Thaksin Vows To Change His Tune

[george]

PM vows to change his tune

Will listen to critics, respect human rights

BANGKOK: -- Thaksin Shinawatra promises to keep an open mind, listen to dissent, make up with the press, respect human rights, support non-governmental organisations and return power to people by promoting participatory democracy in his second term.

He made the pledges after receiving royal endorsement as prime minister for a second term yesterday.

His pledges were uncharacteristic, considering Mr Thaksin was criticised during his first term in office for thinking and acting unilaterally.

Mr Thaksin said he would exercise his absolute House majority wisely, and not abuse his power. ''I will not use that political security in a wrong way but will maximise it for the love and unity of Thais, to make them become one and to solve problems and eliminate obstacles,'' he said.

The royal command appointing Mr Thaksin prime minister was read to him at Government House last night following House approval of his nomination in the morning.

Mr Thaksin said democracy would be developed further, and that could come in the form of strengthening grassroots-administration bodies, ensuring independent organisations could be truly independent and supporting NGOs which make ''constructive'' contributions.

''I will respect NGOs that have no hidden agendas,'' he said.

Mr Thaksin pledged to increase people's power, partly by returning power taken from them by various laws. He would also give people a chance to exercise their power by visiting them and giving them a say, calling public hearings or even holding a referendum on important matters.

Thai Rak Thai would also hold a primary election in the party in 2008, to make sure all MPs were trusted by party members before going to the general election in 2009.

Mr Thaksin promised to promote human rights. He would discuss with human rights groups ways to lift Thailand's standard of rights protection, open a centre to track down missing people and identify unknown bodies.

He also promised to develop his relations with media outlets that treasured Thailand's dignity and wanted only good things for the country. ''I will try to understand the media which is still trying to keep pace with development,'' he said.

The government would stamp out family problems, drugs, drinking and smoking, and poverty.

''I will help our people live a better life in a better society that enjoys better education and a better economy,'' he said.

Mr Thaksin said he would present his new cabinet line-up to His Majesty the King for endorsement tomorrow.

A source said 17 former ministers will make it back to cabinet. They are Visanu Krue-ngarm, Somkid Jatusripitak, Suwat Liptapanlop, Phinij Jarusombat, Surakiart Sathirathai, Sora-at Klinprathum, Sonthaya Khunpluem, Adisai Bodharamik, Sudarat Keyuraphan, Anuthin Charnveerakul, Dr Suchai Charoenrattanakul, Uraiwan Thienthong, Pracha Maleenont, Somsak Thepsuthin, Varathep Ratanakorn, Newin Chidchob and Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Those who miss out are Chaturon Chaisaeng, Watana Muangsuk, Suvit Khunkitti, Phongthep Thepkanchana, Korn Dabbaransi, Vichet Kasemthongsri, Dr Surapong Suebwonglee and Aree Wong-araya, the source said.

Pongsak Raktapongpaisal had a 50-50 chance of returning to cabinet.

Outsiders likely to get cabinet portfolios were Pol Gen Chidchai Wannasathit, Thanong Bidaya, Wiset Jupiban, Suriya Larpwisuthisin, Sermsak Pongpanit and Rung Kaewdaeng.

The source said the prime minister called a meeting with Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Preecha Laohapongchana, Phumtham Vejjayachai, Chaiyos Sasomsap and Mr Suriya yesterday afternoon. ''That means we should see those people's names on the cabinet list,'' the source said.

Mr Somkid would serve as deputy prime minister and finance minister concurrently, while Mr Suriya would stay on as transport minister, Mrs Sudarat, public health minister, Mr Wiset, energy minister, Mr Thanong, commerce minister, Gen Thammarak, defence minister, Mr Surakiart, foreign minister, Mr Varathep, deputy finance minister and Dr Suchai, deputy public health minister. Mr Rung, an education expert, would probably become education minister, and Mrs Uraiwan, Mr Phinij and Mr Somsak would probably be made deputy prime ministers. Mr Visanu might be given the justice portfolio instead of the deputy prime minister's post.

Mr Thaksin had said he still preferred the same minister in his first government to look after the country's monetary and fiscal affairs.

He denied air force commander-in-chief ACM Khongsak Wanthana would be made defence minister but declined to say whether the post would go to Gen Thammarak.

-- Bangkok Post 2005-03-10

[deckard]

What's that saying about a leopard and changing spots

[sriracha john]

The government would stamp out family problems, drugs, drinking and smoking, and poverty.

ahhhhhhh...... Utopia here we come. I can hardly wait.