New Cabinet Approved

[george]

HM approves new Cabinet

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King yesterday endorsed the Cabinet line-up submitted by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The royal command was issued yesterday citing Article 171 of the Constitution, which empowers the King to appoint the prime minister and not more than 35 other ministers to constitute the Council of Ministers.

Abhisit was appointed by royal command on Wednesday after winning a vote in the House of Representatives on Monday.

The new Cabinet members, led by Abhisit, are scheduled to have a royal audience to be sworn in at the Chitralada Palace on Monday, a source said.

All the 36 Cabinet members - 24 of them serving for the first time - are expected to gather at Government House at 3pm on Monday for a group photo before proceeding to the palace for an audience with His Majesty at 5pm, according to the source.

There are three deputy prime ministers: Suthep Thaugsuban, Korbsak Sabhavasu, both from the Democrat Party, and Sanan Kachornprasart, from the Chart Thai Party.

Satit Wongnongtaey and Virachai Virameteekul are Prime Minister's Office ministers.

General Prawit Wongsuwan, former commander-in-chief of the Army, is the defence minister.

The finance minister is Korn Chatikavanij with Pradit Patarapra-sit and Pruektichai Damrongrat as deputy finance ministers.

Foreign affairs minister is Kasit Piromya, a former ambassador. Tourism and sports minister is Chumpol Silapa-archa, a former senator and younger brother of ex-PM and disbanded Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa.

Social development and human security minister is Witoon Nambutr.

Agriculture minister is Theera Wongsamut, and his deputy is Chartchai Pukkayaporn.

Transport minister is Sophon Saram, with Prajak Kaewklahan and Kuakul Danchaiwijit as his deputies.

Suwit Khunkitti is the natural-resources and environment minister, Ranongruk Suwanchawee the information and communications-technology minister and Wannarat Charnnukul the energy minister.

Commerce minister is Pornthiva Nakasai; Alongkorn Pollabutr is her deputy.

Interior minister is Chaovarat Chanweerakul, who was the caretaker prime minister in the outgoing Cabinet. Boonjong Wongtrairat and Thaworn Senneam are deputy interior ministers.

Pirapan Salirathavibhaga is justice minister, Phaithoon Kaeothong labour minister and Teera Slukpetch culture minister. They are all from the Democrat Party.

Science minister is Kalaya Sophonpanich. Education Minister is Jurin Laksanawisit, and his two deputies are Chaiwuti Bannawat and Narisara Chawaltanpipat.

Public-health minister is Witthaya Kaewparadai, and Manit Nop-amornbodi is his deputy.

Charnchai Chairungrueng is industry minister.

-- The Nation 2008-12-21

[jbowman1993]

Some decent names on the list, and a few that have academics decrying "money politics". I do wish that we could have some kind of political reform to take big money out of politics and government, but hel_l, they can't even do that in the US or most other "western" countries. Not much hope for change in Thailand in the near future.

I hold hope that Abhisit will make sure people do their jobs, and only steal within reason (lol). One of the telling things about his good qualities was the admission that his picks were not ideal. Nice to hear that - a breath of fresh air (on a foul subject) for a change!

[Seneque]

Many new faces ... (Banharn's brother !!! oups) ... Hope Korn will do a good job as a finance minister and starts doing something for exporters ...(baht ?)

Abhisit is not an arrogant man and that is already a dramatic change up there! ... like says my better half : "at least he is good looking and speaks english fluently" ... that's a start

[h90]

Some decent names on the list, and a few that have academics decrying "money politics". I do wish that we could have some kind of political reform to take big money out of politics and government, but hel_l, they can't even do that in the US or most other "western" countries. Not much hope for change in Thailand in the near future.

I hold hope that Abhisit will make sure people do their jobs, and only steal within reason (lol). One of the telling things about his good qualities was the admission that his picks were not ideal. Nice to hear that - a breath of fresh air (on a foul subject) for a change!

Well in USA they don't even try....

In Austria we don't have (many) people with influence of big money in politic. Result: Having people leading the country which wouldn't be branch manager of a 7/11 in real life--complete idiots--

Why should a smart, honest person go into politics if he can make more money in an other business easier?

