Drastic Overhauling For Thai Cabinet

[webfact]

CABINET RESHUFFLE

Drastic overhauling for Cabinet

THE NATION

Kittiratt set to take over from Thirachai as finance minister; pundits see Thaksin hand in changes; Natthawut 'rewarded'

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's first Cabinet reshuffle seems to have everything - changes to key posts, musical chair situations for lesser positions, apparent "awards" to some newcomers and suspicious arrivals that stirred whispers of "family business". The overhaul was typical of her big brother's political style, although some sources claim her "input" this time was bigger than most people think.

Government sources said the Cabinet reshuffle this time served two primary purposes. The changes at the Finance, Energy and Transport ministries were meant to solve work conflicts or improve performances. The other changes, it is said, were intended as a rotation to keep everyone equally happy.

Yingluck yesterday admitted that she had submitted the Cabinet reshuffle list for royal endorsement. A royal command approving the list could be handed down any time, senior government officials say.

According to a tentative list circulated among the media, Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha, a staunch ally of Thaksin, is tipped to become deputy prime minister overseeing security affairs. Yuthasak's successor is likely to be Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanathat, also a close ally of Thaksin. Motives for the purported changes were unclear. Sukumpol was having conflict at work, whereas Yuthasak was seen as getting too close to the military leaders for Thaksin's comfort.

Pheu Thai secretary-general Charupong Ruangsuwan will reportedly take the Transport Minister's seat.

Deputy Prime Minister Police General Kowit Wattana is out of the Cabinet.

The economic circles will have to come to terms with the imminent departure of Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala, whose apparent stance for fiscal and financial discipline was making the "broke" Yingluck government uncomfortable. Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong is tipped to serve concurrently as finance minister and relinquish his commerce portfolio to Deputy Finance Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, an ally of Thaksin's sister Yaowapa. Kittirat's job as finance minister would be to find money to support the government's post-flood rehabilitation mega-projects and other ambitious spendings. His fiscal and financial viewpoints were believed to better suit the government's situation than Thirachai's.

Kittiratt had worked closely with Virabongsa Ramangkura, chairman of the strategic committee for reconstruction and future development. He totally supported Virabongsa's move to make use of the country's international reserves to pay off the Bt1.14-trillion debt of the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF), despite strong opposition from Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala and the central bank.

The two sides finally reached a compromise when Kittiratt agreed to delete a controversial clause from the emergency decree. The showdown, however, was seen as Thirachai's swan song.

Kittiratt's first challenge will be to convince the economic and business circles of his ability to work on the fiscal front and be independent. As someone who will have to be seen as more politically autonomous than any other Cabinet member, his close ties with Yingluck and Thaksin may become a shadow that he has to shake off.

Kittiratt welcomed the reported reshuffle, insisting that it would benefit the country and increase the work efficiency of the government.

"I am confident about the premier's decision. There will be some new ministers, while some ministers will have to take more serious jobs," he said.

Pheu Thai MP Suchart Tadathamrongvej, who lately tightened his relationship with the red shirts through visits to red-shirt villages, will likely replace Education Minister Woravat Auapinyakul who is tipped to move to the PM's Office. If the reported changes materialise, Suchart will be the 10th education minister in a pro-Thaksin government, a phenomenon that always raised questions about how the ruling camp perceives the all-important issue of education.

Also reportedly on the way out are Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and Deputy Education Minister Surapong Ueng-ampornvilai.

In what will be another intriguing change, Pheu Thai MP and red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua is tipped as a newcomer for the position of deputy agriculture minister. Supporters say he has the expertise to deal with land problems, but critics would view his Cabinet appointment as paying off a debt of gratitude.

If reports are confirmed, Natthawut will lead a parade of Thaksin's business and political allies into the Yingluck 2 Cabinet. Nivatthamrong Boonsong-paisal and Thai Trade Representative Nalinee Thavisin, are poised to be allocated portfolios in the PM's Office. Spotlight, however, will be on former ThaiCom executive Arak Chonlatanon, who has long served in Thaksin's business empire and will reportedly replace Pichai Naripthaphan as energy minister.

