Pm Somchai Will Not Resign

[animatic]

To enable this, the Home Economics division opened up a new holistic course,

which offered the students first-hand experience in designing and making wedding souvenirs.

Wholelly for the benefit of the Edu Minister of course.

They don't even know the meaning of the word Holistic.

A College Order....hmmm who signed it?

Students can be ordered to work on outside projects?

Or was the curriculum changed to fit the Ministers needs.

Making wedding gifts is part of 'Home Economics'?

Maybe in a Martha Stewart World Exhibit at Pratunum

He wouldn't know a cabre from a block of Provalone cheese,

he IS good at tossing the bull.

Edited November 13, 2008 by animatic

[Guest Reimar]

University lecturers initiate PM's impeachment process

A group of university lecturers Thursday informed the Senate speaker that they would gather signatures of 20,000 voters to seek an impeachment against Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

The group of 16 lecturers met Senate Speaker Prasopsook Boondej at Parliament at 10:45 am.

They alleged that Somchai had ordered the use of force against protesters in front of Parliament on October 7.

They also alleged that Somchai had committed adultery by taking a woman who is not his wife into a love motel.

Prasopsook said he would consider the lecturers' complaint after they have gathered 20,000 signatures.

The Nation

SOURCE

[Journalist]

It wasn't PAD, which means that NOT PAD was forcing that people for to do so what on the other hand didn't mean they were not PAD supporters! They could be.

I agree.

[animatic]

It wasn't PAD, which means that NOT PAD was forcing that people for to do so what on the other hand didn't mean they were not PAD supporters! They could be.

I agree.

In this place ANYTHING could be.

Often times the truth is MUCH more bizarre than fiction.

[catmac]

Yesterday, PAD and their NON VIOLENT protesters threw shoes and bottles at Somchai as he was leaving a ministry.

Please all you PAD supports, tell me where anywhere in the world this is allowed without some arrest or some fighting. I am just disgusted with they way they act and feel no lost of face in this land of smiles

It wasn't PAD, which means that NOT PAD was forcing that people for to do so what on the other hand didn't mean they were not PAD supporters! They could be. At the TOT visit of Somchai there were more than 300 protesters but again that wasn't launched by PAD.

And yet in the very next post you quote the Nation "Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was yesterday was greeted with boos and plastic bottles and shoes were thrown at him by protesters of the People's Alliance for Democracy when he visited the Information and Communication Technology Ministry." Will you tell them that they are wrong?

[Guest Reimar]

FROM TOC

PAD: PM Should Learn from Bkk Governor’s Resignation

UPDATE : 13 November 2008

PAD leader Pipob Thongchai is urging the prime minister to show his spirit by quitting his post after Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin announced his resignation following the anti-corruption agency’s indictment against him for his involvement in the fire engine purchase case.

During his nightly address to the People's Alliance for Democracy supporters last night, Pipob Thongchai has asked all protesters to wear black from November 14 to 19, to mourn the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, during the upcoming royal funeral.

He also showed his admiration for Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin on his decision to resign after the National Counter Corruption Commission launched an indictment for his involvement in the 6.7-billion-baht fire truck and boat purchase by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, even though it is still to be seen if he is truly guilty of the charge.

Pipob said Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat should follow Apirak’s move, as he is responsible for the deaths and the injuries caused by the police’s use of force against anti-government protesters on October 7.

He stated that the prime minister never showed any remorse for the situation and told the country to wait for the investigation result, even though it is obvious that he has full authority to stop the forceful clampdown before everything turned bloody.

Therefore, it is inevitable for the PM to consider leaving his post, to show his spirit as well.

He went on to say that all witnesses to the clashes, who reside outside Bangkok, must not report to the police's summons, after it was said that some of them have been threatened by officials to keep quiet about what they saw on October 7.

Pipop said that all PAD witnesses are asked to gather at Bang Khun Non Police Station on Monday at 9 am to report all they know directly to the investigators, in order to make sure that the witnesses will not be turned into defendants by crooked police.

In addition, the PAD leaders will meet with the rector of Rajamangala University, whose building is directly opposite to the PAD’s rally ground inside Government House. The protest leaders plan to acquire information on this week’s grenade attack against protesters, which injured two PAD members and damaged one tent, as the alleged building is suspected to be the spot where assailants were positioned before the assault.

They have also discussed with the administration of a nearby school and the Office of Civil Service Commission to step up their security program, to prevent outsiders from entering their premises to launch any future attacks on the protesters.

[sriracha john]

Another criminal investigation into Somchai's Cabinet....between Samak and Somchai, I believe this makes the 103rd Cabinet Minister involved...

