Red-Shirt Leader Natthawut Talks About His New Job As Minister

[webfact]

INTERVIEW

'My stance as a 'phrai' remains intact'

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua talks about his new job as deputy agriculture minister in an interview with The Nation's Jirapong Prasertpolkrang. Here are some excerpts.

Do you consider yourself an "ammart" (member of the elite) now?

I am a full-fledged citizen. It's in my spirit, not the duty or the seat I sit on. I am still a citizen.

Do you think the red shirts understand your decision to take the Cabinet post? Once you said you were part of the "phrai" (peasants), but now you're part of the elite.

As I said, my stance as a "phrai" remains intact. I am elected as an MP and my political party has assigned me to be a Cabinet member. This is understandable. I never said that I would not accept a Cabinet post.

Have you retained your status as a red-shirt leader?

My stance about democracy is unchanged otherwise I wouldn't be able to work with an elected government. I believe that my fellow red shirts want to know what I will do as deputy agriculture minister. People from any political colour - as well as those with no political colour - can serve as Cabinet members.

Is the Cabinet appointment unexpected?

I did not expect it. I often say that I play for the team. When the people responsible for the team assign me to some duty, I have to do it as best as I can.

Do you think it is morally appropriate for a suspect of a severe crime to become a Cabinet member?

My case is not final yet. Over the past five years, only a few outstanding politicians have faced no legal cases. Abhisit Vejjajiva is facing a severe charge. Suthep Thaugsuban is accused in a case that carries a maximum penalty of death. They are all accused. In the political fight over the past five years, all the people involved got injured.

But you have to understand what causes the wounds. Eventually, the justice system will decide if we committed the alleged wrongdoing.

Did the prime minister make any special request?

The prime minister offered me moral support and asked me to work the best I can.

-- The Nation 2012-01-25

[Buchholz]

Red Shirt Cabinet Member Ignores Public Criticism

Newly appointed Deputy Agriculture Minister and red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikuer has shrugged off public criticism about his appointment and pledged to do his best on the job.

He reiterated his support for the financial compensation package for those affected by the political violence of the recent years, claiming that it would be a step toward national reconciliation.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Nattawut Saikuer responded to public criticism that he was appointed to a cabinet post because of his role as a red-shirt leader, by pledging to perform his best.

Nattawut also thanked the Pheu Thai Party and the prime minister for entrusting him with the job.

While many see his appointment as a reward for leading the pro-government red-shirt group, the newly appointed deputy agriculture minister said he will work to fulfill the government's policies and will not be discouraged by any obstacle.

He also thanked his supporters in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat and commented on said those who oppose him have freedom of expression.

Regarding the financial compensation package for those killed and injured during the political violence of recent years, Nattawut pointed out that the measure was put forward by the reconciliation committee in the previous administration.

However, he would like everyone to see the financial compensation as a way to lift the country out of the political conflict.

-- Tan Network 2012-01-24

[lovetotravel]

Nice suit, for a peasant.

[Ricardo]

Nice suit, for a peasant.

Camouflage for infiltrating enemy-territory ?

[looping]

Anyone got that pic of him wielding a machete, or the video of him inciting the crowd to burn BKK etc etc. How they can appoint such a man is unbelievable, and yet strangely unsurprising. As usual I'm sure T had nothing to do with this decision, nothing to do with promises made during a certain 'Shin-dig' in 2010. Blah blah blah...

[Buchholz]

He also thanked his supporters in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Quite a few articles in the other paper about the school he attended in Nakhon Si Thammarat erecting a banner in front of the school congratulating him on being named a cabinet minister,

A large number of the alumnae vehemently oppose it and have demanded its removal.

Last word was that the dispute was escalating with heated verbal exchanges.

.

Edited January 25, 2012 by Buchholz

[Bakseedaa]

He also thanked his supporters in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Quite a few articles in the other paper about the school he attended in Nakhon Si Thammarat erecting a banner in front of the school congratulating him on being named a cabinet minister,

A large number of the alumnae vehemently oppose it and have demanded its removal.

Last word was that the dispute was escalating with heated verbal exchanges.

.Time to call in The Red Shirts to settle it..!

[Old Man River]

He also thanked his supporters in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Quite a few articles in the other paper about the school he attended in Nakhon Si Thammarat erecting a banner in front of the school congratulating him on being named a cabinet minister,

A large number of the alumnae vehemently oppose it and have demanded its removal.

