'Boost for Pheu Thai'

The Nation

CHONBURI: -- There are many political implications with the arrest of fugitive convict Somchai "Kamnan Poh" Khunpluem, a former Chon Buri MP said yesterday.

Pramual Aimpia, a former Democrat MP who is familiar with the Chon Buri political kingpin, said Somchai's arrest on Wednesday could have been the result of failed negotiations to force the Phalang Chon Party, led by Somchai's son, Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome, out of the Pheu Thai-led coalition. The aim would have been to instead have a partnership with old Pheu Thai foe, the Bhum Jai Thai Party, which has more MP seats than Phalang Chon.

newsjs

Somchai's arrest could also result in a rise in popularity of Pol General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, an independent candidate in the Bangkok governor's race. It was Sereepisuth, during his career as National Police chief, who was responsible for having Kamnan Poh convicted.

This will in turn have the most affect on Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Democrat Party candidate, Pramual added.

The resurgence of the Kamnan Poh case has attracted vast media attention, diluting the critical coverage of the Pheu Thai government's controversial push for constitutional amendment, amnesty and reconciliation.

"It has given a good public image to the Pheu Thai Party, that it follows the principle of rule of law, on bringing lawbreakers to justice," Pramual said.

Sonthaya, in an earlier interview with the press, maintained that politics was not involved in the arrest of his father, and that he has had no talks with senior Pheu Thai Party figures or Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung dismissed speculation that the arrest was aimed at forcing the Phalang Chon Party to merge permanently with Pheu Thai. He also said it was too early to consider the idea of a pardon for Somchai.

-- The Nation 2013-02-01

Nothing is ever what it seems in Thailand. A fugitive who has evaded arrest for 7 years is finally arrested and the ruling party claim a victory despite the fact his son is a cabinet member AND the self same ruling party members openly associaet with and regularly visit another well known fugitive

Seems odd to me that it is never mentioned his youngest son is the Mayor of Pattaya....why is that?

"He also said it was too early to consider the idea of a pardon for Somchai."

A result of too much ear medicine or is he generous because of his own family history?

Another fine example of the way this country runs.

"It has given a good public image to the Pheu Thai Party, that it follows the principle of rule of law, on bringing lawbreakers to justice," Pramual said.

Incredible!

Wishful thinking an total blather. to distract from PTP's serial screw-ups and machinations.

Oh and forced Thaksin's failures of good taste off the fornt page for a spell.

Yes his minions are tooth and jowl with the current government,

but they want to trade his influence for Newin's again, just to gain a few more seats.

Corruption on a basic amoral level, doesn't come much more bald-faced than this

Edited February 1, 201313 yr by animatic

Perhaps PT feels that they are strong enough to kick Phalang Chon out of the coalition and take their cabinet seat for themselves. Or, as the article says, BJT may be coming back into the fold and Phalang Chon is being kicked out to make room for them at the trough.

Newin and his group seem to have been trying to get back into Thaksin's good graces for some time now & perhaps this arrest is a signal that they have finally succeeded. I wouldn't be surprised if BJT joins the ruling coalition within the next month or so. After all, 'birds of a feather flock together' and Newin and Thaksin are certainly birds of a feather.

"It has given a good public image to the Pheu Thai Party, that it follows the principle of rule of law, on bringing lawbreakers to justice," Pramual said.

Incredible!

I would really like to hear Yingluck describe what her definition of "the principle of rule of law" really is.

Perhaps PT feels that they are strong enough to kick Phalang Chon out of the coalition and take their cabinet seat for themselves. Or, as the article says, BJT may be coming back into the fold and Phalang Chon is being kicked out to make room for them at the trough.

Newin and his group seem to have been trying to get back into Thaksin's good graces for some time now & perhaps this arrest is a signal that they have finally succeeded. I wouldn't be surprised if BJT joins the ruling coalition within the next month or so. After all, 'birds of a feather flock together' and Newin and Thaksin are certainly birds of a feather.

I can think of other things to call them other than "birds of a feather".

Seems odd to me that it is never mentioned his youngest son is the Mayor of Pattaya....why is that?

Wonder how he got that job; his qualifications perhaps!!!

Nothing is ever what it seems in Thailand. A fugitive who has evaded arrest for 7 years is finally arrested and the ruling party claim a victory despite the fact his son is a cabinet member AND the self same ruling party members openly associaet with and regularly visit another well known fugitive

Can you please explain for an non-English reader ?

"It has given a good public image to the Pheu Thai Party, that it follows the principle of rule of law, on bringing lawbreakers to justice," Pramual said.

Incredible!

Now all they have to do is apply the same principle evenly.