Thaksin Unlikely To Back Mingkwan

[webfact]

NEW LEADERSHIP

Thaksin unlikely to back Mingkwan

By THE NATION

Mingkwan

Ex-PM might restructure Pheu Thai to avoid tussle over leadership

There is a big question mark over the leadership of the Pheu Thai Party as fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will likely withhold his blessing for MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan as a prime ministerial candidate due to infighting.

At this juncture, the Mingkwan clique has no more than 60 votes and Thaksin's untimely intervention might widen the party's rift, a party official said yesterday on condition of anonymity.

"Thaksin's rejection of Mingkwan will not trigger a mass defection from Pheu Thai," the official added.

On Saturday, some 40 Pheu Thai MPs flew to meet Thaksin in Dubai in order to pitch for his intervention in favour of Mingkwan.

But party insiders said Thaksin was, in fact, preparing a counter-move by convincing the MPs not to make a hasty decision in support of Mingkwan because of his insufficient support base.

They said Thaksin might restructure the main opposition party to appease Mingkwan's supporters.

Thaksin did not see Mingkwan as a potential candidate for premiership, they said, arguing that Mingkwan's achievements were limited to his sale campaign for cars and his management experience at the Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand.

Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan dismissed speculation that Mingkwan wanted ties between the main opposition party and the red-shirt movement to be severed.

"I can confirm Mingkwan has no such thoughts," he said, insisting rumour-mongers wanted to drive a wedge between Mingkwan and the red shirts.

Commenting on the push for Mingkwan to join the premiership race, he said it was too early for him to take a stand.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the meeting between Thaksin and the MPs was an occasion to exchange New Year greetings.

Prompong said he was unaware the MPs would raise any political issues, including Mingkwan's job prospect.

As soon as the prime minister sets the poll date, Pheu Thai will definitely designate its candidate for premiership, he said.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva said he had been informed about the meeting in Dubai. He said he hoped Thaksin would keep his promise to seek change only through parliamentary means.

Regarding extradition efforts, he said the bilateral agreement with Dubai did not cover the Thaksin case.

Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Patama said the Dubai meeting was a social event to welcome well-wishers for the New Year holiday and that there were no political talks.

Noppadon said he did not expect Thaksin to interfere in the Pheu Thai affairs on Mingkwan's behalf.

-- The Nation 2010-12-27

[brahmburgers]

Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Patama said the Dubai meeting was a social event to welcome well-wishers for the New Year holiday and that there were no political talks. Noppadon said he did not expect Thaksin to interfere in the Pheu Thai affairs...

If Noppadon told me he had two ears and a nose I wouldn't believe him - and he's probably less of a liar than his puppetmaster.

[rubl]

Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Patama said the Dubai meeting was a social event to welcome well-wishers for the New Year holiday and that there were no political talks. Noppadon said he did not expect Thaksin to interfere in the Pheu Thai affairs...

If Noppadon told me he had two ears and a nose I wouldn't believe him - and he's probably less of a liar than his puppetmaster.

Even k. Prompong said so, so it must be true

Even more believable is this

Noppadon said he did not expect Thaksin to interfere in the Pheu Thai affairs on Mingkwan's behalf.

BTW, 40 MP's went to Dubai. Is it an impolite question to ask who paid for this 'holiday' trip ?

Edited December 27, 2010 by rubl

[geriatrickid]

You would be disappointed if it wasn't Thaksin that paid, right? Highly unlikely he paid. These people were coming to argue on behalf of someone Mr. Thaksin doesn't support. Why would he have paid for that?

[rubl]

You would be disappointed if it wasn't Thaksin that paid, right? Highly unlikely he paid. These people were coming to argue on behalf of someone Mr. Thaksin doesn't support. Why would he have paid for that?

I'm just wondering who paid. K. Thaksin is indeed unlikely even for a social visit

So did all 40 pay out of their own pockets? Free THAI ticket? With best wishes from (un)grateful tax-payers?

[Ricardo]

Thaksin did not see Mingkwan as a potential candidate for premiership

according to party insiders.

Funny, but I always thought it should be the party-members, and later-on the voters in the election via their MPs, who decided who should run the country. If this is the reds' idea of how a 'true democracy' should work, one can only congratulate them & their absent-leader, upon their creativity and original-thinking.

