The Games People Play

[Lite Beer]

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
The games people play
Jintana Panyaarvudh
The Nation on Sunday

Thawil Pliensri holds a book on dharma that he says helped him cope with the rough times during his transfer.

BANGKOK: -- Former National Security Council boss Thawil Pliensri talks about his transfer to an inactive post and his decision to take legal action against the prime minister

An almost oppressive silence hangs over the fifth floor of the Government House complex's Command Building. This is an area that is rarely used by Government House officials let alone Cabinet members or the prime minister. Yet, the graveyard as its dubbed, is home to the offices of the six advisers to the PM.

Thawil Pliensri has been inhabiting one of the rooms along this quiet and narrow corridor since being moved from his previous position of National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general to this effectively inactive post 20 months ago.

Despite Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's explanations that he would be consulted on security affairs, Thawil says he has received no assignments from her.

"My days have very little substance but I want to work so that my life is not too useless. These days, I'm a member of House and Senate ad-hoc committees and I help with the work of King Prajadhipok’s Institute," he says.

His bare office desk provides evidence of his inactivity. There are no piles of documents and no computer, just a telephone, a simple stationary set, and a box of tissues. Thawil himself is reading a court verdict and making notes on a pad.

Even the door has no nameplate - it merely indicates that its occupant is a PM's adviser. Nor does he have any business cards: "I have no need for them," he says.

Thawil says he has rarely crossed Yingluck either in official meetings or at official ceremonies since becoming her adviser. Some cabinet members may feel uncomfortable with having someone who used to work with the Democrat Party attending Cabinet meetings, he says.

"I don't want to go to state functions or ceremonies. Frankly speaking, the premier would probably prefer not to see my face," he says.

Today that face is looking a little happier: the transferred former NSC chief won a historic legal victory last week when the Central Administrative Court ordered Yingluck to reinstate him in his previous position.

Thawil was one of the first casualties of the Yingluck government when it assumed power in August 2011. He was removed from his post apparently because the new government wanted to promote Pol General Priewphan Damapong to the position of National Police chief.

Pol General Wichean Potephosree, whom Priewphan would replace, wasn't about to let go without a struggle. He demanded - and was given - the post of NSC chief where he stayed until last October when he was replaced by Lt-General Paradorn Pattanathabutr.

Thawil was the first state official to file a lawsuit against Yingluck. He made that decision the night the Cabinet approved his transfer on September 6 in the full knowledge that taking such an action would affect both his career and personal life.

"I had to take legal action because the premier invaded my 'territory' and I was obliged to defend it," he says.

Taking that difficult decision also cured his insomnia. Thawil smiles sadly as he recalls how he spent the nights before the order came into effect pacing his living room.

"I was heavy-hearted after the transfer. I already knew that I'd be in the graveyard as a PM's adviser post. I can't even ask someone to buy me o-lieng (iced black coffee). The official reason given by the government was nothing but a deception," says the 59-year old.

The official PM order stated that his transfer would improve efficiency in implementation of government policy because Thawil specialised in security issues and was thus needed as an adviser to the premier.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck's older brother, initiated the six advisory positions for the PM's Office to make it convenient to transfer people in the top positions without the need to seek approval from the Civil Service Commission.

Thawil notes that several other officials have been transferred by this government but have not yet received justice.

He mentions particularly the former secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre Phanu Uthairat, also moved to an advisory position and who was replaced by the Justice Ministry’s deputy permanent secretary Thawee Sodsong.

Thawil says Phanu felt hurt but opted not to file a lawsuit, instead demoting himself to a lower rank as a deputy permanent secretary for the Interior Ministry.

"Like me, he had no assignments here," he says.

Last week's historic verdict has taught him that many more civil servants have suffered from unfair transfers than he was aware.

"My victory inspired them. It's like they've seen a light at the end of the tunnel. But I don't think I am a superhero. I'm just glad to have a chance to share in the suffering of my colleagues," he says.

But Thawil also admits that his current post has reaped some benefits.

