Will Chalerm Survive Next Reshuffle?

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Will Chalerm survive next reshuffle?

Avudh Panananda

The Nation

Chalerm

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung has definitely been enjoying a political windfall, although this begs the question of how long his good fortune will last.

Chalerm is presently the senior-most deputy prime minister, seen as the designated caretaker if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra could not perform her duty.

Due to Pheu Thai Party infighting following the exit of Yongyuth Wichaidit, Yingluck has had no choice but to stall a Cabinet reshuffle until a power-sharing formula can be mapped out to appease all.

Since the formation of the Cabinet in 2011, Chalerm has been accorded seniority second only to Yongyuth.

At that time, no one anticipated the legal wrangling that would lead to Yongyuth's downfall. Chalerm is where he is simply because the goddess of fortune has smiled on him, letting him fill Yongyuth's shoes.

Yingluck could bypass Chalerm and pick other deputies, but in doing so, she would risk opening a can of worms as various factions in Pheu Thai might try to outshine the others in grabbing power.

In order to maintain the status quo pending her next move, Chalerm is a given - one with which Yingluck has to be content.

If Chalerm's own track record is any indication, his luck will likely run out if and when Yingluck decides to shuffle her Cabinet.

Except for his loose alliance with a handful of MPs from the Northeast, Chalerm is a lone figure without a power base in the Pheu Thai Party.

He has relied on his talent for making politically expedient decisions and manipulating unfolding events to rein in friends and foes.

Back in the 1980s, Chalerm was a non-commissioned policeman who attached himself to the political ascendancy of powerful Army officer General Manoonkrit Roopkachorn.

Chalerm has no qualms about jumping ship if it will allow him to climb the political ladder. At one time, he even adopted the Democrat Party's banner. He gained national prominence after joining the Chatichai Choonhavan government.

But several politicians, including Thaksin Shinawatra, voiced suspicion of his activities ahead of the 1990 coup to oust Chatichai.

After Thaksin became premier in 2001, he had a "four-eye" luncheon with Chalerm at Government House.

From that lunch until 2007, Chalerm virtually disappeared.

Before the late prime minister Samak Sundaravej assumed office, Chalerm admitted he had flown to London to patch up a deal with Thaksin. Under Samak's leadership, Chalerm became interior minister, but Thaksin was reportedly unhappy with the Chalerm-Samak alliance.

When Somchai Wongsawat succeeded Samak, Chalerm was seen as being demoted to Public Health portfolio. For the past year, the Yingluck government has designated Chalerm as a watchdog to keep the opposition at bay.

Given the off-and-on ties between Chalerm and Thaksin, it is hard to imagine that Yingluck would choose him as a permanent choice to succeed her.

Chalerm might have sensed a shift in his fortunes, which would be a possible reason for his flying to Hong Kong last weekend.

Although he strongly denied having met with Thaksin, his camp spread the word that he might get the Interior portfolio in exchange for being shuffled out of his incumbent position.

Government House insiders said they would keep their fingers crossed on the chances of Chalerm getting his wish. But they seem certain his days as the number two in the Cabinet are numbered.

-- The Nation 2012-10-12

[LucidLucifer]

Will Chalerm survive? Let's hope not, good riddance to bad rubbish.

Edited October 11, 2012 by LucidLucifer

[Moruya]

If Chalerm and Yingluck are the 'A' team, one can only assume what the 'A' stands for

[asiawatcher]

More strings being pulled by the puppet master. If Yingluck wants to be taken seriously she needs to start making decisions on a personal level and do what is right for the country, not what a convicted crim wants for his own financial future and that of his 'clan'. Have no doubts about it, Thaksin s very 'dirty' about having assets seized and he wants retribution so whilst he keeps waving 'had-enough-of-politics" flag, he is very determined to again steal to appease his losses. He has no genuine motivation towards Thailand other than to get revenge.

[jerrysteve]

MORUYA: The "A" stands for AARDVARK right?

[OzMick]

Chalerm is a very low number (2?) on the PTP party list, indicating his perceived value to the party.

This might be considered an honour until closer inspection of this unrepresentative swill reveals that almost every MP facing criminal charges is on the same list. It has degenerated into a device for electing those no electorate could stomach as their representative, a safe haven for thugs, murderers, terrorists and the corrupt, with seats being doled out at at Thaksin's pleasure as payment criminal acts and sycophancy.

[virtualtraveller]

What's a 'four eyed' luncheon?

Chalerm is very useful to Thaksin because he's a controversial loud mouth hatchet man and right now Thaksin needs a controversial loud mouth hatchet man.

[rubl]

I propose to created a new post of Minister of Odd Jobs for k. Chalerm. The main objective of this ministry would be to tackle and solve / finish odd jobs in three months time. Perfect fit as k. Chalerm still has a wee bit of a backlog there.

BTW his telling all he'd promote k. Thaksin to general probably has nothing at all to do with the OP ?

