Pheu Thai Party Chief Quits In Mystery Move

[webfact]

PHEU THAI PARTY

Party chief quits in mystery move

By Somroutai Sapsomboon

Naya Jaikawang

Prapan Jindaleard-udomdee

Yongyuth's sudden resignation raises question whether Thaksin has a new game plan

Like the "peace proposal" the Pheu Thai Party floated last week, the resignation of its leader Yongyuth Wichaidit came out of nowhere. And like many other things involving Thaksin Shinawatra, the development can be interpreted in many ways and doubters always outnumber optimists. Has "reconciliation" been given a boost, or is it time everyone fastened his seat belt once again?

Yongyuth has served for less than two years as an unhappy nominal Pheu Thai leader, whose job was exclusively to fulfil legal and constitutional requirements of a political party. It was no secret that he wanted out. It's unclear, though, whether yesterday's sudden announcement followed a long-distance request from Thaksin or Yongyuth simply felt he had had it with all the disrespect and knives in the back. That has left analysts with two opposite scenarios.

If Yongyuth quit of his own free will, all the names mentioned as possible successor - Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Kovit Wattana, Priewpan Damapong, Mingkwan Saengsuwan, Apiwan Wiriyachai or Plodprasop Suraswadi - were merely part of Pheu Thai's scrambling to cope with the unexpected. If he was "told" to resign by Thaksin, then Thai politics is in for another exciting period, for better or worse.

Yongyuth told The Nation nobody had forced him to step down. But then again, he was not expected to expose a blatant intervention by Thaksin, if there was any, in the first place. The denial, therefore, could not dispel rumours that Thaksin had called him and, as a result of that call, he urgently informed fellow party executives on Wednesday night that he had an important announcement to make yesterday.

In this second scenario of involuntary resignation, the question is what the party - Thaksin, to be more specific - is up to. Optimists put last

week's peace proposal and Thaksin's strong calls for his supporters to refrain from offending the monarchy together and see evidence of reconciliation gaining momentum.

PESSIMISTS' CHOICE

In this case, Kovit may be a compromising figure who can be accepted by both sides of the national divide and who can boast of greater charisma than Yongyuth. This pro-reconciliation theory also brings up Plodprasop's name as a potential candidate.

Chavalit is not only the pessimists' choice, but a preferred option of many Pheu Thai sources surveyed. There is no doubt about experience, shrewdness and charisma, but his potential

rise to the party's helm would serve strategic purposes rather than support reconciliation. Pheu Thai, having lost key elections in Bangkok, rocked by disunity and threatened with defections, may need a man like him to stem the bleeding. And if Thaksin wanted to effect controversial political agendas in the next few months, few men better suit the task than Chavalit.

CONTROVERSIAL MESSAGE

Apiwan's appointment would send a message almost as controversial as Chavalit's, thanks to the deputy House speaker's strong links with the red shirts. Like Mingkwan, Apiwan has considerable leadership qualities and was always tipped to lead the party, only to be disappointed because in politics, "qualities" and "acceptance" are different things.

Priewpan emerged as a candidate simply because of family connections. Being Pojaman na Pombejra's elder brother, he would serve as a strong message that the party would continue to enjoy sufficient financial backing from the Shinawatras. This could make a few potential defectors have second thoughts, but in the bigger context there seems not much else his appointment could achieve.

The party has set September 14 next Tuesday to elect the new leader. The fact that Pheu Thai will have a new leader five days before the red shirts mark the anniversary of the September 19, 2006, coup can lead to all kinds of speculation.

The red movement, which is deeply associated with Pheu Thai, is planning activities that all sound symbolic and peaceful as of now. Those planned activities, however, could be perceived differently in accordance with Pheu Thai's final choice of new leader.

-- The Nation 2010-09-10

[SomTumTiger]

Maybe he got tired of being the leader in name only?

[Buchholz]

His disgruntlement began less than a month after being chosen Party Leader, but I'm happy for Yongyuth in that he finally got what he wanted 20 months later.

Puea Thai Party Leader wants to step down

Puea Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit plans to step down so that his Party could be revamped and better prepared to fight back against the government.

"I've tried to resign three times already, but I was asked to hang on because of legal technicalities," Yongyuth said.