People Power Party MP and Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri

EDUCATION MINISTER ACCUSED

School used in son's wedding

'Training' involved funds, students, staff

As he's talking in longer terms in this article, apparently the PM doesn't have any pending plans to resign to take responsibility, like he said he would, for the Oct 7 killings nor resign due to being indicted by the NCCC for malfeasance.... nor the new and latest damning charges against him...instead he's talking of reshuffling his Cabinet... perhaps to slot the above accused Education Minister to an even higher position...

PM plans to reshuffle Cabinet after royal ceremonies

PM Somchai said Friday he plans to reshuffle the Cabinet after the royal cremation ceremonies of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Somchai refused to comment whether this will be a minor or major reshuffle. The PM also expressed confidence in the government's work, saying that the NCCC ruling against him and 28 others in the previous Samak Sundaravej administration for their handling of the Preah Vihear temple dispute would not impact the work of the government. The ministers, many of whom are in the current government, face two charges -- negligence of duty and violation of Article 19 of the charter -- over Thailand's June 18 signing of a joint communique with Cambodia. The NCCC's decision was based on the Constitution Court's ruling that a joint communique is equivalent to an international treaty that affects the country's territory and requires a review by the House of Representatives. Somchai refused to speak whether he would explain to the NCCC about the matter, saying

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132028

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

btw, there will need to be a new thread made on these latest NCCC indictments.

Edited November 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Additional fallout to ongoing issues...

Wasan loses job as MCOT President

Political motives suspected in his exit

Wasan Paileeklee has finally lost his job as President of MCOT, the listed state-owned broadcaster, after months of speculation. Tongthong Chandransu, Deputy Permanent-Secretary of the Justice Ministry, who is a board member and spokesman, said after the board meeting yesterday that the board had reached an agreement with Wasan that he would end his role at the helm of the organisation, operator of ModerNine TV station, within a month. A high-ranking source at MCOT said the attempt to move Mr Wasan from the top job was politically motivated rather than due to his performance. Under Mr Wasan, MCOT had performed well as a business. A source at the meeting said he was forced to agree to the board proposal to end his role despite the fact that he had defended himself for having worked appropriately and in accordance with his contract. Mr Wasan insisted he had also proposed MCOT's 2009 business plan as required by the contract, said the source. Since the Board, appointed by the Samak administration, came into office there have been signs that Mr Wasan, who was selected by the previous Board, which was appointed in the middle of last year, would lose his job.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/141108_News/14Nov2008_news12.php

Edited November 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Additional fallout to ongoing issues...

Wasan loses job as MCOT President

Political motives suspected in his exit

Wasan Paileeklee has finally lost his job as President of MCOT, the listed state-owned broadcaster, after months of speculation. Tongthong Chandransu, Deputy Permanent-Secretary of the Justice Ministry, who is a board member and spokesman, said after the board meeting yesterday that the board had reached an agreement with Wasan that he would end his role at the helm of the organisation, operator of ModerNine TV station, within a month. A high-ranking source at MCOT said the attempt to move Mr Wasan from the top job was politically motivated rather than due to his performance. Under Mr Wasan, MCOT had performed well as a business. A source at the meeting said he was forced to agree to the board proposal to end his role despite the fact that he had defended himself for having worked appropriately and in accordance with his contract. Mr Wasan insisted he had also proposed MCOT's 2009 business plan as required by the contract, said the source. Since the Board, appointed by the Samak administration, came into office there have been signs that Mr Wasan, who was selected by the previous Board, which was appointed in the middle of last year, would lose his job.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/141108_News/14Nov2008_news12.php

Freedom of Speech is increasingly a victim of the current events. tha last thing either side wants is the total truth to be told. The one thing both sides agree on is that freedom of speech and thought just cannot be allowed.

[sriracha john]

Abhisit says reshuffle cannot solve political problems

Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said a Cabinet reshuffle could not help solve the political crisis. Abhist's statement came after PM Somchai said he would reshuffle the Cabinet after the royal cremation ceremonies of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. He also refused to comment the situation after the NCCC ruled to press charge against Somchai and 28 others for their handling of the Preah Vihear temple dispute. He said he does not give importance on whether Somchai will be in power long or short, but he cares what problems the PM can solve while

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132032

Edited November 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

Not another bloody reshuffle - how many times this year they have done that? Four? Five?

That's another damning proof that the current political system just doesn't work.

No company of any respectable size would allow itself to be managed in this way.

