How To Keep Pheu Thai MPs Happy

[webfact]

How to Keep MPs Happy

A group of Pheu Thai MPs from the northeast region suggested an overhual in the party's structure in preparation for the upcoming general election. They called for a new party leader as well as new regional leaders to be appointed. The inner rift had been reported for a few days and it abruptly ended as if it had never happened.

Payap Shinawatra, former Chiang Mai MP and Thaksin's brother, who reigns over northeast Pheu Thai MPs, along with senior MPs from the same region sat at a press conference to announce that the row has been resolved.

He said it is nothing but minor differences in opinion, adding that there is no rift within the party and that their unity has been restored. "We are like a loving family with the same parents. Siblings can argue all they want but they are sibilings no matter what.", Payap said.

Paijit Sriworakhan, a veteran MP from the northeast region, said there is no political party that can make their MPs feel appreciated and welcomed like the Pheu Thai party.

How exactly did the Pheu Thai party make their MPs feel appreciated?

I would like very much to find out what exactly make Thai MPs feel like they are neglected and what a political party does to fix it.

Could this have anything to do with a statement recently made by an MP that he receives 50,000 baht in salary from his own party on top of his salary which is paid for by taxpayers.

Don't be too surprised to find out that every MP has his/her own price. The same system is reportedly in place in another party with MPs who are even more appreciated. Their MPs spend time together as if they are a family and do activities together outside

work.

MPs of this party receive 200,000 baht each every month. Special 'bonuses' worth 10,000 baht for each day they attend a House meeting, which is in their official job description as a people's representative. They also have their MP salary which is paid for by taxpayers' money. Roughly, they make 300,000 to 400,000 baht a month.

Where do these political parties obtain such large amount of funds to keep their MPs happy?

Taken from 'Khom Kid Khon Khian' by Khon Na Sam, Page 3, Daily News July 22, 2010

Translated and rewritten by Pornchai Sereemongkonpol

*Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-22

[thaicbr]

If this article is correct then Thai MP's get paid more than the Prime Minister of the UK. Some thing very wrong in that.

[mazeltov]

If this article is correct then Thai MP's get paid more than the Prime Minister of the UK. Some thing very wrong in that.

Why is that wrong? Is there a rule that nobody can get paid more than the PM of the UK?

[liveinlos]

Bumjathai Party, for joining the coalition govt., got control of the Transportation Department

How much corruption money do you think is involved in building roads and bridges?

(PS The Don Muang tollway is up to 85 baht for cars and 125 baht for trucks)

Maybe no one followed the new hospital proposal in Isaan which has the majority of the money for the hospital being spent on the parking garage which was to be built by the MP's father's construction company?

The only reason to get in Thai politics is for the chance to write your own checks for what ever department your political party controls

How do you explain every single MP in this whole country is a millionaire?

You cannot really think anyone does anything honestly here can you?

[thaicbr]

If this article is correct then Thai MP's get paid more than the Prime Minister of the UK. Some thing very wrong in that.

Why is that wrong? Is there a rule that nobody can get paid more than the PM of the UK?

Mazeltov. No rule. The point is this is a developing country and the Mp's are paying themselves more than the PM of the UK, who generally has to do more work than the Mp's here in Thailand.

And all the while saying how bad the poor are and how they are the peoples party (Pheu Thai) that is. Dont forget these are opposition Mp's, Not working Mp's (fine line i know. using the words working and Mp in the same sentence)

liveinlos... I am under NO ILLUSIONS about why Mp's are Mp's in Thailand. I have a friend in the Thai election comission. I hear a few things

Edited July 22, 2010 by thaicbr

[animatic]

Simple as pie.

Throw Money At Them ! Problem solved.

[mazeltov]

If this article is correct then Thai MP's get paid more than the Prime Minister of the UK. Some thing very wrong in that.

Why is that wrong? Is there a rule that nobody can get paid more than the PM of the UK?

Mazeltov. No rule. The point is this is a developing country and the Mp's are paying themselves more than the PM of the UK, who generally has to do more work than the Mp's here in Thailand.

And all the while saying how bad the poor are and how they are the peoples party (Pheu Thai) that is. Dont forget these are opposition Mp's, Not working Mp's (fine line i know. using the words working and Mp in the same sentence)

Did you read the article?

That sums are not the 'regular income' of a MP, the standard salary for a MP what the state pays them, but a lot of additional money that their party gives them. There is a difference.

