Somchai Wongsawat To Be New PM

[sriracha john]

Just wondering... did this guy have a gun pointed at his head when announcing this?

Deputy Public Health Minister: no worries over Chalerm helming the ministry

The Deputy Public Health Minister has assured that he does not mind having Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung helming the ministry as he is an experienced minister and the ministry itself has many capable officials to support him.

Deputy Public Health Minister Vichan Meenchainun commented on his future of working with Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung who has been placed as the Public Health Minister, saying that he is not concerned over the matter.

He said that Police Captain Chalerm is an experienced minister who served the post in many ministries and the permanent officials of the Public Health ministry have an organized work system to support him.

Vichan expressed his belief that the ministry should experience no problems with Police Captain Chalerm at the helm.

- ThaiNews / 2008-09-26

[Plus]

It would be nice that some of you give the government a chance to operate even though its not perfect.

A few days ago someone mentioned - doing the same thing over and over and over again and expecting different results is a sign of mental retardation.

Good luck with your hope in "chances".

That nutjob Burin in today's Nation letters has a point - domestic help gets better screening than these "ministers".

[hammered]

Just wondering... did this guy have a gun pointed at his head when announcing this?

Deputy Public Health Minister: no worries over Chalerm helming the ministry

The Deputy Public Health Minister has assured that he does not mind having Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung helming the ministry as he is an experienced minister and the ministry itself has many capable officials to support him.

Deputy Public Health Minister Vichan Meenchainun commented on his future of working with Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung who has been placed as the Public Health Minister, saying that he is not concerned over the matter.

He said that Police Captain Chalerm is an experienced minister who served the post in many ministries and the permanent officials of the Public Health ministry have an organized work system to support him.

Vichan expressed his belief that the ministry should experience no problems with Police Captain Chalerm at the helm.

- ThaiNews / 2008-09-26

From what I hear a lot of the civil servants dont expect this government to go on for more than 3 months tops. It is hardly worth rainign their blood pressure over and neutral gear will no doubt continue to be order of the day. Plus right now the government cant even get a quorum in parliament. That makes them look weak from day one, which will furhter limit their options. Unless their job is to bring in new politics which some talk about even if it sounds bizarre then they will likely achieve little beyond filling their pockets with mega project dosh if they can get the budget past a court challenge and maybe if they can mash the BoT they can fire up the prinitng prsesses to give Thailand its own version of lets al get on th egravy trqain similar to the bubbles Greenspan one that has just gone bang on thw world. lets hope they dont achieve 0% interest rates, money printing at record levels and all that goes with it.

[Plus]

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.

[animatic]

The bane of permanet ministry staff is a new minister

with an IDEA to DO SOMETHING and PROVE HIMSELF.

This is anathma.

Sounds like a new police general telling about farang survelance

to stop yaba sales to thai fishermen. A speech to nowhere.

Fortunately this seems to not the case at ALL

in this cruising till payday cabinet.

No one wants to do much but look important and pass megaprojects.

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister affirms his role continuation in Cabinet to aid nation

Newly sworn in Minister of Interior, Police General Kowit Wattana, indicated ahead of this morning's special Cabinet meeting that he has agreed to reprise his role in the Cabinet due to the invitation of the Prime Minister and his need to aid the nation.

Minister of Interior Police General Kowit Wattana stated that his decision to again accept a place in the Cabinet arose from the Prime Minister's invitation and so that he can fully service the nation to the best of his ability.

He assured that his position was not the result of the quota system as rumored. When asked about potential adjustments to the ranks of his ministry's political officials, Police General Kowit responded that no meetings on the matter have been set yet.

Deputy Interior Minister Prasong Kositanont from the Pua Paendin Party commented that the quota system should be abolished all together as the Cabinet has already been selected.

He stated that all those involved should have the maturity to accept the situation and revealed that Suwit Khunkitti would continue his role as Party Leader.

Second Interior Minister Deputy Preecha Rengsomboonsuk stated that the ministry's work would become clearer once the government declares it policies to the House of Representatives and the Interior Minister divides the agencies responsibilities amongst it's officers.