[sriracha john]

The PM also expressed confidence in the government's work, saying that the NCCC ruling against him and 28 others in the previous Samak Sundaravej administration for their handling of the Preah Vihear temple dispute would not impact the work of the government. The ministers, many of whom are in the current government, face two charges -- negligence of duty and violation of Article 19 of the charter -- over Thailand's June 18 signing of a joint communique with Cambodia. The NCCC's decision was based on the Constitution Court's ruling that a joint communique is equivalent to an international treaty that affects the country's territory and requires a review by the House of Representatives. Somchai refused to speak whether he would explain to the NCCC about the matter, saying

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132028

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

btw, there will need to be a new thread made on these latest NCCC indictments.

Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva...

refused to comment the situation after the NCCC ruled to press charge against Somchai and 28 others for their handling of the Preah Vihear temple dispute. He said he does not give importance on whether Somchai will be in power long or short, but he cares what problems the PM can solve while

New topic-specific thread started here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Nccc-Prosecu...in-t222777.html

Nccc To Prosecute Samak Cabinet Over Joint Communique, 28 past and current Cabinet Ministers indicted

Edited November 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[TAWP]

A reshuffle won't do any good when the whole deck is filled with rotten cards.

[BigSnake]

He should follow the lead of the Bangkok governor, but he want because he to is on an ego power trip like his Brother-in-law.

[sriracha john]

Interesting piece of information in The Nation this morning (internet edition, front page) :

"The trust in the government has eroded and sentiment has shifted in favour of the Democrats..."

Which basically means that popular sentiment was previously in favour of the government, right ? Which also mean they* obviously lied to us until know. And IMO, they still do !

* they : the people who claimed that the government stole the election and didn't have the support of the country.

What were the results of the previous ABAC polls prior to the one you're citing now?

I'm not citing any poll, I'm citing the Nation

Sure you're citing a poll, the entire article you posted and cited is based upon an ABAC poll....it's even in the title of the article. I'd be happy to provide you with a link to the article that you posted if you need the assistance.

So, what were the findings of the earlier ABAC polls?

For anyone that still puts much credence in ABAC polls, comes the following...

ABAC Poll 'Happiness Index' hits 34-month low

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132075

Edited November 16, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Another criminal investigation into Somchai's Cabinet....between Samak and Somchai, I believe this makes the 103rd Cabinet Minister involved...

People Power Party MP and Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri

EDUCATION MINISTER ACCUSED

School used in son's wedding

'Training' involved funds, students, staff

As he's talking in longer terms in this article, apparently the PM doesn't have any pending plans to resign to take responsibility, like he said he would, for the Oct 7 killings nor resign due to being indicted by the NCCC for malfeasance.... nor the new and latest damning charges against him...instead he's talking of reshuffling his Cabinet... perhaps to slot the above accused Education Minister to an even higher position...

PM plans to reshuffle Cabinet after royal ceremonies

PM Somchai said Friday he plans to reshuffle the Cabinet after the royal cremation ceremonies of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Somchai refused to comment whether this will be a minor or major reshuffle. The PM also expressed confidence in the government's work, saying that the NCCC ruling against him and 28 others in the previous Samak Sundaravej administration for their handling of the Preah Vihear temple dispute would not impact the work of the government. The ministers, many of whom are in the current government, face two charges -- negligence of duty and violation of Article 19 of the charter -- over Thailand's June 18 signing of a joint communique with Cambodia. The NCCC's decision was based on the Constitution Court's ruling that a joint communique is equivalent to an international treaty that affects the country's territory and requires a review by the House of Representatives. Somchai refused to speak whether he would explain to the NCCC about the matter, saying

It's now to become a minister reshufflement of Cabinet where no ministers are changed and no big or minor changes will occur.... but irregardless, things are just peachy in the government... and security in Thailand is "normal"...

PM says no ministers will be changed in reshuffle

PM Somchai said on Sunday that the impending cabinet reshuffle will see no big or minor changes. The PM said he has decided who will be appointed to the Cabinet, but he needs to speak to them first. He said the ministers who reportedly had problems with their works would not be removed. There are no conflicts within the government, he affirmed. The PM said the coalition parties have not requested the government to adjust the cabinet quota yet. The reshuffle should be implemented after the royal cremation ceremonies for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, but specific dates have yet to be set, according to Somchai. He avoided answering whether he will appoint General Panlop Pinmanee as the ISOC Director. He said the national security is normal and he was not informed about any terrorist act in the country. He also refused to discuss the divorce of ousted PM and brother-in-law Thaksin and Potjaman, claiming it

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132076

[Thaddeus]

he to is on an ego power trip like his Brother-in-law.

It would probably be more accurate to say that he is piggy-backing on his Brother-in-laws continued ego trip.

[Crushdepth]

PM says no ministers will be changed in reshuffle

PM Somchai said on Sunday that the impending cabinet reshuffle will see no big or minor changes.

