Govt House Likened To Shin Corp Branch

[george]

Govt House likened to Shin Corp branch

BANGKOK: Reporters on the legislative beat yesterday mockingly branded Government House's performance in 2003 as "Shin IV" and a further branch of the prime minister's corporate empire.

The name reflects the government's domination of the administrative body. It derives from Shin Corp, founded by Thaksin Shinawatra, whose three office buildings are known as Shin Towers I, II and III.

With regard to the Senate, the local press viewed it as "Ua Athorn Rubber Stamp".

The term was meant to reflect the government's influence over the upper chamber of Parliament in spite of its role as a non-partisan body.

House Speaker Uthai Pimchaichon received the epithet "Pa Sak Lion", because of his insistence on relocating Parliament to an area near Pa Sak Dam in Lop Buri province.

Senate Speaker Manoonkrit Roopkachorn was seen as "Cavalryman Fallen off a Horse" after he was forced to keep his word and step down, as promised, next month.

Opposition leader Banyat Bantadtan ended up with the title "Interim Leader" because deputy leader Abhisit Vejjajiva often outshines him and is expected to eventually succeed him.

Democrat MP Alongkorn Pollabutr won a commendation as a "Rising Star", due to his crusade against corruption.

On the other end of the totem pole, former senator Kasem Rungthanakiat was billed as an "Extinguished Star" after he abruptly resigned his position to join the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party, which resulted in a costly by-election.

Deputy House Speaker Somsak Prissanananthakul was praised as the "House Star" because of his bold leadership in guiding meetings and debates.

The year saw some appalling performances by law-makers, with three key pieces of legislation botched because of wording errors.

The local press picked a statement by Thai Rak Thai MP Pairoj Suwanchawee as the quote of the year, saying it summed up how lawmakers viewed one another.

"Even buffaloes know I did not violate the Constitution," Pairoj said in defending his record on budgetary allocations.

--The Nation 2003-12-31