As the NSC chief, he was on call around the clock and suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Today, with more time to take care of his health and work out regularly, his blood pressure and cholesterol have returned to normal. He has also lost eight kilogrammes.

"I've returned to good health quite by accident but I'm not happy because I feel the country has lost out. I'd prefer to be less healthy and able to work at full capacity. That will be worthwhile for the country," he says.

A more relaxed Thawil also has more time to meditate and study dharma.

Thawil is now waiting for Yingluck's next move. If Yingluck appeals against the court verdict he will have to take his case to the national anti-graft panel and the Office of the Ombudsman, which could lead to impeachment.

"This whole matter would have a far better ending if she doesn't appeal and faces up to her if responsibilities," he says.

"My mind is stable. I've been ready to face the future since I made the decision to file my lawsuit. Whatever will be, will be," he says.

-- The Nation 2013-06-09

[bigbamboo]

This must be the PTP equivalent of a gulag, where all the intellectuals are sent.

That would explain why there are none in the government.

[Thai at Heart]

That's quite close to the bone, for the nation.

[ratcatcher]

He seems like a guy with some principles and ethics, even though he's a politician. He's fought for his rights and has been ostracized by the PTP. I expect if there were a Democrat government and he was a PTP MP or bureaucrat, then the same may happen.

But then I read my first sentence again..

[A Member]

This must be the PTP equivalent of a gulag, where all the intellectuals are sent.

That would explain why there are none in the government.

If anyone ever sought to question that statement they need only be shown video clips of Chalerm in action and be given translations of what he says in Parliament and to the media.

[Payboy]

I can't even ask someone to buy me o-lieng (iced black coffee).

Now, what does that mean?

[Thai at Heart]

I can't even ask someone to buy me o-lieng (iced black coffee).

Now, what does that mean?

He was felt to feel like a no one? Obviously a lot of discussion is held outside the office over an iced coffee. Never over black label at night of course.

He sounds like a prize whingeing pooyai to me actually.

[arthurboy]

Excuse my post, it's inactive.

[OzMick]

I can't even ask someone to buy me o-lieng (iced black coffee).

Now, what does that mean?

It means that people who are expected to do nothing don't get support staff.

[Songhua]

I can't even ask someone to buy me o-lieng (iced black coffee).

Now, what does that mean?

Power and influence is paramount. Hence the tissues.

[MEL1]

I can't say I'd be complaining in his position. The first thing I noticed on his desk was the TV Remote!

Inactive position? Being paid a few million for doing nothing, but turning up?

The only problem is, I'd have to have been viciously corrupt previously to get such a position, and that's just not in my nature...

-mel.

[Thai at Heart]

His bare office desk provides evidence of his inactivity. There are no piles of documents and no computer, just a telephone, a simple stationary set, and a box of tissues. Thawil himself is reading a court verdict and making notes on a pad.

His desk resembles what most senior pooyais does.

Answer their own emails? Receive their own faxes? That's what underlings are for.

Files are presented for cursory attention and removed forthwith. Maybe this job doesn't give him a stamp to keep under lock and key. You really are a no one if you haven't got a stamp.

[trainman34014]

Could say the guy has guts for taking her on as most wouldn't, they would just take the easy money for doing nowt. I do see one problem though; if it went all the way to impeachment could he end up in some terrible accident before it reached that point?

[55Jay]

59 years old, retirement just around the corner. Go meditate full time, enjoy pension, stay thin and healthy.

[Soutpeel]

and a box of tissues...

in light of the statement that he doesnt have a computer...what is the box of tissues for ?....

[winstonc]

i wish him well,be surprised if he gets anywhere with his case,,,

[Phronesis]

He seems like a guy with some principles and ethics, even though he's a politician. He's fought for his rights and has been ostracized by the PTP. I expect if there were a Democrat government and he was a PTP MP or bureaucrat, then the same may happen.

But then I read my first sentence again..

One of the primary reasons I left Australia was that I was absolutely fed up listening to the drivel spouted by politicians.