I would imagine that a group of 40-60 current MPs, with a clearly-identified leader who commands their loyalty, but may be out-of-favour with the former-PM, must be a tempting target for the power-brokers who arrange coalition-governments.

A cynic might wonder what deals are being pitched, and mulled-over, in the smoke-filled rooms in the background ? It might be a good time to invest in cigars !

Edited December 27, 2010 by Ricardo

[hyperdimension]

Why not choose the honorable Jatuporn Promphan as the candidate? They want someone who is a fighter, and Jatuporn has proven himself to be one.

Why are there now at least three separate threads about this topic? I think there needs to be some merging of threads.

[webfact]

UPDATE

Thaksin agrees to have Mingkwan nominated as PM candidate: Pracha

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greed to have Pheu Thai party-list MP Mingkwan Saensuwan as the party's PM nominee when the party submits a no-confidence motion next year, an MP said Monday.

Pracha Prasopdee said Thaksin would not object to Mingkwan's nomination as Mingkwan is qualified for the post of the prime minister.

The Pheu Thai plans to file a censure motion next year.

Pracha said Pheu Thai MPs would not object to Mingkwan's nomination.

-- The Nation 2010-12-27

[Siam Simon]

Thaksin did not see Mingkwan as a potential candidate for premiership

according to party insiders.

Funny, but I always thought it should be the party-members, and later-on the voters in the election via their MPs, who decided who should run the country. If this is the reds' idea of how a 'true democracy' should work, one can only congratulate them & their absent-leader, upon their creativity and original-thinking.

I would imagine that a group of 40-60 current MPs, with a clearly-identified leader who commands their loyalty, but may be out-of-favour with the former-PM, must be a tempting target for the power-brokers who arrange coalition-governments.

A cynic might wonder what deals are being pitched, and mulled-over, in the smoke-filled rooms in the background ? It might be a good time to invest in cigars !

"the power brokers who arrange coalition governments" Eh? Aren't the party and faction leaders of any given parliamentary situation supposed to do this in a democracy?

[Ricardo]

Indeed, so why do 40 PTP-MPs feel it necessary, to travel to Dubai to obtain approval for their preferred-choice ?

But this discussion is already out-of-date, if former-PM Thaksin has indeed now endorsed Mingkwan as being a suitable candidate after all. Perhaps this may soon be confirmed, by other spokesmen such as Noppadon & Robert Armstrong ?

But who is Pracha Prasopdee to be saying that "Phua Thai MPs would not object to Mingkwan's nomination" ? Is that an official announcement, on behalf of the party-organisation or Thaksin, or just a personal view ?

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan dismissed speculation that Mingkwan wanted ties between the main opposition party and the red-shirt movement to be severed.

"I can confirm Mingkwan has no such thoughts," he said, insisting rumour-mongers wanted to drive a wedge between Mingkwan and the red shirts.

Jatuporn reinforces that the equation:

PTP = Red Shirts = Thaksin

is just as viable as ever.

[Buchholz]

Thaksin unlikely to back Mingkwan

Thaksin agrees to have Mingkwan nominated as PM candidate

Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party running like a well-oiled, finely tuned machine......

oiled with coconut oil and tuned by clowns, that is

[Buchholz]

Mingkwan possesses the necessary fatalistic outlook regarding the repercussions of stepping on toes:

TAN Network - June 12, 2008

Commerce Minister May Consider Resigning

Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan revealed a desire to resign from conflicts with the Finance Ministry over the direction of the government’s economic policies and says he’s being targeted for obstructing the benefits to an unknown influential person.

It has been reported that Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan had complained to his close associates in the People Power Party about conflicts over policies on fertilizers, rice, and pork with the Finance Ministry as his ideas obstruct the benefits of a person who he calls "the big man."

Mingkwan is said to have commented that he will move on to develop the natural gas resource as the discovery of new sources in the Gulf of Thailand and in Burma will help fuel Thailand for at least 60 years. However, he will have to step on the toes of "the big man" again, but he doesn’t care as he has no burdens of a wife or kids if he dies.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does he have the physical capabilities of putting up with the necessary rigors of being PM?

His passing out and subsequent hospitalization while simply giving a speech as a Deputy PM in October 2008 is well remembered:

.