Then how is it a reshuffle? Thai politicians always seem to say the most ridiculous things. I kind of wonder whether something gets lost in translation or if their press releases really are as pathetic as they seem.

[tig28]

Not another bloody reshuffle - how many times this year they have done that? Four? Five?

That's another damning proof that the current political system just doesn't work.

No company of any respectable size would allow itself to be managed in this way.

But we can count on the PAD ladies: (from Bangkok Post front page 14/11)

PAD turns to 'lady power' to lift flagging popularity

Aware that its popularity is waning, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is tapping into "woman power" to boost support and mend fences with allies.

A member of the People's Alliance for Democracy Ladies shows a basket of Thai sweets delivered to the British embassy yesterday as a token of thanks for revoking the visas of convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Potjaman. KOSOL NAKACHOL

Calling themselves "PAD Ladies, We Care" a group of more than 30 women took to the streets for the first time yesterday with a peaceful march on the British embassy.

In recent times the PAD star has started to fade because of its aggressiveness and unyielding stance in resolving the political crisis despite suggestions from many sectors of society.

In an effort to tone down the aggressive image, the "PAD Ladies, We Care" group was formed. It is made up of socialites, businesswomen, marketers, publicists and top executives who are major sponsors of the PAD cause.

At the British embassy yesterday, representatives gave a bouquet of flowers and a Thai dessert hamper to officials as a token of gratitude for the British government revoking the visas of convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Potjaman.

The gift followed two mass gatherings of irate PAD supporters outside the embassy.

The "PAD Ladies, We Care" representatives read a statement expressing its gratitude for the decision.

After leaving the embassy, the group went to local media outlets to try to improve soured relations.

A sharp-tongued PAD speaker, Anchalee Paireerak, said the group wanted those who regarded the PAD with disfavour to see the anti-government camp in a new light.

Most importantly, it hoped to mend fences with the media, academics and independent organisations verbally assailed by PAD speakers.

Ms Anchalee said the "PAD Ladies, We Care" group would play a key role in holding a series of academic forums involving the media to discuss the solution to the political crisis at public parks.

The first forum would be held at Benjasiri Park on Nov 30 with solo talks by PAD leaders. About 2,000 tickets were expected to be sold.

The PAD will also tone down its protest for the next few days. It will drop political commentary and instead discuss the life story and social contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana as a tribute to the Princess.

[animatic]

Another criminal investigation into Somchai's Cabinet....between Samak and Somchai, I believe this makes the 103rd Cabinet Minister involved...

People Power Party MP and Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri

EDUCATION MINISTER ACCUSED

School used in son's wedding

'Training' involved funds, students, staff

As he's talking in longer terms in this article, apparently the PM doesn't have any pending plans to resign to take responsibility, like he said he would, for the Oct 7 killings nor resign due to being indicted by the NCCC for malfeasance.... nor the new and latest damning charges against him...instead he's talking of reshuffling his Cabinet... perhaps to slot the above accused Education Minister to an even higher position...

PM plans to reshuffle Cabinet after royal ceremonies

PM Somchai said Friday he plans to reshuffle the Cabinet after the royal cremation ceremonies of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Somchai refused to comment whether this will be a minor or major reshuffle. The PM also expressed confidence in the government's work, saying that the NCCC ruling against him and 28 others in the previous Samak Sundaravej administration for their handling of the Preah Vihear temple dispute would not impact the work of the government. The ministers, many of whom are in the current government, face two charges -- negligence of duty and violation of Article 19 of the charter -- over Thailand's June 18 signing of a joint communique with Cambodia. The NCCC's decision was based on the Constitution Court's ruling that a joint communique is equivalent to an international treaty that affects the country's territory and requires a review by the House of Representatives. Somchai refused to speak whether he would explain to the NCCC about the matter, saying

It's now to become a minister reshufflement of Cabinet where no ministers are changed and no big or minor changes will occur.... but irregardless, things are just peachy in the government... and security in Thailand is "normal"...

PM says no ministers will be changed in reshuffle

PM Somchai said on Sunday that the impending cabinet reshuffle will see no big or minor changes.

The PM said he has decided who will be appointed to the Cabinet, but he needs to speak to them first.

He said the ministers who reportedly had problems with their works would not be removed.

There are no conflicts within the government, he affirmed.

The PM said the coalition parties have not requested the government to adjust the cabinet quota yet.

The reshuffle should be implemented after the royal cremation ceremonies for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, but specific dates have yet to be set, according to Somchai. He avoided answering whether he will appoint General Panlop Pinmanee as the ISOC Director. He said the national security is normal and he was not informed about any terrorist act in the country. He also refused to discuss the divorce of ousted PM and brother-in-law Thaksin and Potjaman, claiming it

Next last paragaraph makes it clear there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to re-shuffle the cabinet.