Chart Pattana Party will allow the departure of Industry Minister Wannarat Charnnukul due to his illness. Former Thammasat University College of Innovation dean Pongsvas Svasti will be his successor.

Chulalongkorn University lecturer Chatchart Sithipan is tipped to become deputy transport minister.

Despite news reports about Yingluck's "frustration" stemming from inefficiency seen during last year's flood crisis, Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, Justice Minister Police General Pracha Promnok and Science Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi remain in their posts. Surapong Towichukchaikul, whose known "achievements" only involved Thaksin's visas and passport, remains in his post.

A Thai-language newspaper analysis said yesterday that this reshuffle was largely Yingluck's call. There were reports that she was extremely frustrated with what happened during the flood disaster.

However, other analysts argue that if the list leaked to the media is confirmed, Thaksin's signature can also be seen all over it. Moreover, despite claims about Yingluck being upset about the performance of some ministers, the reshuffle does not seem to tackle the issue of efficiency. Positives were apparently few, with reported changes at the Prime Minister's Office cited among them.

Critics immediately point out that the reported reshuffle follows the same old pattern of Shinawatra big guns sending their trusted allies to a game of musical chairs. "This time it even looks more obvious than the first Cabinet," one source said.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Yingluck must explain to the public why she's making such a sweeping change to the Cabinet after only about five months. However, drastic Cabinet changes are typical of Thaksin, who many believe has a big say in this reshuffle. His supporters defend the policy as a way to whip "slackers" in the Cabinet into action, but others see vested interests as a big motive, in which case Arak's arrival at the Energy Ministry will be closely watched.

Yingluck, responding to criticism, said she saw the "only five months" remark differently. "Five months is a long time and after such a long period, changes are appropriate," she said.

-- The Nation 2012-01-18

[OzMick]

" Spotlight, however, will be on former ThaiCom executive Arak Chonlatanon, who has long served in Thaksin's business empire and will reportedly replace Pichai Naripthaphan as energy minister."

Oil deal with Myanmar coming up?

[webfact]

Cabinet reshuffle 'an attempt to please loyalists'

THE NATION

Critics and an outgoing Cabinet member claimed yesterday the government's first Cabinet reshuffle was an attempt to please and reward figures in the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its red-shirt allies - but Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the shake-up was a matter of "suitability".

Yingluck said she wanted to make changes in her Cabinet line-up after six months in office in order to "put things in place and for the sake of suitability".

She added it would also fill the vacant seat of industry minister as the current holder, Wannarat Charnnukul, was resigning due to health reasons.

The PM said changes were not made because the Cabinet members to be replaced or removed had performed poorly. However, when asked why the imminent reshuffle involved so many Cabinet seats, the prime minister declined to answer and excused herself while joking: "It's time I am going".

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday called for an explanation for the reshuffle just six months in office involving almost half the ministers - 16 out of 36 Cabinet members.

Abhisit asked whether the prime minister's action was because the ousted ministers failed to achieve performance targets or because the ruling Pheu Thai Party wanted to reward party figures.

The Democrat Party leader, speaking during a programme on the satellite-based Blue Sky Channel, said that for some "difficult ministries", the Cabinet members responsible would need more than six months to adapt themselves and it would also take time for their policies to yield expected results. He also described as "strange" the fact that some Cabinet members would be shifted to new positions while others were removed from the Cabinet entirely.

Abhisit, Yingluck's immediate predecessor, also expressed concern that certain red-shirt leaders would be rewarded for "their aggressive acts". He was referring to street demonstrations that led to riots in 2010.

The outgoing deputy agriculture minister, Pornsak Charoenprasert said yesterday he personally viewed a Cabinet seat as "an asset you share with other people".

Pornsak is expected to be replaced by red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua. Pornsak yesterday said Natthawut's appointment to the Cabinet was mainly due to calls from the red-shirt movement.

Natthawut yesterday described news of his possible appointment to the Cabinet as "something pleasant". He did not confirm the news but said he was "ready to work in any position".

