Somchai Wongsawat To Be New PM

[animatic]

Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few. - George Bernard Shaw

Gotta love ole George, he saw things with a cealt yellow eye for sure!

And one read Man or Superman?

Al the Diplomatic Passport doesn't prevent your ejection from a country,

You can be declared Persona No Grata and ejected.

But it does get you protection from just about ANY law of the other country.

And that should include extradition, to anywhere as well as your home country.

Another reason it MUST be lifted, he can't be extradited with this in hand until it is cancelled.

Then he HAS NO PASSPORT and is easy to eject.

The next question usulally is.

When can you go when you HAVE NO PASSPORT.... home country...

where you are wanted., yes sirry?

[Los78]

After the coup the Foreign Ministry revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport even though he hadn't been even accused. Now he is a fully fledged fugitive with several arrest warrants, and not shy to badmouth Thai judicial system. Why should he enjoy the privilege of having a Thai diplomatic passport?

No one ever mentioned the FM's rule book on this, though, it's their decision, not the courts.

For the record. All Ex-PM gets diplomatic passport regardless. Even those who ordered the killings of hundreds of innocent people & students. If Thaksin is not allowed one (Diplomatic Passport), that would be double standard.

Also, similar to a birth certificate, a passport is just an internationally recognised document stating who you are. Every subject of this kingdom can get one. Regardless if you are a criminal or not.

Yes I think some of these Thaksin haters on this forum dont know much about the many bad past leaders before Thaksin who still have their passports no problem. There are more important issues for the government thesedays then going after someone because of their passport. Hopefully there can be some reconcilation nowdays. Hopefully all these yellow sheep all currupted by a hate filled Sondhi, a man who started all this mess three years ago. Yes thankyou Mr Sondhi, and your band of ex-generals. You have really helped move Thailands economy along.... NOT!

[Thai at Heart]

A diplomatic passport does not gurentee one to have access to any country (UK in this case). It only allow you to arrive before the immigration of UK without seeking a visa before hand. The immigration office will judge if he/she will allows your entry. Even with a visa, one may still be refuse entry, or remain in the foreign country.

In the case of Thaksin, do you think that UK immigration is not aware who he is? UK will grant Thaksin and his family to enter and remain in the UK based on who he is, and not what passport he carries. Correct me if I am wrong.

There are many cases, especially spy, who are travelling with a diplomat passport are deported by a foreign country, for abuse. In Thaksin case, the UK government have not acted to deport him. In fact, the UK government welcome him with open arm, even if he arrives with no paper at all (as long as he arrives with trunk loads of dosh).

Without a diplomatic passport he would have to apply for a visa just like all other normal Thai passport holders. Refusing entry to diplomatic passport holders is extremely rare and could lead to a tit-for-tat whereby the British ambassador to Bangkok could be refused entry to Thailand.

He could surrender his diplomatic passport if he wanted. Stay in the UK as a refugee/apply for political asylum for the requisite time and get a British passport. Some of his kids may already have them by virtue of education in the UK already. If the Thai's revoke his Thai passport, it would probably quicken the process for the Brits to issue him a British one.

As far as I understand, he could get hold of an investors visa, but this would have to be done in Thailand.

If he was to surrender his diplomatic passport to the Thai's he could reapply in the UK for a normal Thai passport. But, then he would have to go to the embassy which is treated as sovereign Thai soil, which would lead to the rather crazy situation of the Thai authorities having the right to ask the UK to arrest him in the UK.

Edited September 22, 2008 by Thai at Heart

[ratcatcher]

PM says new Cabinet to have many less non-politician members compared to predecessor

Newly elected Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat revealed yesterday evening that he had compiled 90% of his Cabinet list and submitted a portion of it to his Cabinet Secretary-General for credential review. He also stated that the coalition parties have forwarded their choices for his consideration with the Pua Paendin being the last to submit their list.

The PM admitted that his Cabinet will have many less ministers from outside the political realm than its predecessor, stating that most outsiders will be working in the economic sector. He assured that the matter would be concluded within this week.

Mr. Somchai declined to comment on the possibility of former premier General Chavalit Yongjaiyuth (ชวลิต ยงใจยุทธ) and former Interior Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung being in his Cabinet, saying that it would be inappropriate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

He isnt really in a position to appoint lots of qualified outsiders considering the coaliton allies and factions all need to be kept happy especially with many speculating on an early election, which means he will also need to push every mega project through he can to finanance the next election. Maybe he could dig up the corpse of Montri who was always good at ramming the mega projects through with a high degree of leakage.

