Matchima Mps Set To Defect To Pheu Thai

[Lite Beer]

CABINET RESHUFFLE
Matchima MPs set to defect to Pheu Thai
Pimnara Pradubwit,
Praphan Jindalertudomdee
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Move may not be in time for Cabinet berths; Democrats look at legal option

MPs in the Matchima faction of the opposition Bhum Jai Thai Party have clearly indicated that they intend to defect to the Pheu Thai Party, but it is uncertain if they will make the move in time to secure a ministerial seat in the next Cabinet reshuffle, said government whip Amnuay Klangpa yesterday.

Meanwhile, Democrat MP for Songkhla Wiratana Kalayasiri said yesterday he suspected that Pheu Thai had a hidden agenda in allowing the move. He said the Democrat Party's legal team would look into the possibility of taking legal action against Pheu Thai.

"This shows the government is not being transparent in terms of its favours to politicians. This is not morally or ethically fair. The opposition has a duty to examine the government's actions. This amounts to buying the vote of the opposition in an attempt to reduce scrutiny of its actions. I will consult the [Democrat] party's legal team and see what we can do," he said.

Amnuay said the Pheu Thai Party had not violated any laws in nominating Nantana Songpracha - an MP of the Matchima faction - as a member of the committee deliberating the 2014 Budget Bill. A political party can nominate anyone to be a committee member, even if they are not an MP, he said.

All MPs in the Matchima faction of the Bhum Jai Thai Party voted in support of the 2014 Budget Bill, therefore, they deserve the support of Pheu Thai, said Amnuay.

MPs in the Matchima faction have avoided joining recent meetings of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, deciding instead to wait for the party resolution to expire. After that, they have 60 days to move to a new party, in accordance with the law.

"It is likely that they [MPs of the Matchima Group] will join Pheu Thai, but I don't know if they will be in time for the next Cabinet reshuffle as the Bhum Jai Thai Party has not yet resolved to expel Matchima MPs from the party," said Amnuay.

The first reading of the 2014 Budget Bill was passed on Friday with 292 to 155 votes against. The eight MPs in the Matchima faction who voted in support of the bill include: Si Sa Ket MP Udomlak Pengnorapat; Ratchaburi MPs Manit Nopamornbodee; Chaworalat Chinthammit and Boonying Nitikanchana; Chai Nat MPs Porntiva Nakasai and Nantana Songpracha; Sukhothai MP Chakkrawan Chaiwirat-nukul and party-list MP Ruangsak Ngamsompak.

Reports of Matchima faction MPs planning to defect to Pheu Thai have tended to coincide with an imminent Cabinet reshuffle.

There have been recent reports of discussions between Somsak Thepsuthin, leader of the Matchima Group, and Yaowapa Wongsawat, sister of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is de facto leader of Pheu Thai Party. Somsak was previously an executive member of the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party.


-- The Nation 2013-06-02

[bigbamboo]

Do PT need these ship jumpers?

[chainarong]

Matchima politicians can see that big 2.2tn BHT gravy train in the sky getting closer.

[geriatrickid]

Despite the expert opinions of some TVFers who insist the PTP administration is on the verge of collapse, this suggests otherwise, does it not?

[OzMick]

Perhaps they have a "new aspiration" - similar to the old aspiration but more lucrative.

Reading the OP, I have to wonder how much additional payment is accrued by committee members to make membership seemingly so attractive.

[OzMick]

Despite the expert opinions of some TVFers who insist the PTP administration is on the verge of collapse, this suggests otherwise, does it not?

If crew members are jumping from a rotten ship at every port, do you sail on short-handed or recruit/press-gang new members?

[rubl]

Old tactics, just like 2001 again. With friends like this who needs enemies.

[worgeordie]

Just moving from one trough to another,in Western democracies you hardly ever

see politicians move from one party to another, but here its like musical chairs

every election time,why people ever vote for them is amazing.

regards Worgeordie

[amore]

Despite the expert opinions of some TVFers who insist the PTP administration is on the verge of collapse, this suggests otherwise, does it not?

If crew members are jumping from a rotten ship at every port, do you sail on short-handed or recruit/press-gang new members?

