No Bashing Ex-PM Thaksin In Debate, Thai Govt Whips Warn

[webfact]

POLICY DEBATE

No bashing ex-PM in debate, govt whips warn

By Piyanart Srivalo,

Nerisa Nerykhiew

The Nation

Coalition whips from the ruling Pheu Thai Party yesterday sought decisive action by the Parliament chairman against any opposition MP who attacks fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra during the parliamentary debate on government policies today and tomorrow.

During yesterday's meeting of coalition whips, Pheu Thai MP Paijit Sriworakhan asked them to ask Somsak Kiartsuranont, who is Speaker in the Lower House, that meeting chairs strictly abide by a regulation that bars debating MPs from mentioning a third person during parliamentary meetings.

Pheu Thai MP Witthaya Buranasiri, who chaired the whips' meeting yesterday, said Somsak would have to ensure opposition MPs don't make inappropriate remarks about Thaksin and violate the alleged regulation. He said offending MPs would face legal action if the "third person" sued them for defamation. He did not think the MPs could claim parliamentary immunity.

House Speaker Somsak and his two deputies - who take turns to act as House meeting chiefs - are all from Pheu Thai. At joint meetings of the Upper and Lower Houses, the Senate speaker also acts as the chair.

Thaksin, who has been in self-exile overseas to avoid a two-year jail term for abuse of power, has been viewed by critics, observers and the opposition as strongly influencing the ruling party and government headed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. He has described Yingluck, his younger sister, as his "clone".

Chief opposition whip Jurin Laksanavisit, from the Democrat Party, said yesterday that during the debate opposition MPs would focus attention on government policies and the Cabinet members responsible for them.

"There is no need to mention any person outside Parliament or the government. We will stick to the meeting regulations. We have no intention of mentioning any third person," he said. "The government should not be overly worried."

Jurin, who served as public health minister in the previous Democrat-led government, said that 40 opposition MPs would take the floor in the two-day debate on government policies. The focus would be on policies involving security, the economy, and society.

He said former ministers from the previous administration would also take part in the debate and respond to any attacks by coalition MPs against the Democrat-led government.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday expressed his confidence in the prime minister's eloquence and ability to debate.

"There's no problem. Do not underestimate her or think that she is not eloquent. In fact, she can go non-stop," he said.

A Government House source said Chalerm had not been assigned the job of overseeing the police force as has been speculated. Deputy Prime Minister Kowit Wattana in charge of security affairs, who is formerly a national police chief, would take care of the force, along with other security-related agencies, such as the National Security Council and the National Intelligence Agency.

PM's Office Minister Surawit Khonsomboon has also not been assigned the job of overseeing state media, as was speculated. The other PM's Office Minister, Kritsana Seehalak, would get the job, according to the source.

On Thursday, the prime minister is scheduled to officially start her work at Government House, after completing the constitutional requirement of declaring the government's policies before Parliament. In the morning on Thursday, she is due to make merit at Government House before chairing a Cabinet meeting in the afternoon.

On Friday, Yingluck is scheduled to meet top officials from different state agencies, such as permanent secretaries, directors-general, armed force chiefs, and provincial governors at Government House to explain the new administration's policies.

On September 2, the prime minister is scheduled to meet with some 250 foreign diplomats and top officials of international organisations based in Thailand.

-- The Nation 2011-08-23

[webfact]

POLICY PRESENTATION

All eyes on economic team due to high cost of pledges

By BUSINESS REPORTERS

THE NATION

Economic ministers will be under the spotlight today and tomorrow when the government announces its policies to Parliament, as many of the coalition's pledges will lead to huge budget spending.

The government plans to spend trillions of baht during its four-year term in order to facilitate its policy pledges. However, tax collection is limited and there are now fewer channels available in order to increase revenue.

FINANCE MINISTRY

Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala is expected to be in the hot seat, since the opposition will question whether the government can live up to its promises. Moreover, the negative impacts of policy implementation will be under scrutiny.