If Somchai can get a respected finance minister and a few other econmoic technocrats in place and if he can keep the toxic Chalerm out of the cabinet he may receive quite high marks. One problem though with having a qualified outsider as finance minister is that the finance minister balances the budgets between ministries and if this done based on economic considerations rather than politcal ones it could cause a lot of PPP and coaliton infighting, so a party insider could yet be brought in a s finance minister. Probably what Thaksin wants will be critical here.

A respected finance minister will not allow full speed pocket filling.....so forget about it....

No highly qualified person involved in finance at a high level in the private sector is going to take a chance on losing all personal credibility with this government. Being finance minister in this country takes more than business acumen.

Although Somchai Wongsawat has made a good start in many ways, he is still lumbered with the toxic baggage of his predecessors.

I am sure that when he is snuggled up in bed at night with the sumptuous and ever lovely Yaowappa by his side, I am sure that she whispers

in his ear " Somchai tilac, what are you going to do about my dear brother freezing his ass ets off in London?"

[Crushdepth]

Without a diplomatic passport he would have to apply for a visa just like all other normal Thai passport holders. Refusing entry to diplomatic passport holders is extremely rare and could lead to a tit-for-tat whereby the British ambassador to Bangkok could be refused entry to Thailand.

It's not as rare as you might think. A diplomatic passport doesn't guarantee you entry to anywhere. It gives the bearer a pretty good chance of not being arrested but there's nothing stopping them from sticking you on the next plane home. Particularly if you are a world-class jerk (eg. Robert Mugabe).

Yes I think some of these Thaksin haters on this forum dont know much about the many bad past leaders before Thaksin who still have their passports no problem. There are more important issues for the government thesedays then going after someone because of their passport.

Give it a rest. Do you know how much work it is for the relevant government minister to revoke a passport? It goes like this:

Minister: Listen flunky, I've had enough. Cancel his bloody passport.

Flunky: Yes sir, right away sir, please sign this form letter we printed off for you with this pen right here sir. Actually sir we had one prepared in advance as a contingency sir because its our bloody job to anticipate the bleedingly obvious things that you might want to do sir. Next to 'x' sir. I can draw an 'x' on your behalf if you find it challenging sir. By the way sir did you read the briefing we wrote you sir analysing this situation and your options and recommending a course of action sir (eg. cancel his passport because anything else would make you an international laughing stock and make the country look stupid sir).

That's it. It's no bloody hassle at all. If they *can't* be bothered to cancel the diplomatic passport of a bail jumping fugitive with no less than TWO current warrants for his arrest, can you please tell me how much credibility the world should give to a) the present Thai 'government' and diplomatic passports issued by the Thai government? Maybe the government has better things to do than to enforce the law (ie. govern), but I can't think of it.

[h90]

After the coup the Foreign Ministry revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport even though he hadn't been even accused. Now he is a fully fledged fugitive with several arrest warrants, and not shy to badmouth Thai judicial system. Why should he enjoy the privilege of having a Thai diplomatic passport?

No one ever mentioned the FM's rule book on this, though, it's their decision, not the courts.

For the record. All Ex-PM gets diplomatic passport regardless. Even those who ordered the killings of hundreds of innocent people & students. If Thaksin is not allowed one (Diplomatic Passport), that would be double standard.

Also, similar to a birth certificate, a passport is just an internationally recognised document stating who you are. Every subject of this kingdom can get one. Regardless if you are a criminal or not.

In my country, and I think Thailand is not different, if you are on the run they try to make your passport void. If they can't when you need a new one, the embassy just gives you a 3 month passport only valid for the 2 countries necessary.

With a diplomatic passport the country guarantees that this is guy the other countries can trust and this guy is representing Thailand.

[sriracha john]

After the coup the Foreign Ministry revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport even though he hadn't been even accused. Now he is a fully fledged fugitive with several arrest warrants, and not shy to badmouth Thai judicial system. Why should he enjoy the privilege of having a Thai diplomatic passport?

No one ever mentioned the FM's rule book on this, though, it's their decision, not the courts.

For the record. All Ex-PM gets diplomatic passport regardless[/size].[/color] Even those who ordered the killings of hundreds of innocent people & students. If Thaksin is not allowed one (Diplomatic Passport), that would be double standard.

Also, similar to a birth certificate, a passport is just an internationally recognised document stating who you are. Every subject of this kingdom can get one. Regardless if you are a criminal or not. [/color][/size]

Yes I think some of these Thaksin haters on this forum dont know much about the many bad past leaders before Thaksin who still have their passports no problem. There are more important issues for the government thesedays then going after someone because of their passport. Hopefully there can be some reconcilation nowdays. Hopefully all these yellow sheep all currupted by a hate filled Sondhi, a man who started all this mess three years ago. Yes thankyou Mr Sondhi, and your band of ex-generals. You have really helped move Thailands economy along.... NOT!

