Alpine Bomb Defused But New Headache For Yingluck

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Alpine bomb defused but new headache for PM

The Nation

Yingluck's challenge: Find a new interior chief who's bold - but not too bold

BANGKOK: -- Yongyuth Wichaidit's decision to leave the Yingluck Cabinet to prevent the never-say-die Alpine scandal from erupting anew has given the prime minister another kind of headache. Not only was he deputy prime minister, the least complicated position to refill, but he was also interior minister, one of the most controversial and potentially explosive Cabinet slots to put someone in.

A lot of names have been mentioned. Even Yingluck Shinawatra herself has been mooted as a candidate. This is not the first time Yingluck has been subjected to speculation that she could double as head of a key ministry. Recently, she had been touted as new defence minister, no matter how politically sensitive that might sound.

The Interior Ministry, despite its reduced power where the country's elections are concerned, remains a top state agency that every ruling party must grab with both hands. Every politician wants to control one of Thailand's biggest bureaucratic apparatuses that supervises provincial governors. There remains a belief, which was weakened somewhat by the 2006 coup, that if you control Parliament, the Interior Ministry, the Defence Ministry, the Finance Ministry and one of the key economic ministries, you can be politically invincible.

This is why we have seen either strange or ugly faces taking turns to run the Interior Ministry. It has become almost a tradition that the interior minister must be someone who is not only important to the ruling party, but also ready to do dirty jobs. This is one of the ministries that requires more boldness than expertise. On one hand, it seems to be an easy position to fill as anybody who is bold enough can be Thailand's interior minister. On the other hand, to find someone not bold to the point of craziness is not that simple.

Yongyuth was not an out-and-out bold type but, as the nominal leader of the ruling party and as a long-serving Interior Ministry bureaucrat, he was the best choice under the circumstances. Until the Alpine scandal came simmering back, that is. After the National Counter Corruption Commission ruled against him, setting the stage for possible prosecution, he became a big political liability. The opposition's fire was ricocheting off him toward Thaksin Shinawatra, but the immediate concern was over the stability of the Yingluck government and the Pheu Thai Party. There were legitimate fears he could drag both down.

With the Yongyuth situation calming down, Yingluck now faces the new challenge of how to replace him without major repercussions. The first questions to ponder are whether she should appoint a replacement in a low-key Cabinet reshuffle and how. Despite the "revolving-door" trend set by her big brother Thaksin, Yingluck reportedly hates a Cabinet revamp. Naming Yongyuth's replacement would open the door for a situation that she does not like.

The next question is who. Chalerm Yoobamrung is lurking, and he has the boldness required. But is it a good idea to switch from reticent Yongyuth to a confrontational man like him all of a sudden? Outgoing police chief Priewpan Damapong would prompt a new outcry of nepotism. To pick someone from the "111 club" like Chaturon Chaisaeng may court factional trouble in the ruling party. Jatuporn Promphan, meanwhile, is probably the worst choice of them all.

Bokhin Polakula, also a "111 club" member, is also a strong candidate, so is Phumtham Wechayachai. Another name in the news is Apiwan Wiriyachai, a key red shirt figure who lost out to Somsak Kiatsuranont in the race for House speaker position.

To hope that Yingluck would depoliticise the top job at the Interior Ministry is wishful thinking. This leaves her the question of how she can minimise politicisation of the vacant position. Which is probably why we are hearing speculation about the prime minister doubling as interior minister, at least temporarily.

In fact, such a move would buy her some time, although the irony of it is that putting her in the middle of it would just underline how politically flammable the position left vacant by Yongyuth is.

-- The Nation 2012-10-08

[GentlemanJim]

I have nightmares of names like Chalerm, Jatuporn, Nattawut or the likes becoming interior Minister. Oh boy!

[jerrysteve]

YINGLUCK has proven to be BADLUCK to the Cabinet.

[jonclark]

Come on... Just give it to Jatuporn. Its the obvious choice. He a utter pillock, will do your (Taksins) bidding without questions, he is part of the inner circle, certainly isn't afraid of criticism and believes he is always right and everyone who disagrees with him is either a liar, a fake or a traitor. Perfect choice for forcing reconciliation (whatever that means in the PTP dictionary) down the populace throat.

[asiawatcher]

Ah, another day in Thai politics, decisions... decisions... don't sweat it, despite the PM not having the ability to choose, she like the rest of the politician pawns need only wait until the puppet master will resolve all. Talk about a bunch of imbeciles leading Thailand... How can this country ever crawl out from under?