[TAWP]

MP's overall seem to spend a lot of money on travels, as reported earlier, and I would not be surprised if this trip was 'expended' towards the tax-payer too. Who is going to say no, an office clerk?

[Ricardo]

Perhaps a good Auditor, better change the locks on her office, quick !

[rubl]

Call me cynical, but somehow all this reminds me of a similar 'continued saga of ...'

or maybe this

http://asiancorrespondent.com/40334/what-is-happening-with-the-puea-thai-leadership/

Edited December 27, 2010 by rubl

[Buchholz]

Call me cynical, but somehow all this reminds me of a similar 'continued saga of ...'

or maybe this

http://asiancorrespondent.com/40334/what-is-happening-with-the-puea-thai-leadership/

It goes back even further. Pheu Thai Party has been in turmoil basically since they became the opposition over the same issues that plague it to this day.

Pheu Thai Party Chief wants to step down

"Pheu Thai does not need a new leader because Thaksin is already the real leader": Chalerm

[animatic]

Thaksin doesn't care who the titular head is, as long as he can chop it off when they gain power.

Better someone he doesn't like, makes the cut all the quicker.

Even if that means starting at the toes and working up each time he acts up,

until he gives up and does what he is told.

Edited December 27, 2010 by animatic

[webfact]

PHEU THAI PARTY

Mingkwan must prove himself first : Pheu Thai MPs

By Praphan Chindalert-udomdee

The Nation

Pheu Thai MPs say that Mingkwan Sangsuwan needs to prove his leadership abilities during the censure debate before he can represent the party as a prime minister's candidate.

Samut Prakarn MP Pracha Prasopdee said the censure debate would be a perfect opportunity for Mingkwan to show his political vision and ability.

Mingkwan is said to know a lot about economics, but has yet to earn the party and the public's faith. Most Pheu Thai MPs want changes in preparation for the general election, he said.

Meanwhile, Lop Buri MP Suchart Lainamngern said former PM Thaksin Shinawatra believed that Mingkwan was suitable for the post because he had the knowledge, ability and wealth needed. He is single and has no children so corruption is unlikely to be his weakness. However, it was not the time to be open about it as Mingkwan might get attacked, he added.

Suchart said this issue was discussed when he met Thaksin in Russia.

He added that though Mingkwan was not a suitable candidate for the post of party leader, he was fit to run for the prime minister's job, though he needs to prove himself in Parliament first.

Red-shirt leader and Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan, meanwhile, denied reports that the red shirts were opposed to Mingkwan, saying that choosing the most suitable person was up to the party's executive.

"The red shirt's ideology is democracy and a justice system that works on a single standard. The party has the authority to pick anyone [to become its leader]," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

[Siripon]

PHEU THAI PARTY

Mingkwan must prove himself first : Pheu Thai MPs

By Praphan Chindalert-udomdee

The Nation

Pheu Thai MPs say that Mingkwan Sangsuwan needs to prove his leadership abilities during the censure debate before he can represent the party as a prime minister's candidate.

Samut Prakarn MP Pracha Prasopdee said the censure debate would be a perfect opportunity for Mingkwan to show his political vision and ability.

Mingkwan is said to know a lot about economics, but has yet to earn the party and the public's faith. Most Pheu Thai MPs want changes in preparation for the general election, he said.

Meanwhile, Lop Buri MP Suchart Lainamngern said former PM Thaksin Shinawatra believed that Mingkwan was suitable for the post because he had the knowledge, ability and wealth needed. He is single and has no children so corruption is unlikely to be his weakness. However, it was not the time to be open about it as Mingkwan might get attacked, he added.

Suchart said this issue was discussed when he met Thaksin in Russia.

He added that though Mingkwan was not a suitable candidate for the post of party leader, he was fit to run for the prime minister's job, though he needs to prove himself in Parliament first.

Red-shirt leader and Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan, meanwhile, denied reports that the red shirts were opposed to Mingkwan, saying that choosing the most suitable person was up to the party's executive.

"The red shirt's ideology is democracy and a justice system that works on a single standard. The party has the authority to pick anyone [to become its leader]," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

It's interesting to see that Pheua Thai are thinking of courting the gay vote in Thailand. The macho red shirts of Rak Chiang Mai 51 won't know what to do!