So WHY do it.. to look busy

No big and no small changes.. = NO change. Doesn't it?

He knows who he want's ,but has no idea if they will risk their butts in his cabinet.

Since most all get formal legal charges for for their pains eventually....

No incompetent MP's will be move to positions they can handle

or will be removed for utter incompetence.

The two MP's fighting over the rice pledging graft are not really fighting.

Not a conflict, even if they can't be seen in the same bleedin' room together.

Tha coalition partners haven't the leverage to oust anyone, and put in one more of theirs,

so they aren't gonna...

Why reshuffle at all.

Or is just say there is a reshuffle,

and then add a few initials after everyones titles and 5% more pay grade...

It's fantasy land.

Edited November 16, 2008 by animatic

[sriracha john]

Another criminal investigation into Somchai's Cabinet....between Samak and Somchai, I believe this makes the 103rd Cabinet Minister involved...

People Power Party MP and Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri

EDUCATION MINISTER ACCUSED

School used in son's wedding

'Training' involved funds, students, staff

As he's talking in longer terms in this article, apparently the PM doesn't have any pending plans to resign to take responsibility, like he said he would, for the Oct 7 killings nor resign due to being indicted by the NCCC for malfeasance.... nor the new and latest damning charges against him...instead he's talking of reshuffling his Cabinet... perhaps to slot the above accused Education Minister to an even higher position...

PM plans to reshuffle Cabinet after royal ceremonies

PM Somchai said Friday he plans to reshuffle the Cabinet after the royal cremation ceremonies of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Somchai refused to comment whether this will be a minor or major reshuffle. The PM also expressed confidence in the government's work, saying that the NCCC ruling against him and 28 others in the previous Samak Sundaravej administration for their handling of the Preah Vihear temple dispute would not impact the work of the government. The ministers, many of whom are in the current government, face two charges -- negligence of duty and violation of Article 19 of the charter -- over Thailand's June 18 signing of a joint communique with Cambodia. The NCCC's decision was based on the Constitution Court's ruling that a joint communique is equivalent to an international treaty that affects the country's territory and requires a review by the House of Representatives. Somchai refused to speak whether he would explain to the NCCC about the matter, saying

It's now to become a minister reshufflement of Cabinet where no ministers are changed and no big or minor changes will occur.... but irregardless, things are just peachy in the government... and security in Thailand is "normal"...

PM says no ministers will be changed in reshuffle

PM Somchai said on Sunday that the impending cabinet reshuffle will see no big or minor changes. The PM said he has decided who will be appointed to the Cabinet, but he needs to speak to them first. He said the ministers who reportedly had problems with their works would not be removed. There are no conflicts within the government, he affirmed. The PM said the coalition parties have not requested the government to adjust the cabinet quota yet. The reshuffle should be implemented after the royal cremation ceremonies for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, but specific dates have yet to be set, according to Somchai. He avoided answering whether he will appoint General Panlop Pinmanee as the ISOC Director. He said the national security is normal and he was not informed about any terrorist act in the country. He also refused to discuss the divorce of ousted PM and brother-in-law Thaksin and Potjaman, claiming it

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132076

and just to make it complete...

** Caution : U-Turn ahead **

but still leaves room to make yet another U-Turn later.... in the interim, he'll follow the <deleted> strategy....

No Cabinet reshuffle plans now, says PM

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday he had an idea of a Cabinet reshuffle in mind, but declined to go into when it would happen and who would be replaced.

Meanwhile, people seem to feel gloomier with the way the situation was going, as the Gross Domestic Happiness Index plummeted to its lowest in 34 months, from 5.6 points out of scale of 10 in September to just 4.8.

The slide was attributed to violence, clashes between government officials and the people, the government's perceived lack of good governance and stress from economic problems.

At his residence, Somchai denied saying he would rearrange Cabinet positions after yesterday. He only had said he would not do it before the funeral of Princess Galyani Vadhana, which would last until Wednesday. However, he is scheduled to attend the APEC summit in Peru from Thursday until November 26.

"If I said it wrong before, I'm sorry. But to my memory, I said that the important event at the moment would need people's cooperation and we should wait until the event passes already before (rejigging the Cabinet). It so happened that the mourning is from November 14 to 16. Some might misunderstand that the Cabinet reshuffle would happen after November 16. But that's not true," he said.

To avoid further misunderstanding, he would not speak much on the issue beforehand.