[Orac]

The Nation seem to be going a bit over the top on this. Firstly I there are plenty of people to choose for the role and secondly since when did the interior minister position become something that "every ruling party must grab with both hands" since Yongyuth took over the position from Chaovarat Chanweerakul of the BJT party. It seems odd that it has become such a vital position when not so long ago it was one that could be given to a coalition partner to kepp them sweet.

[jaidam]

In what way is the Alpine bomb defused? The temple land was essentially stolen by the Shinawatra family by rescinding an old ladies last will and testament, and is still owned by the Shinawatra family, one of whom happens to be the PM. Until the land has been returned to the temple and the thugs involved in the scandal have recieved justice the bomb can not be defused.

Conflict of interest anyone?

[maidu]

One of the purposes for a national government is to uphold the laws of the land. If laws were broken re; Alpine, then government agents should find and prosecute law-breakers. It's not really happening. All that's happened is a power seat was vacated. Where's the beef? Thus far, Yingluck and her PT party have avoided upholding the law. It's no surprise that her brother is a key player in the illegal activity at Alpine.

[Buchholz]

I have nightmares of names like Chalerm, Jatuporn, Nattawut or the likes becoming Interior Minister. Oh boy!

There's no solace to come with the other "or the likes" potential Interior Minister,

Another name in the news is Apiwan Wiriyachai, a key red shirt figure who lost out to Somsak Kiatsuranont in the race for House Speaker position.

Red Shirt Mouth Apiwan (shown below) lost to the current House Speaker (the one with a penchant for sleeping in Parliament and going on Premier League tours of the UK with an entourage), turned down the Deputy PM Chair last year when the Cabinet was formed...

YINGLUCK CABINET

I don't want to be Deputy PM overseeing Defence Ministry : Apiwan

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra offered Pheu Thai MP Apiwan Wiriyachai to be her Deputy overseeing security affairs in her cabinet

He's certainly on strong ground now to claim Interior Minister and all its accompanying power.

He also has the history as well as the "look" for a proper Interior Minister, considering the job description.

It has become almost a tradition that the Interior Minister must be someone who is not only important to the ruling party, but also ready to do dirty jobs.

yay for Red Shirt democracy...

.

Edited October 8, 2012 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Speaking of those with the "look" of being capable of "dirty jobs" in the performance as Interior Minister , it's rather curious there's no mention in the chorus of names for the Current Caretaker Interior Minister..... another Red Shirt.

Chalerm in charge of Yongyuth's responsibilities, Chuchart becomes caretaker Interior Minister

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung has been assigned to be in charge of responsibilities of former Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit.

Chalerm said Yingluck also assigned Deputy Interior Minister Chuchart Harnsawat to become caretaker Interior Minister, replacing Yongyuth.

the new Interior Minister Chuchart Harnsawat looks very reasonable

http://www.naewna.com/politic/23116

and seems to act with the best interests of the Red Shirts in mind with his comrade Pheu Thai Party MP's...

April 11, 2010

Satellite channel resumes Red TV

Thaicom yields to UDD demand

The People Channel, the mouthpiece of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, resumed its broadcast late Friday afternoon after talks between UDD leaders and Thaicom executives, according to television reports.

Representing the UDD in the talks were Jatuporn Prompan and Nathawut Saikua and Puea Thai MPs Karun Hosakul and Chuchart Harnsawat.

http://facthai.wordp...010/04/page/12/

[Buchholz]

Thaksin

Pheu Thai Party

red shirt

The trinity:

Thaksin=PTP=Red Shirts

rolls on into October 2012

.

[virtualtraveller]

As always, the speculated names for a replacement are all controversial and outspoken characters, Google Pokin Pulakul in the Thai press, when he was Speaker of the House. This clique of politicians (I won't call them a proper party) court trouble rather than avoid it, that's their style.

[TheKrayTriplet]

In what way is the Alpine bomb defused? The temple land was essentially stolen by the Shinawatra family by rescinding an old ladies last will and testament, and is still owned by the Shinawatra family, one of whom happens to be the PM. Until the land has been returned to the temple and the thugs involved in the scandal have recieved justice the bomb can not be defused.

Conflict of interest anyone?