The headline is also a little bit misleading, the party were the MPs get 300,000 to 400,000 baht a month is not the Pheu Thai but a party that must be part of the government coalition.

And a Thai MP should get less money than the PM of the UK, who generally has more work to do because Thailand is a developing country?

But is that developing and making progress real the hard part and hard job?

What is the massive workload of a UK MP, writing lots of claims for allowance and expenses? Additional money that they take from the UK taxpayer. And that is much more than the figures for these Thai MPs in the article.

[stepenwolf1958]

Already this is the second time I see something happening inside of this political organization, party. Where there is smoke...etc

It is obvious something is going on in Pheu Thai Party and it is obvious that the recent Government see this party as really tough rival, but now even bigger and stronger thanks to whole mess with the red shirts in BKK.

Whole acting of recent Government toward red shirt could mean that red shirt will join to that party so that party will be even more strong and very hard to beat on elections.

Nothing is finished, as many people know that.

This article and the previous one I saw is confirmation. Sunday Consituency 6 election will be more significant for both sides and for my theory what is going on with Pheu Thai Party.

In this article i found one more supportive fact for that my theory nearly future.

What i didn't know is that Mr.Thaksin's brother reign over this party in Chiang Mai.

It's more then sure that fact is connected with previous news about iniciative of recent MP (an old guy), from Chiang Mai.

He said over 80 MPs from North Eastern, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang(north) will reorganize lines in party.

It's very big number and what surprised me is that there will be also members of all Isaan parties, too. (Isaanpatana)

Obviosly it is concentrating lines, making a massive political front against the recent Government. Much bigger then it is now.

Considering all those facts, I could see possibly scenario nearly future. I think recent Government thinking same way so they are showing so much of anxiety and it is daily.

In my opinion, red shirt protesters and movement will join to that big front against recent Government.

The way red shirt experienced doesn't hold the water anymore and it's obvious. So, what is the choice? For sure, they will not give up. rather they will modify way of fighting. Possible way will be to join to Pheu Thai Party so to have legitimacy in fighting against recent Government.

But there is one possible and alternative scenario i am thinking of.

Mr. Thaksin is from Chiang Mai and his family is very powerfull and influental there. His brother reign over this party there. But that party has not enough power among the people. That power is expected to come from Isaan, red shirt people. They need a mass and they will have it from Isaan. Connection will be recent MPs. So, party will have a massive number of members and supporters by Isaan people.

What could happen is that all fight will be set in another way.

Chiang Mai is rival to BKK. Chiang Mai establishment showing that all the time and in many things. They competit to BKK all the time and in many sectors of life. Chiang Mai people can confirm they feel they are ignored by BKK Government, underestimated and they feel they don't share general budget equaly. At least not as much as Chiang Mai establishment and people think it should to be.

Inequality is already the fact how Isaan people feel. Constant feeling and frustration, toward BKK elite circles and during the decades ago, is main stream among Isaan people, It is steam engine for any politician or party.

That is deadly combination for any Government, anywhere in the world. It is very dangerous to allow to establish and i think it is just what is going on now.

Could happen one day that the Muslim situation in the south is not the most dangerous for Thailand teritorial integrity. Many people are talking about separatism on south. As i can see, that can happen much before in North east and North.

If some big investments come from northern businessmen or corporation, to Isaan, will be more then sure all goes that way.

Isaan people are forced to work in BKK as Isaan has no any investments but have potential and that is what is making people there to feel frustrated. It is for decades ago but now, it's like Isaan people decided to stand against that.(bloodshed in BKK is the sign)

So, this situation can grow up in separatism of North and North East provinces. While people think it is south it can be here. Investments in Issan from Chiang Mai will take labours back to home and all of them will do it very willingly. Chiang Mai will be capitol of that teritory and will have more influence to any government in BKK about general budget. Same time, economy in BKK will go down if labours from Isaan get back to work same jobs but near homes and that will make BKK lose leading role in Thailand. That will be Chiang Mai.This is what happened few times in recent history, in Europe and would be nothing new for human kind but could be terrible for Thailand.

Doesn't mean Chiang Mai and whole area will separate but will have political weapon all the time and will be able to dictate many things to any Government in BKK.

[Siripon]

Both Pheua Thai and Pumjai Thai MPS are for hire, receiving money from their backers, unlike the Democrat MPs who have to give 10% of their salary to the party every month under the party rules.

[geriatrickid]

I will gladly contribute if they promise to end corruption.

[buddy]

If this article is correct then Thai MP's get paid more than the Prime Minister of the UK. Some thing very wrong in that.