The Cabinet's realignment would be his decision to make and it would be mainly discussed with only those picked for the change, he said, adding that the reshuffle plan reflected conflicts within the Cabinet.

He declined to comment on speculation he would ask General Pallop Pinmanee to come back for another stint as the Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command.

He also denied seeing any intelligence about terrorism. "I saw some wrong news that I said I received a report on terrorism. I did not say that. I just pleaded for people to mourn together during the ceremony to show our loyalty," he said.

In the "happiness survey" conducted with 5,267 voters in 18 provinces around the country from November 215, Assumption University's Academic Network for Community Happiness Observation and Research found that 56.9 per cent of the respondents believe the government has problems with good governance. That group's happiness was rated at 4.6, ABAC Poll director Noppadon Kannika said.

The other respondents who thought the government did not have any governance problem had a happiness level of 5.1. The happiness level of the respondents who said they were most stressed from politics was at 4.6, while those moderately stressed from politics and those least stressed from politics had happiness levels at about 5.2. State enterprise employees were among the happiest at 5.3, versus company employees at 4.7. Over 90 per cent felt that unity by everyone in the country, including all opposing parties, as well as respect for the law by everyone would make them happier, Noppadon said.

- The Nation / 2008-11-17

[Plus]

When NCCC indictes Somchai and a bunch of others for Preah Vihear case, they'd have to resign by law.

The only legal excuse might be that they shifted their positions since then already.

With 3-digit lottery case it was five years, ten governments and one coup later, so the Council of State ruled that transgressions in that old cabinet do not apply to their current positions and Surapong and co didn't have to resign. Still, no one made it back to the government again.

It's a lot trickier to use the same excuse now.

[sriracha john]

Another criminal investigation into Somchai's Cabinet....between Samak and Somchai, I believe this makes the 103rd Cabinet Minister involved...

People Power Party MP and Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri

EDUCATION MINISTER ACCUSED

School used in son's wedding

'Training' involved funds, students, staff

Government doing little to help education

If PM Somchai can do one good thing for the country, the opportunity is coming for him to do it. The country's political stability is in a sorry state as a result of the months-long standoff between the administration and the PAD. But what is more worrisome for Thailand is not politics. It is the quality of basic education, as this will pose a long-term threat to the country. This concern has been underlined in a recent report by the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment. Midway to its five-year evaluation of the performance of primary and secondary schools across the country, it has already encountered bad news. One-fifth of the 22,811 schools did not pass the assessment. There are about 12,800 schools yet to be evaluated by the agency and the bad news will become worse, as most of the remaining schools are small ones located in remote areas. The chances of these passing the standard are remote, as they are already struggling to find teachers and sufficient budgets to run the schools. Despite this early warning from the ONESQA, nobody in the Cabinet - including the PM and Education Minister Srimuang - is taking the matter seriously. It is a sad story but not a surprising one. This government is already a hopeless one, as it has done nothing but try to stay in power for as long as it can. The Cabinet positions have not been decided by quality. The top job at the Education Ministry should have been set aside for an outsider as the position needs a really qualified person familiar with education problems. Unfortunately, the Education Ministry is not immune to politics. Politicians taking the helm of this ministry know very well that it is an important position - for the sake of their party, not for the students. Winning the hearts of teachers is very important when general elections come. Teachers are influential in rural areas. They are well respected and treated as opinion leaders by villagers. They can convince voters who to cast the ballot for when the time comes to vote. That is why, over the past 8 years, there have been only two ministers in education who were qualified and praised by educators keen to see improvements in education. They were Kasem Wattanachai, who worked only for a short spell when Thaksin was PM in 2001, and Wijit Srisa-arn, who worked under PM Surayud Chulanont. Both were outsiders, not politicians. If the ONESQA were allowed to assess the performance of all education ministers, the rest would not pass the assessment. These include Thaksin himself, PM Somchai, and Srimuang. In fact, Dr Kasem decided to leave the post when Thaksin was the government leader because he realised that the former telecom tycoon was not serious about improving education as he had promised. As Somchai did not do anything when he was the education minister, and has done nothing so far as the government leader, he might as well try to redeem himself by including a change at the Education Ministry on his reshuffle list.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/181108_News/18Nov2008_news21.php

Edited November 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

That is why, over the past 8 years, there have been only two ministers in education who were qualified and praised by educators keen to see improvements in education. They were Kasem Wattanachai, who worked only for a short spell when Thaksin was PM in 2001, and Wijit Srisa-arn, who worked under PM Surayud Chulanont. Both were outsiders, not politicians. If the ONESQA were allowed to assess the performance of all education ministers, the rest would not pass the assessment. These include Thaksin himself, PM Somchai, and Srimuang. In fact, Dr Kasem decided to leave the post when Thaksin was the government leader because he realised that the former telecom tycoon was not serious about improving education as he had promised.

amplifying information...

