Deputy Prime Minister overseeing national security Suthep Thuagsuban on Wednesday said government officials will be penalised if they get involved with the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters who threw rotten eggs at Democrat party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai in the northern province of Lampang last week.

Mr Suthep said government officials who are found responsible for this incident would not be transferred but legal actions would have to be taken because it is deemed illegal.

On ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s strong influence and popularity in the North and Northeast, the deputy premier said it will have to be addressed.

He expressed his confidence that the government will not dissolve the parliament within six months despite the mounting protests by the pro-Thaksin UDD demonstrators.

He said former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin can work as the prime minister’s adviser as the law does not prohibit him.

After being appointed as the governor of Bangkok for the second consecutive term, Mr Apirak resigned for allegedly being involved in the fire engine purchase scandal.

Bangkok Post

And yet we have a major PAD member and speaker appointed as foreign minister...

Yup, this is just sad.. If you're a civil servant however in the North, you'd be very worried. Suthep is essentially trying the old fascist tactic of 'if your not for us, you're against us'. Anyone not vocal in his support will find his career sidelined.

That's sad.

Yet another policy seemingly carried-over from the previous administration.

Civil servants should not be involved with politics, from either faction, and should not need to be reminded of this. Their transitory political masters, from either faction, should understand this. Time for a little re-education ?