed his allegation with a copy of a report in the Thai Post newspaper on Oct 14, 2003, that alleged Thaksin promised to promote the judge's son, a Foreign Ministry civil servant. Mr Veera said he filed the complaint at this time because he wanted the public to know that Somchai was not qualified to lead the country. The PM also faces a complaint from Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana, asking the EC to review his qualifications. EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said the commission will decide whether to investigate the case after its legal team has gathered the relevant information.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/011008_News/01Oct2008_news10.php

Even more legal woes for Somchai...

Somchai malfeasance verdict due Thursday

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) is due to rule on Thursday whether or not to indict PM Somchai on charges of malfeasance in a decade-long case, an NCCC source says. According to the source, the case, which was launched against Somchai in 2006, is linked to alleged irregularities in the auction of a land plot in Pathum Thani's Thanyaburi district by the Legal Execution Department. Pramarn Tiyapaiboonsin, a former Chief of the Department, and his Deputy Manit Suthaporn have already been found guilty of corruption in the case. Somchai, who was Permanent Secretary for Justice at the time, has been under investigation for allegedly sweeping the two officials' wrongdoing under the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/141008_News/14Oct2008_news09.php

[sriracha john]

Judging by the delays in mega projects, I think the bureaucracy is less than accomodating with politicians now and the agreement on sharing the spoils cannot be reached.

Even those Bangkok buses, entirely government's idea, can't get off the ground.

As usual, major decisions are made completely off the media radar.

and now the plan has been scuttled altogether...

Government drops Samak's city bus fleet plan

The government is dropping the Samak Cabinet's plan to lease 4,000 air-conditioned, gas-fuelled buses for Bangkok for 10 years. The 62.5 Billion Baht could be better used to help prop up the economy, according to a cabinet source. PM Somchai, his Deputy PM Sanan Kachornprasart and Transport Minister Santi Promphat agreed during the Cabinet's economic meeting yesterday to scrap the project because the government needs the money for essential spending to protect the economy, the source said. The Samak administration approved the bus leasing scheme on Sept 2. Somchai told his Cabinet ministers earlier that the project would be reviewed because the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) had argued against it. The Board had warned the state would be at a disadvantage because it would have to buy bus terminals at a cost of 5 Billion Baht. The bus lessor would use the terminals for the 10 years and would then own them. The bus leasing scheme was part of the Transport Ministry's plan to rehabilitate the loss-ridden, state-owned city bus agency, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). Originally the ministry wanted the BMTA to spend 111.7 Billion Baht on leasing 6,000 buses from a single lessor to serve Bangkok commuters from mid next year onwards. During the Samak government, a committee chaired by Sanan concluded that 6,000 buses were too many, because about 2,000 would be left idle outside rush hours. The Sanan committee, which consulted the NESDB, also concluded it would be better to include the existing air-conditioned buses in the plan to improve city bus services.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/141008_News/14Oct2008_news11.php

[Plus]

Jeez, they scrapped another project. Is there anything they CAN do at all?

[sriracha john]

well, they'll give this a try... and if it doesn't work, we got someone taking responsibility.... so he says... about these proposed massive outlays...

Deputy Prime Minister Olarn Chaipaavat

1.2 Trillion Baht to stimulate economy implemented

The Government plans to inject about 1.2 Trillion Baht through the implementation of six measures to try to stimulate the local economy, severely affected by prevailing Western financial crises, to grow 5.1% this year and 4% in 2009.

Deputy premier Olarn Chaipaavat betted his position with the stimulus measures, stressing he would quit if they failed to turn around Thai economy.

Somchai Wongsawat, Prime Minister, called an urgent economic ministers’ meeting on Monday (October 13) at Don Muang airport, the Government’s temporary office as the Government House has been seized by anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy for almost two months.

The meeting, lasting for about three hours and also attended by chiefs of Bank of Thailand and Stock Exchange of Thailand, was aimed at seeking measures stimulating Thai economy severely affected by prevailing Western financial crises.