Preecha also noted that he did not gain his position from the quota system, but from his ability and his experience.

He also took the opportunity to clarify that the cancellation of the recent House meeting was due to the House Speaker's last minute scheduling of the gathering which confused many MPs and resulted in the meeting not reaching quorum.

- ThaiNews / 2008-09-26

Edited September 26, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Faction of People Power Party Believes Somchai Cabinet Ineffective

The volatile Friends of Newin faction of the People Power Party has surprised the opposition and political analysts alike by outwardly criticizing the makeup of the Somchai Cabinet. The faction says it believes the Cabinet will be ineffective and hinted that future Parliament sessions may not be able to convene due to the lack of quorum.

Various factions within the People Power Party have fought bitterly for Cabinet seats. Some have emerged with more ministerial quotas while many are unhappy about the portfolios they have received.

People Power Party Chaiyaphum MP Prasit Chaiwiratana, a member of the Friends of Newin faction, says the faction believes the Somchai Cabinet is filled with unqualified individuals.

Prasit explains that many of the ministers have been accused of serious corruption charges. He claims that the Cabinet quota allocation was unfair as some factions with only a handful MPs have been awarded too many ministerial seats.

Prasit believes that the inequality will result in more internal rifts within the Party. Stopping short of threatening to boycott Parliamentary meetings, he hinted that future House sessions may unable to be convened due to the lack of quorum.

He added that the makeup of the Somchai Cabinet may be the very reason that the Somchai government won’t be able to stay its full term in office. According to Prasit, PM Somchai is unlikely to be able to manage any conflicts that may arise within the Party.

But PPP MP of Ubon Ratchathani Chuwit Pitakpornpanlop has come out to reaffirm the faction’s support for the government. Chuwit revealed that the Friends of Newin faction is happy with the Cabinet line-up, with four additional Cabinet seats in its pocket. He added that the faction is determined to cooperate with the government to ensure that Thailand can survive the current economic and political crisis. *these contradictory statements indicate a faction within a faction*

The Friends of Newin faction is one of the largest factions within the People Power Party. It alone commands the cooperation of around 72 MPs out of around 300 government coalition MPs in Parliament.

Meanwhile, former House Speaker and PPP executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat hosted a party on Wednesday night to congratulate the newly appointed ministers under the quota of the northern faction. Yongyuth consoled northern faction members who were not awarded any Cabinet appointment.

The former House Speaker was a deputy party leader of the People Power party and has been convicted of election fraud. He’s been banned from politics for five years.

Yongyuth later made a speech on the stage saying that the faction did the right thing by engineering the lack of quorum when Parliament had convened to elect a new premier on September 12th.

He said he’s responsible for giving assistance to PPP party members and the ‘person in London’ in any way he can.

Former PM and Leader of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party Thaksin Shinawatra is currently in a self-imposed exile in London.

- TOC / 2008-09-26

[Plus]

He added that the makeup of the Somchai Cabinet may be the very reason that the Somchai government won’t be able to stay its full term in office.

It's the third Cabinet this year that hopes to stay full four year term.

Third time lucky?

[animatic]

A dissenting faction within a faction,

or

No faction within the government with a CLUE

what to do with themselves or the jobs at hand.

Can't even organize a bitch session in proper order.

Edited September 26, 2008 by animatic

[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, decided to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128665

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.

The PAD protesters set up a stage and showed banners that denounced Chai and the current government.

They called on all Nakhon Si Thammarat residents to come out and show their rejection to Chai's visit in a civil disobedience fashion by not attending any scheduled activities.

As a result, Chai fled his hotel late last night for fear of his safety.

While his whereabouts was unknown after he left the hotel, Chai cancelled the Parliamentary visit to the southern province and has returned to Bangkok this morning.

Reporters said PAD supporters in Nakhon Si Thammarat gleefully welcomed the news and the success in driving Chai out of their province.

- TOC / 2008-09-26

[Crushdepth]

Hey PPP apologists, where are you? Your democratically elected Peanut Power Party members aren't showing up for work. They're meant to express their displeasure by showing up and voting down any legislation they don't agree with, but it seems they lack the balls.

