Yingluck May Take Defence Ministry: Cabinet Reshuffle

[webfact]

RESHUFFLE

Yingluck may take Defence

PIYANART SRIVALO

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Talk of another Cabinet reshuffle has re-emerged, as many politicians from the ruling Pheu Thai Party are meeting with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Hong Kong this week to celebrate his birthday.

Thaksin, who is believed to be pulling the strings behind the government, turns 63 today.

Just a few months after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reshuffled her then five-months-old Cabinet for the first time in mid-January, it was rumoured that she would do so again when the five-year ban on 111 former executives from Thaksin's now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party ended on May 30.

Almost two months have passed since that milestone, and the PM has not made it clear whether there will be another ministerial shake-up anytime soon.

As the government leader, it is natural for Yingluck to want to avoid making waves or ruffling feathers. However, it is no secret that she is not the one who has the final say in the government's affairs, despite repeated denials by Yingluck and other government figures.

With mounting pressure from her big brother Thaksin, as well as from certain Cabinet hopefuls in the "Group of 111" and from red-shirt leaders, the prime minister is unlikely to postpone the next Cabinet reshuffle for long.

Some important questions have emerged ahead of the next change in the ministerial line-up.

One of them is whether Yingluck will be Thailand's first female defence minister, having already become its first female prime minister.

The defence minister's seat is often assumed by a retired military general, and only a handful of male civilians have ever served in the post - all of them while also serving as the government head. They include Chuan Leekpai, Samak Sundaravej and Som-chai Wongsawat, the last two of whom were described as Thaksin's proxies.

It has long been rumoured that Yingluck would take up the post of defence minister - with her Cabinet's second and current defence minister, Air Chief Marshal Sukampol Suwannathat, expected to be replaced in the next reshuffle.

The military top brass had reportedly disagreed with the idea of having a female at the head of the Defence Ministry, but the improved ties between the government and the armed forces - as recently reported by Sukampol - may have changed that.

According to sources who learned about an upcoming Cabinet reshuffle from Thaksin's recent meeting with Thai politicians in Hong Kong, Yingluck is going to double up as defence minister, while Sukampol will become a deputy prime minister.

Another question is whether Thaksin's trusted aide Surapong Towichukchaikul, who is foreign minister, will be "rewarded" with a more coveted Cabinet seat after having completed his "mission" that led to prominent countries such as the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom granting Thaksin entry visas.

Earlier, Surapong had the Foreign Ministry reissue a Thai passport for Thaksin, whose travel document was revoked by the previous Democrat-led government due to his fugitive status.

After already having been to Japan and the UK, Thaksin plans to enter the US early next month, according to his legal adviser, Noppadon Pattama.

According to the sources, Surapong is likely to become interior minister, replacing Yongyuth Wichaidit, who now doubles as deputy PM - a position he is expected to keep after the next Cabinet shake-up.

Surapong is viewed as being more efficient than Yongyuth in managing people and implementing orders from higher-ups. "He is good at playing different roles. He is as liquid as water," a source said.

Bhokin Balakula, a legal expert and former House Speaker, is likely to replace Surapong as foreign minister, according to the sources.

When compared to Surapong, Bhokin may appear more credible when there is a need to explain to the international community about the government's constitutional amendment bill and new reconciliation law - the latter being labelled by critics as a bid to whitewash Thaksin's wrongdoings.

Changes in the Cabinet line-up also could help removed ministers avoid being grilled by the opposition in a censure debate after a new parliamentary session begins next Wednesday.

Opposition MPs are unlikely to target Cabinet members who have been removed from their old posts and have just been appointed to new ones. Surapong, who is a possible censure target, is likely to benefit in this regard.

Among other Cabinet seats to be affected in a reshuffle are those under Thaksin's quota.

Transport Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan is likely to be replaced by Pongsak Raktapongpisan, another trusted aide to Thaksin who served in the same post under a Thaksin-led government. Pongsak could also double as a deputy prime minister, while Charupong would remain in the Cabinet.

Education Minister Suchart Tadathamrongvej is expected to be replaced by Chaturon Chaisang, a key figure from the Group of 111 who served in the same post for slightly more than a year in a Thaksin administration. This would mean the Education Ministry is getting another new minister. Under governments led by Thaksin and his proxies, there have been more than 10 education ministers. The latest change took place under the current government in January, which saw Suchart replacing the previous office-holder, Woravat Auapinyakul, who lost his job after only five months.

-- The Nation 2012-07-26

[chotthee]

Can't wait to see her in a tight army uniform.

[rubl]

Surapong is viewed as being more efficient than Yongyuth in managing people and implementing orders from higher-ups. "He is good at playing different roles. He is as liquid as water," a source said.

It's good to see that the selection criteria for cabinet positions get refined with every cabinet reshuffle. Starting with 'knowledge', 'capabilities' and 'potential', Jauary saw 'suitability' added and now we have 'liquidity' (as in contortion, nothing to do with finances).

Oh yes, this government (in exile) is showing huge progress

[AleG]

Great, so now she'll have more excuses for not having time to perform her duties.