Olarn, Deputy Prime Minister overseeing economic portfolios and main architect for the economic stimulus measures, said after the meeting that the meeting adopted six measures preventing untoward impacts from Western financial crises.

The measures, he said, called for relevant government agencies to seek about 1.2 Trillion Baht from 2009 national budget for injection into local economy to stimulate Thai economy to grow at least 5.1% this year and four per cent in 2009.

“I will monitor relevant agencies’ performances monthly. If they fail to make the measures to yield good results, responsible parties must be located. As head of economic ministers’ team, I will immediately resign.

“I came here to work. If there are factors obstructing (my) works, (I) will have to go. Now, who is responsible for any matters, he has to work. The measures are aimed at building up (people’s) confidence towards economy. Whether they can build up political confidence, I don’t know,” said Olarn.

The six measures included:

1. Funds will be established shoring up good return and cheap Thai stocks. The fund will replace foreign investors’ funds which have so far this year been ploughed back to their countries amounting to about US$3.5 billion (around 110 Billion Baht).

The shoring up funds include : five matching funds amounting to two Billion Baht jointly established by local securities firms and the SET, matching funds amounting to 10 Billion Baht jointly set up by financial institutions and SET, funds buying back stocks amounting to 30 Billion Baht established by about 20-25 listed companies, and amplifying long term equity funds and retirement mutual funds from 500 Billion Baht to 700 Billion Baht.

2. Bank of Thailand (BOT) will ask financial institutions to extend new loans amounting a combined 400 Billion Baht, increasing about five per cent from now to general public. State-run financial institutions will also increase lending amounting to 50 Billion Baht, a five per cent increase.

BOT’s officials told the meeting that at the moment, the country possessed about one trillion baht financial liquidity. BOT was prepared to take care of financial liquidity to help expanding Thai economy.

3. Ministries of Commerce and Tourism and Sports will team up as “Team Thailand” to jointly host road shows to expand new export markets in the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and America.

Sufficient credits for exports and local market’s trade will also be provided. Loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will also be provided especially for furniture products, and gems and jewelry. This measure is aimed at increasing the businesses’ revenues by additional 360 Billion Baht, including 300 Billion Baht more from exports in 2009 and 60 Billion Baht more from tourism. Ministry of Commerce’s officials told the meeting that income from exports in 2009 are expected to amount to 6.6 Trillion Baht, up a record 600 Billion Baht from this year.

4. Budget distribution process will be accelerated by relevant government agencies. The budget amounts to 180 Billion Baht in fiscal 2009. Special speeding up process should be done by first half of fiscal 2009 so as the money will be sufficiently distributed to general public at large.

5. Investment acceleration for mega infrastructure projects will be done. An additional 100 Billion Baht to 350 Billion Baht will be spent, including additional 60 Billion Baht from sky train projects, 10 Billion Baht from nationwide logistics system, and 30 Billion Baht from PTT Plc’s energy project.

And 6. Thailand will speed up consultation with other Asian nations to jointly establish Asian financial community so as to make Asia the world’s new financial centre in place of the US and Europe. China and Japan may have to play leading roles for the proposed the world’s new financial centre. Linkage of Thai economy in terms of trade and investment with other Asian nations’ will be set up.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-14

[animatic]

Just as peoplewill lose their jobs because external orders dry up,l

lets give them HUGE LOANS to pay off too...

Ain't this partly how things went south in '97?

Injecting money into the economy with matching loan guarantees.

Seems like Megaprojects by another name, loans to friends,

to buy/build more that no onre here can afford anyway.

Yegawds!

Edited October 14, 2008 by animatic

[Plus]

Nation's article on the same topic is very modest by comparison.

Forget trillions:

Six-point plan set to cushion economy

By Siriporn Chanjindamanee,

Anoma Srisukasem

The Nation

Published on October 14, 2008

Bt12-bn support funds to boost stocks

http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/14/bus...ss_30086006.php

[sriracha john]

Somchai accused of attempted bribery

Anti-corruption campaigner Veera Somkwamkid filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) yesterday, accusing PM Somchai Wongsawat of attempting to bribe a judge on the panel which heard the asset concealment case against Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001.