Anyone care to have a stab at explaining at how PPP members boycotting parliament to screw up the quorum - so that no decisions can be taken at all - is more democratic than the PAD demonstration?

[Plus]

It's easy.

PPP has an electoral mandate to screw the parliament. They reflect the voice of the majority of Thai population, which at this moment wants them to stop all parliamentary work.

Didn't you notice how every major political decision in the past couple of weeks has been made only after extensive consultations with the elecorate back in the provinces? How can you doubt their deep and long running connection to the masses? They are dedicated servants of the peope with long and proven track records.

[h90]

normaly I don't correct you, but here I need to add something....

It's easy.

PPP has an electoral mandate to screw the parliament. Better: This democratic elected government They reflect the voice of the majority of Thai population, which at this moment wants them to stop all parliamentary work. and they don't bend to the fascist violent antidemocratic mob which just want that they do their job

Didn't you notice how every major political decision in the past couple of weeks has been made only after extensive consultations with the elecorate back in the provinces? How can you doubt their deep and long running connection to the masses? They are dedicated servants of the peope with long and proven track records.

Somchai su su fight for your right to do nothing....Wish you a warm welcome in Surat! In Surat Thani you will see the love of the southern people. There is no support for the PAD in the rural areas in the South!

[animatic]

Yeah the only extensive consultations with the constituants

are the the expensive Thai population In Kensington England.

Other wise it's vacation and travel time.. too much talking I need a break.

Oops, can't go home, they want to talk there too.

Where to go? What to do?

Maybe Wayne Rooney needs weekend roommates?

[Plus]

Yeah the only extensive consultations with the constituants

are the the expensive Thai population In Kensington England.

You have a negative attitude, you concentrate only on the negative points while overlooking the big picture. For the first time in Thailand's history the poor and downtrodden have actually got their true representatives in the government. Don't you see the fundamental shift from having Chavalit in the government in 1997 and now? Don't you see the massive change, the new tide?

Are you dancing to the PAD's tune about patronage and vote buying and money politics? You've been brainwashed.

>>>

Jeez, do they actually pay for posting crap like that? I could use a beer.

[sriracha john]

The ball is in Somchai's court... the papers are on his desk... what will he do??

PM to have final say on Thaksin's diplomatic passport : FM

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwt sidestepped the sticky question on Friday of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's "red passport."

Somchai, also deputy premier, said the decision to revoke the travel document would have to be decided by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Speaking to reporters after today's Cabinet meeting, Somchai said Tej Bunnag, who served briefly as the former Foreign Minister during the Samak Sundaravej's government, has forwarded the issue to the Prime Minister's office.

Consideration over of Thaksin's travel document is no longer on the ministry's list of things to consider and further action would be up to the government to take up, Sompong said.

Red passports are usually issued to the country's former Foreign Ministers and Prime Ministers. It permits them certain diplomatic privileges while travelling abroad.

The military government of Surayud Chulanont revoked Thaksin's passport, but former Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama reversed the decision during the Samak government.

Critics slammed Noppadon and Samak on the grounds that Thaksin is a fugitive with four warrants *now five warrants* for his arrest.

Tej, while serving at the ministry, said that demanding Thaksin's red diplomatic passport be revoke was political in nature and therefore, the government must decide.

Sompong maintained that he did not join the Cabinet to assist Thaksin's numerous legal battles.

"The nation's interest is my utmost priority," Sompong said.

Sompong, who is on his way to the annual UN General Assembly meeting, confirmed that he will stop by London, but to visit his children, not Thaksin particularly.

"I haven't talked to him in a while. I'm not worried about accusing me of going to see Thaksin because I see him often anyway," Sompong said.

Sompong added that he didn't who or why he was appointed the country's minister and suggested to reporters to as Somchai about his appointment and added that he was willing to step down if he is not cut out for the job.

Somchai said he plans to give priority to ASEAN and the neighboring countries, particularly Cambodia where a border standoff resulted from overlapping claims have dealt a serious blow the bilateral ties.