Meanwhile, Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, rector of the National Institute for Development Administration, said the timing of a Cabinet reshuffle was right for the government and for the prime minister. He said an early shake-up would encourage the remaining Cabinet members to work harder - a tactic successfully used by Yingluck's brother Thaksin Shinawatra when he was prime minister.

The academic described Natthawut's appointment to the Cabinet as a reward to the red shirts for their "service" - also a tactic employed by Thaksin to win loyalty from his people.

Sombat noted that some new Cabinet members were close to Thaksin - maybe because it was easy for him to influence them.

-- The Nation 2012-01-18

[Ricardo]

If PM-Yingluck now sees her first choice of a Cabinet as needing a change due to poor performance after only five months, what does that say about the person who made those choices, in the first place ? "It's time I am going" ... one can only agree.

Or perhaps time to start ignoring the man many of her cohorts call the "boss", in Dubai.

Edited January 17, 2012 by Ricardo

[webfact]

CABINET RESHUFFLE

Ex-Thaicom CEO tipped to be energy minister

Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Arak Cholatanont, a former chief executive officer of satellite operator Thaicom, has been tipped to be energy minister, replacing Pichai Naripthaphan.

Arak was one of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's trusted managers after he founded Shin Corp, formerly known as Shinawatra Computer Co. A source said Arak felt that he had no choice but to agree to take a Cabinet seat. He is outspoken, but easy-going.

Arak acknowledged to The Nation that he was approached to join the Cabinet, but declined to give details about his posting.

"I have a condition that if I'm intervened with by politics I'll quit. The government should implement what it commits to in its announced policies," he said.

Arak retired from Thaicom in August and then became a board member of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority briefly before resigning last Friday.

He used to oversee the mobile-phone-network business for Advanced Info Service, a cellular operator and subsidiary of Shin Corp. He was involved in expanding the mobile-phone business into foreign markets such as the Philippines, India, Laos and Cambodia.

Arak is also a close friend of Boonklee Plangsiri, who was a top executive of Shin Corp and a right-hand man of Thaksin in terms of strategic consulting.

-- The Nation 2012-01-18

[webfact]

Obec to continue Worawat's initiatives despite minister's transfer

SUPINDA NA MAHACHAI

CHULEEPORN ARAM-NET

THE NATION

Education Minister Worawat Auapinyakul yesterday said he would accept the Cabinet reshuffle, moving him to a PM's Office Minister position and replacing him with Suchart Thadathamrongwech, chief of Pheu Thai Party's economic team.

Although the man who promoted this year as the English Speaking Year would be gone, Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) chief Chinnapat Poomirat vowed to continue the English promotion campaign. They would start with the English Canteen pilot project, requiring students to speak English at canteens. It will be started next week.

Worawat told The Nation over the phone that he accepted the move because he personally thought the premier's orders would be implemented accordingly and said that his successor would pick up where he left off.

Worawat, who served as Education Minister for four months, also set the curriculum direction to be job-based to meet the demands of the economy. He was one of those backing the plan to hand out computer tablets and PCs to Prathom students, despite criticism that it was inappropriate.

Worawat skipped office yesterday, and assigned Deputy Education Minister Boonreun Srithares to preside at a press conference for the Vocational Education Institute establishment on his behalf.

Boonreun urged Suchart, whom she called a capable person, to return to the tradition of delegating workloads in columns, according to each office's field of work, rather than in regions like Worawat did. She said that having Roi Et MP Sakda Khongphetch as a deputy minister of Education was appropriate, as he was a veteran MP having worked with people from all walks of life, including teachers. The change of many high positions wouldn't affect the ministry's work, as civil servants were on them.

In the mean time, Chinnapat said the Obec executive meeting yesterday thought the English promotion campaign should be more concrete hence Obec would next week kick off the English Canteen pilot project, requiring students to negotiate food purchase in English, at the schools that were deemed ready by the Obec English Language Institute.

