Chalerm - The Power Behind The Scenes

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Chalerm -- the power behind the scenes

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

Since this government took power four months ago, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung seems to be emerging as the most outstanding member of the Cabinet.

Since August 23, when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declared her administration's policies before Parliament, Chalerm has been acting as a trainer/adviser/political bodyguard for the novice politician, who spent barely two months under the spotlight before her Pheu Thai Party won the July election.

Chalerm, believed to have been chosen by Pheu Thai's "big boss" - fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra - to do the job, appears to be performing his duty satisfactorily.

The veteran politician has been defending Thaksin's little sister in Parliament, responding to opposition queries on government affairs and countering political attacks from opposition old hands. As a result, Yingluck has rarely been involved in parliamentary debates, either as an MP or as chief of the administrative branch.

Apart from this, Chalerm has also has been active in administrative work. As deputy premier in charge of police affairs, he was credited with appointing Pol General Priewpan Damapong - Thaksin's close friend and former brother-in-law - as National Police chief.

Also recently, Chalerm chaired a Cabinet meeting behind closed doors on November 15 to reportedly pave the way for Thaksin to get royal amnesty. Yingluck, who was suspiciously absent from that controversial meeting, later denied she had skipped it intentionally.

Despite opposition from several elements, Chalerm has, until recently, been very insistent about seeking amnesty for Thaksin, even though a new law on the matter might benefit other individuals and groups involved in the political conflict.

The prime minister appears to listen to Chalerm, and is often seen seeking his comments and views. Also, most of the time, she agrees to his suggestions.

This could be because she trusts Chalerm completely because he is a veteran politician and has legal knowledge. Having completed a doctorate in law, the deputy PM oversees a team of legal advisers from the Council of State - the government's legal advisory agency - and the Office of the Attorney-General, and can answer any legal questions related to the government's work.

Chalerm made several comments related to important legal issues at recent Cabinet meetings. During the flood crisis, he said the government should not declare too many public holidays or impose an emergency decree as suggested by the opposition. He argued that doing so would only cause panic. As for border talks with Cambodia, Chalerm said the General Border Committee talks could go ahead without having to seek approval from the Cabinet or Parliament. His argument was that bilateral ties had improved tremendously under this government and therefore talks would be smoother.

"Chalerm has something to say about almost every issue. At some Cabinet meetings, he speaks more than the prime minister," a fellow Cabinet member said.

The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, said Chalerm's remarks opposing fellow Cabinet members' views often caused dissatisfaction. "Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa [from the Chart Thai Pattana Party] has become Chalerm's sparring partner because of this," the source said.

On Tuesday, when the prime minister called in sick due to food poisoning, Chalerm again took over the weekly Cabinet meeting - albeit not the entire session.

First Deputy PM Yongyuth Wichaidit was given the job of chairing the meeting by the premier. However, Chalerm, the third deputy premier, ended up taking over after Yongyuth had to answer the call of nature. Yongyuth defended Chalerm taking over by saying the veteran politician was qualified to lead Cabinet meetings, the source said.

"Even though second Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong was present, Yongyuth still gave the job to the third deputy," the Cabinet member said.

Since he is aggressive and outspoken, Chalerm rarely gets challenged at Cabinet meetings. Quite often, his remarks sound like he is giving out orders. Once, he even told Yongyuth - the first deputy PM - what he should do in his capacity as interior minister.

"It is funny to see the third deputy PM issuing orders to the first deputy. But Chalerm appears to love telling others what to do and being listened to," a bureaucrat, who has been attending Cabinet meeting for a long time, said.

It looks like Chalerm is playing a role that is even more important than that of the first deputy PM - it's almost as if he's the real prime minister behind the scenes.

-- The Nation 2011-12-01

[lannarebirth]

It's really unfortunate that journalists have to write in this style rather than say directly what they mean. Though not to hard to follow in this case.

[EyesWideOpen]

If Chalerm is running the country on a de facto basis, Thailand is doomed....

[AleG]

If Chalerm is running the country on a de facto basis, Thailand is doomed....

What do you mean "if"?

The man is the acting PM, Yingluck is mere window dressing, the way this would play out was obvious since the election time. Do you think the old dinosaurs at PTP would take orders from Yingluck?

