Thaksin's Former Personal Secretary Padung To Be Interior Secretary

[webfact]

Padung to be interior secretary

The Nation

But Minister Yongyuth denies move to appoint Thaksin's former personal secretary is an attempt to reduce the red-shirt quota in Yingluck's Cabinet

Padung Limcharoenrat, former personal secretary to Thaksin Shinawatra, will be appointed secretary to the Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit - replacing a prominent red shirt, it was confirmed yesterday.

Padung has much experience in politics as he was an adviser to two deputy PMs," Yongyuth said.

Yongyuth was not concerned his new secretary would be a target for criticism: "He just comes to work [for the country's sake]."

Yongyuth, who also is the Pheu Thai party leader, denied Padung's appointment to replace Aree Krainara, a red-shirt leader, was because the party wanted to reduce the red-shirt camp's quota.

Natthawut Saikua, another red-shirt leader, was selected to be deputy agriculture minister in the Yingluck Cabinet. Some reports claimed that in return the red-shirt group was obliged to surrender the interior minister's secretary position.

"It was the resolution of the party and I have to follow that," he said.

Yongyuth said he had already talked to Aree who accepted the party's action.

"After six months working together, we have a good relationship," he said.

Padung, 62, was the highly trusted personal secretary to former premier Thaksin. He accompanied him frequently and arranged the ex-PM's schedules.

Padung graduated from Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics and Business Administration where he was called, "ngok Siam" (Siam white hair) or "the white haired guy".

He was accused by the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy group of being involved in the Finland Plot/Manifesto, allegedly aimed at changing Thailand's political system.

Padung held the job of adviser to deputy prime ministers Somkid Jatusripitak and Wissanu Krea-ngam.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra did not comment on Padung's appointment, saying only that the list of new secretaries to ministers would be submitted to the Cabinet, but it was not sure when that would occur.

Yingluck said the line-up of secretaries to ministers had to be changed after the Cabinet reshuffle.

-- The Nation 2012-01-24

[Buchholz]

Padung is a long-time and trusted employee of Thaksin, having flown with him into exile to the UK and returning to with Potjaman to Thailand when she returned for her trial (unlike Thaksin).

As for Yongyuth's feeble explanation...

"It was the resolution of the party and I have to follow that,"

one might almost believe that before remembering that the "party resolutions" emanate from a sole party member in Dubai.

.

[Siam Simon]

So, is this the Red Shirts in ascendancy or descendancy? This seems to have the forum's right wing nutters baffled.

[Misterwhisper]

What about Thaksin's former maid, gardener and chauffeur? Why aren't they rewarded with some high government postings as well?

[Moruya]

This is true democracy.

If Thaksin likes you, you are more equal than if he 's indifferent

[Buchholz]

So, is this the Red Shirts in ascendancy or descendancy?

< additional and obligatory, for this poster, derogatory comments snipped >

An indicted Red Shirt (Natthawut) is a made a full member of the Cabinet, a first for the Red Shirts, as Deputy Agriculture Minister.

Another indicted Red Shirt (Aree) is removed as a non-member of the Cabinet, dropped from an often-times historical insignificant secretary position (while still other indicted Red Shirts maintain their secretary positions). Still, the person that replaces him is a long-time Thaksin servant.

Just as a full house beats a pair, it should seem clear enough for most, that this is a net gain, "ascendency", for Red Shirts.

Still, overall,

Thaksin = Pheu Thai = Red Shirts

remains intact

.

Edited January 24, 2012 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

What about Thaksin's former maid, gardener and chauffeur? Why aren't they rewarded with some high government postings as well?

Give 'em time.

They could end up, based on their domestic positions, as Social Development Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Transportation Minister in the Yingluck IV Cabinet.

.

[Buchholz]

In today's other highly-qualified government appointment news,

Mr. Happy Toilet

Wan Yoobamrung who is appointed as "Mr Happy Toilet" launches clean toilet campaign at Hualampong Train Station on Wednesday.

is the new Advisor to the Deputy Transport Minister

.