Bit of a desperate attempt to turn this into a "disaster for the PTP" post, isn't it? Haven't noticed any crew members "jumping from a rotten ship". Same complement of MP's they started out with minus a couple of "red carders" and now gaining more.

I love the irony of the Dems complaining about MP's jumping ship - no Army General and no Cabinet Posts involved in this arrangement.

This is not morally or ethically fair. The opposition has a duty to examine the government's actions. This amounts to buying the vote of the opposition in an attempt to reduce scrutiny of its actions. I will consult the [Democrat] party's legal team and see what we can do,

came the familiar whine to the backdrop of toys being thrown out of the pram.

[amore]

Old tactics, just like 2001 again. With friends like this who needs enemies.

Have you forgotten 2008? No Army General involved here.

[rubl]

Old tactics, just like 2001 again. With friends like this who needs enemies.

Have you forgotten 2008? No Army General involved here.

True, here we have most likely only money involved and a fugitive criminal who hasn't been stripped of his Police Lieutenant-Colonel rank. Also since this topic is on Pheu Thai absorbing yet another faction, 2001 comes to mind with TRT being just an amalgam of parties and factions.

Interestingly just after the 2011 elections the non-involved Thaksin said that a single party system/government didn't work well in Thailand as he knew from experience. Seems like he changed Pheu Thai's mind in this.

[MikeOboe57]

Old tactics, just like 2001 again. With friends like this who needs enemies.

Have you forgotten 2008? No Army General involved here.

Yes, only Thaksin and the prospect of a place at the trough in the next cabinet reshuffle that, according to Yingluck, is not on the agenda. Looks like Jatuporn will finish again second in the race for a cabinet seat with those new contenders throwing their hat in the ring.

[amore]

Old tactics, just like 2001 again. With friends like this who needs enemies.

Have you forgotten 2008? No Army General involved here.

True, here we have most likely only money involved and a fugitive criminal who hasn't been stripped of his Police Lieutenant-Colonel rank. Also since this topic is on Pheu Thai absorbing yet another faction, 2001 comes to mind with TRT being just an amalgam of parties and factions.

Interestingly just after the 2011 elections the non-involved Thaksin said that a single party system/government didn't work well in Thailand as he knew from experience. Seems like he changed Pheu Thai's mind in this.

OK the Democrat Party are barely functioning as a competent opposition but that's hardly the fault of PTP, is it? Perhaps they should look at changing their leadership, that's what other parties do when they cease to function well.

[Markaew]

What's with this cabinet reshuffling every six months? Are they so incompetent they can't keep their position and they are replaced with another incompetent?

Maybe I am wrong but I don't remember Abhisit (sp?) doing this every six months.

Edited June 2, 2013 by Markaew

[rixalex]

I love the irony of the Dems complaining about MP's jumping ship - no Army General and no Cabinet Posts involved in this arrangement.

No army general involved? I believe the actual instigator of the last coup is now within the PTP fold, is he not?

No cabinet posts involved? The article says that the move may not be in time for cabinet berths. May not, doesn't mean won't, and if they missed their chance this time, who is to say they haven't been promised something for the next reshuffle?

The irony here is to do with all those who didn't accept Abhisit's government because of the way certain MPs jumped ship, but will happily defend what is happening now, as if what is happening now is free from interference from any unelected persons, as if what is happening now is done without inducements and shady back room deals.

[geriatrickid]

I'm sorry rubl, but your comment that "The Democrats are constantly obstructed as opposition, that's the fault of the main ruling party" is inane.

It is not the job of the government to provide guidance or a viable political strategy to the opposition party(s). The government cannot obstruct an opposition party unless it attempts to have the political party dissolved, which is what the Democrats tried to do to PTP. The government and the opposition parties are subject to the same parliamentary rules, rules which the Democrats have exploited to their favour in the past when it suited their needs.

The Democrats are disorganized and are distinguished by a lack of leadership. Any leader of an effective opposition would be having a field day with the government's gaffes and policies. And yet, Abhisit and his collection of self important big talkers cannot organize themselves. I am now beginning to believe that Abhisit is being kept on as Democrat leader because of his inabilities.