The government plans to uphold fiscal discipline by prioritising spending projects and increasing the efficiency of budgetary management.

It promises to restructure tax, but has no specific plan to raise more revenue in the short term to offset lost income. The government has merely stated that it will cut corporate income tax to 23 per cent next year, and to 20 per cent in 2013, from the current 30 per cent.

The reduction is aimed at compensating businesses expected to be adversely affected by the planned sharp increase in wages for unskilled workers and newly graduated students.

The government also has many spending projects to be implemented immediately, such as the village fund, debt suspension, credit cards for farmers and motorists, and tax incentives for buyers of homes and cars.

Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij, who will lead the opposition in commenting on economic policy, expressed concern that the government would not be able to fulfill its promises.

"If the government implements its policies, how will it take care of the negative impacts, such as rising prices and tax injustice?" he said.

"The government must explain how it will find more revenue, as the Pheu Thai Party often claims it will not borrow more to finance public spending," he added.

INDUSTRY MINISTRY

The Industry Ministry has 10 major items, most of which are a continuation of policies from the previous administration.

The major focus is to enhance the competitiveness of industry, improve production efficiency, increase the use of alternative energy and cut operating costs.

The government will also increase support for creative and high-technology industries at the expense of labour-intensive ones.

Small and medium-sized enterprises will be supported, particularly in regard to access to financial institutions.

COMMERCE MINISTRY

The Commerce Ministry has focused on the implementation of a rice-pledging scheme, easing the rising cost of living and boosting exports.

Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong said the government would not cap the budget for the rice programme, which will be implemented in early November. However, a separate subsidy will directly go to domestic rice prices in bid to curb rising living costs.

Higher living costs have prompted the ministry to consider production-cost restructuring for essential foods and consumer goods.

The Trade Competition Act will be amended to ensure fair practice among producers, suppliers and consumers.

ENERGY MINISTRY

Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has set a deadline of 2015 for all energy prices being freely floated, but the plan could be revised if people are being badly affected. The deadline is in line with the implementation of the Asean Economic Community.

He said that if they were not floated, local retail oil prices would be lower than those of other Asean members, which would lead to the smuggling of cheap oil out of Thailand.

The planned excise cut for gasohol will take effect sooner than the original schedule of this December.

The policy of reducing of the contribution of 95- and 91-octane petrol and diesel to the Oil Fund will be implemented once the policy announcement is made. He said the government had measures to offset any impact on the private sector.

Pichai said the government would seek loans or issue bonds to finance the subsidy of NGV and LPG prices.

It will also review the free use of 90 units of electricity a month.

TRANSPORT MINISTRY

Transport Minister ACM Sukampol Suwannathat said he would speed up the implementation of the Green, Pink and Orange rail routes this year.

He will also speedily implement the policy of a long-term single price of Bt20 for an elevated-train ticket without waiting until all 10 mass-transit lines are built.

ICT Ministry

ICT Minister Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap said he would pursue a policy of expanding the ICT network in order to bridge the digital divide, and to bring about affordable ICT service prices.

He will also promote a public Wi-Fi service nationwide.

-- The Nation 2011-08-23

[siampolee]

How nice to recognize the gentle effluvia of democracy as it drifts past one olfactory organ gently teasing ones sense of the sublime and ridiculous regarding the interpretation of the democratic process in this fair land.

.

[siampolee]

FINANCE MINISTRY

Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala is expected to be in the hot seat, since the opposition will question whether the government can live up to its promises. Moreover, the negative impacts of policy implementation will be under scrutiny.

The government plans to uphold fiscal discipline by prioritising spending projects and increasing the efficiency of budgetary management.

It promises to restructure tax, but has no specific plan to raise more revenue in the short term to offset lost income. The government has merely stated that it will cut corporate income tax to 23 per cent next year, and to 20 per cent in 2013, from the current 30 per cent.

