Suthep Key To The Survival Of Thai Govt, Abhisit

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Suthep key to the survival of govt, Abhisit

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

Descriptions like "war-weary Tossakan" and "long-suffering wet-nurse" that reporters at Government House applied to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban are perhaps perfect for this 62-year-old veteran.

Suthep, secretary-general for the ruling party, deputy premier in charge of national security as well as the government's manager, is key to both the Democrat Party and the country's administration. It is accepted that Suthep is capable in terms of strategy and practicality. He knows to keep calm when he is in an inferior position, but does not waste a single second if there's a way to victory.

More importantly, he has won over the coalition partners with his courage, toughness and perseverance.

His success in pushing Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to become Thailand's 27th premier is considered his best work, even though his responsibilities keep increasing.

"I am tired every day, no matter whether I am at my Government House office or at the 11th Infantry Regiment," he told reporters at a New Year party at Government House last week.

However, instead of identifying the situation that tires him out the most, Suthep laughingly says: "It's good that I forget easily. I don't hold grudges. For instance, I am ready to answer all your questions even though I know you won't believe me."

He admitted he had promised his family he would retire at 60, but said he had changed his mind. "I'll work until a suitable person replaces me as party secretary-general. So far, I haven't met anybody. This job is so tough and tiring that nobody wants it. They mostly want to be the party leader," he said.

Suthep added that though there were plenty of candidates for the party leader's job, he wasn't looking for a replacement. "I don't think the PM would give up the job. He has faced many challenges and they have made him more confident," he said.

"Actually I want this government to stay as long as possible, but the PM wants to dissolve the House before the end of his term. I think the dissolution should be in May or June, once the Constitution amendments are complete and next year's budget bill is passed. I believe there should be no problems regarding charter changes," he said.

"I have told the coalition parties how the Democrat Party goes about things, but I have also assured them that their opinions and ideas would be taken into consideration. I am not bothered by insults. It is my job," he said.

At the same party, Abhisit told reporters of all the reasons why he liked Suthep. For one, he said, he liked Suthep because he had supported his premiership since 2003. Abhisit said his deputy's biggest strength is that he never gives up. "I have never heard him complain or say he cannot do something," he said.

Abhisit also denied there were any conflicts between the two of them, saying that though they did disagree, the disagreements did not last for very long.

"I admit that I sometimes want quick results, but Suthep has taught me that it takes time to solve some issues. If he believes something is not going to work, he asks for a change in strategy," the prime minister explained.

Ekkanat Promphan, Suthep's private secretary, once said that politics was his boss's life. He said Suthep was a determined person who has clear goals and works for the sake of his country and the monarchy. "Though his entire life is devoted to politics, he is still a family man. He has dinner at home every day," he said.

Though it is quite clear that as long as the Democrats hold the majority, Suthep will remain a key person in the government. But who takes over after Abhisit as the premier might pose an interesting question.

Still, history is known to repeat itself. Previously, the then-Democrat secretary-general Sanan Kachornprasart helped make Chuan Leekpai premier twice. Now, it might be time for the Abhisit-Suthep show.

-- The Nation 2011-01-05

[yellow1red1]

On what line does Abhisit say Suthep is key to govt survival?

in wiki it says he was key in ending Leekpai's govt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuan_Leekpai

Suthep Thaugsuban, Minister of Transport and Communications, whose brokering of illegal land deals caused the fall of the Chuan 1 government, was linked to abuse of funds in setting up a co-operative in his southern province of Surat Thani.

[whybother]

On what line does Abhisit say Suthep is key to govt survival?

in wiki it says he was key in ending Leekpai's govt.

http://en.wikipedia....i/Chuan_Leekpai

Suthep Thaugsuban, Minister of Transport and Communications, whose brokering of illegal land deals caused the fall of the Chuan 1 government, was linked to abuse of funds in setting up a co-operative in his southern province of Surat Thani.

"Suthep Key To The Survival Of Thai Govt, [AND] Abhisit" ??

[asiawatcher]

I believe these two guys, PM and Suthep, actually are complimentary to each others strengths. Suthep may not be straight as Abhisit but I hope the Dems get another chance and they can implement some of the proposals as that will solve a lot of the issues for the reds and that is where the work is needed - the yellows will just have to wait. They can afford it.

Edited January 5, 2011 by asiawatcher