[jerrysteve]

Musical Chairs Again!!!!!!!! What a Joke!!!

This is much better than any show on t.v. with the except of F-Troop

[phiphidon]

Surapong is viewed as being more efficient than Yongyuth in managing people and implementing orders from higher-ups. "He is good at playing different roles. He is as liquid as water," a source said.

It's good to see that the selection criteria for cabinet positions get refined with every cabinet reshuffle. Starting with 'knowledge', 'capabilities' and 'potential', Jauary saw 'suitability' added and now we have 'liquidity' (as in contortion, nothing to do with finances).

Oh yes, this government (in exile) is showing huge progress

You realise this is all based on "a source" and is a rumour. A rumour that even the idiot "reporter" has admitted they have got wrong in the past. Why should this be any more "true"?

Just a few months after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reshuffled her then five-months-old Cabinet for the first time in mid-January, it was rumoured that she would do so again when the five-year ban on 111 former executives from Thaksin's now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party ended on May 30.

Almost two months have passed since that milestone, and the PM has not made it clear whether there will be another ministerial shake-up anytime soon.

But still the Nations "sources" tell them otherwise and another quarter page of "news" is written...........

[trainman34014]

Blimey; at this rate she won't have much time for shopping in Paris, unless they give her her a private jet for personal use to nip off for the odd few hours.

PS....What does she know about running the Defence of the Nation? Well; about as much as she knows about being PM i suppose !

[rubl]

Surapong is viewed as being more efficient than Yongyuth in managing people and implementing orders from higher-ups. "He is good at playing different roles. He is as liquid as water," a source said.

It's good to see that the selection criteria for cabinet positions get refined with every cabinet reshuffle. Starting with 'knowledge', 'capabilities' and 'potential', Jauary saw 'suitability' added and now we have 'liquidity' (as in contortion, nothing to do with finances).

Oh yes, this government (in exile) is showing huge progress

You realise this is all based on "a source" and is a rumour. A rumour that even the idiot "reporter" has admitted they have got wrong in the past. Why should this be any more "true"?

Just a few months after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reshuffled her then five-months-old Cabinet for the first time in mid-January, it was rumoured that she would do so again when the five-year ban on 111 former executives from Thaksin's now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party ended on May 30.

Almost two months have passed since that milestone, and the PM has not made it clear whether there will be another ministerial shake-up anytime soon.

But still the Nations "sources" tell them otherwise and another quarter page of "news" is written.......

Yes love, just rumours. Still, somehow I think we may see some 'minor' adjustments before parliamentary session starts again on the 1st of August. That's not a rumour, just my opinion

[Ricardo]

Yes love, just rumours. Still, somehow I think we may see some 'minor' adjustments before parliamentary session starts again on the 1st of August. That's not a rumour, just my opinion

But it's a rumour which is supported by the Gadarine-rush, to Hong Kong recently, to wish DL a Happy-Birthday and at least one Happy Return.

[Skywalker69]

Blimey; at this rate she won't have much time for shopping in Paris, unless they give her her a private jet for personal use to nip off for the odd few hours.

PS....What does she know about running the Defence of the Nation? Well; about as much as she knows about being PM i suppose !

About as much as she knows how to run the Country.

[hellodolly]

Surapong is viewed as being more efficient than Yongyuth in managing people and implementing orders from higher-ups. "He is good at playing different roles. He is as liquid as water," a source said.

It's good to see that the selection criteria for cabinet positions get refined with every cabinet reshuffle. Starting with 'knowledge', 'capabilities' and 'potential', Jauary saw 'suitability' added and now we have 'liquidity' (as in contortion, nothing to do with finances).

Oh yes, this government (in exile) is showing huge progress

Well you have to admit if Yingluck takes the defense Ministries position The services will defiantly have nicer looking footwear. And I have complete faith in her ability to improve the looks of all of their uniforms. Perhaps she will bring A designer from Paris to do the job.

Wait a minute it just occurred to me that was her real reason for going to Paris To select a designer for new uniforms for all of the Military.

She is a sly one.

[angsta]

"However, it is no secret that she is not the one who has the final say in the government's affairs, despite repeated denials by Yingluck and other government figures."

Prove it or don't write it.

Edited July 26, 2012 by angsta

[ratcatcher]

Yingluck may take Defence

That surely beats sitting on it!

As to her brother's 63rd birthday, happy birthday Mr Thaksin and many happy returns to court and jail.

[Buchholz]

Can't wait to see her in a tight army uniform.

we've already seen her entire military family emblazoned with chestfuls of medals all..

The warrior family's collective ribbon total is impressive, even after just a week of their first time in civil service.

.

[Buchholz]

Great, so now she'll have more excuses for not having time to perform her duties.

She'll just double her excuses for not having time to perform either duty.

.

[OzMick]

I suppose a change from taking offense.

[phiphidon]

Can't wait to see her in a tight army uniform.

we've already seen her entire military family emblazoned with chestfuls of medals all..

The warrior family's collective ribbon total is impressive, even after just a week of their first time in civil service.

photo snipped

.

No combat medals, though - did abhisit get one for the 2010 campaign?