I would think, hope at least, that Chalerm is unelectable as PM, even in Thailand; what Thaksin needed, beside someone with his family name, was an agreeable face to put in the campaign posters.

[Orac]

Maybe some short memories here - it wasn't that many weeks ago that people were asking where he was during the flooding.

[hammered]

How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent. I can remember how Abhisit kept having to change his mind whenever Newin or Gen. Anupong disagreed with what he had said. However, both cases are pretty much irrelvent, and it may just be a load of old nonsense too. As someone else noted a few weeks ago the press were demanding Chalerm to appear. It seems his remit though is more to do with overall legal and political issues especially potentially sensitive ones rather than specific actionable ministerial ones. Yongyuth is different and his connections to the bureaucracy and senior Thai figures is ore likely his role and that is a behind the scenes role and Kittirat is one of the economic heavyweights, which isnt as sexy as all things sensitive

[lannarebirth]

How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent. I can remember how Abhisit kept having to change his mind whenever Newin or Gen. Anupong disagreed with what he had said. However, both cases are pretty much irrelvent, and it may just be a load of old nonsense too. As someone else noted a few weeks ago the press were demanding Chalerm to appear. It seems his remit though is more to do with overall legal and political issues especially potentially sensitive ones rather than specific actionable ministerial ones. Yongyuth is different and his connections to the bureaucracy and senior Thai figures is ore likely his role and that is a behind the scenes role and Kittirat is one of the economic heavyweights, which isnt as sexy as all things sensitive

There aren't any economic heavyweights in this administration, unless by that you mean "bagmen". Unless of course you're talking about the new deputy finance minister who is "an old Shiniwatra family friend", with a similar Kentucky background, who has been charged with changing how all government revenues are accounted for.

[AleG]

How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent. I can remember how Abhisit kept having to change his mind whenever Newin or Gen. Anupong disagreed with what he had said. However, both cases are pretty much irrelvent, and it may just be a load of old nonsense too. As someone else noted a few weeks ago the press were demanding Chalerm to appear. It seems his remit though is more to do with overall legal and political issues especially potentially sensitive ones rather than specific actionable ministerial ones. Yongyuth is different and his connections to the bureaucracy and senior Thai figures is ore likely his role and that is a behind the scenes role and Kittirat is one of the economic heavyweights, which isnt as sexy as all things sensitive

"How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent."

The mind boggles.

So this democracy thing were people actually vote for the individuals they want to have in power is just a glib notion, after all if "How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent" then who cares who actually gets handed the reins of power after the election is over.

Vote for X, then we sneak in Y or Z. It's the wink-wink, nudge-nudge school of democracy.

[gregb]

How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent. I can remember how Abhisit kept having to change his mind whenever Newin or Gen. Anupong disagreed with what he had said. However, both cases are pretty much irrelvent, and it may just be a load of old nonsense too. As someone else noted a few weeks ago the press were demanding Chalerm to appear. It seems his remit though is more to do with overall legal and political issues especially potentially sensitive ones rather than specific actionable ministerial ones. Yongyuth is different and his connections to the bureaucracy and senior Thai figures is ore likely his role and that is a behind the scenes role and Kittirat is one of the economic heavyweights, which isnt as sexy as all things sensitive

"How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent."

The mind boggles.

So this democracy thing were people actually vote for the individuals they want to have in power is just a glib notion, after all if "How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent" then who cares who actually gets handed the reins of power after the election is over.

Vote for X, then we sneak in Y or Z. It's the wink-wink, nudge-nudge school of democracy.

You don't actually get to vote for the PM in Thailand, so there really is nothing shady here. The coalition is allowed to put whoever they want into power. Just as they are under no legal obligation to honor their campaign promises, they are under no legal obligation to honor their proposed candidate for PM. Nobody with any sense believed Yingluck was going to be anything more than a figurehead anyway. That doesn't mean that many people who voted PT have any sense though. They seem to be quite gullible.

I don't like Chalerm at all, but I recognize the legality of him becoming PM if that is what PT decides they want. As long as he doesn't try to bring back Thaksin, there is little he can do which will threaten the nation long term. Chalerm is just a typical, thuggish, old style Thai politician. He is no real concern. Thaksin is the truly dangerous individual. Keep your eye on what is important. Bullets only fly when Thaksin threatens the country.

