People Believe It's Time For Cabinet Changes: Thai Poll

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Poll: People believe it's time for Cabinet changes

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce, Education and Interior portfolios could be in line for a change should a Cabinet reshuffle - which is desirable - take place, an Abac Poll said in a survey released yesterday.

One in two people questioned in the poll believed the timing was right for a reshuffle in Cabinet seats.

Any new Cabinet line-up could also include changes in Agriculture, Transport, Labour, Finance, Natural Resources and Environment, Defence and Social Development and Human Security ministries, the poll said.

The survey found the reconciliation bill was the most critical factor impacting on government stability.

Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit dismissed the speculation on the Cabinet line-up, saying the government had not signalled a change.

Prompong said Democrat MP Thepthai Senpong was wrong in his prediction the Cabinet reshuffle would take place before August because the government wanted to thwart a censure motion.

In another development, Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said he understood why Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua would not step down, despite his ethics being questioned by the ombudsman.

"Natthawut will cling to his position because he has done everything, including inciting crowds to torch the country, in order to get his ministerial appointment," Chavanond said.

Commenting on the olive branch extended by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the Democrats, he said the red shirts should not rush to dismiss such an offer because they had been fooled by Thaksin several times previously.

"On the day Thaksin mends fences with the opposition, the red shirts will realise the day of their extermination," he said.

Ombudsman Sriracha Charoenpanij said he was not worried about the opposition from the red shirts in regard to the ombudsman's report on Natthawut's ethics.

Sriracha said all sides were entitled to air their opinions within legal limits. The report on Natthawut was issued without any prejudice, based on his record and judicial decisions in connection with his involvement in the street protests in 2010, he said.

The report raised the ethical question of Natthawut's holding office, citing a Civil Court verdict he swayed the crowds beyond a peaceful rally, as sanctioned by the Constitution.

-- The Nation 2012-06-18

[Pib]

I wonder what the average time for serving as a cabinet minister has been over recent years? Maybe less than a year? Sure seems to be an ever continuing game of musical chairs. Doesn't seem to be a good way to provide a stable govt with the top positions being swapped out at a rapid pace.

[OzMick]

Paybacks are a bitch.

[lannarebirth]

I wonder what the average time for serving as a cabinet minister has been over recent years? Maybe less than a year? Sure seems to be an ever continuing game of musical chairs. Doesn't seem to be a good way to provide a stable govt with the top positions being swapped out at a rapid pace.

I think Potjaman collects most of the tribute for cabinet positions. What with the rate of turnover accelerating so rapidly, new ministers must be under tremendous pressure to steal as much as they can as fast as they can.

Edited June 18, 2012 by lannarebirth

[saltandpepper]

Yes, time for a cabinet change.....the whole cabinet.

Time to bring responsible persons in, with no colors, with no conflict of interests, with a real will to serve the country,.....driiiiing...ooooooooops, My alarm clock just went off, and I wake up..Not going to happen..