- The Nation / 2008-09-27

[brahmburgers]

Hey PPP apologists, where are you? Your democratically elected Peanut Power Party members aren't showing up for work.

They're not showing up for work because they're lazy, and it's easier to avoid/defer tough decisions (see below) than to take action. If people of their ilk have a choice between going to work or going out to play golf/see mia noi/ or eat food - what do you expect. Avoidance is easy. Here's their choice: make legislative decisions that will likely later prove to be stupid and/or uninformed - OR, avoid researching and making tough decisions. Life is much easier when you're out to lunch.

The ball is in Somchai's court... the papers are on his desk... what will he do??

PM to have final say on Thaksin's diplomatic passport : FM

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwt sidestepped the sticky question on Friday of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's "red passport."

Somchai, also deputy premier, said the decision to revoke the travel document would have to be decided by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Speaking to reporters after today's Cabinet meeting, Somchai said Tej Bunnag, who served briefly as the former Foreign Minister during the Samak Sundaravej's government, has forwarded the issue to the Prime Minister's office.

Consideration over of Thaksin's travel document is no longer on the ministry's list of things to consider and further action would be up to the government to take up, Sompong said.

"I haven't talked to him in a while. I'm not worried about accusing me of going to see Thaksin because I see him often anyway," Sompong said.

Sompong added that he didn't who or why he was appointed the country's minister and suggested to reporters to as Somchai about his appointment and added that he was willing to step down if he is not cut out for the job.

- The Nation / 2008-09-27

"Sompong added that he didn't who or why he was appointed the country's minister and suggested to reporters to as Somchai about his appointment and added that he was willing to step down if he is not cut out for the job."

Not only is that a grammatically crappy sentence - no matter how you decipher it, it bodes ill for Thailand's continuing political morass. I can understand that 99% of Thais cannot speak English beyond a few words, but hopefully the Nation newspaper can find someone to write a legible account of the day's political news. If need be, the Nation can find a backpacker on Kao San road to proofread their articles.

[Plus]

The sentence has been corrected for the paper edition.

These guys are not even hiding it anymore: "I have no idea why I was told to do this job".

That's a good start for a Foreign Minister on the way to the UN to represent the country.

It also mentions that Sompong will stop over in London, to visit his kids but not Thaksin.

[sriracha john]

New ministers ill at ease with portfolios

Newly-appointed ministers of the much-criticised Somchai Cabinet spent their first day in office yesterday with some conceding they did not have a great deal of expertise in their particular portfolios. Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat said he felt "uneasy" working at the ministry because he was still not accustomed to making official contact with foreign countries whose perceptions of Thailand are sometimes little known. Sompong is scheduled to fly to New York tonight to join the UN General Assembly. He will take this opportunity to assure that Thailand will still be able to hold the ASEAN Summit later this year despite the political conflict at home. Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri puts teachers' welfare and academic allowances at the top of his work list, claiming the issue had not been efficiently handled by his predecessors. Announcing it as his immediate policy, Srimuang promised to teachers he would solve all problems regarding their debts and welfare so they could work effectively for the sake of their pupils. The minister admitted he does not have much experience in education development, but said his close aides, including his wife Ransima could give him useful advice. "Many of my cousins work in the teaching field, so I know their problems well," he told reporters.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/270908_News/27Sep2008_news11.php

[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.

Monk's prophecy comes true in Somchai's case

Throughout his childhood, Somchai Wongsawat was constantly reminded of a monk's prediction, that one day he would be accorded the honour and prestige of being PM. The monk's words were indeed prophetic. The late Phra Phor Tan Klai of Wat Suan Kan in Nakhon Si Thammarat had made a name for his gift of seeing into the future. When the young Somchai called on the wise monk, he suddenly conjured up a clear vision. The youngster was on course to become a judge and a PM in the making. Once a judge, there was no stopping his advance through the ranks of the judiciary. During the years of his high-flying career, Somchai had his fortune told. He would go on and eventually grab the most coveted seat in the government. But with this esteem would come scandals involving women. Observers have branded Somchai a PM by chance after his predecessor Samak was forced out of office. But Somchai has managed to set a few "firsts" as PM. He is the first Deputy Leader of a political party to clinch the premiership. He is also the first PM without an official office to work in as Government House remains occupied by the PAD. His wife, Yaowapa, helps him to create another first, being the first prime minister's wife to have been banned from politics.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/270908_News/27Sep2008_news35.php

[Plus]

There was a short story a couple of days ago about problems at Don Muang, the new office.