Last word was that the dispute was escalating with heated verbal exchanges.

.

I think this is a great selection by the PTP. Agriculture is the grass roots of Thailand and it was from these areas that the PTP got its support. If you have to throw the UDD a bone, then make it this one.

Nattawut can only do what is expected of him by those in rural areas. Making everyone happy is nearly impossible, but in his power area that is what is expected. If he succeeds, no problem, it is good for the country, but If he fails, it gives the Opposition a huge advantage as they will be able to complain to the rural areas that the UDD doesn't understand your needs. Hence, it is a win win situation. The UDD are happy for now, the PTP are happy for now and the Democrats are waiting to be happy.

[OzMick]

"My case is not final yet."

Which understates the fact that he has avoided prosecution by being appointed as a PTP party list candidate. He should come back to Nakhon Si and thank his supporters personally, if he can find all 3 of them.

[OzMick]

He also thanked his supporters in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Quite a few articles in the other paper about the school he attended in Nakhon Si Thammarat erecting a banner in front of the school congratulating him on being named a cabinet minister,

A large number of the alumnae vehemently oppose it and have demanded its removal.

Last word was that the dispute was escalating with heated verbal exchanges.

.

I think this is a great selection by the PTP. Agriculture is the grass roots of Thailand and it was from these areas that the PTP got its support. If you have to throw the UDD a bone, then make it this one.

Nattawut can only do what is expected of him by those in rural areas. Making everyone happy is nearly impossible, but in his power area that is what is expected. If he succeeds, no problem, it is good for the country, but If he fails, it gives the Opposition a huge advantage as they will be able to complain to the rural areas that the UDD doesn't understand your needs. Hence, it is a win win situation. The UDD are happy for now, the PTP are happy for now and the Democrats are waiting to be happy.

And there was I thinking they might prefer someone competent.

[ballpoint]

Nattawut: I am for the people. I care about them.

Interviewer: But the people have complained about your appointment.

Nattawut: Sod the people, who cares about them? I'll do whatever I want!

[lovetotravel]

This from his facebook page after a run in regarding his dinner at an expensive restaurant:

Why do you say a Prai has to be poor, has to be stupid, has to bend forward and be repeatedly trampled on? Why can’t Prai eat at the same restaurant as capitalists? Long live the people.

[klauskunkel]

Q: what is your qualification for the job of Dep. Agri. Minister?

A: I am a peasant

[phiphidon]

This from his facebook page after a run in regarding his dinner at an expensive restaurant:

Why do you say a Prai has to be poor, has to be stupid, has to bend forward and be repeatedly trampled on? Why can’t Prai eat at the same restaurant as capitalists? Long live the people.

That restaurant was the one Korn was at and it was he who brought about the "incident". If it was on the internet Korn would have been rightly called a Troll.

[h90]

Nice suit, for a peasant.

Camouflage for infiltrating enemy-territory ?

[Mitker]

I think he fits the job: burning season just started in the rice fields.

Does the portfolio comes with a matchbox?

[h90]

He also thanked his supporters in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Quite a few articles in the other paper about the school he attended in Nakhon Si Thammarat erecting a banner in front of the school congratulating him on being named a cabinet minister,

A large number of the alumnae vehemently oppose it and have demanded its removal.

Last word was that the dispute was escalating with heated verbal exchanges.

.

I'll activate my NST spy network to get the full story....

PTP is very popular in NST, almost as popular as cholera.

[Buchholz]

He also thanked his supporters in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat

Quite a few articles in the other paper about the school he attended in Nakhon Si Thammarat erecting a banner in front of the school congratulating him on being named a cabinet minister,

A large number of the alumnae vehemently oppose it and have demanded its removal.

Last word was that the dispute was escalating with heated verbal exchanges.

.

I'll activate my NST spy network to get the full story....

PTP is very popular in NST, almost as popular as cholera.

Look forward to it.

The other paper has several articles on it.

The congratulations banner has been defaced and there is an effort to remove him from the alumni association.

.

Edited January 25, 2012 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

School Slammed for Praising Red-Shirt Leader

A school alumni group has requested the removal of a cut-out poster at their school that congratulated red-shirt co-leader Natthawut Saikua on his appointment as the Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister.

The Benjamarachutit School Alumni in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province held a mass gathering, requesting the removal of a 50-meter board in front of their campus.