Why is that wrong? Is there a rule that nobody can get paid more than the PM of the UK?

The point is who is paying over and above and what infuence these anonymous non voted for cads have over dispaporsional governance over millions of people?

[buddy]

I will gladly contribute if they promise to end corruption.

As an Expat working for Western Multi- Nationals in Thailand, over the years I have contributed many millions of Baht in taxes to Thailand, I have a Thai wife and consider Thailand my home, however my visa status is such that if I lose my job which is connected to my work permit I am considered just the same as a 30 day tourist and have to get out within 7 days, yes 7 days, or do a visa run?

They takes yer money and tell you to <deleted> off Falang, thank you very much!

Knowing that my hard earned many millions of Baht of tax money is maybe in some smarmy corrupt politicians or corrupt officials pocket makes my blood boil.

I am suprised that there is not a tax revolt in this country seeing the endemic corruption!

[ThaksinKharma]

What i didn't know is that Mr.Thaksin's brother reign over this party in Chiang Mai.

Actually, his brother, Payap Shinawatra, is in charge of Pheu Thai Party MP's in the Northeast.

His sister, Yaowapa Wongsawat (wife of ex-PM Somchai),leads Pheu Thai members in the North.

For the central region and Bangkok, it's his other sister, Yingluk Shinawatra.

His other other sister, Yaowares Shinawatra, has the southern region for the Pheu Thai Party.

[hyperdimension]

The extra money should be traced to find out exactly where and who they are coming from. Should the recipients pay tax on the extra income?

[ThaksinKharma]

Meanwhile, during the Pheu Thai Party's meeting yesterday, the Isaan Pattana faction, led by Somsak Kiartsuranont and Paichit Sriworakan, demanded removal of Thaksin's brother, Payup Shinawatra, as northeastern region president due to his below-par performance.

Payup apologized for his questionable work and promised to improve. He also called Thaksin and asked him to help talk to the Isaan Pattana faction MPs.

During the call, Thaksin urged everyone to stay calm and said “our time of happiness is coming soon”. He was notified about the internal dispute and is looking into the situation.

At the end of the call, the northeastern Pheu Thai MPs sang Happy Birthday to Thaksin for his upcoming birthday on Monday.

However, after the call, an MP who sympathized with Payup demanded change in the leadership of the Isaan Pattana faction and called on Paichit to apologize to Payup.

Nonetheless, other MPs cut off the dispute and urged fellow members not publicly discuss the conflict.

TAN - July 22, 2010

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1032565

[ThaksinKharma]

Just a note regarding the above news article is that Thaksin's brother's name is variously transliterated in different news sources as Payup or Payap.

Somehow, Payup seems more appropriate.

[antony77]

Bumjathai Party, for joining the coalition govt., got control of the Transportation Department

How much corruption money do you think is involved in building roads and bridges?

(PS The Don Muang tollway is up to 85 baht for cars and 125 baht for trucks)

Maybe no one followed the new hospital proposal in Isaan which has the majority of the money for the hospital being spent on the parking garage which was to be built by the MP's father's construction company?

The only reason to get in Thai politics is for the chance to write your own checks for what ever department your political party controls

How do you explain every single MP in this whole country is a millionaire?

You cannot really think anyone does anything honestly here can you?

At least the PM is honest you you be more careful what you write. If this was Singapore you wold be in real trouble.

[Mitker]

What i didn't know is that Mr.Thaksin's brother reign over this party in Chiang Mai.

Actually, his brother, Payap Shinawatra, is in charge of Pheu Thai Party MP's in the Northeast.

His sister, Yaowapa Wongsawat (wife of ex-PM Somchai),leads Pheu Thai members in the North.

For the central region and Bangkok, it's his other sister, Yingluk Shinawatra.

His other other sister, Yaowares Shinawatra, has the southern region for the Pheu Thai Party.

Looks like some particular kind of organization known in other countries as M**** (...no, doesn't stand for "Marvel").

Just that here lack of education helps them to gather a wide popular support. But ways are quite identical.

[jayjay0]

Already this is the second time I see something happening inside of this political organization, party. Where there is smoke...etc

It is obvious something is going on in Pheu Thai Party and it is obvious that the recent Government see this party as really tough rival, but now even bigger and stronger thanks to whole mess with the red shirts in BKK.

Whole acting of recent Government toward red shirt could mean that red shirt will join to that party so that party will be even more strong and very hard to beat on elections.

Nothing is finished, as many people know that.