Worawut Silpa Archa had a trouble of passing the security checks - no one believed that goofball can be a real Minister.

[sriracha john]

The ball is in Somchai's court... the papers are on his desk... what will he do??

PM to have final say on Thaksin's diplomatic passport : FM

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwt sidestepped the sticky question on Friday of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's "red passport."

...said the decision to revoke the travel document would have to be decided by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Snippet from The Star (Malaysia) / 2008-09-27:

Somchai responded: “It is undeniable that I am close to as well as related to him [Thaksin], but it depends on what position I take when I assume the job.

“The public can keep a close watch on me to see whether or not I work in favour of or for the benefit of a relative. My past record has proved that I work in an honest and straight manner.”

[sriracha john]

There was a short story a couple of days ago about problems at Don Muang, the new office.

Worawut Silpa Archa had a trouble of passing the security checks - no one believed that goofball can be a real Minister.

I can't imagine why...

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

Additionally, more on the problems for the government trying to use the "abandoned airport terminal" (Agence France Presse's description)

Glitches mar first meeting of new Cabinet

Former PM's Office Minister Chusak Sirinil was appointed PM's Secretary-General during the new Cabinet's first meeting at Don Mueang airport which was marred by a number of glitches yesterday. Cabinet ministers, officials, and reporters were still unfamiliar with the facility which has been modified into a temporary office for the Cabinet as Government House is being occupied by the PAD demonstrators. Only the main conference room and the PM's office were in proper order. Other rooms were being decorated with the smell of fresh paint still hanging heavily in the air. The press conference room was waiting for installation of communication network equipment. Tap water in some toilets did not flow. Officials complained about increases in their transport and food expenses and the lack of choices of food and beverages. Also, there were not enough tables and chairs. Security at the airport appeared lax. More than 50 passenger vans were allowed to pass in front of the building without being regulated.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/270908_News/27Sep2008_news17.php

[hammered]

The sentence has been corrected for the paper edition.

These guys are not even hiding it anymore: "I have no idea why I was told to do this job".

That's a good start for a Foreign Minister on the way to the UN to represent the country.

It also mentions that Sompong will stop over in London, to visit his kids but not Thaksin.

We have entered the realm of farce. People given jobs they have no qualification to do and who seemingly feel embarrassed they have to do them but not embarrassed quite enough to resign. A foreign minister who says that it is no longer on the list of things to do concerning that passport when it is the duty of the foreign ministry to pull the passport of the man he will no doubt consult to be told of what he may say and to whom at the UN. This is a no doubt about it a puppet government with little done to hide it. Everything is routed through London. Still it is all good for a laugh in a sick kind of manner.

[animatic]

Yeah the only extensive consultations with the constituants

are the the expensive Thai population In Kensington England.

You have a negative attitude, you concentrate only on the negative points while overlooking the big picture. For the first time in Thailand's history the poor and downtrodden have actually got their true representatives in the government. Don't you see the fundamental shift from having Chavalit in the government in 1997 and now? Don't you see the massive change, the new tide?

Are you dancing to the PAD's tune about patronage and vote buying and money politics? You've been brainwashed.

>>>

Jeez, do they actually pay for posting crap like that? I could use a beer.

What you can't handle sarcasm now?

I have a very positive attitude about most things.

Just not about the current crew barely running the show.

Brainwashing implies someone made a concerted effort to

change my mind from understanding reality to

believing their political take on reality.

Tain't so Plus.

I make my own music to dance too, no need for PAD to pay my piper.

[animatic]

There was a short story a couple of days ago about problems at Don Muang, the new office.

