Why Korbsak?

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Why Korbsak?

Published on October 6, 2009

Why Korbsak?

It will be clear in a few days whether or not Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu, who is in charge of economic affairs, will replace Niphon Phromphan as the PM's secretary general.

In the more than nine months Korbsak has been helming the post, he has applied strict controls to the projects that involve huge funding - state sales of agricultural produce (rice, corn and tapioca) and the latest, the 4,000 NGV bus project.

His iron grip has earned him the nickname "Mr Detail" because he always resorts to a rigid check and monitoring system by "investigating, questioning and cutting" on any controversial government projects.

It is not surprising that Korbsak has been subjected to many attack by coalition party leaders criticising him, saying he acts like "a crocodile blocking a waterway" - or in other words holding up projects that need Cabinet approval. They want him removed from the post.

Demands from the coalition parties to unseat him died down after they realised Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had been pulling the strings, backing Korbsak in his role as "Mr Detail".

Korbsak once complained he had to pay a high price for holding the post because now he hardly has any friends left.

Although Korbsak has portrayed himself as an iron man who can withstand any pressure from the coalition parties, in reality he has no choice but to hold on to the post because the PM has no one else he can trust to take over Korbsak's job.

The post of deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs is regarded as a front line one carrying high responsibility in overseeing economic policies.

When the Abhisit government was being formed, Korbsak preferred to be in charge of the foreign ministry portfolio.

Since he has more enemies than friends, Korbsak has been attacked over corruption in the Sufficiency Community Project which he chairs. Ultimately he had to quit the post, causing his brother Prapot Sabhavasu, deputy chairman of the project and Sumit Chaemprasit, director of the Office of the Sufficiency Community Project, to resign also.

Despite these corruption allegations, Abhisit has not wavered in his trust in Korbsak. He has shown confidence in the man to the point Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Democrat Party secretary-general commented to a close aide: "Luckily the man accused is a brother of Korbsak, who is fully backed by the PM. If he were my brother, I would be dead,''- proving how strong are the ties between PM and Korbsak. Among the PM's men who are highly trusted, Korbsak is top of the list apart from PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey, and Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.

The person who takes up the post of PM's secretary-general has to fully understand the PM and know what he wants and deliver to him. He should not act the way Niphon has been acting. Korbsak suits the job description well.

Korbsak these days is disheartened, feeling the heat from criticism that his image is tainted by corruption allegations. He complained to his aide that he no longer wants to continue in his post, so a possible change in jobs may not have come at a better time.

The resignation of Niphon could pave the way for Korbsak to get out of his seat to replace Niphon as PM's secretary-general.

A person qualified and suitable to take over Korbsak's post is Trirong Suwankhiri,who is not only armed with a doctorate degree in economics but is also more eloquent than Korbsak.

Trirong has the speaking skills good politicians must possess to explain tough subjects to laymen. He is also a veteran politician,well-known and accepted by the coalition parties.

However, the person who will replace Korbsak as deputy prime minister must be trusted by Abhisit, particularly now. Sources in the Democrat Party say the longer the government is in office, the PM has fewer men he can trust.

piyanart(at)nationgroup.com

-- The Nation 2009/10/06

[Thai at Heart]

Where can they find another 30 people the same?

Since he has more enemies than friends, Korbsak has been attacked over corruption in the Sufficiency Community Project which he chairs. Ultimately he had to quit the post, causing his brother Prapot Sabhavasu, deputy chairman of the project and Sumit Chaemprasit, director of the Office of the Sufficiency Community Project, to resign also.

Must make for interesting conversation at the dinner table.

[tig28]

Where can they find another 30 people the same?

I could not agree more --- having no knowledge of the character of Korbsak --- I take this article at face value and wish him all the best. Just maybe there is hope.

I am no fan of the Democrats -- but if PM Abhisit can install & support some honest officials to restrict the corruption currently flourishing ---- maybe I shall be converted.

sincerely---- all the best!!

Edited October 6, 2009 by tig28