ANALYSIS
Yingluck tipped to double up as minister of defence
The Nation


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra smiles at reporters as she enters Government House yesterday. Yingluck has remained tight-lipped over media reports of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle.

BANGKOK: -- Media speculation is rife that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will double as defence minister after the widely expected Cabinet reshuffle.

If the speculation is correct, Yingluck will make history as the country's first female defence minister - the 60th overall - although three former civilian prime ministers have doubled as defence minister: Chuan Leekpai, Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat.

During his administration, Chuan needed to consolidate his power because his government did not enjoy strong ties with the military. Samak and Somchai also doubled as defence minister with the same goal of keeping undercurrents of resistance to the ruling party under control, while preventing any rivalry with the powerful military.

The plan to have Yingluck double as defence minister dates back to the end of last year, but the move has met with resistance from the military, which fears she may not understand its culture and needs.

However, over the past two years Yingluck has proven that she can work well with the military, especially with Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The plan for Yingluck to double as defence minister could provide the "big boss", former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, with a way out, as many military members of the Pheu Thai Party have been jockeying for power and queuing up to meet him, especially when he recently visited Singapore.

Reports had it that party strategists wanted Prayuth to leave his post to become defence minister so that he can serve as a link to help bring about reconciliation. The big boss and the prime minister agreed to this plan. However, Prayuth reportedly turned down the offer, and since then more candidates have lobbied for the Defence post, including Deputy Transport Minister General Prin Suvanadat, who has the backing of Panthongtae Shinawatra, Thaksin's son. Others who eye the post include General Somchai Wissanuwong, a close friend of former supreme commander General Chaiyasit Shinawatra.

Yingluck, who fears that military candidates for this powerful post could later subvert the party if they become disappointed, reportedly made a phone call to the big boss, asking him to let her double in the post as a solution.

However, sitting in the defence minister's seat is not a piece of cake, because there is no way for "outsiders" to take a short cut to learn about military affairs. Besides this, the prime minister would be surrounded by senior military men, so she would need a highly experienced assistant who can guide and advise her, and coordinate with the military top brass.

The person most qualified to perform that role would be General Yuthasak Sasiprapha, former deputy prime minister and former defence minister, who will reportedly be appointed as deputy PM in charge of security matters to serve as a link between the government and the military, including "the Si Sao residence" of Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda. This is to reduce any political pressure that may build up after the House reconvenes in August.

Apart from these responsibilities, the big boss wants Yuthasak to help with the military reshuffle that will take place in the next two months. Yuthasak is being tasked with helping to strike a balance between the military and politicians, apparently to prevent any political change brought about by the military.


-- The Nation 2013-06-28

Somehow, with her grasp on government, this move is probably nothing more than her wanting to make a fashion statement. She must have seen in some fashion magazine that Ralph Lauren thinks epaulettes will be in this year, and as defense minister she would have the perfect excuse to wear a military uniform. This would be an opportunity for her to look trendy. If there was ever a defense crisis, she would adhere to her own personal mantra: "When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping"

Plan to create some leverage to bring him back huh?

Says she doesn't know the military culture of needs; which means she'll have an unqualified position that will do more to harm than to help the nation; like her task of being PM.

Hope the military shut her & this oligarchy down for good.

Time for another military coup im wondering?

A joke. An utter joke.

"Yingluck, who fears that military candidates for this powerful post could later subvert the party if they become disappointed, reportedly made a phone call to the big boss, asking him to let her double in the post as a solution."

Yeah, I'm sure She is the strategic thinker of this bunch and this was her idea. /sarc

What was ACM Sukhupol's sin that he does not retain this post?

What is young Panthongtae Shinawatra doing making recommendations for this post? Is he a gifted military expert and we just didn't know it or is he a brilliant political strategist?

'The plan for Yingluck to double as defence minister could provide the "big boss", former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, with a way out, as many military members of the Pheu Thai Party have been jockeying for power and queuing up to meet him, especially when he recently visited Singapore.'

Trough time again? Says it all, doesn't it?

Amazing Thailand.

Such a rogue.

Just pray there isn't a war.

Wonder if flash cards and picture boards will be used to explain to the PM the differences in the military services (i.e., Army, Navy, Air Force).

Her first job - to upgrade the uniforms....

I can see it now. Boots made by PRADA' with high heels also.

Obviously the army is planning to buy something very very big.

sitting in the defence minister's seat is not a piece of cake

Yeah, its the whole cake.

She's a sucker for men in uniform?

Interesting to hear the reasons the current Defence Minister got the tap on the shoulder...

She's a sucker for men in uniform?

Interesting to hear the reasons the current Defence Minister got the tap on the shoulder...

The helicopter purchase has been completed?

I'm sure the generals know that offense is the best defence, and she's certainly offensive enough.

Such a rogue.

rouge?

She just thinks another uniform with even more medals on it than the white one would look cool. You can only laugh at these perpetual jokers really; i mean, the Woman can't do one job properly so how can she possibly do two? War is a disgusting and terrible thing but this sort of comical behaviour by people who are apparently the brightest sparks in the country just makes you want to see a neighbouring country invade Thailand just to see how they deal with it.....apart from running away !

Defence Minister in charge of the military?

How long before we see her patrolling the coastline in a Yellow ( make that a Red ) Submarine?

....the problem is the megalomaniac calling the shots....and what sinister plot is behind this move.....

...housewife, sister of fugitive prime minister ........................elected prime minister........

....then what portfolio did she supposedly hold...........

........now.....defense minister......

.....I couldn't have written a better absurd fantasy.......a reality in Thailand.........

And what the heck does this woman know about defense ? Answer NADA not PRADA

Isn't that what Hitler did before he trashed Europe?

She isn't the real PM, and if she doubles up she won't be the real DM either. Just an innocent playing with all the nice toys that big brother gave her. The Shins really do treat this country like their personal club.

Or will she become DM and big sister PM - unill big brother returns triumphantly. A Shin in every top ministerial post - nothing like keeing it in the family. Who needs elections with such an abundance of talent in one family.

Oh God, no, please, no . . .

Simply banal. Country's where the military are actively involved in politics and government is doomed to failure as it is scenario that has never survived outside some dictitorial communist regimes. However,it is a chicken and an egg situation as it would require a good and strong government in odrer to achieve this which is a condition that has constantly eluded Thailand .

The military have absolutely no place in the runing of a country and their envolvement is counter productive. This country is hell bent on self destruction fueled by nepotism, greed, position and ignorance.

However, all of this is most unlikely to change as you get what you vote for and whilst the Thai public simply sit on their ass in apathy and ignorance mumbling mia pen rai,then the fox will run rampant in the hen house.

Must be the joke headline of the year.... Good thing that Cambodia and Burma have no plans of invading Thailand. ( or maybe they will now...)

I smell a coup brewing in the thousands of Thai generals brains!

So much for looking for qualified people to fill the Cabinet.

"However, sitting in the defence minister's seat is not a piece of cake, because there is no way for "outsiders" to take a short cut to learn about military affairs. Besides this, the prime minister would be surrounded by senior military men, so she would need a highly experienced assistant who can guide and advise her, and coordinate with the military top brass."

Why not make the highly experienced assistant the minister?

She is obviously not qualified.