Worawut Silpa Archa had a trouble of passing the security checks - no one believed that goofball can be a real Minister.

I can't imagine why...

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

Additionally, more on the problems for the government trying to use the "abandoned airport terminal" (Agence France Presse's description)

Glitches mar first meeting of new Cabinet

Cabinet ministers, officials, and reporters were still unfamiliar with the facility which has been modified into a temporary office for the Cabinet as Government House is being occupied by the PAD demonstrators.

Only the main conference room and the PM's office were in proper order.

Officials complained about increases in their transport and food expenses and the lack of choices of food and beverages.

Looks like he got his job through the 'Toys For Tots' program...

Cabinet ministers are unfamiliar with the Airport in Bangkok that's been there for 30 years...

No one thinks to put in interns or uniformed personel to guide them to the ONLY working room.

They think going to Don Muang is expensive???

What! No one can get take out, or find the kitchen and send to the market?

What a bunch of nubbins!

Insert Persiflage here >

Edited September 27, 2008 by animatic

[sriracha john]

Yeah the only extensive consultations with the constituents

are the the expensive Thai population In Kensington England.

You have a negative attitude, you concentrate only on the negative points while overlooking the big picture. For the first time in Thailand's history the poor and downtrodden have actually got their true representatives in the government. Don't you see the fundamental shift from having Chavalit in the government in 1997 and now? Don't you see the massive change, the new tide?

Are you dancing to the PAD's tune about patronage and vote buying and money politics? You've been brainwashed.

>>>

Jeez, do they actually pay for posting crap like that? I could use a beer.

* * * CAUTION - - - FACETIOUS POST ABOVE - - - DO NOT READ IT AS STRAIGHT * * *

What you can't handle sarcasm now?

I have a very positive attitude about most things.

Just not about the current crew barely running the show.

Brainwashing implies someone made a concerted effort to

change my mind from understanding reality to

believing their political take on reality.

Tain't so Plus.

I make my own music to dance too, no need for PAD to pay my piper.

Sorry for the lateness to identify the post you responded to...

Edited September 27, 2008 by sriracha john

[Ricardo]

The ball is in Somchai's court... the papers are on his desk... what will he do??

PM to have final say on Thaksin's diplomatic passport : FM

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwt sidestepped the sticky question on Friday of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's "red passport."

...said the decision to revoke the travel document would have to be decided by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Snippet from The Star (Malaysia) / 2008-09-27:

Somchai responded: “It is undeniable that I am close to as well as related to him [Thaksin], but it depends on what position I take when I assume the job.

“The public can keep a close watch on me to see whether or not I work in favour of or for the benefit of a relative. My past record has proved that I work in an honest and straight manner.”

Observers will remember that, when the previous Foreign Minister (Thaksin's former lawyer & spokesman) took over his post, the very first item on his list of things-to-do was to return DL's diplomatic-passport, revoked by the junta-appointed military government.

Now that he is on-the-run and has skipped bail (wonder how much money was ever posted ... and whether the courts have now siezed it ?) from the Thai courts, the removal of his red passport isn't even on the ministry's list, which many might think to be very revealing about who really pulls the strings.

But this is an excellent opportunity for PM Somchai to demonstrate clearly to the watching public, will he try to work "in a clear and honest manner", or are his strings also pulled directly by his brother-in-law. As an optimist I would hope that he will grasp the nettle. But I'm not holding my breath.

[animatic]

S.J. the top large paragraph did come off as facetious.

But the lower part looked like a blown edit trying to turn it to lesser ends.

The best government money can buy eh?

Edited September 27, 2008 by animatic

[Samuian]

Critics slammed Noppadon and Samak on the grounds that Thaksin is a fugitive with four warrants *now five warrants* for his arrest.

Tej, while serving at the ministry, said that demanding Thaksin's red diplomatic passport be revoke was political in nature and therefore, the government must decide.

Sompong maintained that he did not join the Cabinet to assist Thaksin's numerous legal battles.

"The nation's interest is my utmost priority," Sompong said.

They are all such darlings, aren't they, such goodhearted patriots!