The Wizard And His Band Of Populist Preachers

[cdnvic]

The Wizard and his band of populist preachers

Published on December 30, 2005

Government House reporters have this year voted to label Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra “the Wizard with Weak Magic” and his administration “the Government That Puts the Populace in Distress”. Name giving by the Government House press corps is an annual tradition ahead of the New Year holiday.

This year reporters reasoned that in 2005, the PM had clearly changed from an angel with a magical touch to a grumpy wizard stricken with a host of problems and a drop in popularity as doubts about his integrity and leadership intensified.

As for the government’s new designation, reporters argued that less than a year into its second term in office, the administration’s populist policies had caused hardships for people, many of whom are heavily indebted.

Nine other Cabinet members received the honour of a nickname, mainly due to their less-than-impressive performances.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has been named “In-house Lawyer” for regularly using his legal expertise to defend the government against criticism and allegations of corruption and cronyism.

Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has been dubbed “the CTX Scrap” for his involvement in the bomb scanner scandal, which led to his removal as transport minister in a major Cabinet shake-up last August.

Deputy Premier and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya has been labelled “the Loose Plug” as the Government House reporters viewed him as the weakest link in the government’s efforts to solve the separatist violence in the South. Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop is now “the 25-Hour PR Man” for appearing regularly on television to popularise government policies.

Deputy Prime Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul received the nickname “the Man of the Boss’s Wife” for his close relationship with Thaksin’s wife Pojaman Shinawatra.

PM’s Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva is now called “Intervening Signals” for allegedly exerting influence over the state-run media, as the minister in charge of the Public Relations Department.

Interior Minister ACM Kongsak Wantana now has the moniker “the Hydro-Powered Minister”; incidentally, his wife’s nickname means “water”. Kongsak, formerly the Air Force chief, was appointed to the Cabinet amidst allegations that it was due to the good ties between his wife and the PM’s wife.

Energy Minister Viset Choopiban has been termed “the Government’s Broker” for acting, according to Government House reporters, as if he was a middleman in efforts to list state enterprises on the stock exchange.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook has received the nickname “Ikkyu Seng” - a corrupted variation of “Ikkyu-san”, a Japanese cartoon character famous for his quick wits. But for Watana, many of his wacky ideas have earned him criticism rather than praise.

The Quote of the Year was awarded to Thaksin for declaring: “Frankly speaking, the government will give priority to the provinces that place their special trust in us. The ones with less trust will be next in the queue.”

The quote, made after the ruling party’s loss in the October general election, reflected the prime minister’s mentality in running the country, concluded the statement by the Government House reporters.

The Nation

[Ricardo]

Hub of tricks , I wand-er ? New broom required ?? No Merlin-gerers need apply

ZZZAAAPPPP

Ouch just couldn't resist it

[stumonster]

regularly using his legal expertise

aka. sue them for libel

[opothai]

The Wizard and his band of populist preachers

The Quote of the Year was awarded to Thaksin for declaring: “Frankly speaking, the government will give priority to the provinces that place their special trust in us. The ones with less trust will be next in the queue.”

The quote, made after the ruling party’s loss in the October general election, reflected the prime minister’s mentality in running the country, concluded the statement by the Government House reporters.

The Nation

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

in other words the party motto

cross my palm with silver

[ratcatcher]

Below is my selection for "THE IDEAL THAI GOVERNMENT" post Thaksin.

Prime Minister : Aung San Suu Kyi : She has real class. She is unwanted in Burma and

respected worldwide.

Foreign Minister: Khunying Porntip Rojanasunand. She speaks her mind.

She has more balls than Man.U.

Finance Minister: Jaruvan Maintaka: She is honest, intelligent and reliable. She will keep

the naughty boys on their toes.

Tourism Minister: Chuwit Kamolwisit: He knows what tourism is all about. Sanuk!

Culture Minister: Tata Young: She represents Thai culture at it's finest.

Environment Minister: Charlie the Chimp: Any monkey can run Chiang Mai Zoo