The reduction is aimed at compensating businesses expected to be adversely affected by the planned sharp increase in wages for unskilled workers and newly graduated students.

The government also has many spending projects to be implemented immediately, such as the village fund, debt suspension, credit cards for farmers and motorists, and tax incentives for buyers of homes and cars.

Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij, who will lead the opposition in commenting on economic policy, expressed concern that the government would not be able to fulfill its promises.

"If the government implements its policies, how will it take care of the negative impacts, such as rising prices and tax injustice?" he said.

"The government must explain how it will find more revenue, as the Pheu Thai Party often claims it will not borrow more to finance public spending," he added.

Interesting to note that there is some interest nay speculation in, "modifying" the regulations covering the , 'Foreign reserves account."

Aha, there's the answer.

A great big pot of gold we can use to implement our Walter Mitty like policy statements,

'Sorry kids, the family fortune has gone, now we have got to go and borrow some money again never mind it was fun party whilst it lasted.

Eat, drink and be merry, however the day after is all about soda water and sermons.

Grandma's biscuit tins fiscal policy lives.

[OzMick]

No bashing 3rd parties - so everyone has to accept the lie that Thaksin is not associated with this government.

[Soutpeel]

"There's no problem. Do not underestimate her or think that she is not eloquent. In fact, she can go non-stop," he said.

Go non-stop at what ?

Seriously....the Nation really wants to get some native English speakers to proof read their copy... <deleted> is "violate the alleged regulation"

How can a regulation be alleged..?

Edited August 23, 2011 by Soutpeel

[jonclark]

Seriously....the Nation really wants to get some native English speakers to proof read their copy... <deleted> is "violate the alleged regulation"

How can a regulation be alleged..?

LOL - Brilliant spot

[webfact]

Yingluck announces 44 pages of urgent policies to Parliament

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Tuesday announced two parts of urgent policies of her government to Parliament as part of the inauguration of her government.

She read from 44 pages of policies, which were divided into two pages - the urgent polices that needed to be implemented in one year and long-term policies that needed to be implemented in four years.

She started reading the policies at 9:15 am.

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

-- The Nation 2011-08-23

[Soutpeel]

Yingluck announces 44 pages of urgent policies to Parliament

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Tuesday announced two parts of urgent policies of her government to Parliament as part of the inauguration of her government.

She read from 44 pages of policies, which were divided into two pages - the urgent polices that needed to be implemented in one year and long-term policies that needed to be implemented in four years.

She started reading the policies at 9:15 am.

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

-- The Nation 2011-08-23

:jap: Please :The Nation"...get some on staff who can write English copy..."She read from 44 pages of policies, which were divided into two pages" .....

[DP25]

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

First policy pardon criminals and return their 76 billion baht as 'reconcilliation' allowing them new access to capital to control society. Next fake drug war for popularity and to physically intimidate critics. Then slash corporate taxes to reward the mega rich Thais and international backers for their support. Finally loans to keep the chattle in debt bondage to the Thaksin family

[dcutman]

Yingluck announces 44 pages of urgent policies to Parliament

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Tuesday announced two parts of urgent policies of her government to Parliament as part of the inauguration of her government.

She read from 44 pages of policies, which were divided into two pages - the urgent polices that needed to be implemented in one year and long-term policies that needed to be implemented in four years.

She started reading the policies at 9:15 am.

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

-- The Nation 2011-08-23

It is good to see this government has its priorities in order. Top of the list bring brother T home. What a joke!

