Expected Thai Cabinet revamp welcomed

[webfact]

ANALYSIS
Expected Cabinet revamp welcomed
The Nation


Chaturon

Critics wary of Thaksin's influence

BANGKOK: -- Reports of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle were received positively yesterday, as the move is seen as timely and necessary to solve the government's worsening problems and reduce political pressure. However, critics warned that judging from the possible line-up, the influence of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra remained high in this latest change in the government.

The likely line-up of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's fifth Cabinet reflects an effort to reverse the decline in the government's fortunes following a barrage of problems, including the rice-pledging crisis.

Judging from the speculative list of members in the reshuffled Cabinet, which is expected to be announced soon, the next Cabinet will have the best image of any in this coalition government so far.

Apart from salvaging the current situation, the new Cabinet appears to have been put together with an eye on solving several political problems.

A public opinion survey by Suan Dusit Poll found that, of 1,308 respondents, more than 83 per cent said it was time for another Cabinet reshuffle.

More than 57 per cent of those surveyed said a shake-up was normal as the government was approaching two years in office. Another 23 per cent said there should be changes when the government makes mistakes, and almost 20 per cent said the change was necessary to improve efficiency and stability.

Political scientist Sukhum Nualsakul yesterday said the time was right for a reshuffle.

"It's the right thing so do. Without a reshuffle, it would mean the government was not listening to criticism," he said. "Removing the problematic ministers shows the government is listening to the people."

The government has come under a barrage of criticism over its loss-making rice-pledging scheme and the expensive water and infrastructure projects, among others.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said many of those tipped to become new Cabinet members are close to Thaksin, who is believed to be pulling the strings behind the governing Pheu Thai Party. He called on government ministers to work for the public interest, and not for the benefit of certain individuals or ruling politicians.

After the imminent shake-up, the prime minister is expected to double as defence minister, with General Yuthasak Sasiprapha serving as deputy defence minister. Senior ex-bureaucrats are likely to be appointed to the Cabinet, including Yanyong Phuangrach as deputy commerce minister, Chaikasem Nitisiri as justice minister and Benja Louicharoen as deputy finance minister.

Politicians close to Thaksin are also tipped to join the Cabinet. They include Chaturon Chaisang, likely to become education minister; Wichet Kasemthongsri, natural resources and environment minister; Pavena Hongsakul, social development and human security minister; and Sirikorn Maneerindra, deputy education minister.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan will be not given any post. Observers believe Thaksin decided to drop Jatuporn from the next Cabinet because he wants to return home soon.

It is believed that keeping Jatuporn out would ease opposition to the government. But Thaksin would still need red shirts as a main pillar of the government. Jatuporn's Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) is not the only red-shirt group. Thaksin can avail himself of the services of several other red-shirt groups, especially in the North and Northeast. Thaksin maintains ties with the DAAD through Natthawut Saikua's presence in the Cabinet.


-- The Nation 2013-06-28

[rametindallas]

"Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan will be not given any post."

This is the most sensible decision of them all.

"Observers believe Thaksin decided to drop Jatuporn from the next Cabinet because he wants to return home soon"

No truer observation will ever be made. Jatuporn may be the most divisive figure in Thailand and that is against some heavy competition.

[Arkady]

A pity that Jatuporn is left out. He could definitely provide the media with some fun entertainment and people need to get a clearer picture of what they are choosing when they vote for PT. Perhaps Chalerm didn't want any competition in his role as government clown.

[rubl]

"Observers believe Thaksin decided to drop Jatuporn from the next Cabinet because he wants to return home soon."

What's stopping our dear criminal fugitive from returning home? He has a private plane.

[Arkady]

"Observers believe Thaksin decided to drop Jatuporn from the next Cabinet because he wants to return home soon."

What's stopping our dear criminal fugitive from returning home? He has a private plane.

And a Thai passport as part of his collection.

[EyesWideOpen]

Please please please get rid of Charlerm. Then I promise I will not make jokes about the banned TRT crooks now stepping up to the feeding trough...

[scorecard]

"Observers believe Thaksin decided to drop Jatuporn from the next Cabinet because he wants to return home soon."

What's stopping our dear criminal fugitive from returning home? He has a private plane.

-

Edited June 28, 2013 by scorecard

[ratcatcher]

"Observers believe Thaksin decided to drop Jatuporn from the next Cabinet because he wants to return home soon."

What's stopping our dear criminal fugitive from returning home? He has a private plane.

-

That really is the B64,000,000 question.

Just What IS stopping Dear Leader from returning from exile?

What could possibly happen?

Is Yingluck going to be organizing an armed regiment to meet DL at the airport (preferably Chiang Mai) when he comes home?

Is he afraid of a meeting with Mr Glock or Mr Barrett?

[tomross46]

Politicians close to Thaksin are also tipped to join the Cabinet. They include Chaturon Chaisang, likely to become education minister.

K. Chanturon, has many years of experience as education minister. He did a very good job during the Thaksin administration. Hopefully he will be able to develop a viable education system.

[Robby nz]

So what happens to the elected PT MP,s, you know the ones whose names were actually on the ballot papers?

The ones who the people said they wanted to represent them.

They appear, except for the odd one, to have been left out and are only called upon when there is something that those in high places have done or cocked up that needs 'explaining' to their constituents or when their vote is needed in the house.

The only responsibility, it would seem that they are capable of is to get enough votes come election time to keep the list MP's and other ring ins in power.

[Thai at Heart]

3 months ago, it was all hunky dory.

Now the policies that supposedly the most able set up have gone to s-*t, so let's replace them with less capable people.

Yes. Warmly welcomed, like a root canal.

I can't wait.