Somchai Wongsawat To Be New PM

[Samuian]

......edit....

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!

I agree wholeheartedly, what a comedy.... they will make sure that no one else makes it "in" and feeds on "their share"... the big feeding trough.. is called "MEGA-Projects"..!

If they could only get the PAD off the streets, ASTV off the air and send them all to, well ... say Zimbabwe.

The demise and misery the PAD may find itself soon in is that they have to come up with a strong, well thought through and feasible concept!

Looks like Chalerm may be set out to get a key role in the court cases... may he or may he not?

May estimate would be if he sees the slightest chance - he will!

After all he must know really well how the system works...

(remember, once upon a time there was a dead cop, a gun and 2 sons... in a pub, and a father visiting his 'struggling' son in cambodia, there was a trial, but the witnesses... failed to show up....he's back in the army, cause some bad spirit did fire at gun point)

...story to be continued..

Edited September 23, 2008 by Samuian

[Jai Dee]

Pua Paendin leader steps down as Industry Minister in attempt to soothe party tensions

Pua Paendin member and MP of Nakorn Panom Doctor Alongkot Maneekas (อลงกต มณีกาศ) along with other MPs of the party held a press conference today to clarify the party decision to change their choice for Minister of Industry within their allotted quota. The party had previously revealed that it would be changing out the Minister of Industry from party leader Suwit Khunkitti (สุวิทย์ คุณกิตติ) to Police General Pracha Phromnok (ประชา พรหมนอก).

The press conference revealed that Mr. Suwit stepped down from the post in an effort to reduce tensions within the party and sacrificed his position so that the Prime Minister could select a more capable person to take it on. Mr. Suwit has also returned the party's quota for Deputy Prime Minister to the People Power Party for it to name its own.

Nonetheless, Dr. Alongkot affiremd that the party's 20 MPs are still in support of Mr. Suwit as the party leader despite some minor objections. The party is set to meet this afternoon to reconcile their differences.

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

[Jai Dee]

Sompong to take foreign affairs portfolio

Acting Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat confirmed on Tuesday that the prime minister wanted him to take the foreign affairs porfolio.

PM Somchai told Sompong that he wanted him to be foreign minister because he could not find suitable person. PM wanted the new foreign minister to be more politically savy which he said would benefit bilateral negotiation and talks.

"I have no worries in my new assignment and my priority is to resolve the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia," he said.

Sompong said he did not yet study details of the border dispute but was ready to start studying to solve the disputes.

Sompong said he was picked for his new job based on his political experience as negotiator.

In regard to his successor at Justice, he said Culture Minister Somsak Kiartsuranont was well qualified and might succeed him.

He was speaking his farewell party hosted at the Justice Ministry.

Source: The Nation - 23 September 2008

[Plus]

A perfect example of dichotomy between the elections and the reality.

Whose interests these feuding Pua Paendin MPs represent in this tussle over ministerial appointments?

What has it got to do with people who elected them? Nothing.

[sriracha john]

PM Somchai told Sompong that he wanted him to be Foreign Minister because he could not find suitable person.

Is that a cheap swipe at our beloved General Chavalit?

[h90]

PM Somchai told Sompong that he wanted him to be Foreign Minister because he could not find suitable person.

Is that a cheap swipe at our beloved General Chavalit?

that's a joke? isn't it?

We can't find a suitable person, so not suitable Sompong should do the job????

[sriracha john]

nearly 8 months ago...

Incoming prime minister Samak Sundaravej admitted yesterday he was not completely satisfied with his Cabinet, portraying the line-up as an "ugly duckling".

Samak said coalition demands and strict rules on ministerial credentials had limited his options.

"I don't know what to do with the government's image - it is unavoidable that it's a little ugly, because only the daredevils are willing to join the Cabinet," he said.

He had tried, but failed, to recruit competent outsiders

and today...

Democrat: New cabinet uglier than Samak's

The Democrat Party criticised PM Somchai Wongsawat for slowly setting up his Cabinet, adding that his selected ministers could appear “uglier” than those under the Samak administration. Democrat Assistant Secretary-General Thepthai Senpong called on Somchai to quickly form the Cabinet because the more time it takes, more lobbying and negotiations would occur. In the end, Somchai’s Cabinet would be “uglier” than the previous one administered by Samak. He believed the reason the Cabinet was not formed quickly because the individuals who the premier approached rejected the offer. He said they may see that the current government’s term may not be long, since the ruling PPP could be dissolved. The government also had to wait for the direct line from an influential figure in London, Mr Thepthai added.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=130869

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

now that's progress...

