PM's secretary general Bantoon 'resigns'

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The prime minister's secretary general Bantoon Supakvanit has submitted his resignation following dissatisfaction from PM Yingluck Shinawatra, a source from the ruling Pheu Thai Party said yesterday.

The premier's brother Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife Khunying Pojaman were also said to be dissatisfied with Bantoon's performance, the source said. Bantoon, a former director of the Budget Bureau and later a Pheu Thai MP, has been seen as focusing too much on bureaucratic jobs, which has left the PM with a heavy workload. Bantoon, 62, did not go to work yesterday and had his belongings collected from his office, the source said. He appeared to be upset that much of his work was recently taken over by Suranand Vejjajiva, who has worked closely with the PM.

Caretaker government spokesman Thitima Chaisang confirmed that Bantoon was absent from work yesterday but declined to confirm he had resigned. She expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience. One of Bantoon's deputies is likely to take over till Prommin Lertsuridej returns from a five-year ban in May.

-- The Nation 2012-02-28

Why are the media even bothering to report that Thaksin and his ex wife were dissatisfied with the guys performance. This is turning into a joke. Imagine in the UK if they said Camerons PS has resigned as Cameron was dissatisfied with the performance and so to was tony Blair and Cheryl Blair? Not only is Thaksin a fugative criminal, his wife is divorced from him and is nothing to do with government.

I am astonished as to how obvious and open the Shinawatra's actions are, and how this country is letting them get away with the bid to take it over. Breathtaking arrogance and the press are feeding them and giving them oxygen.

Edited February 27, 201214 yr by GentlemanJim

My guess it was to prompt this type of reaction. It is gratuitous.

Why are the media even bothering to report that Thaksin and his ex wife were dissatisfied with the guys performance. This is turning into a joke. Imagine in the UK if they said Camerons PS has resigned as Cameron was dissatisfied with the performance and so to was tony Blair and Cheryl Blair? Not only is Thaksin a fugative criminal, his wife is divorced from him and is nothing to do with government.

I am astonished as to how obvious and open the Shinawatra's actions are, and how this country is letting them get away with the bid to take it over. Breathtaking arrogance and the press are feeding them and giving them oxygen.

My guess it was to prompt this type of reaction. It is gratuitous.

Why are the media even bothering to report that Thaksin and his ex wife were dissatisfied with the guys performance. This is turning into a joke. Imagine in the UK if they said Camerons PS has resigned as Cameron was dissatisfied with the performance and so to was tony Blair and Cheryl Blair? Not only is Thaksin a fugative criminal, his wife is divorced from him and is nothing to do with government.

I am astonished as to how obvious and open the Shinawatra's actions are, and how this country is letting them get away with the bid to take it over. Breathtaking arrogance and the press are feeding them and giving them oxygen.

Well a reaction from a Brit doesn't matter here or there does it, and Thais don't react in the same way.

You might be pleasantly surprised. Thais do most certainly formulate their own opinions, and they may well be the same as Brits' ;-) but I guess they may feel more reluctant/inhibited about expressing them openly. Self-censorship is common, other than in private conversations with like-minded trustees. IMO

My guess it was to prompt this type of reaction. It is gratuitous.

Why are the media even bothering to report that Thaksin and his ex wife were dissatisfied with the guys performance. This is turning into a joke. Imagine in the UK if they said Camerons PS has resigned as Cameron was dissatisfied with the performance and so to was tony Blair and Cheryl Blair? Not only is Thaksin a fugative criminal, his wife is divorced from him and is nothing to do with government.

I am astonished as to how obvious and open the Shinawatra's actions are, and how this country is letting them get away with the bid to take it over. Breathtaking arrogance and the press are feeding them and giving them oxygen.

Well a reaction from a Brit doesn't matter here or there does it, and Thais don't react in the same way.

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by Reasonableman

My guess it was to prompt this type of reaction. It is gratuitous.

Why are the media even bothering to report that Thaksin and his ex wife were dissatisfied with the guys performance. This is turning into a joke. Imagine in the UK if they said Camerons PS has resigned as Cameron was dissatisfied with the performance and so to was tony Blair and Cheryl Blair? Not only is Thaksin a fugative criminal, his wife is divorced from him and is nothing to do with government.

I am astonished as to how obvious and open the Shinawatra's actions are, and how this country is letting them get away with the bid to take it over. Breathtaking arrogance and the press are feeding them and giving them oxygen.

Well a reaction from a Brit doesn't matter here or there does it, and Thais don't react in the same way.

And you are? Not Thai...

Please clarify what you mean by that. It's unclear. Thanks. :-)

My guess it was to prompt this type of reaction. It is gratuitous.

Why are the media even bothering to report that Thaksin and his ex wife were dissatisfied with the guys performance. This is turning into a joke. Imagine in the UK if they said Camerons PS has resigned as Cameron was dissatisfied with the performance and so to was tony Blair and Cheryl Blair? Not only is Thaksin a fugative criminal, his wife is divorced from him and is nothing to do with government.

I am astonished as to how obvious and open the Shinawatra's actions are, and how this country is letting them get away with the bid to take it over. Breathtaking arrogance and the press are feeding them and giving them oxygen.

Well a reaction from a Brit doesn't matter here or there does it, and Thais don't react in the same way.

And you are? Not Thai...

Please clarify what you mean by that. It's unclear. Thanks. :-)

OT, but if you are so reasonable why do you insist on Top Posting? It is most annoying.

"The premier's brother Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife Khunying Pojaman were also said to be dissatisfied with Bantoon's performance, the source said. Bantoon, a former director of the Budget Bureau and later a Pheu Thai MP, has been seen as focusing too much on bureaucratic jobs, which has left the PM with a heavy workload. Bantoon, 62, did not go to work yesterday and had his belongings collected from his office, the source said. He appeared to be upset that much of his work was recently taken over by Suranand Vejjajiva, who has worked closely with the PM."