The very first minister to resign from Thaksin's government was a very respectable academic Kasem Wattanachai, only after three months working with those clowns. He's a Privy Councilor now.

[sriracha john]

Additional fallout to ongoing issues...

Wasan loses job as MCOT President

Political motives suspected in his exit

Wasan Paileeklee has finally lost his job as President of MCOT, the listed state-owned broadcaster, after months of speculation. Tongthong Chandransu, Deputy Permanent-Secretary of the Justice Ministry, who is a board member and spokesman, said after the board meeting yesterday that the board had reached an agreement with Wasan that he would end his role at the helm of the organisation, operator of ModerNine TV station, within a month. A high-ranking source at MCOT said the attempt to move Mr Wasan from the top job was politically motivated rather than due to his performance. Under Mr Wasan, MCOT had performed well as a business. A source at the meeting said he was forced to agree to the board proposal to end his role despite the fact that he had defended himself for having worked appropriately and in accordance with his contract. Mr Wasan insisted he had also proposed MCOT's 2009 business plan as required by the contract, said the source. Since the Board, appointed by the Samak administration, came into office there have been signs that Mr Wasan, who was selected by the previous Board, which was appointed in the middle of last year, would lose his job.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/141108_News/14Nov2008_news12.php

Freedom of Speech is increasingly a victim of the current events.

Wasan dismissal riles media

Three media associations yesterday urged the MCOT board to give a proper explanation as to why President Wasan Paileeklee was dismissed. The Thai Journalists Association, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, and the Thailand Cable TV Association issued a statement calling on the board to explain to the public its decision to remove Mr Wasan. The MCOT board announced last week that it had decided to dismiss Mr Wasan, saying his management style was incompatible with the company. The three groups emphasised clarification would help guarantee protection of media freedoms and ensure there was no political interference. To maintain ethics and standards, the media should be free from interference, it said. The statement said unless the MCOT board could give a sound reason for his dismissal, there were grounds to believe there was more to the story. Rumours had circulated for some time about malicious attempts to get rid of him.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/191108_News/19Nov2008_news13.php

[Plus]

clarification would help guarantee protection of media freedoms and ensure there was no political interference

That is precisely why no clarification will be given.

Back in January Jakrapob wanted to fire Wasant for drop in earnings in a month when most advertising was pulled off the air following the death of the Princess Galyani.

These guys know no shame.

[animatic]

Shame? That's a western decadent concept, no need of it here.

No need of ANY dissenting voices in the media either,

Fair and Balanced, like Fox News, that's the ticket...

[sriracha john]

PM Somchai is Worth 54 million baht

The NCCC has revealed that PM Somchai Wongsawat has assets worth 54 million baht and 80,000 baht debt. Somchai's wife and Thaksin's sister, Yaowapa Wongsawat, is estimated to be worth 39 million baht.

Meanwhile the total assets of Deputy PM Olarn Chaipravat is estimated to be 130 baht.

As for Foreign Affiars Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, the NCCC reveals that the foreign minister has 152 million baht worth of assets.

- TOC / 2008-11-20

[animatic]

PM Somchai is Worth 54 million baht

The NCCC has revealed that PM Somchai Wongsawat has assets worth 54 million baht and 80,000 baht debt. Somchai's wife and Thaksin's sister, Yaowapa Wongsawat, is estimated to be worth 39 million baht.

Meanwhile the total assets of Deputy PM Olarn Chaipravat is estimated to be 130 baht.

As for Foreign Affiars Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, the NCCC reveals that the foreign minister has 152 million baht worth of assets.

- TOC / 2008-11-20

Isn't Olarn the architect of the New Asian Monetary Policy, he says?

The guy to set continental economic policy is BROKE?? Huh?

Sure that's not 130 million baht?

[sriracha john]

Another criminal investigation into Somchai's Cabinet....between Samak and Somchai, I believe this makes the 103rd Cabinet Minister involved...

People Power Party MP and Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri

EDUCATION MINISTER ACCUSED

School used in son's wedding

'Training' involved funds, students, staff

As he's talking in longer terms in this article, apparently the PM doesn't have any pending plans to resign to take responsibility, like he said he would, for the Oct 7 killings nor resign due to being indicted by the NCCC for malfeasance.... nor the new and latest damning charges against him...instead he's talking of reshuffling his Cabinet... perhaps to slot the above accused Education Minister to an even higher position...