The meeting, preparing for the Obec schools' Mathayom 1 and 4 student recruit, ordered 280 highly competitive schools to formulate and submit as soon as possible their student recruit plans, which Obec also preferred them to expand student number to be up to 50 seats per class, rather the current 40 seats. On February 8-9, another Obec meeting would discuss the highly-competitive schools' student recruit plans.

Chinnapat said the more-practical and job-oriented Mathayom programme was a good idea, as it made education more in line with the economic context and equipped students with appropriate knowledge, skills and proficiencies. He said the programme had made much progress. About 1,000 schools would be prototypes for this job-oriented education management within the academic year 2012, while other schools could join later.

-- The Nation 2012-01-18

[Siripon]

It's a good idea to make the English speaking day more focused, ordering food in the school canteen is a good start, though most canteen staff in Thailand don't know the words in English at present, but they will soon learn.

Regarding the reshuffle, as usual for Pheua Thai, education means nothing, reshuffling the Minister so quickly, and as for Nattawut being deputy Agriculture Minister, what does he know about farming? I've never heard him say anything about agriculture. At least Kwanchai can probably plant a rai or 2 of rice, though his hefty weight would cause back problems within a few minutes.

[Pib]

Such an early, major reshuffle of the cabinet could indicate failure and/or rewarding. Sounds like the musical chairs game with some new players being inserted periodically. Not sure that's the best way to provide stable govt policies.

[webfact]

Democrat MPs React on Cabinet Reshuffle

The Democrat Party leader hopes the reshuffle will help streamline the government rather than aiming to favor political allies, and that the government will use this opportunity to review its policies.

Regarding what is expected to be the first major cabinet reshuffle of the Yingluck Shinawatra government after less than a year in office, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Prime Minister must give assurance that the reshuffle will not affect continuity of policy implementation and that it is not intended to return the favor to political supporters.

He added the reshuffle should enhance government performance and be based on the nation's interest, while the government should also take this opportunity to review pending policies.

About the replacement of Energy Minister Pichai Nariptapan by former Thai Com executive Arak Chontaranont, Abhisit hopes the new minister will reconsider the current energy policies that affect the public and scrutinize those that might not be in the interest of the nation.

He also expressed his concern about Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong replacing Teerachai Bhuvanartnaranubala as Finance Minister because they have different working approaches.

The Democrat leader, however, has no problem with the change.

Democrat MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat Thepthai Senpong said he anticipated the reshuffle and the reason why it comes early is that the government wants to reduce tension within the Pheu Thai Party.

He asserted that the Chart Thai Pattana Party remains a strong presence in the government and no one would want to meddle with its Cabinet quota.

Thepthai also regarded the appointment of red-shirt leaders to political positions as the government's bribe to get support from the group in the future.

Meanwhile, Chief Opposition Whip Jurin Laksanawisit observed that the coming reshuffle is just a superficial change, while the government will continue to operate under the shadow of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He personally believes the reshuffle aims to benefit a single individual and some ministries would be given special tasks to take care of.

-- Tan Network 2012-01-18

[geriatrickid]

If true, the removal of Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala is a mistake. I see that the Nation finally acknowledged that the gentleman was a fiscal conservative and favoured discipline in the market. This is precisely why I supported the man. I recall many people in TVF ripping into him and criticizing him without even knowing what his policies were. He was probably one of the few people acting as a counter weight to possibly reckless financial policies. Of course Mr. Abhisit is happy to see him go and replaced with someone more along the lines of the loosey goosey former finance minister Korn. Thailand doesn't need more investment manager types in the position of finance minister. It needs a disciplined austere accountant type. Mr. Korn wasn't the right man for the ministry when the markets were in melt down mode and Kittirat Na Ranong is not the right man for the job either. This man is basically another Korn. He has a background in the investment markets and he's an MBA.

These MBAs that worked in the stock market and the investment firms are the people that created the financial market mess with their funny money schemes and asset swaps. It's like going to a chiropractor when what is needed is an orthopedist or neurologist.

I anticipate that the international markets will not embrace this change. Thailand should have looked to the stable economies of Sweden, Canada or the Nederlands to see what type of finance minister was best suited for the current conditions. What is not needed now are investment manager types. Bad, bad mistake not to keep the soon to be former finance minister.