[webfact]

Former Thaksin aide gets Interior post

BANGKOK, Jan 24- The Thai Cabinet on Tuesday appointed a former personal secretary of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as secretary to the interior minister, Government Spokesperson Thitima Chaisang said on Tuesday.

Padung Limcharoenrat was appointed to replace Aree Krainara, former chief guard of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the Red Shirt movement.

Ms Thitima said she was appointed the prime minister's deputy secretary general for political affairs. The Cabinet also assigned her to work as a caretaker government spokesperson.

In addition, Shinnawat Haboonpad, was appointed an advisor to the transport minister, while Wan Yubamrung, a son of Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, was appointed an advisor to the deputy transport minister.

Other postings are Sombat Rattano, as advisor to the deputy transport minister, Surachet Chaikosol as a secretary of the transport minister, and Wichienchanin Sinthuprai, as an assistant secretary of the deputy transport minister. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-01-24

[Buchholz]

In addition, Shinnawat Haboonpad, was appointed an Advisor to the Transport Minister

hip, hip, hurray.... yet another indicted Red Shirt makes a splash.

A Thaksinista so enthralled by the Dubious One, that he legally changed his given name.

.

[whybother]

In today's other highly-qualified government appointment news,

Mr. Happy Toilet

Wan Yoobamrung who is appointed as "Mr Happy Toilet" launches clean toilet campaign at Hualampong Train Station on Wednesday.

is the new Advisor to the Deputy Transport Minister

.

That must be due to the extensive transport experience he gained while being Mr Airport Link.

[pimay11]

In today's other highly-qualified government appointment news,

Mr. Happy Toilet

Wan Yoobamrung who is appointed as "Mr Happy Toilet" launches clean toilet campaign at Hualampong Train Station on Wednesday.

is the new Advisor to the Deputy Transport Minister

.

That must be due to the extensive transport experience he gained while being Mr Airport Link.

I hope he does a better job at this than he did with toilet cleaning supervisor. Here in Esaan you need a nose clamp in most of the public toilets.

[Ricardo]

In today's other highly-qualified government appointment news,

Mr. Happy Toilet

Wan Yoobamrung who is appointed as "Mr Happy Toilet" launches clean toilet campaign at Hualampong Train Station on Wednesday.

is the new Advisor to the Deputy Transport Minister

.

That must be due to the extensive transport experience he gained while being Mr Airport Link.

Flushed with success, perhaps he'll be able to improve the on-board facilities, on the railway-trains now ?

We'll have to wait & see how it all pans out !

[mrtoad]

In today's other highly-qualified government appointment news,

Mr. Happy Toilet

Wan Yoobamrung who is appointed as "Mr Happy Toilet" launches clean toilet campaign at Hualampong Train Station on Wednesday.

is the new Advisor to the Deputy Transport Minister

.

That must be due to the extensive transport experience he gained while being Mr Airport Link.

Flushed with success, perhaps he'll be able to improve the on-board facilities, on the railway-trains now ?

We'll have to wait & see how it all pans out !

These turds keep floating back to the surface.

[Buchholz]

In today's other highly-qualified government appointment news,

Mr. Happy Toilet

Wan Yoobamrung who is appointed as "Mr Happy Toilet" launches clean toilet campaign at Hualampong Train Station on Wednesday.

is the new Advisor to the Deputy Transport Minister

.

Flushed with success, perhaps he'll be able to improve the on-board facilities, on the railway-trains now ?

We'll have to wait & see how it all pans out !

These turds keep floating back to the surface.

bonus for double zingers in a row

.

[SouthernMan3]

Padung Limcharoenrat, former personal secretary to Thaksin Shinawatra, will be appointed secretary to the Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit.

Transparent or what ?

[siampolee]

Mr. Happy Toilet !!!