The Nation - January 19, 2009

However, I do wonder about his assessment of the PTP that he gave just yesterday:

Mr Yongyuth said that now the Puea Thai Party is becoming stronger due to having a growing number of members and MPs, saying that it is time to restructure the party to cope with the upcoming election which is likely to held within a year.

because in reality, PTP as a Party is getting weaker and weaker as evidenced by their decreasing number of MP's.

[whybother]

Mystery move?

Haven't there been a number of articles in the last couple of days explaining that he is stepping down for the ex-police guy to take over?

[Buchholz]

Mystery move?

Haven't there been a number of articles in the last couple of days explaining that he is stepping down for the ex-police guy to take over?

Additional informative articles and posts on the subject of Yongyuth and disunity within the PTP and perspective replacements for Yongyuth made over the last few days begin here:

It's good that now Yongyuth and PTP disharmony and indecisions have their own specified topic thread.

[Siripon]

The Democrats will be laughing if Kowit becomes the next Pheua Thai leader.

Alternatively abrupt and rambling, he makes General Chavalit sound articulate and crystal clear.

[Buchholz]

The Democrats will be laughing if Kowit becomes the next Pheua Thai leader.

Alternatively abrupt and rambling, he makes General Chavalit sound articulate and crystal clear.

Chalerm backs Kowit to for Pheu Thai leader

BANGKOK, 10 September 2010 (NNT) – Pheu Thai Party MP Chairperson Police Captain Chalerm Yubumrung has voiced support to former National Police Chief Police General Kowit Wattana to take the empty helm of his party.

Following the resignation of Pheu Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit yesterday, Pheu Thai MP Chairperson Police Captain Chalerm Yubumrung seconded the potential appointment of former National Police Chief and former Interior Minister Police General Kowit Wattana to be the new Party Leader, saying he was appropriate for the post.

Police Captain Chalerm admitted nonetheless, that opinions from both MPs and members of the Pheu Thai Party were required for such a crucial selection. The matter is set to be tabled at a special meeting of the Party on 14 September 2010.

Party regulation stipulates that the entire executive board be dissolved upon the resignation of their Leader, a regulation that includes Police Captain Chalerm.

The MP Chairperson however, refused the position for himself despite being named, saying that he is not ready.

He ensured his readiness to maintain his original position as the MPs Chairperson if proposed.

-- NNT 2010-09-10

[craigt3365]

It still amazes me at how many ex-police (and army for that matter) end up in the government...after becoming rich as a government employee????

[Ricardo]

Wonder who the party-members will elect Thaksin has chosen for the new PTP-leader ? Democracy my arse !

[rubl]

If Pol. Gen Kowit is elected as new PT party chief it will surely upset Pol. Capt. Chalerm. Imagine being out-ranked And to add insult to injury:

"“But Thaksin had nothing to do with the new party leader’s selection process. It depends on the party members. He just wants the new leader be a good and competent person,†Mr Noppadon said on Friday morning."

[hammered]

The leader will be who Thaksin wants. All moves by PTP right now are to try and prpeare for a possible election and to try and prevent BJT dismantling Thaksin's political block more than he has already. The critical thing will be the extended family releasing "funds" or not, which will be the only factor deciding on what MPs stay or go. The problem for Thaksin right now is that confrontation hasnt worked to date, and that as far as reconcilliation goes he and his backers hold a weakening hand. He needs a game changer right now. I would expect his mouthpieces to go for an early election if they can get one before they lose more MPs, before the economic effects of the passed budget come on line and before the subtle changes in police and interior ministry posts have effect. This time it is going to be very very costly to keep PTP together and increasingly costly the further off an election is, and with the reds using the Tambon funds from areas they controlled last time around the interior ministry will likely make sure they arent replaced to the same extent and in some areas with red local control the funds for tambon expendidure are totally depleted so they better hope no wells dry up or anything as the people will not be happy when the local boys cant fund anything.

Interesting times. This is a real test of Thaksin's political skills

[Sao Jiang Mai]

Their choices are nothing to be proud of. What a bunch of crooks. If Phua Thai wants to be taken seriously they need to find some qualified candidates.

[rixalex]

Their choices are nothing to be proud of. What a bunch of crooks. If Phua Thai wants to be taken seriously they need to find some qualified candidates.

Yes but since when has being a crook held back a Thai politician?

