Many wonder about Yingluck's 'ice-cream gang' and its power

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REPORT
Many wonder about Yingluck's 'ice-cream gang' and its power
Political Desk
The Nation



Suranand responds to Chalerm's comments with pictures on Facebook

BANGKOK: -- Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung dropped a bombshell on Thursday when he declared that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's "ice-cream gang" would end up dragging her down a ravine.

This declaration gave rise to one simple question: Who is in this ice-cream gang and what influence do they have on her decisions?

This is not the first time that Chalerm has spoken about an influential gang. During the tenure of the late ex-PM Samak Sundarvej, he talked about a so-called gang of four who allegedly influenced the prime minister's decisions.

The members of this gang were Newin Chidchob, former leader of the Northeast faction in the then-ruling People Power Party; then-deputy PM and finance minister Surapong Suebwonglee; then-deputy PM Sahas Banthitkul; and then-PM's secretary-general Thirapol Noplampha.

He alleged that former PM Thaksin Shinawatra was unable to control Samak because of this gang.

During Abhisit Vejjajiva's tenure, a so-called ice-cream gang 1 was allegedly present. Its members reportedly included then-PM's Office minister Satit Wongnongtoey; former Democrat spokesman Thepthai Senpong; Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha; then-PM's secretary-general Korbsak Sabhavasu; then-deputy PM's secretary-general Issara Sunthornvut; and then-finance minister Korn Chatikavanij.

It is widely believed that the second ice-cream gang includes the inner circle at Government House. They include PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva; the government spokesman team; Yingluck's husband Settha Thaweesin; Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong; Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong; and perhaps even Thawee Sodsong, secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre.

Now it is believed that the finger is really being pointed at Suranand. On Thursday, soon after Chalerm complained to the press about this so-called ice-cream gang, Suranand posted a photograph of himself, Government Spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi and other members of staff eating ice cream. The picture's caption read that no "ice-cream gang" existed at Government House but that they all had good ties with Chalerm. This picture was taken while they were on a trip to Poland and Turkey with the prime minister.

Separately, many Pheu Thai MPs and red-shirt leaders have been saying that Yingluck tends to have more faith in Suranand than anybody else. This is because every time they try to propose something to the PM, she tells them to follow the procedure - in other words, the PM's secretary-general must first vet the issue.

However, Suranand has gained the reputation of being choosy with what goes to the prime minister's desk, and this has caused much dissatisfaction among MPs and red-shirt leaders.

Also, it was reported that only a few people in the inner-circle knew about the Cabinet reshuffle, and they analysed the qualifications of each and every candidate before Yingluck made a final decision. Apparently, these members of the inner circle worked with Thaksin, his ex-wife Pojaman na Pombejra and his other sister Yaowapa Wongsawat to decide who was included in the new Cabinet line-up. Party sources said that though Suranand has Pojaman's backing, nobody had ever expected him to play such a large role in important issues and this is starting to make many people unhappy.

So, apart from mounting problems in the country, Yingluck might also end up having to deal with internal conflicts caused by her most trusted aide.


-- The Nation 2013-07-06

[NongKhaiKid]

A group so powerful even Mr. T can't control them ?

[whybother]

Aren't advisors supposed to influence?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[rametindallas]

A group so powerful even Mr. T can't control them ?

No, a group so powerful and Mr. Chalerm is not part of it; he feels betrayed. Mr. T, his 'ex'-wife, and weighty sister chose this group so they are under the control of Mr. T.

[NongKhaiKid]

A group so powerful even Mr. T can't control them ?

No, a group so powerful and Mr. Chalerm is not part of it; he feels betrayed. Mr. T, his 'ex'-wife, and weighty sister chose this group so they are under the control of Mr. T.

Now that's more like it.

[OzMick]

Aren't advisors supposed to influence?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Thai advisors are expected to nod and say "Krap" repeatedly.

[Bluespunk]

Separately, many Pheu Thai MPs and red-shirt leaders have been saying that Yingluck tends to have more faith in Suranand than anybody else. This is because every time they try to propose something to the PM, she tells them to follow the procedure - in other words, the PM's secretary-general must first vet the issue.

However, Suranand has gained the reputation of being choosy with what goes to the prime minister's desk, and this has caused much dissatisfaction among MPs and red-shirt leaders.

So thy don't like the fact they have to follow procedure and go through someone who can think things through. Obviously the mps don't like this and as for the red shirt stormtroopers leaders [whoever they may be this week], well do they like anyone or anything that doesn't meet their world view?