[AleG]

How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent. I can remember how Abhisit kept having to change his mind whenever Newin or Gen. Anupong disagreed with what he had said. However, both cases are pretty much irrelvent, and it may just be a load of old nonsense too. As someone else noted a few weeks ago the press were demanding Chalerm to appear. It seems his remit though is more to do with overall legal and political issues especially potentially sensitive ones rather than specific actionable ministerial ones. Yongyuth is different and his connections to the bureaucracy and senior Thai figures is ore likely his role and that is a behind the scenes role and Kittirat is one of the economic heavyweights, which isnt as sexy as all things sensitive

"How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent."

The mind boggles.

So this democracy thing were people actually vote for the individuals they want to have in power is just a glib notion, after all if "How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent" then who cares who actually gets handed the reins of power after the election is over.

Vote for X, then we sneak in Y or Z. It's the wink-wink, nudge-nudge school of democracy.

You don't actually get to vote for the PM in Thailand, so there really is nothing shady here. The coalition is allowed to put whoever they want into power. Just as they are under no legal obligation to honor their campaign promises, they are under no legal obligation to honor their proposed candidate for PM. Nobody with any sense believed Yingluck was going to be anything more than a figurehead anyway. That doesn't mean that many people who voted PT have any sense though. They seem to be quite gullible.

I don't like Chalerm at all, but I recognize the legality of him becoming PM if that is what PT decides they want. As long as he doesn't try to bring back Thaksin, there is little he can do which will threaten the nation long term. Chalerm is just a typical, thuggish, old style Thai politician. He is no real concern. Thaksin is the truly dangerous individual. Keep your eye on what is important. Bullets only fly when Thaksin threatens the country.

Agreed on all points, but what would had been the election results if Chalerm would had been thrusting his index up in all those campaign posters and on the stages?

Yingluck was a rouse, nothing else. PTP lied to the voters, unfortunately they believed them and now slowly but surely they'll get screwed by their lack of critical thinking.

I forgot to add, the legality of Chalerm being voted PM is unquestionable, but he hasn't been voted PM by the PTP MPs, they seem to prefer to keep some plausible deniability on the workings of their government; for example Yingluck not being able to attend the secret meeting about Thaksin's pardon. Yingluck, as the face of the PTP government can keep a chaste face while Chalerm does the dirty work out of the spotlight.

Edited December 1, 2011 by AleG

[hammered]

How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent. I can remember how Abhisit kept having to change his mind whenever Newin or Gen. Anupong disagreed with what he had said. However, both cases are pretty much irrelvent, and it may just be a load of old nonsense too. As someone else noted a few weeks ago the press were demanding Chalerm to appear. It seems his remit though is more to do with overall legal and political issues especially potentially sensitive ones rather than specific actionable ministerial ones. Yongyuth is different and his connections to the bureaucracy and senior Thai figures is ore likely his role and that is a behind the scenes role and Kittirat is one of the economic heavyweights, which isnt as sexy as all things sensitive

"How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent."

The mind boggles.

So this democracy thing were people actually vote for the individuals they want to have in power is just a glib notion, after all if "How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent" then who cares who actually gets handed the reins of power after the election is over.

Vote for X, then we sneak in Y or Z. It's the wink-wink, nudge-nudge school of democracy.

The government and parliament (legislature) are two seperate things. Once parliament choses the PM that person can organise any way they want as long as it is legal etc. The only minister that needs to be an MP is also the PM. Chalerm is the bruiser pretty much only on poltical, sensitive and legal issues and stays out of the economic, disaster, dealing with the bureaucracy, financial, health, etc fields. The article is a bit misleading as the stuff Chalerm fronts on is the stuff that makes headlines while boring education, health and financial decisions dont. All ministers decisons have to go through PM iirc.

Chalerm to Yingluck is a bit like Suthep to Abhisit. Nasty bruiser brawler type to protect the more urbane one in the heated sensitive issues.

[h90]

If Chalerm is running the country on a de facto basis, Thailand is doomed....

What do you mean "if"?

