Yingluck - Thaksin: Will patience pay in the long run?

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SPECIAL REPORT
Will patience pay in the long run?
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation


Though Yingluck appears to be asserting her independence, Thaksin too seems to be willing to do anything to return

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is believed to be pulling the strings behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party, once described his sister Yingluck as his "clone". But over her past 22 months in power, Prime Minister Yingluck appears to be working hard to shed that image.

Yingluck, who turns 46 today, has resisted many of Thaksin's ideas and even refused her big brother's choice of aides and advisers. This has led to conjecture of a rift between the siblings.

A ruling party source said it was not unusual to see Yingluck asserting her independence. Her trusted aides are people of the same age who understand her, even though they are less experienced and have less ability than the advisers chosen by Thaksin.

However, Thaksin does not trust some of his sister's aides because they abandoned him after the September 2006 coup. Yet, the source said, one of the advisers chosen by Thaksin admonished Yingluck publicly.

In addition, Yingluck's confidantes have refused to take heed of the advice offered by advisers chosen by Thaksin, which has resulted in a growing crisis of confidence in the government. These issues include the Bt2-trillion loan for infrastructure projects, the baht's rapid appreciation and the loss-making rice-pledging scheme, which have opened the government to attack from the opposition.

Suranand Vejjajiva, the PM's secretary-general and one of Yingluck's trusted confidants, said the PM is sincere and apolitical.

"Yingluck is not a politician. I think this is a good quality, considering the current situation. The minute she qualifies as a politician, her sincerity will fly right out the window," he said.

Yingluck has more patience than her brother in running the government, even if it means having to step back sometimes, he said. "Thaksin is hot-headed and wants to see immediate results. Yingluck steps back while advancing too. She waits patiently and never gives up," he said.

Neither Thaksin nor older sister Yaowapa Wongsawat have tried to influence Yingluck in running the government, Suranand said. Though, he added, it was normal for siblings to seek advice from each other. "Even I have sought advice from the former PM sometimes," he said.

Meanwhile, Thaksin's legal adviser and spokesman, Noppadon Pattama, said there was no need for Yingluck to abandon her image as Thaksin's clone because it was natural for siblings to be similar.

After all, he said, Yingluck was riding on the coat-tails of Thaksin's popularity.

Yet, after almost two years in office, Yingluck has shifted from being "a former prime minister's sister who became a prime minister" to "a prime minister who happens to be a former prime minister's sister".

He said Yingluck is self-reliant and possesses strong leadership skills, though he denied that she is in conflict with Thaksin because of that.

Apirak Kosayodhin, deputy leader of the opposition Democrat Party, agreed that Yingluck was trying to outgrow her image of Thaksin's clone.

He added that attending international forums and portraying herself as an effective leader was possibly part of this attempt.

Yet, the prime minister appears to be keeping herself aloof from the government's problems. Her usual excuse is that Cabinet members should be responsible for these matters. However, many issues have become serious because the ministers overseeing them are inefficient.

"The prime minister seems to have done almost nothing herself. There are teams responsible for various matters, including economic and political ones," Apirak said.

Plus, some government policies appear to have had unfortunate side-effects. The rice-pledging scheme, for instance, is plagued by irregularities. The tax rebate for first-car owners has been causing severe traffic jams and the hike in minimum daily wage to Bt300 has been blamed for the escalating cost of living.

Yet, both Suranand and Noppadon agreed that Yingluck's gentle style of running the government made her the "best choice" in the current political situation, and with her improved leadership skills, the government will stay alive and kicking.

Apirak disagreed. He said the government's popularity was on the decline and that it was facing a barrage of problems, including corruption, rising cost of living, acts of intimidation by government supporters and disputes between certain red-shirt groups and the ruling party.

As the government heads for the second half of its term, Thaksin has instructed Pheu Thai politicians to go all out on controversial political issues involving the amnesty law and constitutional amendment.

Critics say the hidden agenda behind these moves is to bring Thaksin back home without the need to spend time in jail. Obviously, Thaksin believes high risk brings big rewards. Yet, his sister prefers to "play it safe".

Apirak said that though Yingluck appeared to have become stronger after two years in power, her longevity as government head also depends on what Thaksin wants his loyal politicians to do to bring him back home.