The school installed a large sign with a message congratulating its former student, Natthawut Saikua, for his new appointment as Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister.

The alumni expressed strong opposition to Nattawut for his role in the violent red-shirt street protests.

A group of the alumni and street vendors who have stalls in front of the school gathered outside.

They were led by Sumeth Sodjit, a former alumni, who submitted an open letter to the administrators demanding that the congratulatory message be removed immediately.

The group members also demanded that the school administrators make their attitude toward Natthawut clear, adding that the school must take a key role in educating society.

In response, the deputy director of the school's development department, Sa-nga Nawarat, said the school has not joined moves led by the alumni association in 2010 to expel Natthawut because of his role in leading red-shirt supporters.

Sa-nga said the group's request to remove the board would need to be discussed with the school's five bodies, namely the administrative board, the school board, the alumni association, the parents and teachers association, and the school's teacher alumni and parents network.

In the meantime, a group of red-shirt supporters in the province placed a cut-out bearing the message, “Congratulations to Natthawut Saikua” on the other side of the school.

-- Tan Network 2012-01-25

[billd766]

This from his facebook page after a run in regarding his dinner at an expensive restaurant:

Why do you say a Prai has to be poor, has to be stupid, has to bend forward and be repeatedly trampled on? Why can’t Prai eat at the same restaurant as capitalists? Long live the people.

That restaurant was the one Korn was at and it was he who brought about the "incident". If it was on the internet Korn would have been rightly called a Troll.

Congratulations on finding yet another Democrat conspiracy.

How many is that so far this month?

[RedNIvar]

School Slammed for Praising Red-Shirt Leader

The Benjamarachutit School Alumni in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province held a mass gathering, requesting the removal of a 50-meter board in front of their campus.

-- Tan Network 2012-01-25

Mass gathering = 5 people, looks about right I guess.

[Buchholz]

School Slammed for Praising Red-Shirt Leader

The Benjamarachutit School Alumni in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province held a mass gathering, requesting the removal of a 50-meter board in front of their campus.

-- Tan Network 2012-01-25

Mass gathering = 5 people, looks about right I guess.

Probably taken early... before the banner was defaced.

.

[Heimdallr]

An inexpensive way to keep the red supporters happy. I doubt this came as a surprise to him, he must have expected it as a form of compensation. Let's hope he indeed uses this opportunity well rather than just playing for the big T.

[lovetotravel]

This from his facebook page after a run in regarding his dinner at an expensive restaurant:

Why do you say a Prai has to be poor, has to be stupid, has to bend forward and be repeatedly trampled on? Why can’t Prai eat at the same restaurant as capitalists? Long live the people.

That restaurant was the one Korn was at and it was he who brought about the "incident". If it was on the internet Korn would have been rightly called a Troll.

Congratulations on finding yet another Democrat conspiracy.

How many is that so far this month?

How can it be a conspiracy theory if it's on Natthawut's Facebook page? Put there by himself????

[animatic]

RIght Reverend Nattawut, voice of the under privileged

in a 20,000 baht suit with 2,000 baht tie.

Edited January 25, 2012 by animatic

[birdpooguava]

Charismatic, intelligent and a fabulous orator. Although he started the red shirt protests a distant second behind Jatuporn, he quickly became the main draw card. He has a bright future in the political arena.

[whybother]

Charismatic, intelligent and a fabulous orator. Although he started the red shirt protests a distant second behind Jatuporn, he quickly became the main draw card. He has a bright future in the political arena.

Not only good at talking. Good at inciting as well.

[animatic]

Charismatic, intelligent and a fabulous orator. Although he started the red shirt protests a distant second behind Jatuporn, he quickly became the main draw card. He has a bright future in the political arena.

Not only good at talking. Good at inciting as well.

Of course if you only have 5 talking points to hammer down daily,

you are bound to get a groove. Fabulous is a stretch even in fantasyland.

Even harder if the playing field shifts under your feet hourly. He may find political reality harder to navigate, than a long running set peice with a short scripted story line to sell every few hours as his time slot comes up.

If being able to smile is charisma, then most Thais have that.

Supernova's have bright futures, but they are not so long and tend to take much of the surrounding matter with them, shortly to become black holes, that suck up all the light.

Edited January 25, 2012 by animatic

[craigt3365]

An inappropriate post has been removed from view. Please show respect to fellow Thaivisa members.

[mrtoad]

Another cockroach feeding off the crumbs from tHE table of The DL.