[jayboy]

I love the irony of the Dems complaining about MP's jumping ship - no Army General and no Cabinet Posts involved in this arrangement.

No army general involved? I believe the actual instigator of the last coup is now within the PTP fold, is he not?

No cabinet posts involved? The article says that the move may not be in time for cabinet berths. May not, doesn't mean won't, and if they missed their chance this time, who is to say they haven't been promised something for the next reshuffle?

The irony here is to do with all those who didn't accept Abhisit's government because of the way certain MPs jumped ship, but will happily defend what is happening now, as if what is happening now is free from interference from any unelected persons, as if what is happening now is done without inducements and shady back room deals.

A bit different isn't it? Firstly we don't know yet if this deal will proceed or if it does how it will be managed/incentivised.

We do know howevber that the deal propelling Abhisit to power was a shady back room deal brokered by the army and involved some very scummy elements.

More important than the sleaze involved it represented a slap in the face for the Thai people given the previous election result.

In this instance PTP already commands a healthy majority so any realignment doesn't undermine the Thai peoples verdict at the last general election

P.S For any of the usual dimbulbs out there poised to sound off about the rules of parliamentary democracy, hold your fire.Firstly I am aware of them to an extent you probably don't grasp and secondly I'm not suggesting Abhisit's government was illegal.

[Mosha]

What's with this cabinet reshuffling every six months? Are they so incompetent they can't keep their position and they are replaced with another incompetent?

Maybe I am wrong but I don't remember Abhisit (sp?) doing this every six months.

They all get a turn at the trough.

[rixalex]

I love the irony of the Dems complaining about MP's jumping ship - no Army General and no Cabinet Posts involved in this arrangement.

No army general involved? I believe the actual instigator of the last coup is now within the PTP fold, is he not?

No cabinet posts involved? The article says that the move may not be in time for cabinet berths. May not, doesn't mean won't, and if they missed their chance this time, who is to say they haven't been promised something for the next reshuffle?

The irony here is to do with all those who didn't accept Abhisit's government because of the way certain MPs jumped ship, but will happily defend what is happening now, as if what is happening now is free from interference from any unelected persons, as if what is happening now is done without inducements and shady back room deals.

A bit different isn't it? Firstly we don't know yet if this deal will proceed or if it does how it will be managed/incentivised.

True enough, but i think we can take it as a given that if the deal does proceed, it will have been incentivised in some shape or form, no? What else are these musical chair charades about? Certainly not principles.

We do know howevber that the deal propelling Abhisit to power was a shady back room deal brokered by the army and involved some very scummy elements.

Not sure about calling them scummy elements. Perhaps they are, but I think unelected elements sufficiently and eloquently enough describes them without getting unnecessarily colourful in our langauge. Anyway, vocabulary preferences to one side, will this current potential defection be free of interference from unelected elements. I have my doubts. Perhaps for you the fact that they may or may not be wearing military uniforms makes a big difference. For me, not so much. Unelected is unelected.

[amore]

I love the irony of the Dems complaining about MP's jumping ship - no Army General and no Cabinet Posts involved in this arrangement.

No army general involved? I believe the actual instigator of the last coup is now within the PTP fold, is he not?

No cabinet posts involved? The article says that the move may not be in time for cabinet berths. May not, doesn't mean won't, and if they missed their chance this time, who is to say they haven't been promised something for the next reshuffle?

The irony here is to do with all those who didn't accept Abhisit's government because of the way certain MPs jumped ship, but will happily defend what is happening now, as if what is happening now is free from interference from any unelected persons, as if what is happening now is done without inducements and shady back room deals.

Wrong Army General - the one who brokered the deal to get the MP's to change allegiance with the promise of money and Cabinet Posts (the immensely valuable Interior Minister post, due to get their cut of the dems 1.48 trillion baht infrastructure project), was General Anuphong Phaochinda.

Who's defending whats happening now, I'm not. I'm just pointing out the supreme irony / hypocrisy of the dems saying that the transfer of some MP's from one party to another is morally and ethically unfair.

The transfer of MP's allegiance in 2008 was of far greater import than this event. Not only were the military involved but vast amounts of money and corruption resulted in the election of a Prime Minister (just, 235 vs 198) and the unrest that followed that injustice.