[Colin Yai]

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

First policy pardon criminals and return their 76 billion baht as 'reconcilliation' allowing them new access to capital to control society. Next fake drug war for popularity and to physically intimidate critics. Then slash corporate taxes to reward the mega rich Thais and international backers for their support. Finally loans to keep the chattle in debt bondage to the Thaksin family

Well DP,I opened this thread expecting a good laugh , the remarks passed by various members did not disappoint me,your hilarious post being no exception!!, after all the PTP is just one big joke , with the "Lord Thaksin" at the ultimate head of affairs ,of course it is taboo to mention his name in the house, just glad no such restrictions exist in Thai Visa ,LOL Edited August 23, 2011 by Colin Yai

[backtonormal]

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

First policy pardon criminals and return their 76 billion baht as 'reconcilliation' allowing them new access to capital to control society. Next fake drug war for popularity and to physically intimidate critics. Then slash corporate taxes to reward the mega rich Thais and international backers for their support. Finally loans to keep the chattle in debt bondage to the Thaksin family

Well DP,I opened this thread expecting a good laugh , the remarks passed by various members did not disappoint me,your hilarious post being no exception!!, after all the PTP is just one big joke , with the "Lord Thaksin" at the ultimate head of affairs ,of course it is taboo to mention his name in the house, just glad no such restrictions exist in Thai Visa ,LOL

If you keep debating Thaksin his sister will get a free ride but he keeps taking the flak and his sister sails thru with no interrogation. It has crossed my mind that all, if not all most, people who voted for PT knew who the real leader was, it was no secret. Every time you slag of Mr. T you are slagging most of the Thai electorate and indicating that they dont know what they are doing by voting PT. if I was Thai maybe I would be insulted by the 'know it all farangs' on thaivisa.

The pro dems on here are living in the glorious feudal past but need to wake up. The nation(not the paper variety) has spoken and they want Thaksin for leader not wet Mark. Thailand is going forward in many ways and the people of this country will never go back in the bottle that kept them without a voice for decades.

Edited August 23, 2011 by backtonormal

[scorecard]

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

First policy pardon criminals and return their 76 billion baht as 'reconcilliation' allowing them new access to capital to control society. Next fake drug war for popularity and to physically intimidate critics. Then slash corporate taxes to reward the mega rich Thais and international backers for their support. Finally loans to keep the chattle in debt bondage to the Thaksin family

Well DP,I opened this thread expecting a good laugh , the remarks passed by various members did not disappoint me,your hilarious post being no exception!!, after all the PTP is just one big joke , with the "Lord Thaksin" at the ultimate head of affairs ,of course it is taboo to mention his name in the house, just glad no such restrictions exist in Thai Visa ,LOL

Quote: "She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor."

And no mention of education reform.

And no mention of big picture policies which would eventually create opportunity whereby a large section of the population can gain a much better quality of life through their own productivity.

In fact of the four items above, the very first item (sic. very first item) is about benefits for politicians. Never mind working for the betterment of all Thais as a first priority.

[hyperdimension]

She read from 44 pages of policies

Let's see if all she can do is read some text (probably none of which she had written herself) and recite some key phrases.

[Crushdepth]

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

First policy pardon criminals and return their 76 billion baht as 'reconcilliation' allowing them new access to capital to control society. Next fake drug war for popularity and to physically intimidate critics. Then slash corporate taxes to reward the mega rich Thais and international backers for their support. Finally loans to keep the chattle in debt bondage to the Thaksin family

Well DP,I opened this thread expecting a good laugh , the remarks passed by various members did not disappoint me,your hilarious post being no exception!!, after all the PTP is just one big joke , with the "Lord Thaksin" at the ultimate head of affairs ,of course it is taboo to mention his name in the house, just glad no such restrictions exist in Thai Visa ,LOL

If you keep debating Thaksin his sister will get a free ride but he taking the flak and his sister sails thru with no interrogation. It has crossed my mind that all, if not all most, people who voted for PT knew who the real leader was, it was no secret. Every time you slag of Mr. T you are slagging most of the Thai electorate and indicating that they dont know what they are doing by voting PT. if I was Thai maybe I would be insulted by the 'know it all farangs on thaivisa

Yeah well why did yesterdays ABAC poll show that voters want Thaksin to keep his nose out of affairs, and they don't want the constitution amended?