[hellodolly]

It sounds to me like a lot of people are anti Suranand.

Can this be that she is making them look bad by actually doing the job she is paid to do?

[bigbamboo]

Hope no one asked for a 'Sixty Nine'.

[mmushr00m]

Any relation to Abhisit?

[whybother]

It sounds to me like a lot of people are anti Suranand.

Can this be that she is making them look bad by actually doing the job she is paid to do?

He.

Any relation to Abhisit?

A cousin.

[nachiket]

Ice-cream gang will melt accordingly. Wait and watch for next elections. Or may be following next.

[MILT]

Here's her advice. "Stop " Lose you liabilities, ease into position and make a difference as a women, Mother, devout shopper, and PM

[Baerboxer]

Great to see so many of the gang can accompany the PM/DM on her important visit to two massively important countries. This must be a great advantage in facilitatiing carrying on running the country and addressing the many important issues and problems whilst working tirelessly overseas to secure import deals that will benefit Thailand so much.

She is the PM, DM and takes on much of the FM's duties. She must be incredibly high value as leader when compared to some of the others, whose work rate just don't compare.

And, she even finds time to do a little personal shopping whilst there.

With her cabinet is away on personal business in HK, no doubt at their owen expense, it is impressive to see tax payers money being wisely spent on sending the key players out with the PM/DM so everything can run as normal. I hope they are duly compensated for making these sacrifices and being away from family and friends.

Can't wait to read about the fantastic treaties, agreements and MOU that will be announced following what will be another highly successful tour.

[chainarong]

Between the lot of them they give ice cream a bad name. I hope they all get fat, get high BP and drop dead.

[waza]

The picture's caption read that no "ice-cream gang" existed at Government House but that they all had good ties with Chalerm. This picture was taken while they were on a trip to Poland and Turkey with the prime minister.

Ice cream gang? No, like any celebrity Yingluck has her posse..........

[jbrain]

So half of the government seemingly stays in Turkey and Poland, while the other half has left for Hong Kong.

Let's hope someone didn't forget to switch off the lights in government house

[jamhar]

He alleged that former PM Thaksin Shinawatra was unable to control Samak because of this gang.

And the downside is.....

[BrianCR]

Mr.T is so impressed he's just bought controlling interest in Swensens -it will be renamed SwenCorp

Edited July 6, 2013 by BrianCR

[jaidam]

quote from the OP

"It is widely believed that the second ice-cream gang includes the inner circle at Government House. They include PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva; the government spokesman team; Yingluck's husband Settha Thaweesin;"

Yingluck's husband Settha Thaweesin?

Yingluck's common law husband and the father of her child is called Anusorn Amornchat. Settha Thaweesin is the man Yingluck is being accused of bunking off her Parliamentary duties to have a secret meeting at the 4 Seasons with (remember Akkeyuth's court case he was due to give evidence in before he was silenced?).

This is either one heck of a typo, or?

[Globeman]

A group so powerful even Mr. T can't control them ?

No, a group so powerful and Mr. Chalerm is not part of it; he feels betrayed. Mr. T, his 'ex'-wife, and weighty sister chose this group so they are under the control of Mr. T.

How exactly do you know this? Or are you guessing?

[Roadman]

Aren't advisors supposed to influence?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Thai advisors are expected to nod and say "Krap" repeatedly.

Do they have nodding, English speaking Thai advisors?

[sausageandmash]

Would that be the same Samak who played a big part in the 1976 massacre of Thammasat students?

[rametindallas]

A group so powerful even Mr. T can't control them ?

No, a group so powerful and Mr. Chalerm is not part of it; he feels betrayed. Mr. T, his 'ex'-wife, and weighty sister chose this group so they are under the control of Mr. T.

How exactly do you know this? Or are you guessing?

From the posted article, "Also, it was reported that only a few people in the inner-circle knew about the Cabinet reshuffle, and they analysed the qualifications of each and every candidate before Yingluck made a final decision. Apparently, these members of the inner circle worked with Thaksin, his ex-wife Pojaman na Pombejra and his other sister Yaowapa Wongsawat to decide who was included in the new Cabinet line-up"

Globeman: "How exactly do you know this? Or are you guessing?"

I, personally, don't know anything about this subject. I'm responding to the article. Which part of my reply do you have a problem with? Chalerm feeling betrayed or that Dr. Thaksin and his coconspirators picked the cabinet for Ms. Yingluck?

Edited July 7, 2013 by rametindallas