Leadership A Vexing Issue For Pheu Thai

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Leadership a vexing issue for Pheu Thai

By Piyanart Srivalo

Mingkwan

The Democrats appear to be in a far better position and better prepared than Pheu Thai as Thai politics now enters election mode.

While the ruling party is enjoying political advantage after announcing its reform measures - the Pracha Wiwat policy - and support from those who would benefit from the policy, the opposition party seems to be in despair.

Pracha Wiwat is the Democrat's marketing strategy or tool to win the election, while Pheu Thai continues to suffer from last month's by-election losses and cannot find an appropriate party leader.

"Finding a leader is a prolonged problem for our party. If we get a good and fit one to restore our organisation we then can make a great comeback," one key party leader of Pheu Thai said.

A strong and suitable leader would also help prevent the party from collapse as many MPs would be expected to jump ship from a shaken party.

Although there are several potential party leaders, such as chief of the economic team Mingkwan Sangsuwan and outspoken politician Chalerm Yoobamrung, no one can compete with the real party owner's bloodline.

Many MPs welcomed ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's sister Yingluck when she stepped into the limelight as a candidate for party leader. They even supported Yingluck as a possible first-ever female prime minister.

Being Thaksin's sister can help Yingluck as a favourite contender for the position. It was widely known that Thaksin sent her to manage the party after his brother Payap failed - which was messy for a while. Now Yingluck has taken over control of the party since the budget and manpower managerial conflicts were resolved among party MPs.

It's no surprise why Thaksin trusted his bloodline over outsiders. The ex-fugitive premier learnt a lesson from former close aides like Newin Chidchob and late prime minister Samak Sundaravej.

Thaksin also reportedly has a new idea to separate the role of party leader from the party's prime minister candidate. The problem once occurred when Samak held both positions. Previously, before becoming prime minister, Samak had followed Thaksin's orders, but later on refused to allow Thaksin to dictate to him.

"The new party leader won't have to become the next prime minister if our party wins the next election and becomes the core leader to form the next government. The main task for the new leader will be to take charge of party management," the party key man said.

However, publicly introducing any candidates to lead for the next election - as well as being a prime ministerial candidate - would not be easy as they would face resistance.

"Although Yingluck is the most favoured candidate for party leader, once officially promoted she might have to leave behind her businesses, such as the SC Assets company. So she has to think hard and carefully if it's worth the risk," the source said.

As a result, some members in the party war room believe the party should think more widely and seriously about its policy (to campaign in the next election) than over an individual (party leader).

"It's not the right time to launch our new leader. Most important are our policies, which are our strong point, especially with the grassroots. They are still popular and help us maintain our political base in the North and Northeast," the source said.

It remains to be seen how effective the new policies used in the election campaign will be. Are they the second part of a populist policy and will they win the trust of the voters?

-- The Nation 2011-01-13

[Ricardo]

It's no surprise why Thaksin trusted his bloodline over outsiders. The ex-fugitive premier learned a lesson from former close aides like Newin Chidchob and late former prime minister Samak Sundaravej.

Why should one man, living overseas to avoid the on-going consequences of his actions, expect to control a democratic country & political-party ? I mean, as a 'true democrat' and 'fighter for justice' who 'has quit Thai politics' and 'doesn't know the UDD' whom he phones on a regular basis ?

Previously, before becoming prime minister, Samak had followed Thaksin's orders, but later on refused to allow Thaksin to dictate to him.

The elected prime minister surely had the right, to stray from the path he was ordered to follow, if he chose. I mean, that's why people voted him into office (via their MPs), isn't it ?

The sad thing is, that few people stand up, for their democratic-right to sometimes follow their own opinion, apart from former-PM Samak & now apparently Khun Thida. Imposing a family-member again on the PTP/Reds won't of-itself help the poor, that requires policies, which should be promoted & can be implemented by whoever the movement elects to lead them.

One-man/one-family politics is no substitute for democracy, even by Thailand's un-challenging standards, and the clock is ticking on the next election. The poor, indeed the whole country, deserves better than this farce.

[Arkady]

Thaksin's sister, Yingluck, is by all accounts a decent and smart woman. However, it would be a sad day for the country, if the Thailand's first female PM only got there through being the sister of an international fugitive, whose orders she had to follow to the letter in running the country. Would her beeper go off while she is receiving foreign heads of state or addressing the United Nations to tell her what to say? Would she make her own speeches to the party and red shirt faithful or just switch on the overhead projector for a phone-in from the shadowy Ernst Blofeld character circling in a plane over Europe? She does have some senior management experience in business but only as an executive in her big brother's companies.