Why one earth do I want to read about the drivel spouted by Thai politicians...

[hellodolly]

Could say the guy has guts for taking her on as most wouldn't, they would just take the easy money for doing nowt. I do see one problem though; if it went all the way to impeachment could he end up in some terrible accident before it reached that point?

Considering the PTP has a militant group of thugs at their beck and call there is a fair chance that could happen.

On the other hand if it did happen the public criticism could topple the PT government.

Personally O think they should protect him as the fall out of his death would be more than they could handle. Even if it was a natural death.

Just my opinion

[hellodolly]

i wish him well,be surprised if he gets anywhere with his case,,,

Well I agree with you on that.

On the other hand he could be starting some thing that no government would like to face.

Let's face it If the Dems were to win the next election which I hope they do but doubt they will they would be doing the same thing to get rid of non Dem people.

[hellodolly]

He seems like a guy with some principles and ethics, even though he's a politician. He's fought for his rights and has been ostracized by the PTP. I expect if there were a Democrat government and he was a PTP MP or bureaucrat, then the same may happen.

But then I read my first sentence again..

One of the primary reasons I left Australia was that I was absolutely fed up listening to the drivel spouted by politicians.

Why one earth do I want to read about the drivel spouted by Thai politicians...

Change threads

[klauskunkel]

and a box of tissues...

in light of the statement that he doesnt have a computer...what is the box of tissues for ?....

...well, he does have a TV, you can see the remote on his desk...

[Thai at Heart]

He was the press officer for the cres for gods sake.

[drdoom6996]

I can't say I'd be complaining in his position. The first thing I noticed on his desk was the TV Remote!

Inactive position? Being paid a few million for doing nothing, but turning up?

The only problem is, I'd have to have been viciously corrupt previously to get such a position, and that's just not in my nature...

-mel.

I believe that he was not viciously corrupt, And everybody he had to work with was. 1 against everybody, he got the transfer.

[Thai at Heart]

I can't say I'd be complaining in his position. The first thing I noticed on his desk was the TV Remote!

Inactive position? Being paid a few million for doing nothing, but turning up?

The only problem is, I'd have to have been viciously corrupt previously to get such a position, and that's just not in my nature...

-mel.

I believe that he was not viciously corrupt, And everybody he had to work with was. 1 against everybody, he got the transfer.

Not to talk about any specific civil servant, but why on earth would you believe a Thai civil servant telling you he wasn't corrupt in any way.

As though someone admits to a newspaper, all the rest are viciously corrupt, I do it in a much less vicious way...

[Thai at Heart]

i wish him well,be surprised if he gets anywhere with his case,,,

Well I agree with you on that.

On the other hand he could be starting some thing that no government would like to face.

Let's face it If the Dems were to win the next election which I hope they do but doubt they will they would be doing the same thing to get rid of non Dem people.

Well exactly.

[BuddhistVirus]

The Dhamma Book reminded me of Gogol...

...And at such moments his eyes would grow winning, and his features assume an expression of intense satisfaction. Yet never did these projects pass beyond the stage of debate. Likewise there lay in his study a book with the fourteenth page permanently turned down. It was a book which he had been reading for the past two years! In general, something seemed to be wanting in the establishment... - Nikolai Gogol, Dead Souls

[sunshine51]

I can't even ask someone to buy me o-lieng (iced black coffee).

Now, what does that mean?

Ain't got no money in his pocket at that time....then again...

could depend on how much iced coffee is needed to sway

the decision making process.....or......

[belg]

so how many of those are on the payroll, doing nothing and getting a high salary each month ?

[chooka]

I can't even ask someone to buy me o-lieng (iced black coffee).

Now, what does that mean?

It means the poor bugger has to get it himself and actually get the soles of his shoes dirty as there aren't any peasants to drop rosed petals at his feet whilst he walks.

[chooka]

so how many of those are on the payroll, doing nothing and getting a high salary each month ?

Do you mean just public servants or the police as well? With the BIB alone I guess they lost count long ago.