[permanent_disorder]

In the UK, families are not so important as in Thailand so nepotism is out and cronyism is in, e.g. Tony Blair.

surprising is that nobody mentioned the polish twins Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

they also have the best handshake pictures ever.

anyway, whats up with the somchai sex scandal? isn't that pretty strange?

[Los78]

A perfect example of dichotomy between the elections and the reality.

Whose interests these feuding Pua Paendin MPs represent in this tussle over ministerial appointments?

What has it got to do with people who elected them? Nothing.

So why get so worked up over it. Its just minor news.

[Plus]

That is part of the problem, too. It's considered "minor news".

No one expects anything else from that bunch, except PAD who want a real government representing and answerable to the people.

Otherwise it's a dead end.

[Los78]

That is part of the problem, too. It's considered "minor news".

No one expects anything else from that bunch, except PAD who want a real government representing and answerable to the people.

Otherwise it's a dead end.

HAHAHA PAD and real government.... HAHAHA. I hear some PAD comical remarks. A appointed governement that PAD are proposing is a dictatorship driven by ex generals and PAD sheep... Baa Baa

[sriracha john]

anyway, whats up with the somchai sex scandal? isn't that pretty strange?

I think it was a very sad outcome with the suicidal hanging.

Still, I can't hardly believe he'd cheat on such a charming and seductive-appearing woman as is his wife is, but there go. Some things that people do surprise everyone.

and speaking of attractive women in politics.... there's...

Thai Rak Thai Banned Executives Deny Involvement in Cabinet Line-up

Politically-banned Thai Rak Thai executive Sudarat Keyuraphan denied taking part in lobbying for a ministerial posts in the new Cabinet, while another banned Thai Rak Thai executive Nevin Chidchob only smiled when a reporter brought up the issue.

Sudarat Keyuraphan, one of the banned Thai Rak Thai executives *TRT Banned #3 to be precise*, has denied any involvement in the Cabinet line-up by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and affirmed that no Bangkok MP is on the list. She told reporters to wait until the line-up is out to confirm her words.

She said there can be diversity among the People Power Party, but not disharmony and that she wants to see the country move forward.

She further added that people still have different opinions about the political situation. However, as a democratic country, she suggested that the people respect the majority vote and that a committee representing various groups in society be set up to work on a new Constitution. *precisely what the coalition parties promised NOT to do*

This morning, Sudarat showed up at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office and filed a request to be released on bail with bond worth two million baht in the issuance of the two and three-digit lottery case.

The Supreme Court is to hold its first hearing on the case on Friday.

Meanwhile, former Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Sora-at Klinpratum and former Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Newin Chidchob appeard at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Post Holders to attend the hearing on the corruption case involving rubber saplings worth 1.44 billion baht.

Sora-at denied his involvement in the recent Cabinet line-up and Newin only smiled when asked about the issue.

- TOC / 2008-09-23

[sriracha john]

Unofficial Cabinet line-up

Latest Cabinet line-up

Prime Minister and Defence Minister :

Somchai Wongsawat

Deputy Prime Ministers :

Olarn Chaipravat

Chavalit Yongchaiyudh

Sanan Kachornprasart

Sompong Amornwiwat (also Foreign Minister)

PM's Office Minister :

Sukhumpong Ngonkham

Finance Minister :

Suchart Thadathamrongvech

Deputy Finance Ministers :

Pradit Pataraprasit

Ranongrak Suwanchawee

Transport Minister :

Santi Prompat

Deputy Transport Ministers :

Sophon Salum

Varawut Silapa-archa

Interior Minister :

Kowit Watana

Deputy Interior Ministers :

Supon Fongngam

Prasong Kositanon

Preecha Rengsomboonsuk

Commerce Minister :

Chaiya Sasomsap

Deputy Commerce Ministers :

Banyin Tangpakorn

Songkram Kijlertpairote

Industry Minister :

Pracha Promnok

Energy Minister :

Wannarat Charnnukul

Agriculture Minister :

Somsak Prissanananthakul

Deputy Agriculture Ministers :

Sompat Kaewpijit

Theerachai Saenkaew

Public Health Minister :