[Buchholz]

Mingkwan possesses the necessary fatalistic outlook regarding the repercussions of stepping on toes:

Commerce Minister May Consider Resigning

he doesn’t care as he has no burdens of a wife or kids if he dies.

Lop Buri MP Suchart Lainamngern said former PM Thaksin Shinawatra believed that Mingkwan was suitable for the post because he had the knowledge, ability and wealth needed. He is single and has no children so corruption is unlikely to be his weakness.

Again the child-less bachelor aspect comes up.

But this time, it's bizarrely supposed to be an insulator from the temptation of corruption.

That same sort of distorted logic by Thaksin, who just as bizarrely was supposedly too rich to be corrupt himself, is the height of irony.

Poor Mingkwan... I fear he has doesn't have the physical constitution for the continued tribulations and PTP in-fighting...

Edited December 28, 2010 by Buchholz

[SomTumTiger]

It's sad watching the PTP death spiral.

[rubl]

PHEU THAI PARTY

Mingkwan must prove himself first : Pheu Thai MPs

By Praphan Chindalert-udomdee

The Nation

Pheu Thai MPs say that Mingkwan Sangsuwan needs to prove his leadership abilities during the censure debate before he can represent the party as a prime minister's candidate.

Samut Prakarn MP Pracha Prasopdee said the censure debate would be a perfect opportunity for Mingkwan to show his political vision and ability.

Mingkwan is said to know a lot about economics, but has yet to earn the party and the public's faith. Most Pheu Thai MPs want changes in preparation for the general election, he said.

Meanwhile, Lop Buri MP Suchart Lainamngern said former PM Thaksin Shinawatra believed that Mingkwan was suitable for the post because he had the knowledge, ability and wealth needed. He is single and has no children so corruption is unlikely to be his weakness. However, it was not the time to be open about it as Mingkwan might get attacked, he added.

Suchart said this issue was discussed when he met Thaksin in Russia.

He added that though Mingkwan was not a suitable candidate for the post of party leader, he was fit to run for the prime minister's job, though he needs to prove himself in Parliament first.

Red-shirt leader and Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan, meanwhile, denied reports that the red shirts were opposed to Mingkwan, saying that choosing the most suitable person was up to the party's executive.

"The red shirt's ideology is democracy and a justice system that works on a single standard. The party has the authority to pick anyone [to become its leader]," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

What did MP Suchart L. mean by "not the time to be open about it as Mingkwan might get attacked"? If only verbally I'd say that's normal, politicians should be used to that.

If k. Mingkwan needs to prove himself in parliament first (even after all those years), that suggests that at the moment the PTP might only have Gen. Chavalit and k. Chalerm as 'proven and available' PM material.

The last two paragraphs seem to indicate that 'red-shirts' and the party (i.e. PTP) are identical. Out of the mouth of MP Jatuporn, who should know.

[Ricardo]

<snip for brevity>

Red-shirt leader and Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan, meanwhile, denied reports that the red shirts were opposed to Mingkwan, saying that choosing the most suitable person was up to the party's executive.

"The red shirt's ideology is democracy and a justice system that works on a single standard. The party has the authority to pick anyone [to become its leader]," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

So why all the mass-visits to a former-PM overseas, to canvass for their particular candidates, then ?

It's sad watching the PTP death spiral.

Yes it is, because the country needs a credible organised Opposition, as part of a working parliamentary-system, and even the current coalition-government's own PM seems to recognise that fact.

Not that they're (as often claimed) the only party to represent the poor, but it can't help Red-Shirt supporters like the UDD to see such poor representation of their own interests, and might even drive some to seek extra-parliamentary representation on-the-streets, and we saw earlier this year where that can lead to.

The PTP needs to get its act together, for the health of the democratic-system, as well as its own agenda.

[rubl]

Pheu Thai leader a non-issue: Chavalit

By The Nation

Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on Tuesday insisted his party was unified regardless of who would be picked to lead and vie for the premiership.

"I don't feel slighted about speculation on a new party leader because I just want to work without the aspiration for the position of prime minister," he said.

Chavalit said he was unaware that fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might support Pheu Thai MP Mingkwan Saegnsuwan as the prime ministerial candidate.