This article and the previous one I saw is confirmation. Sunday Consituency 6 election will be more significant for both sides and for my theory what is going on with Pheu Thai Party.

In this article i found one more supportive fact for that my theory nearly future.

What i didn't know is that Mr.Thaksin's brother reign over this party in Chiang Mai.

It's more then sure that fact is connected with previous news about iniciative of recent MP (an old guy), from Chiang Mai.

He said over 80 MPs from North Eastern, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang(north) will reorganize lines in party.

It's very big number and what surprised me is that there will be also members of all Isaan parties, too. (Isaanpatana)

Obviosly it is concentrating lines, making a massive political front against the recent Government. Much bigger then it is now.

Considering all those facts, I could see possibly scenario nearly future. I think recent Government thinking same way so they are showing so much of anxiety and it is daily.

In my opinion, red shirt protesters and movement will join to that big front against recent Government.

The way red shirt experienced doesn't hold the water anymore and it's obvious. So, what is the choice? For sure, they will not give up. rather they will modify way of fighting. Possible way will be to join to Pheu Thai Party so to have legitimacy in fighting against recent Government.

But there is one possible and alternative scenario i am thinking of.

Mr. Thaksin is from Chiang Mai and his family is very powerfull and influental there. His brother reign over this party there. But that party has not enough power among the people. That power is expected to come from Isaan, red shirt people. They need a mass and they will have it from Isaan. Connection will be recent MPs. So, party will have a massive number of members and supporters by Isaan people.

What could happen is that all fight will be set in another way.

Chiang Mai is rival to BKK. Chiang Mai establishment showing that all the time and in many things. They competit to BKK all the time and in many sectors of life. Chiang Mai people can confirm they feel they are ignored by BKK Government, underestimated and they feel they don't share general budget equaly. At least not as much as Chiang Mai establishment and people think it should to be.

Inequality is already the fact how Isaan people feel. Constant feeling and frustration, toward BKK elite circles and during the decades ago, is main stream among Isaan people, It is steam engine for any politician or party.

That is deadly combination for any Government, anywhere in the world. It is very dangerous to allow to establish and i think it is just what is going on now.

Could happen one day that the Muslim situation in the south is not the most dangerous for Thailand teritorial integrity. Many people are talking about separatism on south. As i can see, that can happen much before in North east and North.

If some big investments come from northern businessmen or corporation, to Isaan, will be more then sure all goes that way.

Isaan people are forced to work in BKK as Isaan has no any investments but have potential and that is what is making people there to feel frustrated. It is for decades ago but now, it's like Isaan people decided to stand against that.(bloodshed in BKK is the sign)

So, this situation can grow up in separatism of North and North East provinces. While people think it is south it can be here. Investments in Issan from Chiang Mai will take labours back to home and all of them will do it very willingly. Chiang Mai will be capitol of that teritory and will have more influence to any government in BKK about general budget. Same time, economy in BKK will go down if labours from Isaan get back to work same jobs but near homes and that will make BKK lose leading role in Thailand. That will be Chiang Mai.This is what happened few times in recent history, in Europe and would be nothing new for human kind but could be terrible for Thailand.

Doesn't mean Chiang Mai and whole area will separate but will have political weapon all the time and will be able to dictate many things to any Government in BKK.

I really don't know if any of that could happen but I do know it won't the people will vote for the one who pays the most money. Do you think Thaksin is willing to let that much of his money go with out some sort of guarantee he will be be able to return to Thailand and all charges against him dropped and the guilty verdict reversed and his money returned to him?

[asiawatcher]

What i didn't know is that Mr.Thaksin's brother reign over this party in Chiang Mai.

Actually, his brother, Payap Shinawatra, is in charge of Pheu Thai Party MP's in the Northeast.

His sister, Yaowapa Wongsawat (wife of ex-PM Somchai),leads Pheu Thai members in the North.

For the central region and Bangkok, it's his other sister, Yingluk Shinawatra.

His other other sister, Yaowares Shinawatra, has the southern region for the Pheu Thai Party.

Nepotism in Thai politics is mind blowing - don't start doing the genealogy charts on them - that will REALLY scare you!

Edited July 23, 2010 by asiawatcher

[animatic]

What i didn't know is that Mr.Thaksin's brother reign over this party in Chiang Mai.

Actually, his brother, Payap Shinawatra, is in charge of Pheu Thai Party MP's in the Northeast.

His sister, Yaowapa Wongsawat (wife of ex-PM Somchai),leads Pheu Thai members in the North.