Chalerm Yoobamrung

Deputy Health Minister :

Wicharn Meenchainant

Education Minister :

Srimuang Chareonsiri

Deputy Education Minister :

Pongpan Sunthornchai

Justice Minister :

Somsak KIartsuranont

Social Development and Human Security Minister :

Udomdet Rattanasathien

Natural Resources and Environment Minister :

Anongwan ThepsuthIn

Information and Communications Technology Minister :

Mun Patanotai

Science Minister :

Wutthipong Chaisang

Labour Minister :

Uraiwan Thienthong

Culture Minister :

Worawat Uaapinyakul

Government Spokesman :

Nahathai Thewphaingarm

- The Nation / 2008-09-23

Edited September 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[permanent_disorder]

anyway, whats up with the somchai sex scandal? isn't that pretty strange?

I think it was a very sad outcome with the suicidal hanging.

Still, I can't hardly believe he'd cheat on such a charming and seductive-appearing woman as is his wife is, but there go. Some things that people do surprise everyone.

and speaking of attractive women in politics.... there's...

that sex scandal is the actual hot topic on the PAD cult coffee klatsch stage show. the real funny entertainment.

[flame deleted]

[sriracha john]

anyway, whats up with the somchai sex scandal? isn't that pretty strange?

I think it was a very sad outcome with the suicidal hanging.

Still, I can't hardly believe he'd cheat on such a charming and seductive-appearing woman as is his wife is, but there go. Some things that people do surprise everyone.

and speaking of attractive women in politics.... there's...

that sex scandal is the actual hot topic on the PAD cult coffee klatsch stage show. the real funny entertainment.

[flame deleted]

Well, the scandal certainly does raise a number of questions regarding the character of both the Prime Minister and the First Lady. I can't imagine any similar politician in the West being able to survive a scandal involving infidelity, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, and suicide... but I realize in Thailand, things are different.

As for the the photo of PAD women, it was just a light-hearted effort for an otherwise old dead thread (not this one).

I do notice, however, that multitudes of your photos are no longer loading up on the Thaivisa forum... what a shame.

Edited September 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[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

more on the PM's daughter's financial shenanigans...

PM's daughter in trouble over assets

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday brushed aside allegations that his daughter had violated the anti-graft law with an improper declaration of assets.

According to Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, the PM's daughter, Chiang Mai MP Chinnicha Wongsawat, had failed to report the more than 100 Million Baht she had borrowed before taking up her post.

Ruangkrai, a former auditor, said Chinnicha had earlier told the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) that she had taken a loan from Banapot Damapong, the half-brother of Pojaman Shinawatra.

Somchai, who is the brother-in-law of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said he had no knowledge of the issue.

In a mandatory asset/liability declaration for MPs, Chinnicha reported to the National Counter Corruption Commission that her total assets stood at more than 300 Million Baht and her liabilities were over Bt70 million.

However, earlier Chinnicha had told the AEC that she had borrowed more than 100 Million Baht from Banapot, but failed to submit documents substantiating this loan.

On January 18 this year, Chinnicha insisted with the AEC that the money was legal because it was a loan from her relative. The AEC had earlier placed a freeze on her assets.

"We're examining how a young lady of only 27 could have amassed more than 300 Million Baht, plus received a loan of over 100 Million Baht from a relative.

"All this happened while Somchai spent his years as a bureaucrat and only retired from the civil service recently," said Ruangkrai.

Ruangkrai was the man behind the disqualification of former PM Samak Sundaravej for having accepted payment over a TV show while in office.

In July, Pojaman and Banapot were also found guilty of tax evasion following a case Ruangkrai had initiated.

- The Nation / 2008-09-24

[Crushdepth]

Minister for Sex Scandals: Will be concurrently held by the PM. He will be able to find time to perform both roles, in addition to Minister for Defence, party goons advise.