[whybother]

What's a 'four eyed' luncheon?

Chalerm is very useful to Thaksin because he's a controversial loud mouth hatchet man and right now Thaksin needs a controversial loud mouth hatchet man.

Maybe Jatuporn will replace him. He seems like a good candidate.

[OzMick]

What's a 'four eyed' luncheon?

Chalerm is very useful to Thaksin because he's a controversial loud mouth hatchet man and right now Thaksin needs a controversial loud mouth hatchet man.

I thought it meant only 2 people present, but it could be the number of fish eyes they suck out.

[Buchholz]

What's a 'four eyed' luncheon?

Chalerm is very useful to Thaksin because he's a controversial loud mouth hatchet man and right now Thaksin needs a controversial loud mouth hatchet man.

I thought it meant only 2 people present, but it could be the number of fish eyes they suck out.

or goat eyes...

[Buchholz]

I propose to created a new post of Minister of Odd Jobs for k. Chalerm. The main objective of this ministry would be to tackle and solve / finish odd jobs in three months time. Perfect fit as k. Chalerm still has a wee bit of a backlog there.

BTW his telling all he'd promote k. Thaksin to general probably has nothing at all to do with the OP ?

With Chalerm seemingly in charge of practically every issue in Thailand, the government can't survive the next reshuffle without him.

Just for example, with only him, the tourism mafia will be eradicated and Issan will be completely eradicated of all drugs.

As for Police General, it's inappropriate for a Police Captain to recommend a superior officer, a Police Lieutenant-Colonel, to skip several rungs in the promotion ladder, to Police General.

.

Edited October 12, 2012 by Buchholz

[OzMick]

I propose to created a new post of Minister of Odd Jobs for k. Chalerm. The main objective of this ministry would be to tackle and solve / finish odd jobs in three months time. Perfect fit as k. Chalerm still has a wee bit of a backlog there.

BTW his telling all he'd promote k. Thaksin to general probably has nothing at all to do with the OP ?

With Chalerm seemingly in charge of practically every issue in Thailand, the government can't survive the next reshuffle without him.

Just for example, with only him, the tourism mafia will be eradicated and Issan will be completely eradicated of all drugs.

As for Police General, it's inappropriate for a Police Captain to recommend a superior officer, a Police Lieutenant-Colonel, to skip several rungs in the promotion ladder, to Police General.

.

Definitely as he is no longer in the Police Service. But I believe there are precedents when the promotion is posthumous, and i am all in favour of it.

[Nickymaster]

Of course Chalerm will survive. Thaksin's eggs are in his basket.

[DP25]

LOL Chalerm isn't going anywhere. They are as thick as thieves, from robbing William Monson more than 20 years ago to getting charges against Chalerm's son to go away. Chalerm is a man Thaksin can TRUST like no other politician in Thailand because of their shared experience over the past decades. All the other power brokers that make up his party are just hangers on that could betray him at any moment, Chalerm has proven loyalty and a shared interest in Thaksin returning to power.

[Ricardo]

Isn't it time that D-PM Chalerm was promoted, as the reward for all the embarrassing problems he's solved, in 90-days-or-less ?

And it would leave Yingluck with more time for traveling the world, collecting awards & doing photo-opportunities !

[EyesWideOpen]

Nothing speaks greater volumes regarding the moral corruptness of the current Thai government,

than the fact that a thug like Chalerm holds a position of importance in it. He should be logging

jail time for his involvement in covering up for his murdering son.......

[hellodolly]

What's a 'four eyed' luncheon?

Chalerm is very useful to Thaksin because he's a controversial loud mouth hatchet man and right now Thaksin needs a controversial loud mouth hatchet man.

Goes along with what I was thinking when I read this

"if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra could not perform her duty."

He better start doubling his efforts because all she is doing is starting to show that she might have a clue as to what those duties are.

[maidu]

What's a 'four eyed' luncheon?

Chalerm is very useful to Thaksin because he's a controversial loud mouth hatchet man and right now Thaksin needs a controversial loud mouth hatchet man.

Goes along with what I was thinking when I read this

"if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra could not perform her duty."

He better start doubling his efforts because all she is doing is starting to show that she might have a clue as to what those duties are.

Ms Yingluck's duties seem to be: daily phone call to big brother. Do as he says. Once in awhile, she dresses up nicely and goes to look at something, and comments something like, "Good" or "nice job" ......end of duties.

[maidu]

Chalerm should stay on. Few people in her administration, except maybe Science Minister Plodsrop (sp?) or her brother's lawyer Nopadon, give us such juicy tidbits to ridicule. Life would be measurably boring without Chalerm and his periodic press statements like "I know who the criminals are, and they know I know who they are. The top boss' name starts with a K. He knows he's doing bad things, but I won't arrest him, because just mentioning the first initial of his name, should be enough warning for him to change his ways and become a good person."