Eventually, the prime minister will have to decide whether she will "play it safe" or "take the risk". She will have to choose between her big brother's dreams and her own political future.


-- The Nation 2013-06-21

[huanga]

Sounds like the PR machine is hard at work to restore her image...yuck! Let's just say, her action will speak louder than words, and so far, these actions are just ruining this country.

[Noistar]

I like it

An 'apolitical' politician' with concern about losing a 'political future', which being apolitical doesn't exist!

She is not playing a waiting game, she is hiding. Choosing advisors doesn't make her 'independent'. It's like saying Thaksin can't tell her what shoes to wear.

She has no substance, nobody knows what she believes in. She can't defend what she states. All she does is read statements and make sure she doesn't have to justify them.

She is out of her depth. She has the title of Prime Minister but after 2 years her biggest success is ignoring SOME of her brother's advice, and being 'apolitical'?

Nobody can blame her for things that are wrong, because its accepted she has no policies of her own. Mind you, any successes are due to 'Yingluck's Government'. She's on a win-win there.

God help Thailand and all who sail in her.

[NongKhaiKid]

For someone working to shed her image as a clone she's replacing it with one as a clown. She never seems to know what's going on with the rice pledging a case in point, apart from being totally unaware of the figures involved within the last few days she praised the scheme to the high heavens and the next day announced a cut in payments

Leaving everything to individual ministers is a cop out, she's terrified of questions from the media and , unfortunately for her she's no better at handling prepared statements and speeches. The article suggests she's replacing the aides picked by her brother and replacing them with her own handpicked inexperienced and less able " Yes " people which just adds up to even more problems.

I find t hard to believe she's actually standing up to her brother and family or not he's ruthless enough to ditch her although may be reasonably " gentle " in doing so.

[Bellweather]

Is this an article actually put together by a journalist or simply reproduced from a PR release as I certainly don't recognise the Yingluck it describes ?

It seems to suggest she's becoming successful and her hands off style is actually hands on, sort of !

I suppose if she leaves everything to her ministers it gives her more time to jet all over the place and when asked a question, if the media can catch her, she can reply " ask Him /Her ".

[iancnx]

Happy Birthday Prime Minister. Enjoy if you can because I predict next week, and next month is gonna be awkward to say the least!

[bigbamboo]

"Yingluck is not a politician."

Suranand Vejjajiva.

Now that is what I call a classic quote.

[Thai at Heart]

Oh.

I thought for a moment they were going to say she runs the country. Seems not.

She's busy polishing her image. Who wrote this piece of pap.

[up-country_sinclair]

Happy Birthday Prime Minister. Enjoy if you can because I predict next week, and next month is gonna be awkward to say the least!

What happens next week and next month?

[gemini81]

Hold on: not trying to influence each other, but advise each other. Such contradictory nonsense.

We knew from the start she wasn't a politician!

[Tatsujin]

Plus, some government policies appear to have had unfortunate side-effects. The rice-pledging scheme, for instance, is plagued by irregularities. The tax rebate for first-car owners has been causing severe traffic jams and the hike in minimum daily wage to Bt300 has been blamed for the escalating cost of living.

So, the 3 x major policies that were pre-election promises to the populace are all disasters. Great. I have such faith in those running this country. Not.

[rubl]

"Yingluck is not a politician."

Suranand Vejjajiva.

Now that is what I call a classic quote.

He probably picked that up while talking with his cousin Abhisit

Mind you, aren't PMs who were party list #1 and MP supposed to be politicians? At least there's nothing in the 2007 constitution prohibiting non-politicians to stand for MP or be elected PM

[rubl]

"some government policies appear to have had unfortunate side-effects. The rice-pledging scheme, for instance, is plagued by irregularities."

Side effects? That's not true! We only had a possible loss of THB 136 billion on 2011/2012 352 billion expenditure (till now). that's less than 40%

[iancnx]

Happy Birthday Prime Minister. Enjoy if you can because I predict next week, and next month is gonna be awkward to say the least!

What happens next week and next month?

Nice try! I suggest read the press and watch the TV for pointers.

[Wavefloater]

Sounds like the PR machine is hard at work to restore her image...yuck! Let's just say, her action will speak louder than words, and so far, these actions are just ruining this country.