[craigt3365]

Their choices are nothing to be proud of. What a bunch of crooks. If Phua Thai wants to be taken seriously they need to find some qualified candidates.

Yes but since when has being a crook held back a Thai politician?

I thought that was one of the qualifications?

[rixalex]

Their choices are nothing to be proud of. What a bunch of crooks. If Phua Thai wants to be taken seriously they need to find some qualified candidates.

Yes but since when has being a crook held back a Thai politician?

I thought that was one of the qualifications?

Yes, one could be forgiven for thinking that!

[hammered]

Their choices are nothing to be proud of. What a bunch of crooks. If Phua Thai wants to be taken seriously they need to find some qualified candidates.

They cant chose a qualified candidate as such a person wouldnt be able to hole together the overly demanding regional factions especially with Newin enjoying himself in making offerings. So the PTP leader will be someone who may hold a lot of the party together but who would be a disaster as a leader of the country. Then again if the party holds together it is widely expected they wont be leading a government any times soon.

[craigt3365]

Their choices are nothing to be proud of. What a bunch of crooks. If Phua Thai wants to be taken seriously they need to find some qualified candidates.

They cant chose a qualified candidate as such a person wouldnt be able to hole together the overly demanding regional factions especially with Newin enjoying himself in making offerings. So the PTP leader will be someone who may hold a lot of the party together but who would be a disaster as a leader of the country. Then again if the party holds together it is widely expected they wont be leading a government any times soon.

And as we all know, whoever is selected, will just be a puppet for Mr. T. Kinda hard to run things when that is all you are...

[rubl]

If Pol. Gen Kowit is elected as new PT party chief it will surely upset Pol. Capt. Chalerm. Imagine being out-ranked And to add insult to injury:

"“But Thaksin had nothing to do with the new party leader’s selection process. It depends on the party members. He just wants the new leader be a good and competent person,†Mr Noppadon said on Friday morning."

It gets worse:

"Former Puea Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit said on Saturday that Pol Gen Kowit will apply for his party’s membership on Monday, September 13."

[Robby nz]

But

Mr Yongyuth resigned as Puea Thai leader on September 9 to pave ways for Pol Gen Kowit, who was supported by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to take up the party leader post.

So he is the chosen one.

God has spoken.

[Cuchulainn]

I see that gutter rat Chalerm has surfaced again!!

[animatic]

No mystery Mr. Bow Tie is moving house lock stock and seat cushion.

He was barely warming the seat as it was, he main qualification was expendability. And his replacement will likely have inter-loyalty clout to try and hold the pieces from flying off, but not much more.

Expendability after the election MUST be a pre-requisite, because if they get caught cheating yet again, as could reasonably be expected, then they lose even more possible controlling and controllable members, and the current leadership has been totally expendible for that very reason; they won't be missed of they get banned.

Chalerm wants the job, but they need him as a talking head, in their estimation, so they protect the big mouth from being deep sixed as an accessory to some shenanigans. Yongyuth was never able to say much, and like Chavalit, is liked for who he is, but not followed for what he says.

Edited September 11, 2010 by animatic

[rubl]

No mystery Mr. Bow Tie is moving house lock stock and seat cushion.

He was barely warming the seat as it was, he main qualification was expendability. And his replacement will likely have inter-loyalty clout to try and hold the pieces from flying off, but not much more.

Expendability after the election MUST be a pre-requisite, because if they get caught cheating yet again, as could reasonably be expected, then they lose even more possible controlling and controllable members, and the current leadership has been totally expendible for that very reason; they won't be missed of they get banned.

Chalerm wants the job, but they need him as a talking head, in their estimation, so they protect the big mouth from being deep sixed as an accessory to some shenanigans. Yongyuth was never able to say much, and like Chavalit, is liked for who he is, but not followed for what he says.

This makes sense, especially since K. Chalerm is recognized by friend and foe as a good speaker.

[Xangsamhua]

No mystery Mr. Bow Tie is moving house lock stock and seat cushion.

He was barely warming the seat as it was, he main qualification was expendability. And his replacement will likely have inter-loyalty clout to try and hold the pieces from flying off, but not much more.

Expendability after the election MUST be a pre-requisite, because if they get caught cheating yet again, as could reasonably be expected, then they lose even more possible controlling and controllable members, and the current leadership has been totally expendible for that very reason; they won't be missed of they get banned.