[sriracha john]

prospective Foreign Minister Sompong

prospective Public Health Minister Chalerm and his son Duang

prospective Finance Minister Suchart

Critics slam PM's choice of ministers

Critics yesterday ignored a plea from PM Somchai to give his Cabinet nominees time to prove themselves. Their main targets are Sompong Amornwiwat, who is to become Foreign Minister, and Suchart Thadathamrongvej, who will be Finance Minister. Controversial Chalerm Yoobamrung will come back into the administration, this time as Public Health Minister. Prasong Kosittanond, who has been nominated as a Deputy Interior Minister, could stir up trouble in the Puea Pandin as he is not an elected MP. The PM boasted that all 36 members of his Cabinet were well-qualified for their posts, although others might think differently. A source in the PPP said the list was approved by ousted PM Thaksin, who wants to curb the influence of the faction led by Newin Chidchob. Another party source said Sompong was nominated to become Foreign Minister because PPP core members wanted him to handle hot issues like the Preah Vihear temple and the revocation of Thaksin's diplomatic passport. The decision to put him at the Foreign Ministry surprised and worried officials as he has two key issues waiting for him. He has to resolve the spat with Cambodia over the border dispute and handle Southeast Asian affairs as Thailand now chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Sompong will not have much time to learn about his new job because his first assignment is to attend the UN General Assembly and chair an informal meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers on Sept 29. Political analyst Panitan Wattanayagorn of Chulalongkorn University was worried about the appointment of Sompong, given the difficulties of the Thai-Cambodian dispute. It required a capable person specialising in foreign affairs, the analyst said. He urged Sompong to show his courage by revoking the diplomatic passport of Thaksin. Historian M.L. Walwipa Charoonroj of Thammasat University said Sompong was not suited to the foreign affairs portfolio. The post required a person well-versed in international policies, not a protector of politicians' interests, she said. Chart Thai Leader Banharn Silpa-archa said he was concerned about Suchart handling finance policy. When Suchart was Deputy Finance Minister in the Samak administration he had once criticised the Bank of Thailand, Banharn said. That could lead to problems in the administration. Chalerm, who was earlier forced out of the interior post by public pressure, has been given some breathing space by health experts. Kriengsak Watcharanukulkiat, head of the Rural Doctors' Society, said he had no expectations from the new Public Health Minister as the government will not last long. Puea Pandin also had its own problem after the Cabinet line-up was completed as the nomination of Prasong could threaten its unity. Dissident MPs in Puea Pandin warned of turmoil after Party Leader Suvit Khunkitti nominated Prasong, a non-MP and reportedly the party's financier, to the post of Deputy Interior Minister. Yasothon MP Ronritthichai Khankhet said he and the other 7 MPs in the Party disagreed with Prasong's nomination as he was not an MP and lacked political experience.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/240908_News/24Sep2008_news01.php

Edited September 24, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

prospective Labour Minister Uraiwan

Uraiwan shrugs off criticism court case makes her unfit for Cabinet

Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong has shrugged off criticism it would be inappropriate for her to be part of the new Cabinet because she is one of the politicians implicated in the digit lottery court case. The case is now being tried in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. The other serving ministers implicated in the same case, Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemart, have made it clear they will not be part of the Cabinet of new PM Somchai Wongsawat. Uraiwan, who is likely to remain labour minister, said she had done nothing wrong. However, she would step down if the court finds her guilty. *well, that's mighty big of her to make that concession*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/240908_News/24Sep2008_news10.php

[Siripon]

That is part of the problem, too. It's considered "minor news".

No one expects anything else from that bunch, except PAD who want a real government representing and answerable to the people.

Otherwise it's a dead end.

HAHAHA PAD and real government.... HAHAHA. I hear some PAD comical remarks. A appointed governement that PAD are proposing is a dictatorship driven by ex generals and PAD sheep... Baa Baa

If you're interested in sheep then there is no better example than the TRT MPs, transformed into the PPP MPs.

In every censure debate up went all their hands declaring every government MP innocent of every transgression described in the debate.

Why? Because the master told them to.

MPs with dignity, with the people's interests at heart?

No sir, beholden to moneybags in their craven obsequiousness.

Baaaaaa!

[brahmburgers]

PM Somchai told Sompong that he wanted him to be Foreign Minister because he could not find suitable person.

Is that a cheap swipe at our beloved General Chavalit?

that's a joke? isn't it?

We can't find a suitable person, so not suitable Sompong should do the job????

nearly 8 months ago...

Incoming prime minister Samak Sundaravej admitted yesterday he was not completely satisfied with his Cabinet, portraying the line-up as an "ugly duckling".

Samak said coalition demands and strict rules on ministerial credentials had limited his options.

"I don't know what to do with the government's image - it is unavoidable that it's a little ugly, because only the daredevils are willing to join the Cabinet," he said.