PM plans to reshuffle Cabinet after royal ceremonies

PM Somchai said Friday he plans to reshuffle the Cabinet after the royal cremation ceremonies of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Somchai refused to comment whether this will be a minor or major reshuffle. The PM also expressed confidence in the government's work, saying that the NCCC ruling against him and 28 others in the previous Samak Sundaravej administration for their handling of the Preah Vihear temple dispute would not impact the work of the government. The ministers, many of whom are in the current government, face two charges -- negligence of duty and violation of Article 19 of the charter -- over Thailand's June 18 signing of a joint communique with Cambodia. The NCCC's decision was based on the Constitution Court's ruling that a joint communique is equivalent to an international treaty that affects the country's territory and requires a review by the House of Representatives. Somchai refused to speak whether he would explain to the NCCC about the matter, saying

It's now to become a minister reshufflement of Cabinet where no ministers are changed and no big or minor changes will occur.... but irregardless, things are just peachy in the government... and security in Thailand is "normal"...

PM says no ministers will be changed in reshuffle

PM Somchai said on Sunday that the impending cabinet reshuffle will see no big or minor changes. The PM said he has decided who will be appointed to the Cabinet, but he needs to speak to them first. He said the ministers who reportedly had problems with their works would not be removed. There are no conflicts within the government, he affirmed. The PM said the coalition parties have not requested the government to adjust the cabinet quota yet. The reshuffle should be implemented after the royal cremation ceremonies for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, but specific dates have yet to be set, according to Somchai. He avoided answering whether he will appoint General Panlop Pinmanee as the ISOC Director. He said the national security is normal and he was not informed about any terrorist act in the country. He also refused to discuss the divorce of ousted PM and brother-in-law Thaksin and Potjaman, claiming it

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132076

and just to make it complete...

** Caution : U-Turn ahead **

but still leaves room to make yet another U-Turn later.... in the interim, he'll follow the <deleted> strategy....

No Cabinet reshuffle plans now, says PM

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday he had an idea of a Cabinet reshuffle in mind, but declined to go into when it would happen and who would be replaced.

Meanwhile, people seem to feel gloomier with the way the situation was going, as the Gross Domestic Happiness Index plummeted to its lowest in 34 months, from 5.6 points out of scale of 10 in September to just 4.8.

The slide was attributed to violence, clashes between government officials and the people, the government's perceived lack of good governance and stress from economic problems.

At his residence, Somchai denied saying he would rearrange Cabinet positions after yesterday. He only had said he would not do it before the funeral of Princess Galyani Vadhana, which would last until Wednesday. However, he is scheduled to attend the APEC summit in Peru from Thursday until November 26.

"If I said it wrong before, I'm sorry. But to my memory, I said that the important event at the moment would need people's cooperation and we should wait until the event passes already before (rejigging the Cabinet). It so happened that the mourning is from November 14 to 16. Some might misunderstand that the Cabinet reshuffle would happen after November 16. But that's not true," he said.

To avoid further misunderstanding, he would not speak much on the issue beforehand.

The Cabinet's realignment would be his decision to make and it would be mainly discussed with only those picked for the change, he said, adding that the reshuffle plan reflected conflicts within the Cabinet.

He declined to comment on speculation he would ask General Pallop Pinmanee to come back for another stint as the Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command.

He also denied seeing any intelligence about terrorism. "I saw some wrong news that I said I received a report on terrorism. I did not say that. I just pleaded for people to mourn together during the ceremony to show our loyalty," he said.

In the "happiness survey" conducted with 5,267 voters in 18 provinces around the country from November 215, Assumption University's Academic Network for Community Happiness Observation and Research found that 56.9 per cent of the respondents believe the government has problems with good governance. That group's happiness was rated at 4.6, ABAC Poll director Noppadon Kannika said.

The other respondents who thought the government did not have any governance problem had a happiness level of 5.1. The happiness level of the respondents who said they were most stressed from politics was at 4.6, while those moderately stressed from politics and those least stressed from politics had happiness levels at about 5.2. State enterprise employees were among the happiest at 5.3, versus company employees at 4.7. Over 90 per cent felt that unity by everyone in the country, including all opposing parties, as well as respect for the law by everyone would make them happier, Noppadon said.

- The Nation / 2008-11-17

Somsak 'may be removed'

PPP leaders find justice minister headstrong

Justice Minister Somsak Kiatsuranond is likely to be removed from the cabinet as the People Power party (PPP) is gearing up for the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a source in the party said yesterday. The source said PPP heavyweights working on a cabinet reshuffle list consider Somsak to be "difficult and obstinate". But Somsak said reports about him being ousted from his post had come as a shock. "Nobody has told me. My work is going well," he said. Among those responsible for the shake-up are

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/211108_News/21Nov2008_news09.php