[h90]

Many new faces ... (Banharn's brother !!! oups) ... Hope Korn will do a good job as a finance minister and starts doing something for exporters ...(baht ?)

Abhisit is not an arrogant man and that is already a dramatic change up there! ... like says my better half : "at least he is good looking and speaks english fluently" ... that's a start

Barnharn Dinosaurs and the Newin friends is not really amazing....

Don't know if Abhisit is arrogant, but he isn't a complete idiot like Samak and Somchai. He speaks english. You don't need to apologize for being a Thai when he gives an interview to a foreign media (like Samak), Korn seems to understand what he speaks about.

So for sure a progress but is it enough?

[PeaceBlondie]

Okay, sounds good. I could not help wondering how many female ministers are in this new cabinet. The Bank of Thailand seems chock full of lady Ph.D. economists. Are any of these ministers from lower class origin?

[h90]

quote from the nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30091540

Abhisit admits his Cabinet member does not look good as expected

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Sunday admitted that the image of his Cabinet does not look impressive but he pointed out that he needed to rush to form it under the condition of government stability.

Speaking to reporters at the Democrat Party head office, Abhisit said he was willing to heed criticism against his government.

He said he realised that the his Cabinet lineup did not come out as good as expected by many people but he had met several business groups to explain to them the restrictions for his Cabinet formation.

"I'll do my best to monitor the points of concern and I affirm that I'll work with integrity by taking the country's crises into account. And I've made my decision on the Cabinet lineup based on the political stability so that the government can start working immediately," Abhisit said.

The Nation

end of quote

reminds me to Samak, when he told his government looks ugly.

[chowder]

reminds me to Samak, when he told his government looks ugly.

you miss quote that, his government doesn't look ugly, they are a bunch of clown.

[animatic]

Okay, sounds good. I could not help wondering how many female ministers are in this new cabinet. The Bank of Thailand seems chock full of lady Ph.D. economists. Are any of these ministers from lower class origin?

My uncle, the dual Phd Economist, related his favorite truth,

quoting or paraphrasing a greater mind I believe :

Put 100 international economists in an room,

and you will get one hundred, dead on balls sure,

recommendations on what to do for your country's economy.

And just as surely 99% of them will be totally wrong.

[venturalaw]

Some decent names on the list, and a few that have academics decrying "money politics". I do wish that we could have some kind of political reform to take big money out of politics and government, but hel_l, they can't even do that in the US or most other "western" countries. Not much hope for change in Thailand in the near future.

I hold hope that Abhisit will make sure people do their jobs, and only steal within reason (lol). One of the telling things about his good qualities was the admission that his picks were not ideal. Nice to hear that - a breath of fresh air (on a foul subject) for a change!

Well in USA they don't even try....

In Austria we don't have (many) people with influence of big money in politic. Result: Having people leading the country which wouldn't be branch manager of a 7/11 in real life--complete idiots--

Why should a smart, honest person go into politics if he can make more money in an other business easier?

In the USA they don't even try? What are you talking about?

Re: Why would a smart, honest person go into politics? The naive for the purpose of improving the system. The others enter politics for one reason - Power.

[h90]

Some decent names on the list, and a few that have academics decrying "money politics". I do wish that we could have some kind of political reform to take big money out of politics and government, but hel_l, they can't even do that in the US or most other "western" countries. Not much hope for change in Thailand in the near future.

I hold hope that Abhisit will make sure people do their jobs, and only steal within reason (lol). One of the telling things about his good qualities was the admission that his picks were not ideal. Nice to hear that - a breath of fresh air (on a foul subject) for a change!

Well in USA they don't even try....

In Austria we don't have (many) people with influence of big money in politic. Result: Having people leading the country which wouldn't be branch manager of a 7/11 in real life--complete idiots--

Why should a smart, honest person go into politics if he can make more money in an other business easier?

In the USA they don't even try? What are you talking about?

Re: Why would a smart, honest person go into politics? The naive for the purpose of improving the system. The others enter politics for one reason - Power.