[Buchholz]

Red Shirt Crab Photo Link

A red shirt protester dressed as a crab attends a rally in support of Thailand's first female Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra outside the Parliament in Bangkok August 23, 2011.

[hammered]

Red Shirt Crab Photo Link

A red shirt protester dressed as a crab attends a rally in support of Thailand's first female Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra outside the Parliament in Bangkok August 23, 2011.

Good catch.

[hammered]

If you keep debating Thaksin his sister will get a free ride but he taking the flak and his sister sails thru with no interrogation. It has crossed my mind that all, if not all most, people who voted for PT knew who the real leader was, it was no secret. Every time you slag of Mr. T you are slagging most of the Thai electorate and indicating that they dont know what they are doing by voting PT. if I was Thai maybe I would be insulted by the 'know it all farangs on thaivisa

Yeah well why did yesterdays ABAC poll show that voters want Thaksin to keep his nose out of affairs, and they don't want the constitution amended?

It will be interesting to see if that indeed happens when the 1997 or 2007 choice is put to the people in a full referendum

[EyesWideOpen]

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

First policy pardon criminals and return their 76 billion baht as 'reconcilliation' allowing them new access to capital to control society. Next fake drug war for popularity and to physically intimidate critics. Then slash corporate taxes to reward the mega rich Thais and international backers for their support. Finally loans to keep the chattle in debt bondage to the Thaksin family

Spot on !!!

[Siripon]

She said 16 polices needed to be urgently implemented during the first year, including the policies to create political reconciliation, to fight against drug trafficking, to reduce corporate tax rates and to provide soft loans to the poor.

First policy pardon criminals and return their 76 billion baht as 'reconcilliation' allowing them new access to capital to control society. Next fake drug war for popularity and to physically intimidate critics. Then slash corporate taxes to reward the mega rich Thais and international backers for their support. Finally loans to keep the chattle in debt bondage to the Thaksin family

Well DP,I opened this thread expecting a good laugh , the remarks passed by various members did not disappoint me,your hilarious post being no exception!!, after all the PTP is just one big joke , with the "Lord Thaksin" at the ultimate head of affairs ,of course it is taboo to mention his name in the house, just glad no such restrictions exist in Thai Visa ,LOL

If you keep debating Thaksin his sister will get a free ride but he keeps taking the flak and his sister sails thru with no interrogation. It has crossed my mind that all, if not all most, people who voted for PT knew who the real leader was, it was no secret. Every time you slag of Mr. T you are slagging most of the Thai electorate and indicating that they dont know what they are doing by voting PT. if I was Thai maybe I would be insulted by the 'know it all farangs' on thaivisa.

The pro dems on here are living in the glorious feudal past but need to wake up. The nation(not the paper variety) has spoken and they want Thaksin for leader not wet Mark. Thailand is going forward in many ways and the people of this country will never go back in the bottle that kept them without a voice for decades.

I can think of no politician who has deprived more people of a voice than Thaksin.

From censorship of the media to control of his MPs, and ultimately his Cabinet where no one was allowed a view but his own, he is the nearest thing to a dictator that Thailand has ever seen.

[Rimmer]

Off topic post removed

[webfact]

POLICY DEBATE

Yingluck delivers first policy statement

A two-day government policy debate by a joint sitting of Parliament started Tuesday and is considered the first test of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's knowledge and leadership.

The session began at 9am with Prime Minister Yingluck delivering her government's policy statement, the first step to legalising her government's administrative power.

The government's policy statement comprises 35 pages, stressing major topics including His Majesty the King's philosophy of a sufficiency economy, building a sustainable balanced economy and society and fostering national reconciliation.

The Pheu Thai Party's pledge during their political campaign to raise the national minimum wage to Bt300 per day and to ensure college graduates have a minimum starting salary of Bt15,000 per month were also included in the policy statement as ready to implement within its first year in office as the government.