Another question would be to what extent is Yingluck prepared for the personal stress she would have to endure as Thaksin's nominee as party leader and possibly prime minister. Thaksin's brother-in-law, Somchai, visibly wilted under the pressure of being Thaksin's nominee PM and seemed close to a nervous breakdown when the Constitutional Court mercifully relieved him of his duties. Yinluck may well be made of much sterner stuff than the weakling Somchai but the pressure on her would be even greater, as a woman and a direct blood relative of Thaksin. Would it bother Thaksin, if his little sister cracked up under the strain, or even, God forbid, was assassinated on his behalf?

[Buchholz]

"Although Yingluck is the most favoured candidate for party leader, once officially promoted she might have to leave behind her businesses, such as the SC Assets company.

OR...

she could just hide the business ownership like her big brother did.

She doesn't have any children of her own to fake moving her majority share ownership to, but perhaps brother-in-law Bonnaphot is available. Afterall, it doesn't look like he's going to serve his 3 year prison term anytime soon on his 2 and half year old conviction.

[rubl]

From the OP:

It's no surprise why Thaksin trusted his bloodline over outsiders. The ex-fugitive premier learnt a lesson from former close aides like Newin Chidchob and late prime minister Samak Sundaravej.

I'm puzzled. Are we talking about a family business or about an established Thai political party participating is democratic and parliamentary processes ?

[Buchholz]

Thaksin's sister, Yingluck, is by all accounts a decent and smart woman.

While she may put on a pretty front as the force behind SC Asset:

One shouldn't overlook her Red Shirt rallying:

On the right next to her slightly heavier sister, former First Lady Yaowapa.

Nor her neck-deep involvement with the Shin Corp. manipulations/shenanigans of which SC Asset played a critical role.

[Buchholz]

From the OP:

It's no surprise why Thaksin trusted his bloodline over outsiders. The ex-fugitive premier learnt a lesson from former close aides like Newin Chidchob and late prime minister Samak Sundaravej.

I'm puzzled. Are we talking about a family business or about an established Thai political party participating is democratic and parliamentary processes ?

In his eyes, as he was previously the CEO of Thailand, it's more the former than the latter.

[SICHONSTEVE]

It's no surprise why Thaksin trusted his bloodline over outsiders. The ex-fugitive premier learned a lesson from former close aides like Newin Chidchob and late former prime minister Samak Sundaravej.

Why should one man, living overseas to avoid the on-going consequences of his actions, expect to control a democratic country & political-party ? I mean, as a 'true democrat' and 'fighter for justice' who 'has quit Thai politics' and 'doesn't know the UDD' whom he phones on a regular basis ?

Previously, before becoming prime minister, Samak had followed Thaksin's orders, but later on refused to allow Thaksin to dictate to him.

The elected prime minister surely had the right, to stray from the path he was ordered to follow, if he chose. I mean, that's why people voted him into office (via their MPs), isn't it ?

The sad thing is, that few people stand up, for their democratic-right to sometimes follow their own opinion, apart from former-PM Samak & now apparently Khun Thida. Imposing a family-member again on the PTP/Reds won't of-itself help the poor, that requires policies, which should be promoted & can be implemented by whoever the movement elects to lead them.

One-man/one-family politics is no substitute for democracy, even by Thailand's un-challenging standards, and the clock is ticking on the next election. The poor, indeed the whole country, deserves better than this farce.

You are right!!!! The country does, as you say in your last sentence, deserve better than this farce. That's why the whole country (including the poor) should reject the PTP and let Abhisit complete the job of reclaiming Thailand's stained reputation whilst further improving the economy with his, and his excellent team's stewardship, to put Thailand back to where it belongs in the club that is Asia.

The opposition are bereft of ideas and policies and their lack of cohesivity is damaging them to the point of no return (I hope). Being associated with Thaksin might garner the PTP some much needed support but this is primarily from the hordes of poorly educated (gullible you may argue - not through any fault of their own, mind you) Thai's up North and in the North East of the country and the low paid, including many small-time street vendors and motorcycle taxi drivers both in Bangkok and the country as a whole. What I can't understand is why those same Thai's (umbilically attached almost) to Thaksin gushed at how good and caring he was when he ruined their hospitals out of self-interest and for personal wealth reasons and was only using them as "tools" to get him in to power in order for him to be in a position to get his hands on some more billions of "those lovelly" baht that they must graft away at for all their oft miserable lives in order to eke out an existence. He (Thaksin) cares no more about the wellbeing of the poor despite his acclamations to this lie as I wanting Arsenal to be successful NB: I'm not sure what would be the worst outcome to have to suffer - Thaksin's poodles in power or Arsenal winning the Champions league - neither methinks!!!