[saltandpepper]

Can't wait to see her in a tight army uniform.

we've already seen her entire military family emblazoned with chestfuls of medals all..

The warrior family's collective ribbon total is impressive, even after just a week of their first time in civil service.

photo snipped

.

No combat medals, though - did abhisit get one for the 2010 campaign?

No sure, but Jatuporn, Nattawut and other fellow reds definitely got one....in the form of healthy compensation from DL....

[h90]

Can't wait to see her in a tight army uniform.

we've already seen her entire military family emblazoned with chestfuls of medals all..

The warrior family's collective ribbon total is impressive, even after just a week of their first time in civil service.

photo snipped

.

No combat medals, though - did abhisit get one for the 2010 campaign?

No to coward to fix the problem in time.

[dcutman]

Musical Chairs Again!!!!!!!! What a Joke!!!

This is much better than any show on t.v. with the except of F-Troop

I dont know Jerry, this is about as close as you can get to the best comedy show ever produced.

[rubl]

Musical Chairs Again!!!!!!!! What a Joke!!!

This is much better than any show on t.v. with the except of F-Troop

I dont know Jerry, this is about as close as you can get to the best comedy show ever produced.

Furthermore as taxpayer in Thailand I have paid for the show, I'm entitled to watch it ( or , )

[Soutpeel]

Yingluck may take Defence

I would encourage it...excellent choice, she can retain a french fashion designer and come up with some new uniforms and think about it chaps...Burberry combat boots...the troops will love her, and she may even get provided with a helicopter that CAN fly at night cos it does have a radar, pretty sure the airforce would have a couple about..

[ratcatcher]

Yingluck may take Defence

I would encourage it...excellent choice, she can retain a french fashion designer and come up with some new uniforms and think about it chaps...Burberry combat boots...the troops will love her, and she may even get provided with a helicopter that CAN fly at night cos it does have a radar, pretty sure the airforce would have a couple about..

If she does indeed go on the Defensive, with Ms Yinglucks superb taste in fashion, we may soon be treated to some more appropriate uniforms for the female soldiers in the RTA.

[Buchholz]

we've already seen her entire military family emblazoned with chestfuls of medals all..

The warrior family's collective ribbon total is impressive, even after just a week of their first time in civil service.

No combat medals, though - did abhisit get one for the 2010 campaign?

Thread title:

Yingluck May Take Defence Ministry: Cabinet Reshuffle

Edited July 26, 2012 by Buchholz

[belg]

making room for big brother

[Baerboxer]

Of course - put sister in key defence post and move back to openly take number 1 spot. Why are the governments of Japan, UK and USA granting visas to a criminal on the run?

Hmmm, if said criminal retruns as PM, and sister puppet is defence minister ........

In looking to counter "China's growing influence", Obamma and his puppets seem to have missed the Chinese ancestry.

This is getting more like on of Shakespear's commedies, much more twits than the Thai soaps. Hopefully not one with a sad ending.

[ratcatcher]

Of course - put sister in key defence post and move back to openly take number 1 spot. Why are the governments of Japan, UK and USA granting visas to a criminal on the run?

Hmmm, if said criminal retruns as PM, and sister puppet is defence minister ........

In looking to counter "China's growing influence", Obamma and his puppets seem to have missed the Chinese ancestry.

This is getting more like on of Shakespear's commedies, much more twits than the Thai soaps. Hopefully not one with a sad ending.

You are correct Bb., the present government is A Comedy of Errors, Jatuporn is making Much Ado About Nothing and the man afar aka Big Bro' is The Merchant of Venom.

[yoshiwara]

If Thaksin sends the redshirts back on the streets, he wants a direct line into blocking the army without his instructions leaking.

[jaapfries]

Can't wait to see her in a tight army uniform.

we've already seen her entire military family emblazoned with chestfuls of medals all..

The warrior family's collective ribbon total is impressive, even after just a week of their first time in civil service.

.

Good Point: I 've lived in this country a little over 20 years and I could never figure-out why, even Cadets, when dressed in gala-uniform, sport this 'impressive-looking' Achievement Strip on their chests . . . . . What 'achievements' can Cadets possibly have attained ? ? ? ?

[The sharp observer will notice that all three "Achievement Badges:, as shown in the above picture, are, in fact, identical !]

Geez; I served in my countries army for 2.4 years, and apart from the 1 solitary and tiny little star on my shoulders, I had 1 Sharp-Shooters "badge" and 1/2 Wing "badge", signifying having jumped out of an airplane 8 times (and I can assure you that they had too boot me out the first time, 'cause I was NEVER gonna jump by myself ! ! !

I only wanted those "badges" to impress the girls, frankly !

In any event; I suppose the proof has hereby been delivered, since surely that little boy in the picture can't be a veteran-hero, can he ? ? ? ?

[Anon999]

Can't wait to see her in a tight army uniform.

we've already seen her entire military family emblazoned with chestfuls of medals all..

The warrior family's collective ribbon total is impressive, even after just a week of their first time in civil service.

photo snipped

.

No combat medals, though - did abhisit get one for the 2010 campaign?

Another snide remark. You excel yourself!