Just how many of the bad past leaders had 4 outstanding arrest warrants???

Do you normally dismiss a criminal's culpability because other criminals perpetrated crimes previously?

Canceling Thaksin's diplomatic passport would take a minute and half of the PM's precious time. Less time than a conference call to London to find out who should be made Vice-Assistant-Deputy Agriculture Minister.

If he wants reconciliation, the first step is to show he's impartial in his dealings with his brother-in-law. The ball is in Somchai and his ample wife's court.

btw, this mess started 3 years ago when Thaksin made the unwarranted dissolution of Parliament to avoid censure.

Edited September 22, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Somchai completes his team

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday he had completed his list of Cabinet members and that background checks were under way on the proposed appointees. He said the Cabinet Secretariat was carrying out the checks in order to ensure that their qualifications were in line with the law.

"The Cabinet list has been completed. Now the Cabinet Secretariat is doing to the background checks. There are lots of people involved," said the premier. Although the Secretariat has promised to complete its task as soon as possible, Somchai expects the process to be time-consuming.

The prime minister yesterday received many visitors to his home as he was preparing the final Cabinet line-up.

As of last night, the ministerial portfolios involving the ruling People Power Party (PPP) were not complete, but the nominations from five other coalition parties had already been submitted, according to a party source.

Under the PPP quota, former PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is expected to become Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, with the urgent task of settling the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Chavalit has maintained good relations with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen and Defence Minister Tea Banh.

Chalerm Yoobamrung, who served as Interior Minister in the PPP-led government of Samak Sundaravej, is expected to join the next Cabinet. However, it remained unclear last night whether he would serve as Justice Minister or Deputy Prime Minister.

This would depend on whether Sompong Amornwiwat, who is currently caretaker Justice Minister, stays at the ministry or becomes Public Health Minister in the new Cabinet, the source said.

The Cabinet seats that remained unsettled yesterday involved those under the quota system. They include the positions set aside for members of different factions in the party, including the Friends of Newin group.

As for the seats for other coalition parties, Puea Pandin Party's Pracha Promnok could become Deputy PM after Party Leader Suwit Khunkitti turned down the offer. His decision came after he learned that he was not being given the Industry portfolio.

The Industry Ministry portfolio is expected to go to Anongwan Thepsuthin, Leader of the Matchima Thipataya Party (and wife of TRT Banned #18 Somsak). She is now caretaker Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Caretaker Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop, who is from the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party (and wife of TRT Banned #22 Suwat), yesterday said she had opted not to be reappointed. Wannarat Charnnukul, a senior figure from Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, is set to replace her at the Energy Ministry.

Mingkwan Sangsuwan, who is currently caretaker Industry Minister, is likely to get no position in the new Cabinet, according to the source.

The allocation of Cabinet seats is now mired with coalition quotas, factional squabbling, and a game of musical chairs among cronies.

Like the Samak Sundaravej government - which was hatched in Hong Kong - the Somchai administration is being drawn up in London.

Key faction leaders like Newin Chidchob (TRT Banned #6) and Yongyuth Tiyapairat (Individually Banned) allocated seats under instructions from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman.

Somchai's wife, Yaowapa, advised her brother Thaksin into reserving plum assignments for a clique of MPs from the North.

Loyal allies from Chiang Mai were duly rewarded with jobs in the PM's inner circle, and Somchai reportedly agreed to rubber-stamp the deal worked out by his wife and in-laws.

The Cabinet line-up signals the People Power Party's determination to plough through all political adversity in order to cling to power.

Political expediency might yield an incompetent government, with coalition MPs focusing more on partisan interests than the greater good.

Even if the government were to collapse in a few months, it would not be of concern because the alliance and the electoral system would remain intact to help win re-election bids.

It is just a coincidence that the PAD-led opposition has decided to come up with a new political model to replace what it considers a flawed electoral system at the same time as the unveiling of the Cabinet.

The PAD intends to make people aware of the "evil-side" of the Somchai government - which it claims to be a proxy of Thaksin's autocratic regime. But by rushing to advance the tentative model for its so-called "new politics", it has failed to think things through. As a result, confusion only seems to intensify.

It remains doubtful whether its new politics could be a viable alternative to the existing political system.