As soon as people realise and appreciate the brilliant turn around in Thailand's fortunes and banish Thaksin from Thailand and Thai politics for good, the better off everyone will be!!! Roll on the election and may the commendable Abhisit and his Democrats 'captain the ship' for many years to come under his wise, sensible and skilled command. If the PTP did (inconceivable for me to see this happen), god forbid, get in at the election that must take place this year then Thailand must surely hit the rocks as not only are they leaderless but they are seemingly rudderless as well and a ship without a rudder is a ship without direction.

[oldsailor35]

It's no surprise why Thaksin trusted his bloodline over outsiders. The ex-fugitive premier learned a lesson from former close aides like Newin Chidchob and late former prime minister Samak Sundaravej.

Why should one man, living overseas to avoid the on-going consequences of his actions, expect to control a democratic country & political-party ? I mean, as a 'true democrat' and 'fighter for justice' who 'has quit Thai politics' and 'doesn't know the UDD' whom he phones on a regular basis ?

Previously, before becoming prime minister, Samak had followed Thaksin's orders, but later on refused to allow Thaksin to dictate to him.

The elected prime minister surely had the right, to stray from the path he was ordered to follow, if he chose. I mean, that's why people voted him into office (via their MPs), isn't it ?

The sad thing is, that few people stand up, for their democratic-right to sometimes follow their own opinion, apart from former-PM Samak & now apparently Khun Thida. Imposing a family-member again on the PTP/Reds won't of-itself help the poor, that requires policies, which should be promoted & can be implemented by whoever the movement elects to lead them.

One-man/one-family politics is no substitute for democracy, even by Thailand's un-challenging standards, and the clock is ticking on the next election. The poor, indeed the whole country, deserves better than this farce.

You are right!!!! The country does, as you say in your last sentence, deserve better than this farce. That's why the whole country (including the poor) should reject the PTP and let Abhisit complete the job of reclaiming Thailand's stained reputation whilst further improving the economy with his, and his excellent team's stewardship, to put Thailand back to where it belongs in the club that is Asia.

The opposition are bereft of ideas and policies and their lack of cohesivity is damaging them to the point of no return (I hope). Being associated with Thaksin might garner the PTP some much needed support but this is primarily from the hordes of poorly educated (gullible you may argue - not through any fault of their own, mind you) Thai's up North and in the North East of the country and the low paid, including many small-time street vendors and motorcycle taxi drivers both in Bangkok and the country as a whole. What I can't understand is why those same Thai's (umbilically attached almost) to Thaksin gushed at how good and caring he was when he ruined their hospitals out of self-interest and for personal wealth reasons and was only using them as "tools" to get him in to power in order for him to be in a position to get his hands on some more billions of "those lovelly" baht that they must graft away at for all their oft miserable lives in order to eke out an existence. He (Thaksin) cares no more about the wellbeing of the poor despite his acclamations to this lie as I wanting Arsenal to be successful NB: I'm not sure what would be the worst outcome to have to suffer - Thaksin's poodles in power or Arsenal winning the Champions league - neither methinks!!!

As soon as people realise and appreciate the brilliant turn around in Thailand's fortunes and banish Thaksin from Thailand and Thai politics for good, the better off everyone will be!!! Roll on the election and may the commendable Abhisit and his Democrats 'captain the ship' for many years to come under his wise, sensible and skilled command. If the PTP did (inconceivable for me to see this happen), god forbid, get in at the election that must take place this year then Thailand must surely hit the rocks as not only are they leaderless but they are seemingly rudderless as well and a ship without a rudder is a ship without direction.

Anything's got to be better than this Military controlled mob

[rubl]

Anything's got to be better than this Military controlled mob

Without further details I assume your remark refers to the OP: 'Leadership a vexing issue for Pheu Thai"

[Ricardo]

Anything's got to be better than this Military controlled mob

Nice rhetoric, but personally I can think of a few options, which I think would be worse than the present coalition-government, which is committed to elections this year :-

1. A dictator, such as Marcos in the Phillipines, dismantling admittedly-fragile democratic-institutions/freedoms and running the country for the benefit of his family & friends, promising to be in-power for at least 20 years. Which is what the military stepped-in to prevent.

2. An unending totally-corrupt military-dictatorship, enslaving the people and raping the country's natural-resources, as with Burma. OK the military are too powerful and independent here, but they did return power on-schedule after the December-2007 election, and even-better to a government which they could hardly be said to like that much.

3. An all-out revolution and bloody civil-war, North/Isaan vs South/Bangkok.

4. Becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the increasingly-powerful regional super-power.

There is currently an elected (after their fashion) coalition-government, making at least some progress towards helping the poor, and committed to an election this year. Hopefully that election will be fairly-free of violence & intimidation, in most parts of the country, and the Electoral Commission will be permitted & encouraged to continue to try to punish people who hand out bribes to get themselves elected, or who run their parties in similar-fashion.

Would you perhaps agree that, upon reflection, things could be worse, after all ?