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SPECIAL REPORT
Yaowapa's return shores up a dynasty
Samudcha Hoonsara,
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Chiang Mai MP Yaowapa Wongsawat's political journey after her five-year political ban has attracted huge media and public interest for one reason - she has been groomed as a substitute prime minister waiting in the wings for whenever a political accident happens to the ruling party and PM Yingluck Shinawatra.

After all, Yaowapa has been dubbed "a lady with three positions" - sister of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, wife of former PM Somchai Wongsawat, and elder sister of current Prime Minister Yingluck.

Yaowapa's staging of a political comeback is significant and momentous for the Shinawatra family, which has had its share of political ups and downs.

Having members of the clan ready to inherit power is necessary if the family wants to put the country under its thumb without any hiccups.

Panthongtae Shinawatra, Thaksin's son, posted a message on his Facebook page Pheu Thai needed a substitute prime minister because any mishap could occur and doom the party. He flashed back to the political demise of the Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties.

Thaksin himself Skyped to tell the Pheu Thai Party he wanted Yaowapa back in politics to help Yingluck with her parliamentary work - so the PM could smoothly manage the country without having to worry about her duties as an MP, as she had a reinforcement team led by Yaowapa.

The Shinawatra family learned a lesson and the consequences of using a figurehead outside the family when they entrusted Samak Sundaravej with the PM's hat.

Yaowapa's influence and clout rival that of her sister the current prime minister. She seemed to be more influential when Thai Rak Thai was in its glory. Yaowapa was called "Wang Bua Ban Godmother" who had more than 100 MPs under her wing, and it was reported she held bargaining power to negotiate ministerial seats directly with her brother Thaksin.

Her comeback means she has to restore her clout as former Thai Rak Thai deputy leader, former PM adviser, and former chairwoman of the House of Representatives committee on industry. Yaowapa's comeback means Pheu Thai will have a leader who has control over politics inside and outside Parliament.

Living testimony to Yaowapa's role and power is a long list of ministers who are under her umbrella, from Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom to Science Minister Worawat Auapinyakul, PM's Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn, Deputy Finance Minister Tanusak Lekuthai and even Government Spokesman Dr Tossaporn Serirak.

Political observers believe the Shinawatra family does have conflicts and differences, but their wrangling is not publicly revealed because they turn their dissatisfaction into bargaining for shares of work.

People from government inner circles label Yingluck's government as one in which Thaksin is in charge of policies both domestic and international; Yaowapa coordinates both inside and outside the party; and Yingluck herself acts as a leader who follows a script written by her brother and sister.

In terms of work and responsibilities, Prime Minister Yingluck is in charge of the Bt2-trillion investment programme, former PM Thaksin is in charge of energy and water projects worth Bt350 billion, and Yaowapa is in charge of high-level appointments and transfers at ministries. She also has a good rapport with the commerce minister, who is in charge of the rice-pledging scheme.

Yaowapa has also been given a duty to connect with the red shirts, who have been demanding that the ruling party honour its promises, so that her sister Yingluck is not affected by red-shirt protests and rallies.

Yaowapa's role in her family business, which focuses on telecommunication and real estate, seems questionable because each member of her family holds only one or two shares in each business. Critics wonder why the family has to resort to such a means when they can invest in any business with transparency.

Yaowapa must ensure transparency in the rice-pledging scheme after the opposition attacked the government's rice sales through government-to-government agreements, but the Commerce Ministry failed to give clear answers.

Reports are rife that a powerful lady has nominee companies to take part in the rice-pledging scheme, leaving rice mills and nominees in her control to prosper rapidly.

Yaowapa will have to clear away doubts and allegations against her, and only time will prove whether she is gold that has not been burned in the fire.

Deputy House Speaker Wisut Chainarun said Yaowapa could be the whip, or an office-holder to make sure MPs attend House meetings. She could also be the link in coordinating the government and prominent members of Pheu Thai Party.

Phayao MP Arunee Chamnarnya said Yaowapa was the prime minister's sister, so people would respect her. She is also is influential and senior, so she can regulate the party's MPs.

Yaowapa being an MP is better than playing an outside role, Arunee said, and she can expect criticism for just being a Shinawatra.

Chiang Rai MP Samart Kaewmeechai said the Shinawatras had survived many crises and were strong. Attacking Yaowapa would only make the Pheu Thai Party stronger.

"After being an MP, I would like Yaowapa to coordinate the work with all parties, including the opposition and senators. She has the charisma and influence. If she does this, the government whip's work will be easier," he said.


-- The Nation 2013-05-07

[tominbkk]

Dynasty or Oligarchy?

[rubl]

Now can someone remind me, what the PM was complaining about in her speech about democracy which she read out in Mongolia?

[chainarong]

What a total sham, coming back from five years suspension, no wounder Thailand is the laughing stock of the political world, I feel sorry for the good people of Thailand , where this dynasty is guiding the country.

[Ricardo]

"Pheu Thai needed a substitute prime minister because any mishap could occur and doom the party."

Wonder what Panthongtae Shinawatra thinks the Deputy-PMs are there for, along with the rest of the Cabinet, apart from taking orders from the real or legal PMs ?

And interesting that the loss of any particular PM might be thought to equate to dooming the party, I guess that's what happens when you have a cult-of-personality, and one person (or his clone) is allowed to become absolutely-essential to a political-party and social-movement.