Though the PAD claims it is drawing a road map to revamp the system, it appears unable to come up with either a fresh proposal or a breakthrough.

The debate on what constitutes an appropriate political model for Thailand has been rekindled time and again over the past 76 years. Arguments advanced by the PAD are nothing but a rehash of past issues.

The idea about allocating House seats between appointees and elected MPs is not new. For more than a decade after the advent of democracy in 1932, half of the parliamentary representatives were appointed.

However, nowadays people are more politically conscious, which is why the PAD is being met with such stiff opposition to the idea of House seats being allocated.

This idea has since been modified to divide seats between elected MPs via constituency vote and elected professional representatives via peer vote. The PAD has yet to clarify how the nomination process and peer vote would be organised.

The idea of professional representation sounds strikingly similar to the so-called democratic representation in a communist regime. If the PAD were to emulate a Chinese political model, many would cry foul over the regression of popular democracy.

- The Nation / 2008-09-23

[jumnien]

Somchai completes his team

It is just a coincidence that the PAD-led opposition has decided to come up with a new political model to replace what it considers a flawed electoral system at the same time as the unveiling of the Cabinet.

The PAD intends to make people aware of the "evil-side" of the Somchai government - which it claims to be a proxy of Thaksin's autocratic regime. But by rushing to advance the tentative model for its so-called "new politics", it has failed to think things through. As a result, confusion only seems to intensify.

It remains doubtful whether its new politics could be a viable alternative to the existing political system.

Though the PAD claims it is drawing a road map to revamp the system, it appears unable to come up with either a fresh proposal or a breakthrough.

The debate on what constitutes an appropriate political model for Thailand has been rekindled time and again over the past 76 years. Arguments advanced by the PAD are nothing but a rehash of past issues.

The idea about allocating House seats between appointees and elected MPs is not new. For more than a decade after the advent of democracy in 1932, half of the parliamentary representatives were appointed.

However, nowadays people are more politically conscious, which is why the PAD is being met with such stiff opposition to the idea of House seats being allocated.

This idea has since been modified to divide seats between elected MPs via constituency vote and elected professional representatives via peer vote. The PAD has yet to clarify how the nomination process and peer vote would be organised.

The idea of professional representation sounds strikingly similar to the so-called democratic representation in a communist regime. If the PAD were to emulate a Chinese political model, many would cry foul over the regression of popular democracy.

- The Nation / 2008-09-23

Good post! Sure makes it obvious why the PAD are so unappealing politically.

[sriracha john]

And why the dinosaurs, criminals, and proxies of the banned are so much more preferable.

[jumnien]

And why the dinosaurs, criminals, and proxies of the banned are so much more preferable.

Exactly, we're totally on the same page this morning! A rational decent alternative to the dinosaurs, criminals and proxies of the banned would be welcomed by many Thais with open arms. Instead, they have been force-fed an PAD alternative that consists of military-proxy madmen like Sondhi L. and the dog guy spouting half-intelligible anti-democratic BS 24 hours a day.

[sriracha john]

And why the dinosaurs, criminals, and proxies of the banned are so much more preferable.

A rational decent alternative to the dinosaurs, criminals and proxies of the banned would be welcomed by many Thais with open arms.

And since there isn't any... the strife of Thailand will continue. Oh well.

[sriracha john]

PM confirms Cabinet finalised

There will be no surprises from the new cabinet line-up because the quota system of sharing Cabinet portfolios among political factions and coalition partners remains a dominant factor, the Democrats and academics said yesterday. They made their remarks as PM Somchai confirmed the line-up has been finalised and said he had tried his best to assemble a Cabinet acceptable to the general public. The Cabinet list has been sent to the Secretariat of the Cabinet for scrutiny of the ministers' qualifications. The expected line-up includes Leader of the new Puea Thai Party and Deputy Finance Minister Suchart Thadathamrongvej, who will be promoted to Finance Minister; and Warawut Silpa-archa (Banharn's offspring) from Chart Thai Party as Deputy Transport Minister. Transport Minister Santi Promphat and Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri, a member of the group loyal to (banned) Buriram politician Newin Chidchob are expected to keep their positions. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the PM must show leadership skills in picking capable people. The PM could not afford to appoint ministers who do not have the trust of the people. Public disapproval of the new ministers would be a bad start for the government and would not bode well for its future, he added. Choosing the Cabinet is a real test of how good Somchai is as government leader, Mr Abhisit said. "The PM must show his leadership skills or his credibility could be hurt," he said. The PM must make sure that the relentless campaign for a charter rewrite by members of the PPP, which has been a trigger for political tensions, is stopped. Witthayakorn Chiangkul, Dean of the Social Innovation College of Rangsit University, said the public could hope for little from the new Cabinet. He believed ousted PM Thaksin still had a say in the line-up, which would be no different from Samak's government. "He [somchai] has to bow to the desires of Thaksin and those in the PPP," said the Dean. Siriphan Noksuan, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, did not expect the new Cabinet to be a refreshing change from the last one because the quota system among political factions will continue to be a fact of life. It would come as no surprise if the new Cabinet was a disappointment.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/230908_News/23Sep2008_news01.php

