Thailand Live Tuesday 17 Jan 2012

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RT@terryfrd: If Energy Minister Pichai Naripthapan leaves cabinet as expected, wonder if it has to do w. him constantly sneaking into photos w. YL.

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PM insists cabinet reshuffle is for suitability

BANGKOK, Jan 17 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Tuesday that the cabinet reshuffle now pending royal endorsement is based on her team’s suitability in continuing the government’s work following its first six months in office.

She brushed aside suggestions that the move was the result of some ministers' poor performance.

"It is proper timing after the government has been working for almost six months," she said.

Ms Yingluck however declined to comment whether or not the change would be acceptable to the public, saying people should wait for the official announcement of the line-up.

The portfolio quotas for coalition parties remain unchanged, she said.

Government Spokesperson Thitima Chaisang earlier confirmed that the prime minister submitted the new cabinet line-up for royal endorsement on Monday, involving reshuffling of a dozen positions.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democrat Party said he could not comment in detail since the new cabinet is yet to be officially announced.

He however said the premier should make clear to the public the reasons behind the change of more than ten cabinet positions in less than half a year.

"I don't want the reshuffle turn out to be politically rewarding the government's key political supporters," the former prime minister said, adding that the change may affect the continuity of policy implementation of major ministries.

Mr Abhisit also commented he will be concerned if Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong is shifted to take the helm at the finance ministry given his ideas on budget allocations as well as the current rice mortgage scheme which he described as being problematic.

The cabinet reshuffle should be done for the benefit of policy implementation and the public, he suggested.

Regarding media reports about one Red Shirt leader, Nattawut Saikua, to be brought in as a deputy agriculture minister, Mr Abhisit said the prime minister has to justify how the change would affect the government’s performance.

Mr Nuttawut is one of the Red Shirt leaders charged with terrorism through his role in encouraging violence during the April-May 2010 protests.

The Red Shirts are the main political movement supporting ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, brother of prime minister Yingluck. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-01-17

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Admin Court dismisses Democrat's request for injunction in Cabinet's decision to award compensation for political rally victims/TAN_Network

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RUBBER

Cabinet to consider loans to rubber industry

Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said today that on Jan 24 he would ask for the Cabinet's endorsement for the Bt15 billion scheme to shore up rubber prices.

Saying after chairing the National Rubber Policy Committee, Kittiratt said that of total, Bt5 billion would be set aside for rubber purchases while the rest is for rubber processing.

He said that such scheme should boost the smoked rubber prices, which should be at least Bt120 per kg.

Aside, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives would be asked to lend Bt2 billion in a rubber price guarantee scheme. He urged rubber farmers not to rush selling rubber now, as demand should increase particularly when Thailand sets to manufacture upto 2 million vehicles this year.

"Too bad this was not discussed with farmers before they staged a demonstration," he said.

Rubber growers earlier this month demonstrated, calling the government’s help.

-- The Nation 2012-01-17

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Royal Household Bureau reports HM the King's stomach pain has subsided and appetite is back to normar/TAN_Network

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CONFIDENCE

PM assures investors of proper water management initiatives

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra assured foreign investors of the government's commitment to turn crisis into opportunity, as the US$11 billion investment set aside for water management should increase Thailand's strengths in several front.

In her speech to participants to the BOI Fair’s CEO Forum today at the Government House, she admitted that the flooding was a disastrous incident.

Of about 400 participants to the forum, 70 per cent are foreigners.

"Looking forward, this government is determined to turn this crisis into an opportunity to ensure that our economy is better protected from disasters and also more productive," she said.

In doing so, a new approach on water management is devised with focus in five areas.

First, flood walls, barriers and dams will be built and reinforced. Infrastructure will be made more flood-resistant and industrial estates will be better protected. Foreign and local companies can rest assured. Your investments shall be protected.

Second, floodways and flood diversion channels need to be created for water to flow in and out in an orderly manner. Drainage systems must be improved to prevent water build-up. Flood retention areas will be developed to help manage water outflow and protect important economic areas.

Third, for effective early warning systems, there is a requirement for information database and organisation should be developed to improve early warning for floods and other disasters. At the same time, local contingency planning must be developed to limit risks to communities.

Fourth, a single command authority on water management will be in place during times of crisis. This will allow for effective planning and timely response. In addition, this will also allow the government to provide sufficient assistance to those affected.

Fifth, Thailand will pursue reforestation and better manage our eco-systems on recognition that climate change and environmental protection deserve greater attention, nationally and regionally.

She also assured all that Thailand should post economic growth of 4.5-5.5 per cent this year, as the government is committed to promote domestic demand through investment and government spending. Corporate income taxes will be cut, while labour skills would be improved as Thailand is preparing itself for the ASEAN Community in 2015.

She also promised greater political stability through reconciliation.

"Finally, I would like to reaffirm my government's commitment in working with all of you so that everyone will benefit from Thailand's ever growing opportunities," she concluded.

The full speech will be published in The Nation’s Thursday publication.

-- The Nation 2012-01-17

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Thailand Live Wednesday 18 Jan 2012

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