The man is the acting PM, Yingluck is mere window dressing, the way this would play out was obvious since the election time. Do you think the old dinosaurs at PTP would take orders from Yingluck?

I would think, hope at least, that Chalerm is unelectable as PM, even in Thailand; what Thaksin needed, beside someone with his family name, was an agreeable face to put in the campaign posters.

Why should Chalerm unelectable?

It may need to top up 200 Baht to buy the votes for him.

More the fact is that Thaksin is not using more family members after Samak had some own ideas.

[hammered]

If Chalerm is running the country on a de facto basis, Thailand is doomed....

What do you mean "if"?

The man is the acting PM, Yingluck is mere window dressing, the way this would play out was obvious since the election time. Do you think the old dinosaurs at PTP would take orders from Yingluck?

I would think, hope at least, that Chalerm is unelectable as PM, even in Thailand; what Thaksin needed, beside someone with his family name, was an agreeable face to put in the campaign posters.

Why should Chalerm unelectable?

It may need to top up 200 Baht to buy the votes for him.

More the fact is that Thaksin is not using more family members after Samak had some own ideas.

The last comment is spot on and also raises the question of how or will his opponents try to remove Yingluck for this reason. Is there another family member in the parliament as the PM must be an MP?

Looking back on it Im not so sure Samak had ideas as much as was pretty sick and probably not really doing anything.

[MaiChai]

Maybe some short memories here - it wasn't that many weeks ago that people were asking where he was during the flooding.

He probably doesn't care about the flooding and people affected. He is just a hard nosed business man? These people are rich pooyais not interested in poor peoples problems. Only interested in increasing their wealth and power. If I were Taksin I would be very wary of Charlem; he is the kind of guy who will cross you. If Taksin ever gets back you can be sure Taksin will sideline him as he is a threat.

As for Yingluck, why was someone with no experience and ability put in such an important position? Guess she is easier to control because she is a family member and used to doing what she is told to do. Also prevents Charlem from being in full control.

Edited December 1, 2011 by MaiChai

[maidu]

If you had rats and mice in your house (Reds and Yellows), you might consider getting a viper (Chalerm) in to eradicate the problems. Then don't be surprised if you get bitten. If a person can judge Ms Yingluck and her brother by the people they pick to be closest, then they score a solid E minus.

Edited December 1, 2011 by maidu

[Buchholz]

As for Yingluck, why was someone with no experience and ability put in such an important position?

That's precisely why she was put in such an important position.... because she has no experience and ability.

which it what you surmised with your next sentence.

You were right.

.

[SICHONSTEVE]

How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent. I can remember how Abhisit kept having to change his mind whenever Newin or Gen. Anupong disagreed with what he had said. However, both cases are pretty much irrelvent, and it may just be a load of old nonsense too. As someone else noted a few weeks ago the press were demanding Chalerm to appear. It seems his remit though is more to do with overall legal and political issues especially potentially sensitive ones rather than specific actionable ministerial ones. Yongyuth is different and his connections to the bureaucracy and senior Thai figures is ore likely his role and that is a behind the scenes role and Kittirat is one of the economic heavyweights, which isnt as sexy as all things sensitive

There aren't any economic heavyweights in this administration, unless by that you mean "bagmen". Unless of course you're talking about the new deputy finance minister who is "an old Shiniwatra family friend", with a similar Kentucky background, who has been charged with changing how all government revenues are accounted for.

The deputy finance minister is a real bright spark!!! The first words he uttered (that I saw reported anyway) were memorable for all the wrong reasons. Just listen to this classic statement and try to see where it falls down.

"The 300 baht minimum wage will NOT have much affect on the government's budget finances as it's a one-off award"!!!!! Ha Ha Ha !!!!.... what a first class dumbo!!!!

With experts like him working on the government finances it doesn't auger well!!!:jap:.

[steffi]

What do you mean "if"

You think Chalerm could have won a national election for the office of the PM himself?

No of course not so this is how Thaksin gets control.

This is similar to Bush vs Cheney and how Cheney pretty much was running the show behind the scenes.

If Chalerm is running the country on a de facto basis, Thailand is doomed....

[Oberkommando]

I don't understand why people think Chalerm would not be elected in his own right.