He had tried, but failed, to recruit competent outsiders

and today...

Democrat: New cabinet uglier than Samak's

The Democrat Party criticised PM Somchai Wongsawat for slowly setting up his Cabinet, adding that his selected ministers could appear “uglier” than those under the Samak administration. Democrat Assistant Secretary-General Thepthai Senpong called on Somchai to quickly form the Cabinet because the more time it takes, more lobbying and negotiations would occur. In the end, Somchai’s Cabinet would be “uglier” than the previous one administered by Samak. He believed the reason the Cabinet was not formed quickly because the individuals who the premier approached rejected the offer. He said they may see that the current government’s term may not be long, since the ruling PPP could be dissolved. The government also had to wait for the direct line from an influential figure in London, Mr Thepthai added.

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

now that's progress...

One of two dynamics are happening in Bangkok: TRT/PPP simply can't find qualified people in their ranks - by their own admission(!) - or there's simply a dearth of qualified candidates, period. Sad to say, but subsequent generations of Thais - (future leaders) - will all have such examples to emulate: They're learning that corruption is ok, cheating is ok, lying is ok, avoiding court orders is ok - as long as it gets them to power positions and amasses money.

It sounds a lot like the code for the Cosa Nostra or Wall street money handlers.

Incidentally, the US head of the Treasury Mr. Paulson, formerly a $40 million/year hot shot at Goldman Sachs (powerful Wall Street broker) - and who is now the most powerful man in the US - had been repeatedly saying, for the past year, that "the fundamentals of the US economy are sound." So it's not only Thai power brokers that consistently lie.

[animatic]

That is part of the problem, too. It's considered "minor news".

No one expects anything else from that bunch, except PAD who want a real government representing and answerable to the people.

Otherwise it's a dead end.

HAHAHA PAD and real government.... HAHAHA. I hear some PAD comical remarks. A appointed from governement that PAD are proposing is a dictatorship driven by ex generals and PAD sheep... Baa Baa

If you're interested in sheep then there is no better example than the TRT MPs, transformed into the PPP MPs.

In every censure debate up went all their hands declaring every government MP innocent of every transgression described in the debate.

Why? Because the master told them to.

MPs with dignity, with the people's interests at heart?

No sir, beholden to moneybags in their craven obsequiousness.

Baaaaaa!

You can laugh at PAD if you like, a useless excersise,

but at least they are looking at the issues,

and submitting ideas, for good or ill.

Much more usfull than just laughing.

The PPP opposition is just business as usual, and incompetences as usual.

There IS no dignity involved here.

There is NO pretense even of working for the public good.

There IS horse trading of incompetent insiders to make a cabinet;

not to do the job properly, but to keep the factions in line by giving out

positions in relation to their importance as a coalition member.

This is round one of the PM showing he is not up to the job,

and is clearly controlled by Big Bro I L.

Neo-feudal patronage from the top down.

I could care less if he has a baby or a mia noi,

irrellevent except for the hypocritical types hand ringing.

Now if Mia Noi is on the STATE or COURT'S payrolls...

THAT I would find interesting.

Somchai's daughter takes a 100 MILLION baht loan from

from one of the people HOLDING THAKSIN"S MONEY for him...

Potjamins brother....

Yes, ye,s yes, 27 years old and she has $1 MILLION to her name

and $300k loan from the Bank of Thaksin. Nothing suspicious, no no...

Low interest no doubt, just help Thaksin's interests.

"Oh my budha" this stinks to high heaven.

Edited September 24, 2008 by animatic

[sriracha john]

I could care less if he has a baby or a mia noi,

irrellevent except for the hypocritical types hand ringing.

Now if Mia Noi is on the STATE or COURT'S payrolls...

THAT I would find interesting.

She's not on anyone's payroll. She and her baby are dead, AFAIK.

[sriracha john]

Somchai's daughter takes a 100 MILLION baht loan from

from one of the people HOLDING THAKSIN"S MONEY for him...

Potjamins brother....

Yes, yes, yes, 27 years old and she has $1 MILLION to her name

and $300k loan from the Bank of Thaksin. Nothing suspicious, no no...

Low interest no doubt, just help Thaksin's interests.

"Oh my Buddha" this stinks to high heaven.