Well I suppose he is accustomed to the movement of motions

[mrtoad]

Padung Limcharoenrat, former personal secretary to Thaksin Shinawatra, will be appointed secretary to the Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit.

Transparent or what ?

Thaksin's version of Democracy in action. At least Happy Toilet is back, he's a decent "number two".

[mrtoad]

Mr. Happy Toilet !!!

Well I suppose he is accustomed to the movement of motions

and he's full of shit - just like the rest of the party

[Buchholz]

In addition, Shinnawat Haboonpad, was appointed an Advisor to the Transport Minister

hip, hip, hurray.... yet another indicted Red Shirt makes a splash.

A Thaksinista so enthralled by the Dubious One, that he legally changed his given name.

the more frequently encountered transliteration of the newly-appointed government official's legally-changed name:

Red-shirt leader Shinawatra appointed Advisor to Transport Minister

The Cabinet Tuesday approved the appointment of red-shirt leader Shinawatra Haboonpad as an Advisor to the Transport Minister.

-- The Nation 2012-01-24

Edited January 24, 2012 by Buchholz

[animatic]

"attempt to reduce red-shirt quota"

And not coincidentally give the real boss one more hook

into the government control mechanism, that can,

not coincidentally, shuttle blame 'around' his sister.

[Ricardo]

And the list of DL's ex-employees, friends & associates, who are now holding appointments within the government continues to grow, with nary a one who isn't connected with him in some way, gaining promotion.

It sure looks like a takeover-bid, or a silent-coup as pro-Red posters prefer to call it, doesn't it ?

Yay for 'True Democracy' !

[Buchholz]

Yingluck 2 Cabinet: Thaksin Co., Ltd.?

Padung Limcharoenrat, the personal secretary of Thaksin Shinawatra, announced on Monday January 23 that he will be taking up the post of secretary to the interior minister on the excuse that work in in Interior Ministry must be streamlined.

On the afternoon of the next day (January 24), the Cabinet meeting officially approved his appointment. He replaced Aree Krainara, red-shirt guard leader, who has to move to another post.

What is the importance of the secretary to the interior minister post?

If we look closely at the qualifications and background of the person appointed to the post, it shows how special the post is. It must also be questioned why he's assuming this post now.

Padung's image in the eyes of the public is no different from a loyal servant of Thaksin Shinawatra who does everything he's ordered, even unusual things.

His loyalty has benefited Thaksin and when Thaksin was still prime minister, Padung stayed in the background and helped coordinate almost every issue, including secret missions.

Padung's appointment can be seen as him assuming the post of interior minister to issue informal orders in Yongyuth Wichadit's place while Yongyuth sits as an ornament.

Padung's announcement before his official appointment reflects how Yongyuth's work has been slow and inefficient, thus change is needed. However, replacing the minister may be too extreme and negative for the Pheu Thai Party as he's the Party Leader.

The overall look of the Yingluck 2 administration, which saw 16 posts reshuffled, and the appointment of Padung as the interior minister's secretary becomes a Thaksin Company Limited because the Cabinet is now filled with close associates and loyal servants, particularly in key posts.

From Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, there is Arak Cholthanont from Thai Com who's now energy minister, Surapong Tovichakchaikul is the foreign affairs minister, Kittirat Na Ranong as deputy prime minister and finance minister, and ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat as defense minister.

There is no need to explain what kind of responsibilities each minister is given as political enthusiasts have probably heard all. However, with a new character like Padung mixed into the group, the jigsaw puzzle is now complete.

The responsibilities cover economics, funding, stability, administrative duties, basically the complete picture to make up the Thaksin Company Limited. It is no surprise the work of this administration is seen as having a hidden agenda to further personal gains.

With the Cabinet reshuffle and the attempt to amend the Constitution to whitewash Thaksin's wrongdoing so he can return to political power, it is clear there is effort to turn Thailand into Thaksin Company Limited which is not a public company but is one where power is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Translated from Manager Online editorial

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local media and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2012-01-25