How many million does an election cost? How are the chances that an unknown party without money ever gets in parliament? How are the chances that an unknown guy get president? You would need a law which gives everyone the same time in TV without payment and ban every paid promotion. That's not possible in the real world but that's the only way to give equal chances.

The other thing I agree: The naive for improving the system (they fail because too naive). Some believer with a mission (religion, communism, the German domination whatever). The rest for power and/or money. Or if they simply to stupid for any other job.

Solutions??? I don't know....

[venturalaw]

Some decent names on the list, and a few that have academics decrying "money politics". I do wish that we could have some kind of political reform to take big money out of politics and government, but hel_l, they can't even do that in the US or most other "western" countries. Not much hope for change in Thailand in the near future.

I hold hope that Abhisit will make sure people do their jobs, and only steal within reason (lol). One of the telling things about his good qualities was the admission that his picks were not ideal. Nice to hear that - a breath of fresh air (on a foul subject) for a change!

Well in USA they don't even try....

In Austria we don't have (many) people with influence of big money in politic. Result: Having people leading the country which wouldn't be branch manager of a 7/11 in real life--complete idiots--

Why should a smart, honest person go into politics if he can make more money in an other business easier?

In the USA they don't even try? What are you talking about?

Re: Why would a smart, honest person go into politics? The naive for the purpose of improving the system. The others enter politics for one reason - Power.

How many million does an election cost? How are the chances that an unknown party without money ever gets in parliament? How are the chances that an unknown guy get president? You would need a law which gives everyone the same time in TV without payment and ban every paid promotion. That's not possible in the real world but that's the only way to give equal chances.

The other thing I agree: The naive for improving the system (they fail because too naive). Some believer with a mission (religion, communism, the German domination whatever). The rest for power and/or money. Or if they simply to stupid for any other job.

Solutions??? I don't know....

In the US we do not have parliament.

Concerning money, Obama definitely raised the bar when it comes to raising funds to support a a campaign. However, you are incorrect about an unknown being unable to win public office via election. It happened in Minnesota when a former US Navy Seal by the name of Jesse Ventura became Governor. Furthermore, his party was the 'Reform Party' (not one of the major two that have always been in power). Lastly, passage of the Shays-Meehan and McCain-Feingold legislation banning soft money and making other changes to campaign finance law in effect created a situation wherein McCain cut his own throat. Obama initially agreed to comply, and then later recanted.

[jbowman1993]

Some decent names on the list, and a few that have academics decrying "money politics". I do wish that we could have some kind of political reform to take big money out of politics and government, but hel_l, they can't even do that in the US or most other "western" countries. Not much hope for change in Thailand in the near future.

I hold hope that Abhisit will make sure people do their jobs, and only steal within reason (lol). One of the telling things about his good qualities was the admission that his picks were not ideal. Nice to hear that - a breath of fresh air (on a foul subject) for a change!

Well in USA they don't even try....

In Austria we don't have (many) people with influence of big money in politic. Result: Having people leading the country which wouldn't be branch manager of a 7/11 in real life--complete idiots--

Why should a smart, honest person go into politics if he can make more money in an other business easier?

In the USA they don't even try? What are you talking about?

Re: Why would a smart, honest person go into politics? The naive for the purpose of improving the system. The others enter politics for one reason - Power.

How many million does an election cost? How are the chances that an unknown party without money ever gets in parliament? How are the chances that an unknown guy get president? You would need a law which gives everyone the same time in TV without payment and ban every paid promotion. That's not possible in the real world but that's the only way to give equal chances.

The other thing I agree: The naive for improving the system (they fail because too naive). Some believer with a mission (religion, communism, the German domination whatever). The rest for power and/or money. Or if they simply to stupid for any other job.

Solutions??? I don't know....

In the US we do not have parliament.

Concerning money, Obama definitely raised the bar when it comes to raising funds to support a a campaign. However, you are incorrect about an unknown being unable to win public office via election. It happened in Minnesota when a former US Navy Seal by the name of Jesse Ventura became Governor. Furthermore, his party was the 'Reform Party' (not one of the major two that have always been in power). Lastly, passage of the Shays-Meehan and McCain-Feingold legislation banning soft money and making other changes to campaign finance law in effect created a situation wherein McCain cut his own throat. Obama initially agreed to comply, and then later recanted.

