Slowly, Surely, The Shinawatra Dynasty Tightens Its Grip

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Slowly, surely, the Shinawatra dynasty tightens its grip

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former police chief Priewphan Damapong is being drafted into the increasingly formidable core of family members within Pheu Thai

Changes at the top of the political parties of which Thaksin Shinawatra is known to be the real patriarch are often downplayed. When Samak Sundaravej was made leader of the People Power Party (PPP) - the first reincarnation of the Thai Rak Thai Party - he did not even try to hide the identity of his real boss. When Somchai Wongsawat replaced Samak as leader, he could not (and didn't need to) distance himself from Thaksin, to whose sister he was married.

When the PPP reincarnated as the Pheu Thai Party, Yongyuth Wichaidit took the helm. There were a few awkward years for the low-profile Yongyuth, who lived under Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra's shadow and whose public attempt to resign was blocked once. He finally had to step down to prevent the Alpine scandal ripping apart the party and the government.

Despite the "who cares?" attitude regarding who heads "Thaksin's party", one key development caught the public's attention this week. Former police chief Pol General Priewphan Damapong - who is the brother of Thaksin's ex-wife Pojaman - applied for Pheu Thai membership, triggering speculation that he was about to become Yingluck's first deputy prime minister and/or the new leader of Pheu Thai.

Interestingly, though, to become a Cabinet member, Priewphan doesn't have to be a party member. And since Priewphan has ruled himself out as Pheu Thai leader, only one logical explanation is left: He applied for party membership in order to qualify as an election candidate. In other words, Priewphan wants to be an MP - or some influential political figures want him to be a Member of Parliament.

So the key question is why Priewphan needs the status of MP. He doesn't have to be an MP to join the Cabinet or to become party leader. The status only matters where the position of prime minister is concerned.

Talk about making Priewphan a prime ministerial contender isn't new. His blood ties to Pojaman ensure he is a must-watch political figure. And the trend is pointing to people like him. Somchai, husband of Thaksin's sister Yaowapha, became premier in 2008 and Yingluck took office after power was recaptured from the Democrats last year. Since Samak's tenure, the premiership has remained in the family.

Whoever "officially leads" the party doesn't matter. What counts is who pulls the strings. Before he bowed out, Yongyuth was reportedly nowhere near the top of the pecking order. Pojaman, Yingluck, Yaowapha and Yaowaret - another sister of Thaksin - were known to have more authority and command more respect than Yongyuth. Priewphan's official arrival in the party will only strengthen the "family business".

His intended "destination" may not yet be clear-cut. It is too early to begin viewing Priewphan as the next prime minister. But whether the former police chief is meant to be Yingluck's successor or a substitute, or whether he has been brought in just to reward him with the post of deputy prime minister, Priewphan's presence in the party confirms how the real patriarch of Pheu Thai wants the party run.

The Yingluck-Yaowapha-Pojaman-Priewphan-Yaowapha core appears something that is very hard to break.

There is no doubt that the Pheu Thai Party remains exactly what the Thai Rak Thai Party used to be. Thaksin's downfall caused brief speculation about the party's collapse and the Shinawatras' neutralisation, but no such things have happened. Pheu Thai, provided it doesn't shoot itself in the foot by pushing the limits of its democratic mandate to help the man it cannot live without, ironically enough, looks as strong as ever, if not stronger.

-- The Nation 2012-10-23

[jackr]

Stroll on. I stopped taking this stuff seriously eons ago.

[chainarong]

Things don't change, they remain the same.

[virtualtraveller]

One wonders how 250 PT MPs all manage to stay in line and put up with this fast-tracking nepotism and overwhelming energy aimed at one family's personal freedoms, wealth and power. All credit to Thaksin for keeping it together, pity it's at the expense of our country. What would happen to the dynasty then if, speculatively, the head was taken out?

[siampolee]

Remember what has happened to other leading members of political family dynasties, i.e. Bhutto clan, Gandhi /Nehru clan, Ceausescu clan to name but three.,

Lots of stalking horses out there and they aren't merciful in their actions.

Edited October 23, 2012 by siampolee

[KireB]

Great dynasties rise and fall........................

[Buchholz]

Things don't change, they remain the same.

Yep, things haven't changed much since he began doing the same 8 to 9 years ago when Thaksin first started fast-tracking and promoting this same relative.

.

Edited October 23, 2012 by Buchholz

[OzMick]

" Pojaman, Yingluck, Yaowapha and Yaowaret - another sister of Thaksin - were known to have more authority and command more respect than Yongyuth."

Respect is hard to get when you are a lickspittle lackey, even after you commit serious crimes in the service of your masters.