[Moruya]

MORUYA: The "A" stands for AARDVARK right?

Could be 'alfwit and 'ardhead with those 2

[EarthAlien]

Will Chalerm survive next reshuffle?

Here's hoping he won't!!!

[Arkady]

A tricky one for Thaksin. Although Chalerm beats his chest publicly in favour of Thaksin at the moment, he is far from trustworthy and is a liability to boot. In the 90s Chatichai grew tired of him but didn't dare get rid of him because he was too dangerous to allow to defect to the opposition. In the end the decision to keep Chalerm helped provoke the 1990 coup that ousted Chatichai but it was an own goal for Chalerm who ended up having to flee for his life to a small village in Denmark.

Chalerm's own dilemma is that he mustn't be too successful in helping Thaksin come home. His role as a prop for Yingluck would then be redundant and Thaksin would certainly not want him shooting off his mouth on every subject under the sun. On the other hand, without Thaksin in the background from overseas, there is no role for Chalerm.

Logic dictates that Chalerm and Thaksin's interests are mutually exclusive over the longer-term and that Chalerm will eventually have to be purged. As things drag on, perhaps Yingluck will get more confident and try to persuade her brother to let Chalerm go.

Edited October 12, 2012 by Arkady

[Nickymaster]

A tricky one for Thaksin. Although Chalerm beats his chest publicly in favour of Thaksin at the moment, he is far from trustworthy and is a liability to boot. In the 90s Chatichai grew tired of him but didn't dare get rid of him because he was too dangerous to allow to defect to the opposition. In the end the decision to keep Chalerm helped provoke the 1990 coup that ousted Chatichai but it was an own goal for Chalerm who ended up having to flee for his life to a small village in Denmark.

Chalerm's own dilemma is that he mustn't be too successful in helping Thaksin come home. His role as a prop for Yingluck would then be redundant and Thaksin would certainly not want him shooting off his mouth on every subject under the sun. On the other hand, without Thaksin in the background from overseas, there is no role for Chalerm.

Logic dictates that Chalerm and Thaksin's interests are mutually exclusive over the longer-term and that Chalerm will eventually have to be purged. As things drag on, perhaps Yingluck will get more confident and try to persuade her brother to let Chalerm go.

Agree.

At the moment Chalerm is still very important for Thaksin and Yingluck. Without Chalerm, the media and opposition would crush Thaksin’s dear sister. Hence, putting Chalerm in charge of basically everything so Yingluck can avoid answering questions and can do…something else.

Reporter to Yingluck: “how about corruption in the rice scheme?"

Yingluck: “I have already put Chalerm in charge. He will deal with it".

Edited October 12, 2012 by Nickymaster

[khunken]

My answer is: does it really matter? Thaksin will always have another barrel to scrape.

Like Maidu, I think he would be missed as he does provide plenty of entertainment (a bit like Dubbya) when he shoots his mouth off

[otherstuff1957]

Actually, I think that Chalerm's lack of a power base and general slimyness are what endears him to Thaksin. Remember when Thaksin was in power? His term as PM was marked by constant shuffles of the Cabinet and his dictatorial CEO style of leadership. The reason for the constant shuffles was to keep his underlings out of the public eye and to keep them from getting to be too powerful or popular. Anyone who gained too much power was a potential threat to him.

Thaksin has always favored underlings with flaws. Look at Chalerm and Yongyuth. They are two of his most loyal and long-serving men. Why? Are they competent? Are they honest? Are they even good at their jobs?

They both are loyal and neither has a realistic chance of sitting in the PMs seat. That is why Thaksin put them where they are now. That is also why Thaksin's cabinets are always loaded with second-raters. If he put someone competent in the cabinet or in the PM's seat, he would risk becoming irrelevant.

[maidu]

I think Chalerm does have designs on the PM's chair, but knows as soon as he appears anything less than doggedly loyal, he will be shown the door. Money is the key to the equation. Thaksin has more of it, so he's the dominant dog.

[Dap]

What comes to mind is: "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer." ... and K. Chalerm is certainly a "tool" used by K. Thaksin.

Edited October 12, 2012 by Dap

[bigbamboo]

Chalerm is Thaksin's enforcer, cleaner and henchman all rolled into one. He is loyal to a fault. Why would the boss dispense of his MVP?

[maidu]

Chalerm is Thaksin's enforcer, cleaner and henchman all rolled into one. He is loyal to a fault. Why would the boss dispense of his MVP?

You're right, up to a point. However, there are 2 reasons T might dispose of Chalerm. One is if Chalerm goes deeper down the doo doo path of making silly comments regarding law enforcement issues. You would think that even Thaksin, with his propensity for lying and making wild claims, would eventually see Chalerm as a drawback in that dept. Or maybe not, as there may be no point too low for such men.

The other is if Chalerm makes a power grab which is not sanctioned by higher ups.