Mr. Abhisit didn't like the soon to be former finance minister because he was a no nonsense guy and reversed some of the former minister Korn's policy decisions. , and it seems that the PM Yingluck doesn't like him either because he is not aftraid of saying no and most likely gave an ultimatum. The new finance minister will probably reimplement the Korn policies because he thinks the same way. Mark my words, any screwing around on the debt will eventually mess up Thailand's credit rating.This country has a real problem with prudent fiscal policy and of working towards a goal. It's like a kid that wants it now, this very instant.

Edited January 18, 2012 by geriatrickid

[SomTumTiger]

Kittirats a good guy - let him have a chance before criticizing. (Yes, I actually said something positive about a government minister). But I have met him several times, had dinner with him and talked quite often. He has a good head on his shoulders.

[laurentbkk]

Nothing more to ad ,all have been said in the different comments above. But reshuffle only after 6 months in power is non sense ..or as some one said , to thanks others .... in some country they give medals ..in Thailand they give a seat of Minister. How nice .

Edited January 18, 2012 by metisdead
Bold font removed.

[laurentbkk]

Kittirats a good guy - let him have a chance before criticizing. (Yes, I actually said something positive about a government minister). But I have met him several times, had dinner with him and talked quite often. He has a good head on his shoulders.

That's why you dont have anything negative to say about him .... you mentioned it few times ... you saw him several time and had dinner with him ...

[SomTumTiger]

If true, the removal of Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala is a mistake. I see that the Nation finally acknowledged that the gentleman was a fiscal conservative and favoured discipline in the market. This is precisely why I supported the man. I recall many people in TVF ripping into him and criticizing him without even knowing what his policies were. He was probably one of the few people acting as a counter weight to possibly reckless financial policies. Of course Mr. Abhisit is happy to see him go and replaced with someone more along the lines of the loosey goosey former finance minister Korn. Thailand doesn't need more investment manager types in the position of finance minister. It needs a disciplined austere accountant type. Mr. Korn wasn't the right man for the ministry when the markets were in melt down mode and Kittirat Na Ranong is not the right man for the job either. This man is basically another Korn. He has a background in the investment markets and he's an MBA.

These MBAs that worked in the stock market and the investment firms are the people that created the financial market mess with their funny money schemes and asset swaps. It's like going to a chiropractor when what is needed is an orthopedist or neurologist.

I anticipate that the international markets will not embrace this change. Thailand should have looked to the stable economies of Sweden, Canada or the Nederlands to see what type of finance minister was best suited for the current conditions. What is not needed now are investment manager types. Bad, bad mistake not to keep the soon to be former finance minister.

Mr. Abhisit didn't like the soon to be former finance minister because he was a no nonsense guy and reversed some of the former minister Korn's policy decisions. , and it seems that the PM Yingluck doesn't like him either because he is not aftraid of saying no and most likely gave an ultimatum. The new finance minister will probably reimplement the Korn policies because he thinks the same way. Mark my words, any screwing around on the debt will eventually mess up Thailand's credit rating.This country has a real problem with prudent fiscal policy and of working towards a goal. It's like a kid that wants it now, this very instant.

If you wanted prudent fiscal policy, you have backed the wrong party lol. The "Kings" of "One Family, One Cow" and "Free Rubber (Trees) for All" are not about to sacrifice those stupid programs (and their resulting 30% corruption tax) to be fiscally solvent.

Personally, I think Korn's stimulus package kept Thailand out of a much deeper recession than they experienced, and he did keep spending within prescribed limits. I didn't see him trying to sidestep a 1 trillion baht debt obligation - that was these guys presently.

[ttthailand]

Move them around so no one has too much control or information. Keep everyone confused and you can do what you want.....

[anon467367354]

I'm glad they finally found something for Natthawut, agriculture isn't that imporant anyway, and as deputy to the minister, he'll probably be out in the field rather than in the office.