Edited September 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[MiG16]

Im merging another (small) discussion on topic into this one

[jumnien]

And why the dinosaurs, criminals, and proxies of the banned are so much more preferable.

A rational decent alternative to the dinosaurs, criminals and proxies of the banned would be welcomed by many Thais with open arms.

And since there isn't any... the strife of Thailand will continue. Oh well.

It's a shame really! Ah, vipassana, seeing things as they really are...

[sriracha john]

Those gosh-darn asset statements are so hard to comply with....

People Power Party MP Chinnicha Wongsawat, daughter of PM

Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana is preparing to lodge a complaint with the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) against PM Somchai's daughter Chinnicha, a Chiang Mai MP, for allegedly failing to report her 100 Million Baht worth of assets that have been frozen by the Assets Scrutiny Committee. According to the Senator, she claimed the assets in question had been borrowed from *fugitive* Bannapot Damapong, a brother of *fugitive* Potjaman, wife of deposed PM *and fugitive* Thaksin Shinawatra. Somchai's wife and Chinicha's mother is Yaowapa, a younger sister of Thaksin.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/230908_News/23Sep2008_news08.php

Edited September 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[AlKing]

Those gosh-darn asset statements are so hard to comply with....

People Power Party MP Chinnicha Wongsawat, daughter of PM

Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana is preparing to lodge a complaint with the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) against PM Somchai's daughter Chinnicha, a Chiang Mai MP, for allegedly failing to report her 100 Million Baht worth of assets that have been frozen by the Assets Scrutiny Committee. According to the Senator, she claimed the assets in question had been borrowed from *fugitive* Bannapot Damapong, a brother of *fugitive* Potjaman, wife of deposed PM *and fugitive* Thaksin Shinawatra. Somchai's wife and Chinicha's mother is Yaowapa, a younger sister of Thaksin.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/230908_News/23Sep2008_news08.php

Caught red handed. Deserve a red card.

[Jai Dee]

PM completes list of new Cabinet line up

Mr. Somchai Wongsawat, Prime Minister, has completed list of new cabinet line up.

Mr. Somchai Wongsawat, Prime Minister, cancelled his planned visit the Dong Muang airport today to see the gvoernment’s temporary office as he stayed in his house in Chang Watthana area.

A number of prominent figures, including Mr. Sompong Amornwiwat, People Power party (PPP) deputy leader, Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Police Commissioner-General, Mr. Sukhumpong Nguan-kam, PPP deputy director-general, and US ambassador to Thailand, Mr. Eric G John, came to see him later this morning.

Mr. Somchai also summoned Mr. Loyleun Bunnag, PM deputy director-general, to see him to arrange offices for Mr. Somchai and other new ministers at Don Muan airport.

Mr. Somchai told reporters that the US ambassador came to congratulate him as the new Thai leader.

He also said that the list of new cabinet line up was completed. It was being thoroughly checked for the new ministers’ qualifications. He admitted that outsiders take some new posts, but declined to disclose the names. He stressed that the new cabinet’s list was done on his best efforts and he was prepared to be criticized. He also said that timing of the royal endorsement for the list depends on duration of qualification checking.

Mr. Surachai Puprasert, cabinet’s secretary-general, came to see Mr. Somchai in the evening to receive the list of new cabinet for verification of their qualifications.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 September 2008

[sriracha john]

Mr. Somchai told reporters that the US ambassador came to congratulate him as the new Thai leader.

The immense cordiality of the visit is evident by the non-handshake.

[brahmburgers]

And why the dinosaurs, criminals, and proxies of the banned are so much more preferable.

Exactly, we're totally on the same page this morning! A rational decent alternative to the dinosaurs, criminals and proxies of the banned would be welcomed by many Thais with open arms. Instead, they have been force-fed an PAD alternative that consists of military-proxy madmen like Sondhi L. and the dog guy spouting half-intelligible anti-democratic BS 24 hours a day.

With its insipid educational system and continued adulation of law-breakers, is it any wonder that Thailand can't come up with decent leaders from any quarter?