Two inaccurate statements here

1) Ventura was an "unknown" political commodity, but he was quite well known as a former professional wrestler and B Movie Actor. That fact gave him a lot of press coverage, both positive and negative, and he spun it into an election win

2) Your statement seems to suggest that Obama broke some sort of campaign finance law. He did no such thing. He did change his mind on receiving public funding, choosing to instead to use money from donors only. Certainly not illegal to do so, and he broke no US Laws with his decision.

[tartempion]

Foreign affairs minister is Kasit Piromya, a former ambassador. Tourism and sports minister is Chumpol Silapa-archa, a former senator and younger brother of ex-PM and disbanded Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa.

From the Bangkok Post, 19 Dec 2008:

Mr Kasit appeared as a regular guest speaker at PAD rallies which demanded the removal of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

More worrying for some Democrats was his recent speech about the PAD's takeover of Suvarnabhumi airport.

Mr Kasit hailed the shutdown of the capital's city's international airport, which left over 200,000 passengers stranded, as a "new innovation for public protests".

Further reading from the Bangkok post same date:

The issue of whether or how airlines and other parties suffering losses from the recent Bangkok airport closures can seek recovery from Thailand depends largely on whether the country has the right to shut down an airport, even under very difficult circumstances with which many people would sympathise. The issue can be analysed based on relevant international treaties and Thai law.

Chicago Convention: The world of civil aviation is governed by the Convention on International Civil Aviation. It was created by 52 countries in Chicago in 1944 and Thailand agreed to be bound by it in 1947. Today 190 countries are contracting states to the Chicago Convention, as it's commonly known.

The convention is administered by a specialised UN agency called the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which develops international standards and recommended practices in the form of annexes to the convention and ensures compliance by contracting states, which pass local laws and regulations adopting the annexes.

Notwithstanding the fact that the word "recommended" is used, in fact most recommended practices are "required" from all member countries for uniformity.

Thailand's Air Navigation Act of 1954: The first Thai aviation law was passed in 1937 and amended 10 years later, the year the country ratified the Chicago Convention. The law was replaced by the Air Navigation Act of 1954 (ANA) and has been updated regularly to reflect the evolution of the industry and to keep pace with new annexes to the Chicago Convention. The ANA empowers the Civil Aviation Board to issue regulations to implement the ANA and the Chicago Convention.

Annex 17 on security: Currently, the Chicago Convention contains 18 annexes outlining international standards and recommended practices. Our focus is on Annex 17, titled "Security: Safeguarding International Civil Aviation against Acts of Unlawful Interference".

It came into being in 1974 in response to the rising frequency of violent attacks against aircraft.

Thailand adopted Annex 17 in 1976 as part of its aviation regulations. The annex was revised substantially in 2002 after the 9/11 tragedy. Its provisions deal with terrorist-related security issues, while Thailand's ANA allows an airport to be temporarily closed for the safety of aircraft and passengers.

Terrorism or protests: One key issue in determining legal liability is how to classify the November political rally in front of Suvarnabhumi airport. Is it a type of terrorist act perpetrated on the aerodrome, namely the runway, taxiway and clearway where the aircraft move; on the apron or parking bays; or in the terminal building where passengers roamed, in a way that endangers aircraft and passengers? The Chicago Convention and Thai local law are aimed at preventing this type of trouble.

Or is the rally, however disruptive and damaging to airport operations, considered a kind of civil disorder manifested by sit-in protests and blockades of roads outside the terminal building that do not impose direct danger to aircraft or passengers? The international convention and the ANA do not treat this situation as terrorism.

And Khun Kasit as the new Foreing minster condones and supports openly civil disorder

[MyphuketLife]

Many new faces ... (Banharn's brother !!! oups) ... Hope Korn will do a good job as a finance minister and starts doing something for exporters ...(baht ?)

Abhisit is not an arrogant man and that is already a dramatic change up there! ... like says my better half : "at least he is good looking and speaks english fluently" ... that's a start

Barnharn Dinosaurs and the Newin friends is not really amazing....