[geriatrickid]

If you wanted prudent fiscal policy, you have backed the wrong party lol. The "Kings" of "One Family, One Cow" and "Free Rubber (Trees) for All" are not about to sacrifice those stupid programs (and their resulting 30% corruption tax) to be fiscally solvent.

Personally, I think Korn's stimulus package kept Thailand out of a much deeper recession than they experienced, and he did keep spending within prescribed limits. I didn't see him trying to sidestep a 1 trillion baht debt obligation - that was these guys presently.

I remind you that Mr. Korn had an opportunity to deal with the debt and he chose not to. He kept putting it off. The debt issue which was inherited by the Thaksin government should have been refinanced in the period that coincided with the coup.. The military junta did not consider the matter urgent and let it lie, leaving it for Abhisit's administration. The Korn stimulus package relied on internal borrowings. Sound familiar, sort of the same thing the new government is expected to do.

People have short memories, but the 2 stimulus packges fueled corruption to greater heights than was ever seen with Thaksin. No new oversight or spending control mechanisms were implemented to watch the 117-billion-package initiated in 2009 or the 1.4 trillion in 2010 2010. (BTW, that program is one of the reasons why the current government has a problem with funds on hand. Mr. Korn's stimulus program was effected to run until 2012.) The new finance minister wanted to rein in the spending, and this may account for the hostility Democrats had for the man. The Korn stimulus was directed at projects with a history of corruption; irrigation and transportation, public health, education and tourism. let me make it even more explicit, the Korn program spent money the government did not have on hand. The debt could have been partially refinanced or retired with some of the money that was squandered on "infrastructure" projects.

The new finance minister saw through the smoke and mirrors and now he will be replaced byy someone that will most likely share the Korn philosophy. IMO a bad mistake.

[bigbamboo]

If true, the removal of Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala is a mistake. I see that the Nation finally acknowledged that the gentleman was a fiscal conservative and favoured discipline in the market. This is precisely why I supported the man. I recall many people in TVF ripping into him and criticizing him without even knowing what his policies were. He was probably one of the few people acting as a counter weight to possibly reckless financial policies. Of course Mr. Abhisit is happy to see him go and replaced with someone more along the lines of the loosey goosey former finance minister Korn. Thailand doesn't need more investment manager types in the position of finance minister. It needs a disciplined austere accountant type. Mr. Korn wasn't the right man for the ministry when the markets were in melt down mode and Kittirat Na Ranong is not the right man for the job either. This man is basically another Korn. He has a background in the investment markets and he's an MBA.

These MBAs that worked in the stock market and the investment firms are the people that created the financial market mess with their funny money schemes and asset swaps. It's like going to a chiropractor when what is needed is an orthopedist or neurologist.

I anticipate that the international markets will not embrace this change. Thailand should have looked to the stable economies of Sweden, Canada or the Nederlands to see what type of finance minister was best suited for the current conditions. What is not needed now are investment manager types. Bad, bad mistake not to keep the soon to be former finance minister.

Mr. Abhisit didn't like the soon to be former finance minister because he was a no nonsense guy and reversed some of the former minister Korn's policy decisions. , and it seems that the PM Yingluck doesn't like him either because he is not aftraid of saying no and most likely gave an ultimatum. The new finance minister will probably reimplement the Korn policies because he thinks the same way. Mark my words, any screwing around on the debt will eventually mess up Thailand's credit rating.This country has a real problem with prudent fiscal policy and of working towards a goal. It's like a kid that wants it now, this very instant.

Would that be the same Korn who was voted Finance Minister of the Year by the FT?

[TAWP]

The crowd on Twitter is now talking about the fact that the new cabinet member destined for the Trade Minister position is Nalinee Joy Taveesin.

She is currently blacklisted by the US for co-operating with dictator Robert Mugabe, of Zimbabwe. See: https://www.epls.gov...dex=0&xref=true

This is the sort of scum they put into ministerial positions.

Edited January 18, 2012 by TAWP

[Lite Beer]

Sakda gets the job after meeting Thaksin

The Nation

Incoming Deputy Education Minister Sakda Kongpet on Wednesday said he knew he would get to join the Cabinet after meeting with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Hong Kong befrore the New Year holiday.