Even when the so-called leaders are in office, what sort of legislation do they actually enact? It's like the last year of the Nixon administration. Lots of meetings, lots of hiding, lots of lies, all higher-ups getting fat salaries and kickbacks - ......and zero legislation enacted to assist citizens in need.

Edited September 23, 2008 by brahmburgers

[Thai at Heart]

It's not as rare as you might think. A diplomatic passport doesn't guarantee you entry to anywhere. It gives the bearer a pretty good chance of not being arrested but there's nothing stopping them from sticking you on the next plane home. Particularly if you are a world-class jerk (eg. Robert Mugabe).

I was aware of Mugabe, but when one considers the amount of high profile Russian's being given safe haven in the UK from prosecution in Russia, it is obvious that the UK doesn't make a habit of declaring political runaways persona non grata. The British system is the reason he went there. It took months of lobbying and discussion in the parliament and Whitehall to get to the point of declaring Mugabe unwelcome. As far as I know the EU has a ban on him and many of his cabinet members which has indeed caused him considerable inconvenience, particularly since his wife has a passion for Italian designers.

The reason behind Thaksin being in London places the UK and Thailand in a very delicate position. He went because of an army coup and would be able to claim that a fair trial is impossible in Thailand because the court process is politically tainted. This grants him the right to safe haven in the UK. If the Thai govt took the Thai arrest warrants to the UK courts, I reckon Thaksin would win very simply. The Thai govt would then look extremely toothless and have it's name dragged even further thru the mud.

I don't think the government or Thaksin want this to happen so it is a nicely balanced standoff. It suits the govt better for him to keep it, instead of trying to arrest and deport him thru the British court system knowing it would lose. If they revoked the passport he could get a British one very simply since he could claim to be an asylum seeker. He may already have a Brit passport anyway. As long as Thaksin stays in the UK, he is extremely unlikely to be deported because he can claim political asylum by claiming the courts in Thailand are prejudiced.

His issue are the court warrants that he desperately wants to get removed so that he can come back. The Thai constitution guarantees that he cannot be refused entry to the country, what he doesn't want is to be put in the clink when he gets here.

[Plus]

Reportedly Chavalit gets Foreign Ministry and Chalerm goes to Justice.

What a joke!

I suppose I experience the same kind of apprehension our anti-coup brigade had when they saw lots of people cheering for the junta. Except this time I can't understand how half the nation hopes against any hope that Somchai is some sort of a new beginning.

Apart from his personal image and call to Sondhi I can't see any improvements, rather the opposite - with Chalerm and Chavalit back in the goevrnment.

Where are those die hard preachers of a rise against the elites? Where is Thaigene, for example. Is he still rallying for his cause? All power to the people! Away with the elite feudalism! Chalerm su su! Chavalit is the savior of the nation! The wife of Somsak Thepsutin (what's her name?) is a real representative of the poor, their real hope!

Thaksin's brother in law and his powerful sister will do everything in their power to expel crony capitalists and feudal lords from the government!

[Jai Dee]

PPP Deputy Secretary-General admits he has been approached to be PMs Office Minister

Deputy Secretary-General of the People Power Party Sukumpong Ngonkum (สุขุมพงศ์ โง่นคำ) early today stated that he has been approached to take on the position of Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and take an active role in conducting the Government's legal matters. Nonetheless, he commented that the Cabinet list should be submitted for Royal Approval within the day.

As for individuals bargaining for ministerial positions, Mr. Sukumpong said it was a common practice and happens during every Cabinet establishment as there are many likely candidates for each post. He expressed his confidence that the Prime Minister could clarify his selections to the PPP and commented that the choices he has seen have been skillfull individuals that the public should accept.

Mr. Sukumpong stated that the new administration will quickly deal with policies left unprocessed by its predecessor, especially pressing matters such as 15 laws that are nearing their due date for consideration.

The PPP Deputy Secretary-General also asked that the public allow the new government to prove that it is not a nominee for the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, saying that the actions of the government and time will affirm the truth.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Friends of Newin deny lobbying cabinet seats

But a group member warns against reducing number of seats

The Friends of Newin faction yesterday accused rivals within the People Power Party of slinging mud by spreading false allegations about its intense lobbying for Cabinet seats.

The faction, comprising followers of banned Thai Rak Thai Party executive Newin Chidchob, claimed its rivals wanted to undermine its strength.

"Those disappointed with the Cabinet line-up want to fault and destroy the faction for their failure to secure ministerial appointments," MP Topong Chaiyasan said.