Ya, it sounds like they're trying to convince themselves more than the public that it's the truth. Hilarious when they say that little Yingy isn't a politician. Well, no kidding. Who would ever have heard of this non-impressive woman had it not been for her big brother being PM then getting ousted? Does the rest of the world take Thailand seriously anymore?

[drdoom6996]

More Shinawatra garbage sound bytes. Taksin speaks, PTP does. Her campaign slogan. I wonder who gave the country the idea that YL is a Taksin clone. YL maybe, to get elected.

[waza]

Stay tuned for the new improved Yingluck, the apolitical political leader, window dressing for a criminal and fall person.

[hellodolly]

B S

this one line pretty well covered the whole story

"Apirak Kosayodhin, deputy leader of the opposition Democrat Party, agreed that Yingluck was trying to outgrow her image of Thaksin's clone."

She is failing in that also just as bad as she has with the rice scam

Her only chance to shed the image of being a Thaksin clone is to drop any piece of legislation that would white wash

Thaksin of any one of the charges against him including the one he has already been found guilty of. Denounce him as a criminal.

Chances of that happening zilch.

Family is more important than Thailand.

[Thai at Heart]

Sounds like the PR machine is hard at work to restore her image...yuck! Let's just say, her action will speak louder than words, and so far, these actions are just ruining this country.

Ya, it sounds like they're trying to convince themselves more than the public that it's the truth. Hilarious when they say that little Yingy isn't a politician. Well, no kidding. Who would ever have heard of this non-impressive woman had it not been for her big brother being PM then getting ousted? Does the rest of the world take Thailand seriously anymore?

I think she may be imitating the position she had at AIS.

All the trimmings, all the image, but actually doing or responsible forabsolutely nothing.

Edited June 21, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[Baerboxer]

B S

this one line pretty well covered the whole story

"Apirak Kosayodhin, deputy leader of the opposition Democrat Party, agreed that Yingluck was trying to outgrow her image of Thaksin's clone."

She is failing in that also just as bad as she has with the rice scam

Her only chance to shed the image of being a Thaksin clone is to drop any piece of legislation that would white wash

Thaksin of any one of the charges against him including the one he has already been found guilty of. Denounce him as a criminal.

Chances of that happening zilch.

Family is more important than Thailand.

Agree - will she ever comment on the illegal issuing of a passport to her convicted criminal fugitve brother by her cousin the foreign minister?

Chances - zilch again.

What a complete load of PR tosh this article is.

[ratcatcher]

An alternative header on Thai Visa might have also read, and have been more accurate::

Yingluck - Thaksin will pay in the long run.

As various schemes like the rice pledging and the 1st car buyer plan start to slowly unravel, and the masses slowly start to realize they've been had, it may be more and more likely that Thaksin and his cronies will have to pay the ultimate price.

[Robby nz]

It may not be patience but bewilderment after all a non politician being given a politicians job surely cant be expected to do that job well.

Would you want a dentist flying the plane on your next flight or a cook doing open heart surgery.

Surely there should be some sort of lead up experience in politics to be able to effectively do the job of PM.

[jaidam]

An alternative header on Thai Visa might have also read, and have been more accurate::

Yingluck - Thaksin will pay in the long run.

As various schemes like the rice pledging and the 1st car buyer plan start to slowly unravel, and the masses slowly start to realize they've been had, it may be more and more likely that Thaksin and his cronies will have to pay the ultimate price.

It's too easy to overlook the fact that Thaksin is paying a huge price for his past misdeeds. He has been out of the country for 5 years or so, and I don't think there is any doubt that this hurts tremendously. With no idea at all when he can make his triumphant return, and with time constantly ticking away, the suffering will be compounded day by day. Contrast his pathetic and humiliating existance banished in the desert, to what would have been the likely outcome of not having run away from his troubles and there is only one thing to say. LOL

[indyuk]

All contributors here speak with the same prejudice in respect to PM Yingluck. The article and the diatride of the contributors compare her to ex PM Taksin whereas it would be much more appropriate to compare her with the PM Abhisit that she succeded.

Try and draw yourselves a Pros & Cons list when comparing PM Yingluck with ex PM Abhisit and you will be ammazed at just how negtive ex PM Abhisit's score is compared to PM Yinglucks. Of course your analysis would need to be objecive and honest the very two qualities that appear to be absent in many of the article comments above herein.