He's the model Thai politician; corrupt (allegedly), a bully and a thug. He's got all it takes to make it and to be popular.

[maidu]

I don't understand why people think Chalerm would not be elected in his own right.

He's the model Thai politician; corrupt (allegedly), a bully and a thug. He's got all it takes to make it and to be popular.

I agree. Plus he's got 3 sons who act like thugs. Perhaps that impresses Thais, by how tough they are (even though daddy always bails them out of trouble, and one son literally got away with murder, thanks to pop).

[TAWP]

Maybe some short memories here - it wasn't that many weeks ago that people were asking where he was during the flooding.

Well, no, we where asking what he was doing in regards to the flooding. Most people suspected he was doing other work behind the scene...as we can see with the amnesty-garbage.

One day he might do a full 8h day for the nation too.

[Trembly]

Indulging in some personal sensationalism can be entertaining but "Chalerm the real PM!" is stretching it a bit.

"Doolae nong noi na!" - - - Chalerm is the chief bother boy. When the PM's sister ... oops I mean the PM needs to have a moment to remove the dust from her eyes its Chalerm's job to stand up and say "what the fuc_k are you looking at?!". When she hasn't got an answer, he has. Simples.

In return he gets to play broker in the customary day to day horse-trading.

Edited December 2, 2011 by Trembly

[Trembly]

How the government organises itself is actually irrelevent. I can remember how Abhisit kept having to change his mind whenever Newin or Gen. Anupong disagreed with what he had said. However, both cases are pretty much irrelvent, and it may just be a load of old nonsense too. As someone else noted a few weeks ago the press were demanding Chalerm to appear. It seems his remit though is more to do with overall legal and political issues especially potentially sensitive ones rather than specific actionable ministerial ones. Yongyuth is different and his connections to the bureaucracy and senior Thai figures is ore likely his role and that is a behind the scenes role and Kittirat is one of the economic heavyweights, which isnt as sexy as all things sensitive

There aren't any economic heavyweights in this administration, unless by that you mean "bagmen". Unless of course you're talking about the new deputy finance minister who is "an old Shiniwatra family friend", with a similar Kentucky background, who has been charged with changing how all government revenues are accounted for.

My bold : You could say that Chalerm has been charged with making sure all government revenues are (properly) accounted for while the cat's away.

Edited December 3, 2011 by metisdead
Do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes, added emoticons, or altered wording.

[MrJohnson]

If you had rats and mice in your house (Reds and Yellows), you might consider getting a viper (Chalerm) in to eradicate the problems. Then don't be surprised if you get bitten. If a person can judge Ms Yingluck and her brother by the people they pick to be closest, then they score a solid E minus.

Interesting metaphor - does that make Thaksin the snake handler?

[bigbamboo]

Good to see Khun Chalerm has found his voice again after losing it for so long in the floods. And if he is effectively the new number one as claimed in the article will we soon see Mr Happy Toilet as Thailand's next number two?

[maidu]

If you had rats and mice in your house (Reds and Yellows), you might consider getting a viper (Chalerm) in to eradicate the problems. Then don't be surprised if you get bitten. If a person can judge Ms Yingluck and her brother by the people they pick to be closest, then they score a solid E minus.

Interesting metaphor - does that make Thaksin the snake handler?

......T is the hole the viper crawled out of.

[maidu]

Fersure Chalerm could be next PM, ......whether appointed by grand puppetmaster T or not.

The big shot Bangkokian who hired a bunch of thugs, gave them baseball bats (or the Thai equiv) and had them level a large block of downtown Bkk while forcefully evicting vendors - he then got elected to parialment. Thais are amazing in the types of characters they choose for leaders.

If I wanted to be a top Thai politician, I'd have to be Thai and a U graduate. Beyond that, I'd have to be rich, be chummy with Thaksin, be corrupt, be greedy, and show I'm a tough guy by some publicity stunt (like destroying Bkk property or shielding my delinquent sons from the law) - oh, and I'd have to be willing to pay voters to vote for me.

[metisdead]

Just a reminder that posts using derogatory nicknames or intentional misspelling of people’s names will be deleted. If you don’t want your post to be deleted, spell people’s names correctly.