Don't know if Abhisit is arrogant, but he isn't a complete idiot like Samak and Somchai. He speaks english. You don't need to apologize for being a Thai when he gives an interview to a foreign media (like Samak), Korn seems to understand what he speaks about.

So for sure a progress but is it enough?

So what he speaks english..... I don't think that makes him more or less able to be THAI pm....

[h90]

Some decent names on the list, and a few that have academics decrying "money politics". I do wish that we could have some kind of political reform to take big money out of politics and government, but hel_l, they can't even do that in the US or most other "western" countries. Not much hope for change in Thailand in the near future.

I hold hope that Abhisit will make sure people do their jobs, and only steal within reason (lol). One of the telling things about his good qualities was the admission that his picks were not ideal. Nice to hear that - a breath of fresh air (on a foul subject) for a change!

Well in USA they don't even try....

In Austria we don't have (many) people with influence of big money in politic. Result: Having people leading the country which wouldn't be branch manager of a 7/11 in real life--complete idiots--

Why should a smart, honest person go into politics if he can make more money in an other business easier?

In the USA they don't even try? What are you talking about?

Re: Why would a smart, honest person go into politics? The naive for the purpose of improving the system. The others enter politics for one reason - Power.

How many million does an election cost? How are the chances that an unknown party without money ever gets in parliament? How are the chances that an unknown guy get president? You would need a law which gives everyone the same time in TV without payment and ban every paid promotion. That's not possible in the real world but that's the only way to give equal chances.

The other thing I agree: The naive for improving the system (they fail because too naive). Some believer with a mission (religion, communism, the German domination whatever). The rest for power and/or money. Or if they simply to stupid for any other job.

Solutions??? I don't know....

In the US we do not have parliament.

Concerning money, Obama definitely raised the bar when it comes to raising funds to support a a campaign. However, you are incorrect about an unknown being unable to win public office via election. It happened in Minnesota when a former US Navy Seal by the name of Jesse Ventura became Governor. Furthermore, his party was the 'Reform Party' (not one of the major two that have always been in power). Lastly, passage of the Shays-Meehan and McCain-Feingold legislation banning soft money and making other changes to campaign finance law in effect created a situation wherein McCain cut his own throat. Obama initially agreed to comply, and then later recanted.

OK, I agree they try a little bit. But when was the last president who wasn't Democrats or Republican, something like 150 years ago if I remember right. Ventura wasn't complete unknown and he is just one Governor in one state in how many years. That is far away from the "we elect the best one out of our community". (Don't understand me wrong, it is not meant as USA-bashing. It is just meant that the complete democratic system need some new ideas/or is already far away from the original idea.)

[PeaceBlondie]

Please, we needn't argue American or British politics.

[h90]

Please, we needn't argue American or British politics.

OK

Will stop now

[jbowman1993]

Embattled Minister Witoon quits

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 3/02/2009 at 01:25 PM

Social Development and Human Security Minister Witoon Nambutr's resignation may set an example for another embattled minister, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, to follow in his footstep.

Embattled Witoon Nambutr has resigned as social development and human security minister to show responsibility regarding the distribution of rotten tinned fish to flood victims in Phatthalung.

Mr Witoon announced his resignation after today’s cabinet meeting. He said the resignation is intended to make way for various committees to check transparency of the distribution of flood relief items and hope this would not affect the Democrat party and the government’s handling of the country’s administration.

He said he decided to resign on his own, not because of pressure from anyone.

His resignation will spare Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva the trouble of having to axe him from the cabinet. It will also set an example for Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat who is facing a scandal for handing out cash with his name cards to 200 villagers in Khon Kaen. Boonjong however has refused to step aside whereas his Bhumjaithai party has vowed to shield him from getting axed.

Mr Witoon's vacant post is likely to be filled by Issara Somchai, another Democrat MP in Ubon Ratchathani, as the post is regarded as a quota of the Democrat's northeastern bloc.

Jatuporn Prompan, a Puea Thai MP, said earlier that even if Mr Witoon resigns the opposition would still seek a censure debate against the government.