For the central region and Bangkok, it's his other sister, Yingluk Shinawatra.

His other other sister, Yaowares Shinawatra, has the southern region for the Pheu Thai Party.

Looks like some particular kind of organization known in other countries as M**** (...no, doesn't stand for "Marvel").

Just that here lack of education helps them to gather a wide popular support. But ways are quite identical.

100% spot on, and the Godfather is no Marlon Brando.

Yes, use the M word Mafia, or Organized Crime Syndicate or

in Chinese try Triad.... The spokes of the umbrella controling

the rain of finances coming down to PTP MP's and the Red Leadership as street army,

is controlled very narrowly by one CLAN... and we know who the head of that is.

[mazeltov]

Both Pheua Thai and Pumjai Thai MPS are for hire, receiving money from their backers, unlike the Democrat MPs who have to give 10% of their salary to the party every month under the party rules.

Who cares? The Democrats not. they build a coalition government together with Bum Jai Thai. And Abhisit still keeps Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul and Transport Minister Sophon Saram in the cabinet.

Because in the Democrats are only yes man, sheeps following the leader, you have to buy the whole party. That why they have now the donation scandal.

[surangw]

I will gladly contribute if they promise to end corruption.

contribute on a promise?

[hammered]

Of course most MPs are kept happy by a load of dosh. This is widely known by just about everyone. They dont give a toss about anything else except making sure some dosh and a few projects make it to their constituencies especially just before an election, but as to whihc party, the highest paying one will do. Particularly true in the rural feudal fiefdoms that are basically earldoms for the locla powerful ones anyway. No ideology there.

[SomTumTiger]

How do keep them happy? Give them money. That is what you do with whores. (Politicians or otherwise...)

[Robby nz]

Posted this on another thread but just as pertanant here.

Could it be because they think they will lose tomorrow?

Or is it just more BS?

The opposition Puea Thai Party on Saturday issued a statement saying it was ready to join the national reconciliation plan if Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva lifts a state of emergency in Bangkok and other 15 provinces.

In its statement, read out by deputy party leader Plodprasop Surassawadee, the party said the call for a revocation of emergency decree by the National Reform Committee chaired by Anand Panyarachun was justified and the government must listen to and rapidly take action.

“This is because the imposition of emergency law is against the effort to bring about reconciliation to the country. It is an unusual use of power and opening a chance of overuse of the power”, the statement said.

The opposition camp affirmed that Puea Thai has a strong determination to discuss ways to bring back peace and order with the government, and it hoped that the government would not reject this good intention.

From that which we are not allowed to mention

[rubl]

Posted this on another thread but just as pertanant here.

Could it be because they think they will lose tomorrow?

Or is it just more BS?

The opposition Puea Thai Party on Saturday issued a statement saying it was ready to join the national reconciliation plan if Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva lifts a state of emergency in Bangkok and other 15 provinces.

In its statement, read out by deputy party leader Plodprasop Surassawadee, the party said the call for a revocation of emergency decree by the National Reform Committee chaired by Anand Panyarachun was justified and the government must listen to and rapidly take action.

“This is because the imposition of emergency law is against the effort to bring about reconciliation to the country. It is an unusual use of power and opening a chance of overuse of the power”, the statement said.

The opposition camp affirmed that Puea Thai has a strong determination to discuss ways to bring back peace and order with the government, and it hoped that the government would not reject this good intention.

From that which we are not allowed to mention

When (if?) after tomorrow the PTP is still willing to co-operate and drops their silly demand of revocation of the E.D. first, they may be in line for the next Nobel for Peace. If they change their mind they will probably come up with a very good reason why :-)

[Siripon]

Both Pheua Thai and Pumjai Thai MPS are for hire, receiving money from their backers, unlike the Democrat MPs who have to give 10% of their salary to the party every month under the party rules.

Who cares? The Democrats not. they build a coalition government together with Bum Jai Thai. And Abhisit still keeps Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul and Transport Minister Sophon Saram in the cabinet.

Because in the Democrats are only yes man, sheeps following the leader, you have to buy the whole party. That why they have now the donation scandal.

They have real debates within the Democrats, such as whether to agree to the coalition's demands for single seat constituencies,( cheaper for vote buying). The Democrats rejected it. You don't see this sort of open debate in other parties, in Pheua Thai it just needs a couple of phone calls from Thaksin and eveyone shuts up. So democratic!

The TPI 'scandal' is not looking so serious now TPI aren't even facing any charges.