After Yingluck, Democrat leader, ex-PM Abhisit Vejjajiva took the stand. He criticised the government's policy concerning drug suppression, saying the problems could not be wiped out within one year as Yingluck mentioned in her policy.

Abhisit also warned that Yingluck government should not do anything considered as a double standard. He was apparently referring to Yingluck's brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is behind the victory of Pheu Thai in the July election and the appointment of Yingluck to the premiership.

The Yingluck government has been criticised for pushing hard for Thaksin, a convicted fugitive, to return home.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said Monday that the party had readied 50 MPs to defend its policy statement and was confident the premier and ministers could clarify the government policy.

He believed the opposition would debate according to standard parliamentary procedure as the Democrat Party has been in opposition in the past and knew how to maintain the good tradition of debate and high standard of the party.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said 36 MPs would be responsible for debating and scrutinising the government's policy.

He said the Democrat debate would divided into three groups - economic, social, and political and security policies. Sixteen MPs led by former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij will dedicate 200 minutes to economic policy; 10 MPs led by former education minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat will take 80 minutes on social policy and 10 MPs led by former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban will use 120 minutes to debate political and security-related policy.

Former PM's office minister Ongart Klampaiboon challenged Yingluck to clarify her party's position and answer the questions on government policies herself to prove her leadership.

Ongart added that the premier had said her party has working groups on policy and that she had selected her cabinet by herself, so she should answer the questions herself to show that she was really involved in policy drafting.

He also urged Yingluck not to avoid responding to questions from the media as it was considered undignified.

-- The Nation 2011-08-23

[Buchholz]

Former PM's office minister Ongart Klampaiboon challenged Yingluck to clarify her party's position and answer the questions on government policies herself to prove her leadership.

Ongart added that the premier had said her party has working groups on policy and that she had selected her cabinet by herself, so she should answer the questions herself to show that she was really involved in policy drafting.

While initially saying she wouldn't participate, she's since back-tracked and Ongart might get his wish...

However, the Prime Minister said she would only observe the event and let her ministers answer all of the questions raised by the Opposition Party.

48 hours later: Warning... U-Turn Ahead...

Yingluck stated that she is ready to elucidate government policies to the public as well as ready to answer and explain queries of the opposition

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255408230005

[Soutpeel]

"She read from 44 pages of policies, which were divided into two pages"

"The government's policy statement comprises 35 pages"

So what is it 44 pages, 35 pages or two pages.... come on make your mind up.....cant even report the correct numbers of page, so what else is being reported incorrectly..

per the statement

"The Pheu Thai Party's pledge during their political campaign to raise the national minimum wage to Bt300 per day and to ensure college graduates have a minimum starting salary of Bt15,000 per month were also included in the policy statement as ready to implement within its first year in office as the government"

Is this across the board for everybody or is it limited to goverment department employees only as previously reported ?

"He also urged Yingluck not to avoid responding to questions from the media as it was considered undignified" ......

Why so ?......because she cant answer the questions ?....

Edited August 23, 2011 by Soutpeel

[hammered]

POLICY DEBATE

Yingluck delivers first policy statement

A two-day government policy debate by a joint sitting of Parliament started Tuesday and is considered the first test of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's knowledge and leadership.

The session began at 9am with Prime Minister Yingluck delivering her government's policy statement, the first step to legalising her government's administrative power.

The government's policy statement comprises 35 pages, stressing major topics including His Majesty the King's philosophy of a sufficiency economy, building a sustainable balanced economy and society and fostering national reconciliation.

The Pheu Thai Party's pledge during their political campaign to raise the national minimum wage to Bt300 per day and to ensure college graduates have a minimum starting salary of Bt15,000 per month were also included in the policy statement as ready to implement within its first year in office as the government.

After Yingluck, Democrat leader, ex-PM Abhisit Vejjajiva took the stand. He criticised the government's policy concerning drug suppression, saying the problems could not be wiped out within one year as Yingluck mentioned in her policy.