[winstonc]

why do you guys worry all thai polititians are corrupt,,i defy you to name 1 that isnt,,,,,,none of them care about the welfare of the thai people,,,,there only in it for themselves,,

[Robby nz]

The question of course is why and why now?

I seem to remember PT saying not long after they won they election that they would never have anyone who had anything to do with Newin and BJT in their Govt.

Now they either want or at least will accept Matchima into that Govt.

Why Matchima would go over to PT is another thing, there must be some reason or inducement to do so.

Possibly they have just realized they have a profound love for Thaksin and want to help him in every way they can to come back free.

But then again an inducement would seem more probable.

If so, why would PT want to recruit them at this stage?

To water down the opposition as much as possible seems a good reason.

They have shown by their threats, intimidation and use of the reds that they are scared of what the increasing number of groups that are coming out against them can do.

Then there is talk of an early election started by PT in which they may need all the help they can get.

Could it be that some of those who voted for Matchima MP's (you know these unimportant things called the people) did so as a vote against PT and Thaksin?

If so how are they feeling about this news?

Betrayed would probably be a good word.

But they don't matter until it comes time to want their vote again and there is plenty of BS to offer to get that.

[rixalex]

More important than the sleaze involved it represented a slap in the face for the Thai people given the previous election result.

The Thai people? It's a term that seems to refer to the entire nation.. if not the entire nation, a vast majority of its citizens. Considering that more people didn't vote for the party that got into power, than people who did, plenty of faces had already been slapped. Until the day everyone in a country votes for the same party, faces getting slapped remains the nature of democracy. Perhaps people tend to notice it more when it is their face receiving the blow, than someone else's.

[Pi Sek]

I don't imagine shift of support has been done with benefits of their constituencies in mind, but it is considered acceptable to enjoy perks as a Thai MP in a ruling coalition. One could argue that they are doing what is best for their constituencies by publicly aligning themselves with those who have power, as their constituency might get more than if they didn't (I suppose this is where the legal issue comes up).

I think the Opposition is correct to scrutinise the nature of the shift of support, but should not focus too much on it as I expect they will be unlikely to find any irregularities.

[rixalex]

Wrong Army General - the one who brokered the deal to get the MP's to change allegiance with the promise of money and Cabinet Posts (the immensely valuable Interior Minister post, due to get their cut of the dems 1.48 trillion baht infrastructure project), was General Anuphong Phaochinda.

An army general is an army general. You were suggesting that at least this deal would be free of the interference from such a person. I was questioning how you could be sure about this, considering the fact that a very prominent military man is within the PTP fold.

[rixalex]

Who's defending whats happening now, I'm not. I'm just pointing out the supreme irony / hypocrisy of the dems saying that the transfer of some MP's from one party to another is morally and ethically unfair.

I agree about the hypocrisy here, if not about what it is you claim to defend or not defend.

The Dems have no real place complaining about this, just as Thaksin's rabble had no place complaining about the MPs who jumped on board with the Dems in 2008, considering how they themselves had just previously welcomed into their government MPs who when campaigning, had promised their voters that they would not.

[oldsailor35]

why do you guys worry all thai polititians are corrupt,,i defy you to name 1 that isnt,,,,,,none of them care about the welfare of the thai people,,,,there only in it for themselves,,

But some are worse than others. Some organise everything giving themselves the biggest share of the cream, others just nod, do as told and take what is on offer. The arch crook of them all whose name begins S has become very quiet at the moment, just waiting his time.

[oldsailor35]

why do you guys worry all thai polititians are corrupt,,i defy you to name 1 that isnt,,,,,,none of them care about the welfare of the thai people,,,,there only in it for themselves,,

I nominate Yingluck.

[rubl]

why do you guys worry all thai polititians are corrupt,,i defy you to name 1 that isnt,,,,,,none of them care about the welfare of the thai people,,,,there only in it for themselves,,

I nominate Yingluck.

As Ms. Yingluck isn't really a politician I'm afraid your nominee may be disqualified

[metisdead]

Posts intended to bait off topic discussion have been removed as well as the replies.