Even more legal woes for Somchai...

Somchai malfeasance verdict due Thursday

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) is due to rule on Thursday whether or not to indict PM Somchai on charges of malfeasance in a decade-long case, an NCCC source says. According to the source, the case, which was launched against Somchai in 2006, is linked to alleged irregularities in the auction of a land plot in Pathum Thani's Thanyaburi district by the Legal Execution Department.

PM's past role is being questioned

The anti-graft agency is set to decide tomorrow whether to indict Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat for alleged dereliction of duty.

The issue pertains to Somchai's past role as Permanent Secretary of the Justice Ministry, Klanarong Chantik, a member of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC), said.

Klanarong, who chairs the fact-finding committee in Somchai's case, said Democrat Party executive Suthas Ngernmuen, who was then Justice Minister, also is accused of the same charge.

He explained that both Somchai and Suthas had decided not to pursue legal action against Legal Execution Department Director-General Praman Tiyapaiboonsin and his Deputy Manit Suthaporn for failing to impose a fee of 70 Million Baht for the auction of a land plot belonging to the Thanya Buri Provincial Court.

Klanarong said his panel had completed its task and referred the case to the NCCC.

He insisted that the timing of the NCCC decision over the case was purely coincidental with the ongoing troubles facing the prime minister. "The NCCC began investigating this case a long time ago. When the investigation was completed, the case was sent to the full committee. There's no specific timing," Klanarong said.

- The Nation / 2008-10-15

[sriracha john]

There was a case against Prasong regarding articles he wrote about 2001 Constituion Court acquital fo Thaksin. In that trial one of the defence witnesses, a judge himself, testified that he heard from one of the justices on the case told him that Yaowapa approached him with offer of ambassador post for his son in exchange for non-guilty verdict. That judge never testified himself, I believe, but sworn testimony of his colleague is still there.

Somchai accused of attempted bribery

Anti-corruption campaigner Veera Somkwamkid filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) yesterday, accusing PM Somchai Wongsawat of attempting to bribe a judge on the panel which heard the asset concealment case against Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001. His laid his complaint under article 167 of the Criminal Code. Mr Veera alleged both Somchai and his wife Yaowapa, a younger sister of Thaksin, had tried to bribe a judge on the Constitution Court bench to rule in favour of Thaksin, who was then PM. The couple had then taken the judge to see Thaksin, according to Mr Veera. Mr Veera backed his allegation with a copy of a report in the Thai Post newspaper on Oct 14, 2003, that alleged Thaksin promised to promote the judge's son, a Foreign Ministry civil servant. Mr Veera said he filed the complaint at this time because he wanted the public to know that Somchai was not qualified to lead the country. The PM also faces a complaint from Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana, asking the EC to review his qualifications. EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said the commission will decide whether to investigate the case after its legal team has gathered the relevant information.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/011008_News/01Oct2008_news10.php

Even more legal woes for Somchai...

Somchai malfeasance verdict due Thursday

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) is due to rule on Thursday whether or not to indict PM Somchai on charges of malfeasance in a decade-long case, an NCCC source says. According to the source, the case, which was launched against Somchai in 2006, is linked to alleged irregularities in the auction of a land plot in Pathum Thani's Thanyaburi district by the Legal Execution Department. Pramarn Tiyapaiboonsin, a former Chief of the Department, and his Deputy Manit Suthaporn have already been found guilty of corruption in the case. Somchai, who was Permanent Secretary for Justice at the time, has been under investigation for allegedly sweeping the two officials' wrongdoing under the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/141008_News/14Oct2008_news09.php

with his THIRD case now, Somchai is quickly amassing nearly as many court cases as his predecessor Samak did....

Senators' call for inspection of PM's credentials forwarded to Constitution Court

The Deputy Senate Speaker indicated that a group of Senators’ petition to review the Prime Minister's credentials has been forwarded to the Constitution Court.