If she is removed from her MP position for being convicted of false asset declarations, Somchai could do Anongwan even one better by having both a wife AND a daughter banned from politics....

Anongwan is the wife of Banned TRT Party Somsak and she is the head of the Matchima Party and may soon get banned herself, making it a husband and wife team of The Banished here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2233114

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

btw, AFAIK, Yaowapa is the first First Lady of Thailand to ever be personally "Banned From Politics".... quite a prestigious honor.

[hammered]

That is part of the problem, too. It's considered "minor news".

No one expects anything else from that bunch, except PAD who want a real government representing and answerable to the people.

Otherwise it's a dead end.

HAHAHA PAD and real government.... HAHAHA. I hear some PAD comical remarks. A appointed governement that PAD are proposing is a dictatorship driven by ex generals and PAD sheep... Baa Baa

If you're interested in sheep then there is no better example than the TRT MPs, transformed into the PPP MPs.

In every censure debate up went all their hands declaring every government MP innocent of every transgression described in the debate.

Why? Because the master told them to.

MPs with dignity, with the people's interests at heart?

No sir, beholden to moneybags in their craven obsequiousness.

Baaaaaa!

One of the best and most accurate one liners on here in a long time.

By the way, a truly horrible cabinet if the rumours are true. Also, the scandals involving the Wongsawat family were always coming there has been a lot on Yaowapha and Chinchinna in the past but the sex scandals(s) and Somchai came as a little surprise to me although maybe I could see him with a dominatrix. Actually no I dont want to think of something so visually repugnant.

[animatic]

I could care less if he has a baby or a mia noi,

irrellevent except for the hypocritical types hand ringing.

Now if Mia Noi is on the STATE or COURT'S payrolls...

THAT I would find interesting.

She's not on anyone's payroll. She and her baby are dead, AFAIK.

Oh that's a shame,

I missed that part.

It is also shameful that this brought up as some valid scandal

if they are no longer with us.

A 2nd woman and child on the side in Thailand...

the norm more than the exception by most reports.

This shouldn't have even been news.

[sriracha john]

prospective Public Health Minister Chalerm and his son Duang

Duang was able to go from his reinstated rank of Sub-Lieutenant in May to becoming a Major in August.

He should be able to make Lieutenant General by the end of this round of his Dad's presence in the Cabinet, even if it's for the same few months.

[sriracha john]

I could care less if he has a baby or a mia noi,

irrellevent except for the hypocritical types hand ringing.

Now if Mia Noi is on the STATE or COURT'S payrolls...

THAT I would find interesting.

She's not on anyone's payroll. She and her baby are dead, AFAIK.

Oh that's a shame,

I missed that part.

It is also shameful that this brought up as some valid scandal

if they are no longer with us.

A 2nd woman and child on the side in Thailand...

the norm more than the exception by most reports.

This shouldn't have even been news.

I agree for the most part which is why I haven't delved into it further other than to clarify some areas. The situation AFAIK is far from the "norm" and while not unprecedented, the extremes of its end results are fairly rare.

[Jai Dee]

PM entrusts Cabinet Secretary-General to submit Cabinet list for Royal Approval

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday affirmed that the Secretary-General of the Cabinet has submitted his newly selected Cabinet list for Royal Approval. Mr. Somchai said that the oath swearing ceremony would be organized between the Cabinet Secretary-General and the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary. The PM was confident that once the Cabinet completes its oath swearing ceremony it will be immediately ready to hold its first meeting next Tuesday (September 30).

The Premier also expressed his certainty that his Cabinet selection would not cause any tension within his party. While inspecting the readiness of makeshift conference rooms being prepared at Don Muang Airport the PM revealed in an interview that the Coalition Government parties had entrusted him with full discretin for the selection of the Cabinet and that the list's processing will be the complete responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary-General.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Central Region Faction of PPP may taking action against PM's Cabinet list

People Power Party MP of Ratchaburi Boonlue Prasertsopha (บุญลือ ประเสริฐโสภา), part of the party's Central Region faction, revealed that his group would hold a major meeting this afternoon. The gathering spurred following the revealing of the new Cabinet list which was completed yesterday.

The meeting will be chaired by Mr. Sora-art Klinpratum (สรอรรถ กลิ่นประทุม) and is showing the potential for movement against the Cabinet list. The group alleges previous agreements and discussions with the PM but were later disregarded from ministerial list.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2008