ICT Minister Resigns - No Reason Specified

[Jai Dee]

ICT Minister Sora_at Klinprathum has handed in resignation letter

ICT Minister Sora_at Klinprathum (สรอรรถ กลิ่นประทุม) has submitted a resignation letter to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.His resignation letter stated that the effective date was yesterday (Feb. 4th). It was noted that the content of the resignation letter did not specify the reason for his resignation.

News of the ICT minister's resignation made the demonstration at King Rama 5th Equestrian statue livelier. Demonstrators were also told that in addition to Mr. Sora_at, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin (สมศักดิ์ เทพสุทิน) and Mr. Chaturon Chaisaeng (จาตุรนต์ ฉายแสง) were planning to resign as well. However, this has been confirmed to not be the case.

Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson Suraphong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) said that Mr. Sora_at's resignation has been confirmed by the minister's secretary, whom revealed that he was unofficially reported that the resignation came in request from the Wang Nam Yen (วังน้ำเย็น) faction. Dr. Suraphong said the resignation would not affect the government as there is a minister who is already helping with the work.

Dr. Suraphong also thanked the demonstrators for their peaceful proceeding and cooperation with the police.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Govt spokesperson indicates that the resignation of ICT minister was due to request of Wang Nam Yen faction

Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) indicated that the resignation of Information and Communications Technology Sora-at Klinpratoom was due to a request by Wang Nam Yen (วังน้ำเย็น) faction.

Dr. Surapong said that Mr. Sora-at decided to resign because he was asked by the Wang Nam Yen faction. He added that many ministers who were reported to consider resigning have confirmed that they will not leave the cabinet. As for internal problems in the Thai Rak Thai party, he said that as all sides want to develop the country, there could be some disagreements due to differing opinions. However, he said that the Thai Rak Thai party is still developing its party management so that the party will become sustainable political institute.

The Government spokesperson added that the premier still has no plan about resolving the parliament during this time, as he wants to develop the country during these three remaining years.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Labor Minister denied that he was resigning from the position.

Labor Minister Somsak Tepsutin (สมศักดิ์ เทพสุทิน) has denied a report that he was planning to resign from the Labor Minister portfolio.

Mr. Somsak, who is the leader of Wang Nam Yom (วังน้ำยม) faction, said that the report is unfounded, adding that resignation is no the right solution to the problem. He said that he is a person who is willing to compromise, adding that he cannot answer any questions yet, pending discussions with other members, as the issue cannot be decided by just one person.

Mr. Somsak added that the meeting of MPs under the Wang Nam Yom faction yesterday was scheduled before the rally on Saturday was planned. He said that the meeting was an monthly meeting scheduled during the parliamentary recess. He said tha the meeting discussed sending the faction’s members to run for MPs inside and outside Bangkok.

The meeting of the Wang Nam Yom faction yesterday was also attended by deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jeungroongruengkit (สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ) and deputy party leader and leader of Wang Bua Ban (วังบัวบาน) faction, Yaowapa Wongsawad (เยาวภา วงศ์สวัสดิ์).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM Thaksin says he is not worried about the on-going politics and expressed confidence that the government still has stability

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra spoke about the current political situation during his visit to Chiang Mai Province, saying that there have been no changes in politics, and said there is nothing to be worried about.

The premier stated that the resignation of the ministers has no effects on the government performances.

Prime Minister Thaksin revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul (สุชัย เจริญรัตนกุล) will supervise the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), while Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai (สุรเกียรติ์ เสถียรไทย) will oversee the Ministry of Culture until the right candidates will be selected to take the posts.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM Thaksin believes the resignation of two ministers from Wang Nam Yen faction will have no impact on political stability

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra believes that the recent resignations of two cabinet ministers will draw no effect on the political stability.

Speaking about the resignations of Culture Minister Uraiwan Thienthong (อุไรวรรณ เทียนทอง) and ICT Minister Sora_at Klinprathum (สรอรรถ กลิ่นประทุม), the prime minister said he is not worried since he acknowledged the reason of Mr. Sora_at’s resignation.

As for the vacant positions, Prime Minister Thaksin stated that he has assigned his deputies to oversee the ministries until the next cabinet reshuffle.

Currently no decision from the premier has been made over the selection of the candidates to take the posts but he insisted suitable and dedicated persons would be selected where no consideration over the quota would be imposed.

Mr Thaksin refused to specify the period he would discuss the matter with Mr. Sanoh Thienthong (เสนาะ เทียนทอง) saying that the situation has now changed.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Former ICT Minister Sora-at says he is now free from Wang Nam Yen faction.

Former Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Sora-at Klinpratoom (สรอรรถ กลิ่นประทุม) has admitted that he is now independent from Wang Nam Yen (วังน้ำเย็น) faction.

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s suggestion that his resignation was to repay Mr. Sanoh Tientong (เสนาะ เทียนทอง), Mr. Sora-at said that the issue had been discussed and understood by all parties. As for whether he will come back as a minister after a cabinet reshuffle, Mr. Sora-at said that it is up to the Prime Minister, adding that if invited, he will not turn down the invitation.

However, he said that his political career is now independent from the Wang Nam Yen faction.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 Febuary 2006