Hardly stolen by the Shinawatra family. If you want to point the finger, point it at Sanoh. He arranged for the transfer of the land to a company that his wife owned. Sanoh, his wife and friends developed the land and then benefitted from the sale to Thaksin.

[saltandpepper]

Thaksin

Pheu Thai Party

red shirt

The trinity:

Thaksin=PTP=Red Shirts

rolls on into October 2012

.

Well, it has been this way for a long time already..... Only the reds lovers say that it is not about Thaksin.

[saltandpepper]

Anyway, poor Yingluck always faces headache, if you believe the medias. But to be honest, as she is in charge of NOTHING, I take it that her headaches have their causes somewhere else than politic and running the country. One Paracetamol tablet should solve the problem in no time!

[tomross46]

In what way is the Alpine bomb defused? The temple land was essentially stolen by the Shinawatra family by rescinding an old ladies last will and testament, and is still owned by the Shinawatra family, one of whom happens to be the PM. Until the land has been returned to the temple and the thugs involved in the scandal have recieved justice the bomb can not be defused.

Conflict of interest anyone?

Alpine can not be defused, until it is completed, the law was broken. No one has been arrested, and the land is still in the hands of BIG BROTHER.

[Buchholz]

If you want to point the finger, point it at Sanoh. He arranged for the transfer of the land to a company that his wife owned. Sanoh, his wife and friends developed the land and then benefitted from the sale to Thaksin.

There's three fingers pointing at Sanoh, Thaksin, and Yongyuth.

.

Edited October 8, 2012 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

As always, the speculated names for a replacement are all controversial and outspoken characters, Google Pokin Pulakul in the Thai press, when he was Speaker of the House. This clique of politicians (I won't call them a proper party) court trouble rather than avoid it, that's their style.

There's an archive of 55 articles detailing Pokin (Bokhin) dubious exploits... and that's just covering the late 1990's.

http://www.highbeam.com/Search?RelatedId=1P1:4914066

Edited October 8, 2012 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

In what way is the Alpine bomb defused? The temple land was essentially stolen by the Shinawatra family by rescinding an old ladies last will and testament, and is still owned by the Shinawatra family, one of whom happens to be the PM. Until the land has been returned to the temple and the thugs involved in the scandal have recieved justice the bomb can not be defused.

Conflict of interest anyone?

Alpine can not be defused, until it is completed, the law was broken. No one has been arrested, and the land is still in the hands of BIG BROTHER.

by way of Alpine's owners, SC Asset....

the CEO is the wife of Potjaman's brother

Busaba Damapong

and its Executive Director, Potjaman's sister

Pensom Damapong

and its new Deputy CEO, Thaksin's new son-in-law

Nuttaphong Kunakornwong

and its Top 3 Majority Shareholders, Thaksin's two daughters and his ex

Pinthongta Shinawatra (wife of Deputy CEO), Potjaman Damapong, Paetongtarn (top shareholder)

.

[GentlemanJim]

Thaksin

Pheu Thai Party

red shirt

The trinity:

Thaksin=PTP=Red Shirts

rolls on into October 2012

.

Thaksin=PTP=Red Shirts - The Trinity - but that means The Triplet could be....OMG!

Edited October 8, 2012 by GentlemanJim

[Nickymaster]

In what way is the Alpine bomb defused? The temple land was essentially stolen by the Shinawatra family by rescinding an old ladies last will and testament, and is still owned by the Shinawatra family, one of whom happens to be the PM. Until the land has been returned to the temple and the thugs involved in the scandal have recieved justice the bomb can not be defused.

Conflict of interest anyone?

Alpine can not be defused, until it is completed, the law was broken. No one has been arrested, and the land is still in the hands of BIG BROTHER.

by way of Alpine's owners, SC Asset....

the CEO is the wife of Potjaman's brother

Busaba Damapong

and its Executive Director, Potjaman's sister

Pensom Damapong

and its new Deputy CEO, Thaksin's new son-in-law

Nuttaphong Kunakornwong

and its Top 3 Majority Shareholders, Thaksin's two daughters and his ex

Pinthongta Shinawatra (wife of Deputy CEO), Potjaman Damapong, Paetongtarn (top shareholder)

.

Thanks for sharing. Amazingly there are still people stating that Thaskin did not benefit from the sale. LOL

[ricardofel]

So many sleazy possibilities

[OzMick]

In what way is the Alpine bomb defused? The temple land was essentially stolen by the Shinawatra family by rescinding an old ladies last will and testament, and is still owned by the Shinawatra family, one of whom happens to be the PM. Until the land has been returned to the temple and the thugs involved in the scandal have recieved justice the bomb can not be defused.