Perhaps it would be simpler to abolish all the parties, not just crush the Dems or the Friends-of-Newin, and have a family-dictatorship instead ? But how to persuade the world, that this is still democratic, or in the interests of the poor ? Perhaps the legal-PM might give another lecture, on how wonderful things were, under her brother's reign ?

[rametindallas]

This is the most frank/blunt description of the naked power the Shinawatra clan holds over Thailand that I have ever seen in an English language Thai newspaper. Kudos to the author; you really spelled it out. I have nothing to add to that article.

[rubl]

"Panthongtae Shinawatra, Thaksin's son, posted a message on his Facebook page Pheu Thai needed a substitute prime minister because any mishap could occur and doom the party. He flashed back to the political demise of the Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties."

Maybe the Mongolian speech on democracy needs an update?

[moe666]

Just change the name to Marcos another replay of personal power gone crazy

[slapout]

Dynasty, would be a more apt description, from what I have seen, if the Dy was left off. They do seem to have a common mental gene source, although the physical makeup may have a missing link or two.

[GrantSmith]

Well Mr T did need a male heir to his throne, his son isn't fit to serve, his youngest sister is too prissy and enjoys sojourns meeting famous people whilst shopping the streets of western 'high streets'

The obvious choice to ensure the legacy remains, turn to his younger (read ballsier sister) to ensure those with any agendas other than Mr T's are not only pushed to the side but are crushed beyond recognition.

Side note: Has Mr T started using his namesakes coined phrase "I pity da fool" yet?

The below link gives an interesting background of the Shin family...

http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/2011/08/08/the-shinawatra-family-tree/

[bigbamboo]

"Panthongtae Shinawatra, Thaksin's son, posted a message on his Facebook page Pheu Thai needed a substitute prime minister because any mishap could occur and doom the party. He flashed back to the political demise of the Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties."

Maybe the Mongolian speech on democracy needs an update?

So that's a de facto PM, a real PM and a substitute PM.

Any more for any more?

[ratcatcher]

Dynasty or Oligarchy?

I think oligarchy would suit the Shinawats better.

Oligarchy: ": a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control"

I would not consider them a dynasty yet as they really have no great history behind them. Thaksin has been the only power of substance so far.

Just a greedy, power hungry family.

We refer, with great respect, I believe, to the Chakri dynasty etc.

Dynasty:dy·nas·ty (dn-st)

n. pl. dy·nas·ties

1. A succession of rulers from the same family or line.

2. A family or group that maintains power for several generations: a political dynasty controlling the state.

[ratcatcher]

Just change the name to Marcos another replay of personal power gone crazy

Yes but Imelda knew her shoes. I doubt Potjaman has quite that collection and YS is only really famed for the Burberry Boots.

[GrantSmith]

They loosely fit the definition of oligarchy.

After all, the PTP as a whole are all in it for the benefit of themselves and not the constituents they were elected - or otherwise appointed - to represent.

[Payboy]

I read the headline and see visions of a beached whale.

[ratcatcher]

I read the headline and see visions of a beached whale.

How about a more realistic "Great White"?

[Payboy]

I read the headline and see visions of a beached whale.

How about a more realistic "Great White"?

Yeah, I'd forgotten about the whitening lotion thing.

[kotsak]

I just hope they could tone down on those close-up photos..

[OzMick]

That woman must have had an enormous dowry.

[GrantSmith]

That woman must have had an enormous dowry.

Rotund chicks need love too OzMick

[EyesWideOpen]

I have said before I always thought the master plan was to get Yingluck into office first. Then when the government was packed full of Thaksin toadies, he does the triumphant return to glory here. Then Yingluck is overwhelmed by the office , and steps aside while Thaksin takes over as PM.

However the plan to return Thaksin is not going well , and is behind schedule. Thus support is lagging. So time to bring in She Who Must Be Obeyed to take the reins of power to keep Thaksin's return rolling along smoothly. It all makes me want to throw up... :-( Politicians governing for the good of the people is only a passing concept in the west, and is completely alien here in Thailand. What a fantastic country this could be if it was not being looted constantly.....

Edited May 7, 2013 by EyesWideOpen

[geriatrickid]

excellent.................

Edited May 7, 2013 by geriatrickid

[Robby nz]

Was wondering, with her "return" how many PT MP's, cabinet ministers and general hangers on in minor positions does that make who either have some sort of a criminal record, have been done for some sort of dishonesty or are on bail pending the hearing of charges or appeals?

Must be quite a few now.

Are these really the best the country has to offer to run a Government?

[Thaddeus]

excellent.................

Thank you Mr Burns.

[Thaddeus]

Yaowapa's return shores up a dynasty

In Chinese would this be known as "Minging"

[Thait Spot]

Interesting reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictatorship

[bigbamboo]

does she play tight head or loose?

Well she certainly can't be a hooker.

Edited May 7, 2013 by bigbamboo

[Tatsujin]

and it was reported she held bargaining power to negotiate ministerial seats directly with her brother Thaksin.

What a country . . . democracy rules! yay!

[ratcatcher]

excellent.................

You've gotta laugh gk, Hollywood can't write material this good.

Not one, but two ladies in waiting, Ying & Yao..

[Thait Spot]

does she play tight head or loose?

Well she certainly can't be a hooker.

Not if she wants to sell the country