Most of us want what PM Yingluck is delivering agaist the odds which is stabiliity in governance with good will and integrety allowing us to live in peace harmony despite the ill will of the Red Shirts, Yellow Shirts,the masked Mob and the Democrats and Taksin..

[Tatsujin]

All contributors here speak with the same prejudice in respect to PM Yingluck. The article and the diatride of the contributors compare her to ex PM Taksin whereas it would be much more appropriate to compare her with the PM Abhisit that she succeded.

Try and draw yourselves a Pros & Cons list when comparing PM Yingluck with ex PM Abhisit and you will be ammazed at just how negtive ex PM Abhisit's score is compared to PM Yinglucks. Of course your analysis would need to be objecive and honest the very two qualities that appear to be absent in many of the article comments above herein.

Most of us want what PM Yingluck is delivering agaist the odds which is stabiliity in governance with good will and integrety allowing us to live in peace harmony despite the ill will of the Red Shirts, Yellow Shirts,the masked Mob and the Democrats and Taksin..

Seriously? You honestly think that Yingluck is delivering stability and integrity. Are we living on the same planet?

[bigbamboo]

All contributors here speak with the same prejudice in respect to PM Yingluck. The article and the diatride of the contributors compare her to ex PM Taksin whereas it would be much more appropriate to compare her with the PM Abhisit that she succeded.

Try and draw yourselves a Pros & Cons list when comparing PM Yingluck with ex PM Abhisit and you will be ammazed at just how negtive ex PM Abhisit's score is compared to PM Yinglucks. Of course your analysis would need to be objecive and honest the very two qualities that appear to be absent in many of the article comments above herein.

Most of us want what PM Yingluck is delivering agaist the odds which is stabiliity in governance with good will and integrety allowing us to live in peace harmony despite the ill will of the Red Shirts, Yellow Shirts,the masked Mob and the Democrats and Taksin..

Wow!.... that's quite a eulogy. You should apply for Surinand's job.

And just imagine how good she'd be if she was a real politician!

[Roadman]

All contributors here speak with the same prejudice in respect to PM Yingluck. The article and the diatride of the contributors compare her to ex PM Taksin whereas it would be much more appropriate to compare her with the PM Abhisit that she succeded.

Try and draw yourselves a Pros & Cons list when comparing PM Yingluck with ex PM Abhisit and you will be ammazed at just how negtive ex PM Abhisit's score is compared to PM Yinglucks. Of course your analysis would need to be objecive and honest the very two qualities that appear to be absent in many of the article comments above herein.

Most of us want what PM Yingluck is delivering agaist the odds which is stabiliity in governance with good will and integrety allowing us to live in peace harmony despite the ill will of the Red Shirts, Yellow Shirts,the masked Mob and the Democrats and Taksin..

Drawing up a pro's and con's about the only thing that the puppet Yingluck excels over Abhisit is the ability to play a puppet roll. Wait... she fails at that too as Abhisit while PM as the Puppet of the rest of the Democrat and assorted rabble that up their coalition, was a far better puppet as he at least knew about and can live to what he was preaching.

Corruption and incompetence...oh wait Yingluck wins there.

To be honest you are seriously deluded.

Good will and integrity? Integrity??? A Shinawatra? You are more than deluded.

[kimamey]

It would be good if she could act independently from her brother but the problem is as pointed out she isn't a politician but she's in a politician's job.

I keep imagining them having an argument.

Thaksin: Look sis you can't keep giving important jobs to people with no experience just because you like them and you think they'll agree with you.

Yingluck: Can't I? I wonder where I got that idea from then?

[givenall]

She should resign then since she shows no interest in politics

Sent from my ST18a using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[OZEMADE]

B S

this one line pretty well covered the whole story

"Apirak Kosayodhin, deputy leader of the opposition Democrat Party, agreed that Yingluck was trying to outgrow her image of Thaksin's clone."

She is failing in that also just as bad as she has with the rice scam

Her only chance to shed the image of being a Thaksin clone is to drop any piece of legislation that would white wash

Thaksin of any one of the charges against him including the one he has already been found guilty of. Denounce him as a criminal.

Chances of that happening zilch.

Family is more important than Thailand.

You mean BS that's short for BRILLIANT STRATEGY. I would have to agree with the paper, it's the first time they have got it right and she will be elected back into power again.