He also dismissed the allegation that the soldiers were responsible for the bloodshed during riots in April and May.

"I don't fault the military for carrying out orders issued by politicians," he said, apportioning the blame to the government rather than the anti-riot forces.

He was speaking to well wishers ahead of the New Year holiday. A large number of Pheu Thai MPs, retired military officers and supporters lined up at his residence to wish him a Happy New Year.

The Nation, 2010-12-28

Edited December 28, 2010 by rubl

[Buchholz]

Meanwhile, Lop Buri MP Suchart Lainamngern said former PM Thaksin Shinawatra believed that Mingkwan was suitable for the post because he had the knowledge, ability and wealth needed. He is single and has no children so corruption is unlikely to be his weakness. However, it was not the time to be open about it as Mingkwan might get attacked, he added.

What did MP Suchart L. mean by "not the time to be open about it as Mingkwan might get attacked"?

Refer to Siripon's Post # 20 for what he meant about Mingkwan.

[rubl]

Meanwhile, Lop Buri MP Suchart Lainamngern said former PM Thaksin Shinawatra believed that Mingkwan was suitable for the post because he had the knowledge, ability and wealth needed. He is single and has no children so corruption is unlikely to be his weakness. However, it was not the time to be open about it as Mingkwan might get attacked, he added.

What did MP Suchart L. mean by "not the time to be open about it as Mingkwan might get attacked"?

Refer to Siripon's Post # 20 for what he meant about Mingkwan.

OK, got it. Actually that makes MP Suchart's remark even worse, devious, hypocritical.

When MP Suchart makes this remark, it suggests he knows 'something' about k. Mingkwan, and by mentioning that makes it public that 'something' is wrong with k. Mingkwan. This to suggest why k. Mingkwan might be attacked. Now is not the time also suggests anyone (and of course no-one from PTP) might drop the 'bomb' making k. Mingkwan impossible as possible PM candidate. May I therefor suggest to drop the 'bomb' the moment k. Mingkwan is no longer of use to the PTP (aka k. Thaksin) or would that be too cynical ?

Edited December 28, 2010 by rubl

[Buchholz]

Thaksin decides to nominate Mingkwan as the Pheu Thai Party Leader

BANGKOK, 28 December 2010 (NNT) - Rumors have been spreading that Former Prime Minister Thanksin Shinawatra has nominated his former Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan as the Leader of the Pheu Thai Party.

One of the Pheu Thai Party MPs who visited the former Prime Minister in Dubai said the discussion pertaining to who would fit the bill to become the Leader of the twice-dissolved Party was smooth and productive.

Other issues discussed included the Pheu Thai Party’s platform, election strategies, and ways to unite the nation that has seen its people splitting into two camps for the past four years.

At the end, Mr. Thaksin decided to nominate Mr. Mingkwan, the former Commerce Minister in his administration, to lead the party, according to the MP.

-- NNT 2010-12-28

[Buchholz]

Opposition party's new leader should be public's beloved: Thaksin

Thailand's ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra said the new leader of opposition Puea Thai Party should be appropriate and public's beloved person, opposition party MPs said Tuesday. Wutthipong Chaisaeng, an MP for central Chasoeng-sao province, revealed after meeting with the ousted ex-PM Thaksin in Dubai that Thaksin would not interfere with the selection of Puea Thai Party Leader and whether or not Mingkwan Saengsuwan would become Party Leader was depending on public acknowledgment.

Meanwhile, Chiya Phromma, an MP for northeastern Nong Bua Lumphu province, said that Thaksin had no objection to Mingkwan becoming a new Leader of Puea Thai Party as long as all members reached conclusion. Nine Puea Thai MPs flied to Dubai on Dec. 26 to meet Thaksin who has been living in exile there. Despite having Yongyuth Wichaidit as the current Leader, the opposition Puea Thai Party members are currently seeking a new candidate who will be able to spearhead their election campaigns and bring together various factions in the Party as the general election is expected next year.

However, the candidate needs approval from Thaksin, who is the de facto Party Leader.

Continues:

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7244500.html

Xinhua - December 28, 2010

[SomTumTiger]

Big ears is back! Courtesy of 'ol Square Face.