Abhisit also warned that Yingluck government should not do anything considered as a double standard. He was apparently referring to Yingluck's brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is behind the victory of Pheu Thai in the July election and the appointment of Yingluck to the premiership.

The Yingluck government has been criticised for pushing hard for Thaksin, a convicted fugitive, to return home.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said Monday that the party had readied 50 MPs to defend its policy statement and was confident the premier and ministers could clarify the government policy.

He believed the opposition would debate according to standard parliamentary procedure as the Democrat Party has been in opposition in the past and knew how to maintain the good tradition of debate and high standard of the party.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said 36 MPs would be responsible for debating and scrutinising the government's policy.

He said the Democrat debate would divided into three groups - economic, social, and political and security policies. Sixteen MPs led by former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij will dedicate 200 minutes to economic policy; 10 MPs led by former education minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat will take 80 minutes on social policy and 10 MPs led by former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban will use 120 minutes to debate political and security-related policy.

Former PM's office minister Ongart Klampaiboon challenged Yingluck to clarify her party's position and answer the questions on government policies herself to prove her leadership.

Ongart added that the premier had said her party has working groups on policy and that she had selected her cabinet by herself, so she should answer the questions herself to show that she was really involved in policy drafting.

He also urged Yingluck not to avoid responding to questions from the media as it was considered undignified.

-- The Nation 2011-08-23

It looks like BJT arent part of the opposition looking at their speakers. Sit quietly in the corner and hope Maam wil invite them in for a piece of cake?

[Jingthing]

She can read! Wow, we are so relieved.

[webfact]

Thai PM unveils policy agenda amid Thaksin row

BANGKOK, August 23, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's new premier outlined her government's policy agenda Tuesday in a speech to parliament overshadowed by a row over her fugitive brother's activities.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the sister of ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, pledged to boost the economy and strive for reconciliation after years of political unrest following her brother's overthrow.

She also vowed to tackle the problems of drugs and human trafficking in her address to lawmakers, but gave few specific details of her policy plans.

Her rapid rise to power marks a comeback for Thaksin, who led Thailand between 2001 and 2006 before being deposed in a coup. The former tycoon now lives in Dubai to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption.

Thaksin, who also faces terrorism charges in Thailand, is this week visiting Japan, where he addressed international media on Tuesday and was due to visit areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The trip, seen as an attempt by the fugitive to return to the world stage and regain international legitimacy, has been criticised by the Thai opposition, which says the government illegally helped him obtain a visa.

Yingluck, a political novice described by her brother as his "clone", was also accused in parliament on Tuesday of failing to give sufficient details of campaign pledges such as an increased minimum wage.

"The government has changed its policies from those in the election campaign," said former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva, the opposition leader.

Thailand has seen frequent political unrest since the 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin. His "Red Shirt" supporters staged mass protests last year that prompted a military crackdown in which more than 90 people died.

Thaksin said Tuesday he had no immediate plan to return to Thailand and would not meddle in his sister's government.

Speaking to journalists in Tokyo, the one-time billionaire telecom tycoon said that as "for my plan of going back to Thailand, I have no plan".

"Whenever reconciliation happens, then that might be. But if reconciliation is not there, I don't want to fuel any more conflict. I just want to be part of the solution, not part of the problems."

Thaksin is still loved by many poor and rural Thais for the populist policies he launched in office, but is seen by the Bangkok-based elite as authoritarian and a threat to the country's revered monarchy.

He has dismissed the accusations against him as politically motivated.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-08-23

[drdoom6996]

He's running the country but don't talk about it. Amazing Thailand.

[whybother]

It looks like BJT arent part of the opposition looking at their speakers. Sit quietly in the corner and hope Maam wil invite them in for a piece of cake?

Latest news is that they may not be part of anything ... check out the daily news thread.