[GentlemanJim]

Slowly, surely, the Shinawatra dynasty tightens its grip

And slowly, surely the entire population are letting them.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing" - Edmund Burke

[OzMick]

One wonders how 250 PT MPs all manage to stay in line and put up with this fast-tracking nepotism and overwhelming energy aimed at one family's personal freedoms, wealth and power. All credit to Thaksin for keeping it together, pity it's at the expense of our country. What would happen to the dynasty then if, speculatively, the head was taken out?

The price of selling your soul and your nation varies, I believe. Some most likely only get the traditional 30 pieces of silver, others like Chavalit get a DPM as well (so that was his New Aspiration!) for selling his entire party. Jatuporn for example has earned a declared B4 million working as a "political activist" an occupation not known for its high reward unless you are being paid by Thaksin.

Remember that one quarter of them are party list appointed on the master's whim. That allows the "upper crust" (or is it a scum?) to avoid the tedious task of appearing before an electorate, answering difficult questions, and actually convincing a majority that your intention is to represent them to the best of your ability, such as it is. It also allows the appointment of those facing criminal charges, giving low life incentive to commit crimes in the service of the master knowing that punishment can be delayed indefinitely.

[rubl]

Great dynasties rise and fall........................

Luckily also not so great dynasties rise and fall

[asiawatcher]

The question remains, when will their be a confrontation to overthrow the present elites and supporters of the Constitutional Monarchy, which will throw this country into civil unrest, motivated by the puppet masters incessant appetite for greed. I think we all know the answer to that one.

[Nickymaster]

One wonders how 250 PT MPs all manage to stay in line and put up with this fast-tracking nepotism and overwhelming energy aimed at one family's personal freedoms, wealth and power. All credit to Thaksin for keeping it together, pity it's at the expense of our country. What would happen to the dynasty then if, speculatively, the head was taken out?

Money money money. Thaksin steals billions from Thailand and distributes part of it to "his" people.

There would only be a very small Thaksin without all the stolen money.

[McMagus]

Yaaawn If ever I believed 'Thailand for Thais'... Until Thais get off their bums and say enough is enough to BOTH parties....

hobloodyhum.... democracy my *#^%...with over 120 of them appointed.... ya gotta larf

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

Slowly, surely, the Shinawatra dynasty tightens its grip

It's like watching cancer growing. We all know how it will end.

[cloudhopper]

The question remains, when will their be a confrontation to overthrow the present elites and supporters of the Constitutional Monarchy, which will throw this country into civil unrest, motivated by the puppet masters incessant appetite for greed. I think we all know the answer to that one.

The number of powerful forces guarantee interesting times for all of us here no matter how it plays out.

[OZEMADE]

Slowly but surely the Shinawatra Dynasty is tightening its grip and there is no stopping it now.

Even the people have echoed their thoughts on who they prefer in Government and it's the Shinawatras again according to this Topic.

It is like a jigsaw, all the pieces are almost in place.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/592761-pheu-thai-outshines-democrats-poll/

Edited October 23, 2012 by OZEMADE

[EvilDrSomkid]

Slowly, surely, the Shinawatra dynasty tightens its grip

And slowly, surely the entire population are letting them.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing" - Edmund Burke

And it is a truly frustrating fact for many powerless people here.

Someone made the highly apt analogy between Thailand and The Game of Thrones series. There are many similarities.

There does not seem to be any group of "good people" fighting the immense greed and corruption in this country.

When you see stories like these daily, there is no hope for this place:

The superrich and over-privileged get away with murder, the democratically elected government is stealing the coffers blind, lies and obfuscation, blatant flouting of the law, bullies intimidating the press, no efforts made to arrest the real criminals.

Why? Because most people in this country are afraid.

Too busy posting pictures of themselves and their food on facebook.

They are too busy trying to be white, too engrossed in the mindless drama shows on TV.

Accepting corruption on all levels,"as long as they also profit from it"

Sticking their heads in the sand and refusing to acknowledge their responsibility.

It is hopeless.

[Morgo]

What a disgrace that these criminals are again to be allowed back into government. What a heinous crime these people committed, belonging to a government that was ousted in a military coup. Off with their heads I say.

[koolbreez]

Don't overlook the very important upcoming Bangkok governors election to make the Thaksin takeover complete. That is what all party positioning is for at this time, and the thorn still sticking in Thaksin's side. Keep that thorn in place, and for those that can vote, or have influence over a Bangkok voter, twist that thorn with a vote to retain those in power in the Bangkok governor's position.

[Baerboxer]

What a disgrace that these criminals are again to be allowed back into government. What a heinous crime these people committed, belonging to a government that was ousted in a military coup. Off with their heads I say.