In a related development, Deputy Transport Minister Prajak Klaewklahan, a Bhumjaithai MP and member of the Friends of Newin faction, said Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat would comply with the law if the Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission rules that he was wrong in attaching his name card to the money handed out to 200 people under a welfare project of the Social Development and Human Security Ministry.

Mr Prajak said Mr Boonjong has insisted he had not done anything wrong and the party wants to give him a chance to clear himself.

However, the party would not make any political move if Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva decides to reshuffle the cabinet, he added.

Edited February 3, 2009 by jbowman1993

[jbowman1993]

One of the real KEY differences between the Democrats and everybody else. They show responsibility for their actions, and the actions of those under them. This is something that TRK aka PPP aka PTP could never understand, and it is the big reason that the Democrats will succeed will the former ultimately failed (over and over again).

I gave a lecture to my students today about being a professional, and we discussed three key areas: ethics, integrity, and responsibility. Very classy Witoon. Cheers to you!

[ballpoint]

One of the real KEY differences between the Democrats and everybody else. They show responsibility for their actions, and the actions of those under them. This is something that TRK aka PPP aka PTP could never understand, and it is the big reason that the Democrats will succeed will the former ultimately failed (over and over again).

I gave a lecture to my students today about being a professional, and we discussed three key areas: ethics, integrity, and responsibility. Very classy Witoon. Cheers to you!

And this blog in The Nation this morning sums up one of the problems of Thai politics, not picking the best person for the job, but picking anyone from the "correct" part of the country.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/02/03...cs_30094833.php

[animatic]

One of the real KEY differences between the Democrats and everybody else. They show responsibility for their actions, and the actions of those under them. This is something that TRK aka PPP aka PTP could never understand, and it is the big reason that the Democrats will succeed will the former ultimately failed (over and over again).

I gave a lecture to my students today about being a professional, and we discussed three key areas: ethics, integrity, and responsibility. Very classy Witoon. Cheers to you!

And this blog in The Nation this morning sums up one of the problems of Thai politics, not picking the best person for the job, but picking anyone from the "correct" part of the country.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/02/03...cs_30094833.php

Well getting the demographics right is the same and difficult if you're Obama or Obamark.

Horse trading is pretty much the other name for the game.

I do agree, not getting the best and brightest is ALWAYS a problem.

But I also agree the Dems clean house, faster, relatively willingly when things get dirty.

While Thaksin's crew prefers to sweep it under the carpet or just bull on by.

This 'exit', also allows Mark to put in someone better qualified for the job.

OK, area and power broker X, your boy screwed up, you had your shot,

I need to fill the seat, wait your turn again.

If the 1st appointee can't last 3 weeks that's his look out.

But this is nothing too strange in Thai politics.

Change Lobsters And Keep Dancing.

Edited February 4, 2009 by animatic

[Koo82]

Appointing some PAD to key positions is the brightest thing Abhisit has ever done.

Wondering when Sondhi will have a title.

[BigSnake]

An improvement to say the least. Let see how well things for workout with this line-up. Best of Luck o them all, they will need it and then some.

[hammered]

One of the real KEY differences between the Democrats and everybody else. They show responsibility for their actions, and the actions of those under them. This is something that TRK aka PPP aka PTP could never understand, and it is the big reason that the Democrats will succeed will the former ultimately failed (over and over again).

I gave a lecture to my students today about being a professional, and we discussed three key areas: ethics, integrity, and responsibility. Very classy Witoon. Cheers to you!

He does deserve credit for taking responsibility. Too many ministers have clung to position arguing that as a final supreme court verdict hadnt gone against them they did not have to take responsibility. Hopefully we will see less of that kind of behaviour in the future although I wont be holding my breath.

[animatic]

Appointing some PAD to key positions is the brightest thing Abhisit has ever done.

Wondering when Sondhi will have a title.

Well if you compare PPP's Samak and Somchai vs PAD,

point per point about actually meeting their intended goals;

PAD wins hands down for getting the job down.

Neither side was nice by ways and means.

Just talking effectiveness at reaching set goals.

[TAWP]

Good if the first-appointed crap gets flushed out for their flaws and the successors are chosen more on merit than appeasing the factions backing them.