Chalerm wants the job, but they need him as a talking head, in their estimation, so they protect the big mouth from being deep sixed as an accessory to some shenanigans. Yongyuth was never able to say much, and like Chavalit, is liked for who he is, but not followed for what he says.

This makes sense, especially since K. Chalerm is recognized by friend and foe as a good speaker.

Kowit was sentenced to prison before he took up a cabinet post in Samak's government. I guess that's all water under the bridge now.

[rubl]

No mystery Mr. Bow Tie is moving house lock stock and seat cushion.

He was barely warming the seat as it was, he main qualification was expendability. And his replacement will likely have inter-loyalty clout to try and hold the pieces from flying off, but not much more.

Expendability after the election MUST be a pre-requisite, because if they get caught cheating yet again, as could reasonably be expected, then they lose even more possible controlling and controllable members, and the current leadership has been totally expendible for that very reason; they won't be missed of they get banned.

Chalerm wants the job, but they need him as a talking head, in their estimation, so they protect the big mouth from being deep sixed as an accessory to some shenanigans. Yongyuth was never able to say much, and like Chavalit, is liked for who he is, but not followed for what he says.

This makes sense, especially since K. Chalerm is recognized by friend and foe as a good speaker.

Kowit was sentenced to prison before he took up a cabinet post in Samak's government. I guess that's all water under the bridge now.

Since Pol. Gen. Kowit may become only new leader of PTP (and member next Monday) it may not matter. He will probably not be able to stand for elections for a while, but that wouldn't be his function anyway (IMHO).

[asiawatcher]

It all gets very boring. Thakky says jump, and the puppets who have no gooley's between their legs just bounce. What a sad state of affairs and who in their right frame of mined would vote for such rabble representation? Red is Red = violence, death and sociopathic deniability at everyone else's expense! And of course they would be ideal to run Thailand!

[Buchholz]

Acting Pheu Thai Party Spokesperson (and former actor )Prompong Nopparit

Pheu Thai: Thaksin not related with party´s revamp

BANGKOK, 12 September 2010 (NNT) – The opposition Pheu Thai Party has dismissed the alleged involvement of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the restructuring of the Party, especially the selection of a new Party Leader.

Acting Pheu Thai Party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit brushed aside any use of political discourse to allude to the ex-Prime Minister. He confirmed that the party’s revamp this time would be made in preparation for the new election.

The spokesperson estimated that the ruling Democrat Party would dissolve the house after court judgment on its dissolution due to the 258 million THB scandalous donation case by the end of November; therefore, the Pheu Thai Party must be ready for the upcoming general election.

Mr Prompong said former National Police Chief and former Interior Minister Police General Kowit Wattana, who is seen as potential candidate for the Party’s chief, would come to apply for party membership on Monday.

As for a news report that northeastern MPs would send their representatives for the new Party Leader selection, the spokesperson deemed it possible.

He encouraged that MPs from each region should also send their representatives to vie for party executives.

-- NNT 2010-09-12

[Bagwan]

Potjaman to be top dog. Let's cut out the middlemen.

[hyperdimension]

Pheu Thai MP Confirms that Yongyuth Will Come Back as Party Leader

What a circus. It seems that everything Pheu Thai do and say keeps on lowering their credibility. How could anyone vote for these people? Are Pheu Thai supporters really so stupid?

[Buchholz]

His disgruntlement began less than a month after being chosen Party Leader, but I'm happy for Yongyuth in that he finally got what he wanted 20 months later.

Puea Thai Party Leader wants to step down

Puea Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit plans to step down so that his Party could be revamped and better prepared to fight back against the government.

"I've tried to resign three times already, but I was asked to hang on because of legal technicalities," Yongyuth said.

The Nation - January 19, 2009

Party chief quits in mystery move

Pheu Thai MP Confirms that Yongyuth Will Come Back as Party Leader

Guess he'll just have to try and leave this circus 5 times.

What an entertaining bunch of clowns they are.

Edited September 13, 2010 by Buchholz

[ballpoint]

Pheu Thai MP Confirms that Yongyuth Will Come Back as Party Leader

Guess he'll just have to try and leave this circus 5 times.

What an entertaining bunch of clowns they are.

They really need to replace that revolving door in front of their office with an automated sliding one.