Upset ecause it left Yingluck with a heavy workload ??????????

They gotta be kiding, god forbid she is PM and has a heavy work load

God forbid she has to work hard to serve the red shirts ... oops .... I mean the citizens of Thailand

As previously explained, it is the default for the iPad, and it irritates me equally. Please pass your comment to the Mod, who may be able to advise a fix. Another irritation is the minuscule text box for entering posts. Apologies for the inconvenience and thanks for your understanding. BTW your comment, while appreciated, was also OT. ;-)

Please clarify what you mean by that. It's unclear. Thanks. :-)

OT, but if you are so reasonable why do you insist on Top Posting? It is most annoying.

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by Reasonableman

Back to topic. Seems the resignee had inadequate spin skills for the current climate. Next!

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

Damning with faint praise.

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

The only surprising thing here is that anything has been done before the inevitable reshuffle in May - he must really have p*ssed somebody off to get the boot now.

Your point about the lack of experience in the current administration is a valid one and it will be interesting to see what changes happen when the banned politicians return as they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight.

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

The only surprising thing here is that anything has been done before the inevitable reshuffle in May - he must really have p*ssed somebody off to get the boot now.

Your point about the lack of experience in the current administration is a valid one and it will be interesting to see what changes happen when the banned politicians return as they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight.

Could it have been refusing to falsify her appointments calendar to include the hotel meeting?

Is he currently a PT MP? Did he resign as MP or just as Yingluck's gopher ... I mean secretary.

Could it have been refusing to falsify her appointments calendar to include the hotel meeting?

Failure to spin the meeting properly, leaving Yingluck with too much explaining to do. That's why Suranand has come in. He spins better.

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

The only surprising thing here is that anything has been done before the inevitable reshuffle in May - he must really have p*ssed somebody off to get the boot now.

Your point about the lack of experience in the current administration is a valid one and it will be interesting to see what changes happen when the banned politicians return as they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight.

" they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight lineup at the trough."

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

The only surprising thing here is that anything has been done before the inevitable reshuffle in May - he must really have p*ssed somebody off to get the boot now.

Your point about the lack of experience in the current administration is a valid one and it will be interesting to see what changes happen when the banned politicians return as they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight.

" they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight lineup at the trough."

TBH I am not sure this is the issue since their stalls are being kept warm for them by proxies - could be that their added experience will help keep the trough replenished though.

I guess the last time he saw Big T he didn't wai low enough to satisfy his lord and master. It would appear Bowing and scrapping has a lot to do with job qualification

I guess the last time he saw Big T he didn't wai low enough to satisfy his lord and master. It would appear Bowing and scrapping has a lot to do with job qualification

Good one and sadly the truth.

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

The only surprising thing here is that anything has been done before the inevitable reshuffle in May - he must really have p*ssed somebody off to get the boot now.

Your point about the lack of experience in the current administration is a valid one and it will be interesting to see what changes happen when the banned politicians return as they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight.

And back to feasting at the trough.

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by pimay11

PM refuses to clarify resignation of Bantoon Supakvanich from PM's secretary-general post; he cited health problems /TANN

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by whybother

Maybe his nose grew too long to fit in his office?

My guess it was to prompt this type of reaction. It is gratuitous.

Why are the media even bothering to report that Thaksin and his ex wife were dissatisfied with the guys performance. This is turning into a joke. Imagine in the UK if they said Camerons PS has resigned as Cameron was dissatisfied with the performance and so to was tony Blair and Cheryl Blair? Not only is Thaksin a fugative criminal, his wife is divorced from him and is nothing to do with government.

I am astonished as to how obvious and open the Shinawatra's actions are, and how this country is letting them get away with the bid to take it over. Breathtaking arrogance and the press are feeding them and giving them oxygen.

Well a reaction from a Brit doesn't matter here or there does it, and Thais don't react in the same way.

They are doing it because... THEY CAN,

and doing it to tweak the noses of their enemies.

They've already slid in his replacement, unofficially.

ie the government isn't paying him... someone else is of course.

They will now slid in a cypher who will listen to Vejajiva and not feel they've lost face.

And wait for his ban to expire.

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by animatic

Maybe his nose grew too long to fit in his office?

Or not long enough to qualify for the office.

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by sparebox2

Cabinet appoints Thawat Boonfueng as acting PM's sec-gen and moves current sec-gen Bantoon to PM's adviser /TANN

Cabinet appoints Thawat Boonfueng as acting PM's sec-gen and moves current sec-gen Bantoon to PM's adviser /TANN

"acting PM"

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

The only surprising thing here is that anything has been done before the inevitable reshuffle in May - he must really have p*ssed somebody off to get the boot now.

Your point about the lack of experience in the current administration is a valid one and it will be interesting to see what changes happen when the banned politicians return as they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight.

May won't so much see a reshuffle as a calling for a new deck.

It's possible that he felt that he could no longer justify his salary as somebody else was doing most of his work for "free" (reportedly).

Now that he is gone and no longer subjecting the PM to such a "heavy workload" she may be able to attend parliament, or more private meetings.

"Thitima Chaisang ......... expressed sympathy for his service in the post without much political experience." Not that it is unusual in this administration.

The only surprising thing here is that anything has been done before the inevitable reshuffle in May - he must really have p*ssed somebody off to get the boot now.

Your point about the lack of experience in the current administration is a valid one and it will be interesting to see what changes happen when the banned politicians return as they must be chomping at the bit to get back into the limelight.

May won't so much see a reshuffle as a calling for a new deck.

I am wondering how much pressure will be out there for a new election. There are only so many government positions that can be filled.