Deputy Senate Speaker Nikhom Wairatphanit revealed that he has forwarded a request for Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's credentials to be reviewed to the Constitution Court after 15 Senators petitioned the Senate Speaker to consider the matter.

The Senators allege that upon review of the PM's assets as declared upon his entering into the House of Representatives, the PM's stock holdings in CS Loxinfo may be unconstitutional.

CS Loxinfo holds government concessions, making the PM's stockholdings potentially in offense to Constitution Articles 265 and 266.

If the PM's stockholdings are deemed unconstitutional, his MP position will be voided, in effect relinquishing him from his premiership.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-15

[mdechgan]

Healing rifts tops government's 16 priorities

The Somchai Wongsawat government has outlined 16 priorities in its policy statement to be presented in Parliament on Tuesday and pledged to devote its utmost attention to resolve the political rifts.

The policy debate is expected to last three days, from Tuesday to Thursday. Coalition and opposition lawmakers received copies of the policy statement yesterday.

The government priorities are:

- Forge national reconciliation to advance democracy forward

It just means to quell all government resistance.

- Quell the unrest in the southern border provinces

Also quell the unrest in Bangkok

- Promote cooperation and ties in the region -

Consolidate all power into one place or party

- Set up a risk-management mechanism to monitor the world financial crisis and its impacts on funds transfers -

Read the newspaper, watch CNN and and use the government money to set up a committee on how Thaksin can launder more money overseas.

- Restore confidence for business and tourism

Let's just say still work in progress.

- Speed up essential investment projects

Hurry up and finish all those projects so those kickback payments can be made.

- Address the grievances relating to natural calamities, inflation, and oil-price hikes -

Well he did make a speech.

- Establish a Farmers' Council and safeguard the risk exposure for commodity prices -

It just means to keep the prices higher we need more inflation.

- Ensure the community's access to capital -

Increase prices per vote from 300 baht to 500 baht including free transport and food.

- Promote micro-lending to low-income people and small- and medium-sized businesses

see above! Don't forget those 1 million baht per village donations from the government.

- Enhance management efficiency of the OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) project -

from One Tambon Over Priced. Also I don't see how one tambon can monopolize one product another tambon can make cheaper. Walk into a Big C, the OTOP prices are double the local variety.

- Intensify the suppression of drug trafficking, dark influences, vice, and activities deemed harmful to the youths -

Shoot all university students like the Ramkamhaeng kids that we shot so they don't join the PAD rally or cause another October 14.

- Improve public health care services -

closing down more hospitals with the 30 Baht scheme because no hospital can treat a person with just 30 baht. Well maybe cure a headache with a pack of paracetamol. Also suggest physicians to refuse health care to the police officers so that they have more time to deal with other patients.

- Increase the efficiency in distributing and utilising water resources inside and outside irrigation areas

Just means keep those roads flooded so the water can move freely thorughout the city and country.

- The Nation / 2008-10-03

Edited October 15, 2008 by mdechgan

[sriracha john]

Even more legal woes for Somchai...

Somchai malfeasance verdict due Thursday

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) is due to rule on Thursday whether or not to indict PM Somchai on charges of malfeasance in a decade-long case, an NCCC source says. According to the source, the case, which was launched against Somchai in 2006, is linked to alleged irregularities in the auction of a land plot in Pathum Thani's Thanyaburi district by the Legal Execution Department. Pramarn Tiyapaiboonsin, a former Chief of the Department, and his Deputy Manit Suthaporn have already been found guilty of corruption in the case. Somchai, who was Permanent Secretary for Justice at the time, has been under investigation for allegedly sweeping the two officials' wrongdoing under the

Today's the day... he's been Thaksin's Prime Minister for 3 weeks... time to change out again? I believe Chalerm is next on Thaksin's list...