You are correct - many members of the current government are criminals, robbing the country blind, falunting the law, and ensuring they have exit plans just in case the people finally wake up and see through the lies, scams and vote buying.

History, including recent times, is full of politcal family gangs taking contries over and bleeding them dry. Many of these families have paid the ultimate price when people finally wake up.

[FarangTalk]

Slowly but surely the Shinawatra Dynasty is tightening its grip and there is no stopping it now.

Even the people have echoed their thoughts on who they prefer in Government and it's the Shinawatras again according to this Topic.

It is like a jigsaw, all the pieces are almost in place.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/592761-pheu-thai-outshines-democrats-poll/

The Thai people know what (or who) is coming and they don't like it.

Rather than have it rammed down their throats they feel the PTP are a better option. Can't blame them really, better the Devil you know after all.

[FarangTalk]

You are correct - many members of the current government are criminals, robbing the country blind, falunting the law, and ensuring they have exit plans just in case the people finally wake up and see through the lies, scams and vote buying.

Same as every elected, unelected or military dictatorship Thailand has ever had.

Difference is Thaksin used populist politics to appeal to the electorate. This has given him more bargaining power with the Thai electorate than any previous political organisation.

Even military dictators remain ensconced in the upper echelons of Thai society, after committing murder and atrocities against the Thai people.

[Arkady]

One wonders how 250 PT MPs all manage to stay in line and put up with this fast-tracking nepotism and overwhelming energy aimed at one family's personal freedoms, wealth and power. All credit to Thaksin for keeping it together, pity it's at the expense of our country. What would happen to the dynasty then if, speculatively, the head was taken out?

It is really hard to see how this could all be held together, if we woke up one day to read news of his demise. There is little or no power structure outside the clan and no grooming of a real successor, only stop gap substitutes. Only outsiders who have no factions of their own, like Chalerm and Yongyuth can be trusted and then only in a limited fashion. Yingluck is diplomatic but weak; Yaowapha is tough but very factional and abrasive (it was her more than anyone else that alienated Newin resulting in the party losing power for two years); Potjaman is hard headed but seems to prefer to lurk behind the scenes counting the money; Priewphan is an unknown quantity in politics but totally beholden to his sister without any faction of his own. Then there are the children and Phanthongthae seems to be getting more and more involved in politics through his tweeting and FB comments and will no doubt soon want a high profile position of his own.

Edited October 23, 2012 by Arkady

[Skywalker69]

One wonders how 250 PT MPs all manage to stay in line and put up with this fast-tracking nepotism and overwhelming energy aimed at one family's personal freedoms, wealth and power. All credit to Thaksin for keeping it together, pity it's at the expense of our country. What would happen to the dynasty then if, speculatively, the head was taken out?

Money?

[bigbamboo]

The Shin dynasty is all the more remarkable considering that most of the family members involved are either fugitives, banned, unelected or have had no prior political experience at all.

Now that really is amazing.

Edited October 23, 2012 by bigbamboo

[yoshiwara]

Stroll on. I stopped taking this stuff seriously eons ago.

You should do. The forum paper revolutionaries who suddenly think they have discovered 'democracy' and 'struggle' and 'liberation', launch into the debates as two-week left-wing butterflies crying 'hi-so' and 'elites' and 'its not about Thaksin' (and finally retreat muttering incantations about the TVF forum being the centre of reaction...but we'll put that aside for the moment). What they should have flung back in their faces is the systematic attempt by Thaksin to put his family (not to mention his old police cronies) into position in order to create a dynasty devoted to the interests of the royal Taksin. The hard-liners on the other hand will studiously ignore what is happening. Don't ignore the stink.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

I wouldn't be suprised to see an Assination coming one day.

For the future of this nation and for all the kids in Thailand let's pray for that.

[Pimay1]

Slowly, surely, the Shinawatra dynasty tightens its grip

Well folks at the end of the day when all the chips are counted there is only one thing that really matters as far as our future is concerned. I am speaking about us foreigners that have chosen to settle in the LoS, not the back packers or tourists that come and go.. That is can we continue to live here without fear of life or limb or new rules which force us to consider another APAC abode until our toes turn up. A lot of us would like to do this including me.

The despots will continue to come and go as they always have. Nothing we can do about it. Some of us get our drawers in a knot when we see the PM and her/his cronies raping the country with immunity, me included but such is life in all third world countries. But one consolation we have is that sooner or later what goes around always comes around and these people always pay one way or another. We need to chill a bit, realize we are guests here and live life at its fullest while we have the chance.

[cloudhopper]

I wouldn't be suprised to see an Assination coming one day.

For the future of this nation and for all the kids in Thailand let's pray for that.

<deleted>? What problem will that solve?