Meanwhile, Boonjong Wongtrairat, another MP in the group, yesterday warned against reducing the number of the faction's Cabinet seats in the next government.

"We used to have four ministerial seats and there will be two more, which has been agreed. Any attempt to cut the number of seats or dissolve our group will be viewed as bad manners," Boonjong said.

"At least the original seats should be maintained, otherwise there will be problems in the near future. We haven't done any bargaining or put any pressure," he added.

Topong said yesterday that his faction members did not lobby for positions because their faction still retained six Cabinet seats as had been allocated previously.

He denied speculation that two faction members, Suraphon Fongngam and Prachak Kaewklahan, were being lured away in exchange for plum assignments.

He said he just had a telephone conversation with Newin, who assured him that there was no squabble over the ministerial line-up.

He added that his faction planned to organise a party event designed to change negative character traits such as jealousy and rivalry.

MPs would be encouraged to participate in team sports, such as football, basketball, and entertain one another through karaoke singing in order to bury grudges, he said.

In the next two weeks, the main coalition party might host a golf tournament for MPs to compete for the Thaksin Cup as a way to forge unity, he said.

He said his faction had no involvement in forming a new party "Suvarnabhumi" as a standby in case the PPP is dissolved.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Theerachai Saenkaew said news reports had wrongly portrayed his faction relating to the allocation of Cabinet seats.

Theerachai voiced optimism that he would keep his position regardless of speculation to the contrary.

Source: The Nation - 23 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Newin smiles, refuses to talk

Newin Chidchob, former deputy agriculture minister, Tuesday smiled to reporters but declined to answer a question whether he was behind the formation of the Somchai Cabinet.

Newin attended the first hearing of a corruption case against him at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office. He was alleged with collaborating with several other persons to siphon from the Bt1.4 billion project to hand out rubber tree seedlings to farmers by the Thaksin government.

Source: The Nation - 23 September 2008

[cmsally]

Mr. Somchai told reporters that the US ambassador came to congratulate him as the new Thai leader.

The immense cordiality of the visit is evident by the non-handshake.

Generally I don't post pictures as they are so misleading, but maybe this one I will , as it proves my point (that they are misleading).

[hammered]

Reportedly Chavalit gets Foreign Ministry and Chalerm goes to Justice.

What a joke!

I suppose I experience the same kind of apprehension our anti-coup brigade had when they saw lots of people cheering for the junta. Except this time I can't understand how half the nation hopes against any hope that Somchai is some sort of a new beginning.

Apart from his personal image and call to Sondhi I can't see any improvements, rather the opposite - with Chalerm and Chavalit back in the goevrnment.

Where are those die hard preachers of a rise against the elites? Where is Thaigene, for example. Is he still rallying for his cause? All power to the people! Away with the elite feudalism! Chalerm su su! Chavalit is the savior of the nation! The wife of Somsak Thepsutin (what's her name?) is a real representative of the poor, their real hope!

Thaksin's brother in law and his powerful sister will do everything in their power to expel crony capitalists and feudal lords from the government!

If Chavalit is in the cabinet it will be interesting. Not because he is considered an insane old has been by many people but becuase he has recently spoken supportingly of new politcs, is a "son of Prem" and previously was a confidant of Thaksin. He has played more sides than Samak and probably has a finger in every pie. It reamins to be seen whether he can rememeber what pies and what fingers he has in them however. It will at the very least provide some entertainment.

[Jai Dee]

List of new cabinet line up completed

Prime Minister Mr. Somchai Wongsawat’s weight was declining since he took office, while the new cabinet list is complete although Peu Pandin, a coalition party, is still battling for cabinet seats.

Mr. Suthin Klangsaeng, People Power party (PPP) spokesman, said this morning that the new cabinet line up has been completed. Office of the cabinet secretary-general is verifying the new ministers’ qualification being being forwarded for royal endorsement.

“At the moment, the list is being prepared for seeking royal endorsement. It’s 100% complete. All positions have been settled….The PM has been well keeping the list in secret. The speculation on the list (by the press) may be significantly wrong,” Mr. Suthin said, responding to reporters’ questions on the list of new cabinet line up.

He added that the new ministers must be competent and well accepted. He insisted that Mr. Somchai has taken into account general public’s views for candidates of new ministers. He did not hinge solely on quotas of political parties or interest groups. Mr. Suthin said that he was not aware yet that he would be awarded any ministerial post.

Mr. Suthin also quoted Mr. Somchai as saying that the premier’s weight was decreasing since he formally took office, but not in significant pressure. The premier also insisted that he would do his best.