"I flew to meet Thaksin and subsequently knew about getting my appointment in advance," he said.

Sakda, also Pheu Thai MP from Roi Et, said Thaksin had told him that Cabinet members and MPs should work in a more effective manner.

He said he was ready to start his new job, pledging to show results.

-- The Nation 2012-01-18

[Eclipse]

I'm glad they finally found something for Natthawut, agriculture isn't that imporant anyway, and as deputy to the minister, he'll probably be out in the field rather than in the office.

Agree. I could not think of a better scarecrow.

[webfact]

PM asserts her brother, ex-PM Thaksin, not involved in cabinet reshuffle; changes aimed to make cabinet more suitable, streamlined /MCOT

[Heimdallr]

Would that be the same Korn who was voted Finance Minister of the Year by the FT?

Precisely, but because he's a democrat, to geriatric kid he will always be inferior. We all have the evidence at our disposal and if you look at the data Korn was hugely successful.

[diehard60]

Gee I am reading all these replies to this topic and it seems to that the most of them know these individuals personally. Which makes me many things. And if I make to many comments I will get RED LINED again. hahahahhaha. My question is why do all of you know these people personally?

[whybother]

PM asserts her brother, ex-PM Thaksin, not involved in cabinet reshuffle; changes aimed to make cabinet more suitable, streamlined /MCOT

Sakda gets the job after meeting Thaksin

[rubl]

With PM Yingluck's current cabinet choosen based on knowledge and potential, one may wonder if a change to make the cabinet more 'suitable, streamlined' can be an improvement.

[webfact]

PM: Thaksin not involved in Cabinet reshuffle

The Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday insists she made her own decision in regard to the shuffling of the Cabinet, saying her brother Thaksin had no involvement in the matter.

"I am solely responsible for the Cabinet line-up and Thaksin was not linked to the matter," she said.

Yingluck said she would explain her decision following the issuing of the royal command on the ministerial appointments.

She said she shuffled her Cabinet with the aim to streamline and strengthen work, arguing she did not pay attention to the number of positions involved.

The Cabinet reshuffle is being submitted for royal endorsement.

-- The Nation 2012-01-18

[gl555]

PM: Thaksin not involved in Cabinet reshuffle

The Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday insists she made her own decision in regard to the shuffling of the Cabinet, saying her brother Thaksin had no involvement in the matter.

"I am solely responsible for the Cabinet line-up and Thaksin was not linked to the matter," she said.

Yingluck said she would explain her decision following the issuing of the royal command on the ministerial appointments.

She said she shuffled her Cabinet with the aim to streamline and strengthen work, arguing she did not pay attention to the number of positions involved.

The Cabinet reshuffle is being submitted for royal endorsement.

-- The Nation 2012-01-18

Why bother denying it? We know you're lying.

[animatic]

If you consider how much they worry about 'losing face',

it really is hard to understand how shamelessly

they do this corrupt horse trading for positions

and not realize that they have erased all face

that they worry about losing, with their own actions.

[TAWP]

TAVEESIN, Nalinee Joy (a.k.a. TAVEESIN,

Nalinee; a.k.a. TAWEESIN, NALINEE), 14th

Floor of Modern Tower, Tower 87/110

Sukhumvit 63, Wattana, Bangkok 10110,

Thailand; 33 Soi Soonvijai 4, Rama IX Road,

Soi 26, Success Tower, Huai Khwang, Bang

Kapi, Bangkok 10320, Thailand; 19-8 Soi

Passana 3, Sukhumvit Road, Pakanong Nua,

Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; 33 Soi

Soonwichai 4 Bangkapi, Huaykhwang, Bangkok

10310, Thailand; DOB 12 Feb 1960; citizen

Thailand; nationality Thailand; Passport

Z066420 (Thailand); Managing Director

(individual) [ZIMBABWE]

http://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/t11sdn.pdf - page 409

Code: https://www.epls.gov/epls/jsp/CTCodes.jsp?type=recip#code_03-SDN-01