Conflict of interest anyone?

Hardly stolen by the Shinawatra family. If you want to point the finger, point it at Sanoh. He arranged for the transfer of the land to a company that his wife owned. Sanoh, his wife and friends developed the land and then benefitted from the sale to Thaksin.

You've never heard of a title search?

[how241]

Anyway, poor Yingluck always faces headache, if you believe the medias. But to be honest, as she is in charge of NOTHING, I take it that her headaches have their causes somewhere else than politic and running the country. One Paracetamol tablet should solve the problem in no time!

Yes, same in the USA, where the president really has very little control over most things. Not a easy job/position.

[Buchholz]

Anyway, poor Yingluck always faces headache, if you believe the medias. But to be honest, as she is in charge of NOTHING, I take it that her headaches have their causes somewhere else than politic and running the country. One Paracetamol tablet should solve the problem in no time!

Yes, same in the USA, where the president really has very little control over most things. Not a easy job/position.

However, Obama wasn't put into his job/position by his sister.

.

[TheKrayTriplet]

In what way is the Alpine bomb defused? The temple land was essentially stolen by the Shinawatra family by rescinding an old ladies last will and testament, and is still owned by the Shinawatra family, one of whom happens to be the PM. Until the land has been returned to the temple and the thugs involved in the scandal have recieved justice the bomb can not be defused.

Conflict of interest anyone?

Hardly stolen by the Shinawatra family. If you want to point the finger, point it at Sanoh. He arranged for the transfer of the land to a company that his wife owned. Sanoh, his wife and friends developed the land and then benefitted from the sale to Thaksin.

You've never heard of a title search?

Yes, What relevance does it have for monastic land re registered to the Mahamongkut Foundation who then transferred the land to the Alpine Resort Co. who developed the land and then sold it to Thaksin?

[saltandpepper]

Anyway, poor Yingluck always faces headache, if you believe the medias. But to be honest, as she is in charge of NOTHING, I take it that her headaches have their causes somewhere else than politic and running the country. One Paracetamol tablet should solve the problem in no time!

Yes, same in the USA, where the president really has very little control over most things. Not a easy job/position.

I am not sure you understand the difference(s) between Obama and Yingluck, or you would not post this comment

[khunken]

In what way is the Alpine bomb defused? The temple land was essentially stolen by the Shinawatra family by rescinding an old ladies last will and testament, and is still owned by the Shinawatra family, one of whom happens to be the PM. Until the land has been returned to the temple and the thugs involved in the scandal have recieved justice the bomb can not be defused.

Conflict of interest anyone?

Hardly stolen by the Shinawatra family. If you want to point the finger, point it at Sanoh. He arranged for the transfer of the land to a company that his wife owned. Sanoh, his wife and friends developed the land and then benefitted from the sale to Thaksin.

You've never heard of a title search?

Yes, What relevance does it have for monastic land re registered to the Mahamongkut Foundation who then transferred the land to the Alpine Resort Co. who developed the land and then sold it to Thaksin?

Yes but you ignore the fact that Sanoh was a form of bag-man for Thaksin. He was one (the other was Thaksin's ex-wife) who arranged the vote by the Assets Scrutiny committee to 'find' Thaksin not-guilty of lying about his assets.

This is the root cause of all the violence & divisiveness that has affected Thailand over the past 12 or so years.

[indyuk]

YINGLUCK has proven to be BADLUCK to the Cabinet.

Don't be silly, what are you a witch doctor or something. Bad Luck indeed!

[TheKrayTriplet]

Yes, What relevance does it have for monastic land re registered to the Mahamongkut Foundation who then transferred the land to the Alpine Resort Co. who developed the land and then sold it to Thaksin?

Yes but you ignore the fact that Sanoh was a form of bag-man for Thaksin. He was one (the other was Thaksin's ex-wife) who arranged the vote by the Assets Scrutiny committee to 'find' Thaksin not-guilty of lying about his assets.

This is the root cause of all the violence & divisiveness that has affected Thailand over the past 12 or so years.

OK, I'll ask, how does Thaksin lying about his assets become

"the root cause of all the violence & divisiveness that has affected Thailand over the past 12 or so years"?