PM in peril

If the NCCC rules against him in a case, PM Somchai Wongsawat may have to resign immediately

The NCCC will rule today on a complaint filed by senior judge Chamnan Rawiwanpong against PM Somchai alleging dereliction of duty when he was Justice Permanent Secretary. If the NCCC rules that the accusation against him has grounds, Somchai would be unqualified to be Prime Minister, said Mr Chamman, now Vice-President of the Region 7 Appeals Court.

Corruption Commissioner Wichai Wiwitsewee said if the NCCC rules Somchai is guilty as accused the case will be forwarded to the Constitution Court for a ruling on Somchai's status as PM. Somchai was accused of neglecting his duty in not taking action against corruption, which is a serious disciplinary offence for civil servants. Offenders, if convicted, are sacked and stripped of their pension entitlements. They also face criminal charges. Parinya Thewanaruemitkul, a law lecturer at Thammasat University, said if the NCCC ruled the allegation against Somchai had grounds, he would have to immediately resign as prime minister.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=131443

[sriracha john]

Today's the day... he's been Thaksin's Prime Minister for 3 weeks... time to change out again? I believe Chalerm is next on Thaksin's list...

PM in peril

If the NCCC rules against him in a case, PM Somchai Wongsawat may have to resign immediately

The NCCC will rule today on a complaint filed by senior judge

well?

[sriracha john]

patience is a virtue.....

NCCC Finds PM Somchai Guilty of Dereliction of Duty

The National Counter Corruption Commission believes PM Somchai Wongsawat is guilty of dereliction of duty for in involvement in irregularities in the auction of a land plot in Pathum Thani's Thanyaburi district by the Legal Execution Department.

The case was intially launched against PM Somchai in 2006 when he was still Permanent-Secretary to the Justice Ministry.

Somchai has been linked to alleged irregularities in the auction of a land plot in Pathum Thani's Thanyaburi district by the Legal Execution Department.

Pramarn Tiyapaiboonsin, a former Chief of the department, and his Deputy Manit Suthaporn have already been found guilty of corruption in the case.

PM Somchai has been accused of malfeasance for allegedly turning a blind eye on the officials’ wrongdoing.

The NCCC will now forward the case to the Supreme Court’s Division for Political Post Holders.

- TOC / 2008-10-16

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

bring on Chalerm as PM...

Edited October 16, 2008 by sriracha john

[ThNiner]

[sriracha john]

Mr. Happy Toilet could take over his Dad's former position in the related field as Public Health Minister...

Wonder if Somchai is considering doing a runner as he's scheduled to visit the border war zone with Cambodia in a couple of days... it might be too tempting with his proximity there.

[Samuian]

One must really wonder how far greed can drive people.

I don't think that any of the hot shots in cabinet is to be considered a "have not", what drives them to the brink I wonder, are they really so much entrenched in their believe that nobody can/will harm them or that they may end up in court one day?

It seems very much like it, have they installed and done everything to enjoy a free ride, for a long time by now!

Hope this comes to an end!

Edited October 16, 2008 by Samuian

[WAERTH]

According to the Dutch AD newspaper Somchai will resign in one or two days. They are quoting the Japanese Kyodo news agency. Whom says they have it from inside sources.

http://www.ad.nl/buitenland/2701062/Premie...d_stapt_op.html

Edited October 17, 2008 by WAERTH

[sriracha john]

yes... the story's in the "other" Somchai thread...

*Mods: Could consideration be made to closing this one? Posts are getting jumbled in various threads and with this thread the "new" aspect of Somchai is already stale?

[benz123]

According to the Dutch AD newspaper Somchai will resign in one or two days. They are quoting the Japanese Kyodo news agency. Whom says they have it from inside sources.

http://www.ad.nl/buitenland/2701062/Premie...d_stapt_op.html

yes, on tv its came fast.

[ramrod711]

On ‎9‎/‎19‎/‎2008 at 5:19 AM, Briggsy said:

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.

Probably, I'm more curious about whether all that teak her and old Somchai had buried on their property has been registered. When it was discovered they claimed that they were "aging" it.