Meanwhile, the Ban Rim Nam faction of the coalition Puea Pandin party on Tuesday threatened to oppose the allocation of Cabinet seats if its two MPs failed to secure appointments.

Puea Pandin party MP Mr. Purapat Wisetjindawattana said today (Tuesday morning) that members of his faction in Puea Pandin may voice their opposition, if the new cabinet line-up was not satisfactory for his group and does not contain some of its members.

Mr Purapat said that his group proposed Mr. Suradet Yasawat and Mr. Pichet Tancharoen to take the cabinet seats in the Somchai Wongsawat administration.

He also said that party leader Mr. Suvit Khunkitti, however; never asked for the group’s suggestions.

Meanwhile, Puea Pandin, deputy leader of Parn Pungsujarit party Mr. Parn Pungsujarit disclosed that his party chief adviser Pol Gen Pracha Promnok will replace Mr Suvit in Prime Minister Somchai’s cabinet. Pol Gen Pracha will likely take the industry minister's post.

Puea Pandin spokesman Mr. Chaiyos Jiramethakorn said that People Power Party has set four ministerial portolios under the Puea Pandin’s quota.

However, Puea Pandin leader Mr. Suwit Khunkitti has declined his nomination and named his deputy and MP Pol Gen Pracha for the industry portfolio,

On a related development, Pol Col Karn Thienkaew, deputy chief of People Power party (PPP) said that the Newin Chidchob’s faction in his party was awarded four ministerial posts as was previously the case.

But persons assuming the posts may change, including Mr. Suthin Klangsaeng to get a deputy minister’s post. While the coalition parties’ quotas were still be unchanged.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mr. Somchai Wongsawat is still in his Chang Watthana residence. No one came to see him so far today while police and security guards at his house are in full forces.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 September 2008

[sriracha john]

Reportedly Chavalit gets Foreign Ministry and Chalerm goes to Justice.

What a joke!

I suppose I experience the same kind of apprehension our anti-coup brigade had when they saw lots of people cheering for the junta. Except this time I can't understand how half the nation hopes against any hope that Somchai is some sort of a new beginning.

Apart from his personal image and call to Sondhi I can't see any improvements, rather the opposite - with Chalerm and Chavalit back in the goevrnment.

Where are those die hard preachers of a rise against the elites? Where is Thaigene, for example. Is he still rallying for his cause? All power to the people! Away with the elite feudalism! Chalerm su su! Chavalit is the savior of the nation! The wife of Somsak Thepsutin (what's her name?) is a real representative of the poor, their real hope!

Thaksin's brother in law and his powerful sister will do everything in their power to expel crony capitalists and feudal lords from the government!

If Chavalit is in the cabinet it will be interesting. Not because he is considered an insane old has been by many people but becuase he has recently spoken supportingly of new politcs, is a "son of Prem" and previously was a confidant of Thaksin. He has played more sides than Samak and probably has a finger in every pie. It reamins to be seen whether he can rememeber what pies and what fingers he has in them however. It will at the very least provide some entertainment.

I don't know about all that...

He looks pretty fit...

General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh

Director of Operations, Royal Thai Army

B.E. 2506

[sriracha john]

Reportedly Chavalit gets Foreign Ministry and Chalerm goes to Justice.

What a joke!

I suppose I experience the same kind of apprehension our anti-coup brigade had when they saw lots of people cheering for the junta. Except this time I can't understand how half the nation hopes against any hope that Somchai is some sort of a new beginning.

Apart from his personal image and call to Sondhi I can't see any improvements, rather the opposite - with Chalerm and Chavalit back in the goevrnment.

Where are those die hard preachers of a rise against the elites? Where is Thaigene, for example. Is he still rallying for his cause? All power to the people! Away with the elite feudalism! Chalerm su su! Chavalit is the savior of the nation! The wife of Somsak Thepsutin (what's her name?) is a real representative of the poor, their real hope!

Thaksin's brother in law and his powerful sister will do everything in their power to expel crony capitalists and feudal lords from the government!

If Chavalit is in the cabinet it will be interesting. Not because he is considered an insane old has been by many people but becuase he has recently spoken supportingly of new politcs, is a "son of Prem" and previously was a confidant of Thaksin. He has played more sides than Samak and probably has a finger in every pie. It reamins to be seen whether he can rememeber what pies and what fingers he has in them however. It will at the very least provide some entertainment.

I don't know about all that...

He looks pretty fit...

General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh

Director of Operations, Royal Thai Army

B.E. 2506

check that... here's a non-misleading update:

retired General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh

Senile Old Goat

B.E. 2551