Prayuth faces tough choices for Cabinet

[webfact]

PRAYUTH'S GOVERNMENT
Prayuth faces tough choices for Cabinet
The Nation


Policemen carry well-known activist Veera Somkwamkid from a Bangkok street yesterday after he joined a rally to press for energy reform. Six other participants were also detained. They can be put under detention for up to seven days under the martial law.

BANGKOK: -- Policemen carry well-known activist Veera Somkwamkid from a Bangkok street yesterday after he joined a rally to press for energy reform. Six other participants were also detained. They can be put under detention for up to seven days under the martial law.

Many of NCPO chief's deputies expected to be named deputy PMs with key ministries

Prime Minister-elect General Prayuth Chan-ocha will today receive royal endorsement and officially become the head of the government while his deputies, military officers and technocrats are vying for positions in his Cabinet.

The ceremony introducing the Army and National Council for Peace and Order chief as the new prime minister will be held at Army headquarters this morning. The media will not be allowed to cover the ceremony but it will be televised live nationwide, according to an Army official.

It is expected that Prayuth will spend more time forming his first Cabinet as he is yet to finalise who gets which portfolio.

It is also expected that he will nominate as deputy prime ministers his NCPO deputies to make sure his commands are properly implemented.

General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, the Supreme Commander of the Thai Armed Force, is widely tipped to become deputy prime minister and foreign minister.

Chief Admiral Narong Pipattanasai, the Navy commander, is in line to become deputy prime minister and education minister.

Air Force commander Air Chief Marshal Prajin Jintong will likely become deputy prime minister and transport minister while another junta deputy, General Adul Saengsingkaew, a former police chief, is set to become a minister attached to Prime Minister's Office.

Assistant Army chief General Paiboon Koomchaya, who now oversees the legal affairs of the junta, is expected to be named justice minister.

A high number of military brass are tipped to become ministers including Defence Ministry permanent secretary General Surasak Kanjanarat and assistant Army chief General Chatchai Sarikalaya. What their roles will be is unclear.

Former Army chief Anupong Paochinda, who is an adviser to the junta, could be made interior minister while General Daopong Ratanasuwan, secretary of the junta's advisory council, is another candidate for interior minister but could get the environment minister's post.

However, many sources have said Daopong could be named secretary to the prime minister.

Another problematic position to fill is defence minister. Former minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, who is chief adviser to the junta, was earlier tipped for the job.

But it has been widely reported that Prayuth might name himself as defence minister in order to have direct control over the military to back up his government. Prawit might end up only being named a deputy prime minister, a position he does not want.

Two people are considered the frontrunners for the post of deputy prime minister overseeing economic affairs - ACM Prajin and Chatchai.

Along with transport, there is talk of Prajin also getting the industry and energy portfolios although there is also talk he has the option of taking either industry or energy.

As for Chatchai, he could get commerce, labour, and agriculture. There is also speculation he has agreed to become commerce minister.

It is thought MR Pridiyathorn Devakula will be named deputy prime minister overseeing the Finance Ministry while Apisak Tantivorawong, a former presi-dent of Krungthai Bank, is a leading candidate to get the finance minister portfolio.

Apisak reportedly has close ties with Somkid Jatusripitak, who was sent to China as a special envoy on Prayuth's behalf.

Narongchai Akrasanee, a member of the National Legislative Assembly and a board member of the Monetary Policy Committee, is a frontrunner to become energy minister, after earlier talk that he would get commerce.

Chakramon Phasukavanich, former permanent secretary of the Industry Ministry, has been linked with the industry minister portfolio.

The new government will have many economic problems to deal with. Rubber farmers, for example, will today petition the junta asking it to seek a solution for the declining prices.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Prayuth-faces-tough-choices-for-Cabinet-30241689.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-25

[chooka]

Don't disrespect the rulers, you were warned to smile say you are happy and keep your mouth shut as your opinions are no longer required. Lock them up.

[Suriya4]

Govt should buy up poor farmers rubber stock at 120 baht/kg as this can help the poor Muslim people of the south. I am sure Thai people would like to help the Muslim people.

[ramrod711]

At least they will live to protest another day, that's more than you can say about many who protested against the previous government.

[kimamey]

I would have thought education and labour are good posts. At education you're following ministers who had no time to make an impact and at the labour ministry you have to follow in Charlerm's footsteps.

[NongKhaiKid]

Where does the ' tough choice ' arise ?

Plenty of ' Yes Sirs ' around and hasn't that always been part of the criteria for government after government ?

For Shin family read military.

[rickirs]

"Prayuth might name himself as defence minister in order to have direct control over the military to back up his government."

An odd way to lay the foundation for democracy in Thailand. Prayuth alone makes these decisions.

“There must be no majority decisions, but only responsible persons, and the word ‘council’ must be restored to its original meaning. Surely every man will have advisers by his side, but the decision will be made by one man.” ...and... “The majority can never replace the man” - Adolf Hitler

[chotthee]

Should I put General A or General B or General C ......... Why do I have thousands of Generals in my list.

Tough.

[Hatyaier]

It must be a good time to be a soldier. There should be many promotions available.(For those who can afford them)

[webfact]

Prayuth says Cabinet to be appointed within October

BANGKOK: -- Newly-appointed Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said Monday that he will submit his Cabinet line-up for a royal endorsement within October.

He unveiled the timeframe during a live-televised speech after he received a royal command appointing him the prime minister.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayuth-says-Cabinet-to-be-appointed-within-Octobe-30241698.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-25

[billd766]

None of the people to who will be appointed will have much competition when compared to the previous PTP government ministers. Average job length was about 6 months and qualifications needed were to be a part of Thaksins family or a crony from the police school. The last Defence Minister was Yingluck who knows as much about being Defence Minister as she did about being the PM.

[fab4]

"Another problematic position to fill is defence minister. Former minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, who is chief adviser to the junta, was earlier tipped for the job.
But it has been widely reported that Prayuth might name himself as defence minister in order to have direct control over the military to back up his government."

Rubl, that one's for you. You obviously didn't get the memo.....................

Edited August 25, 2014 by fab4

[fab4]

None of the people to who will be appointed will have much competition when compared to the previous PTP government ministers. Average job length was about 6 months and qualifications needed were to be a part of Thaksins family or a crony from the police school. The last Defence Minister was Yingluck who knows as much about being Defence Minister as she did about being the PM.

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

[belg]

time to bring in friends & relatives

[siampolee]

fab4 post # 14

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

. One of the key changes is Yingluck also becoming Defence Minister.The Democrat’s Chuan in the late 90s and Samak and Somchai in 2008 also served as Defence Minister while being Prime Minister

The precedent had been set.

Did you criticise the Shinwatra clique when they tried to make the military their own plaything?

[Artisi]

fab4 post # 14

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

. One of the key changes is Yingluck also becoming Defence Minister.The Democrat’s Chuan in the late 90s and Samak and Somchai in 2008 also served as Defence Minister while being Prime Minister

The precedent had been set.

Did you criticise the Shinwatra clique when they tried to make the military their own plaything?

But - but that's different.

[Robespiere]

fab4 post # 14

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

. One of the key changes is Yingluck also becoming Defence Minister.The Democrat’s Chuan in the late 90s and Samak and Somchai in 2008 also served as Defence Minister while being Prime Minister

The precedent had been set.

Did you criticise the Shinwatra clique when they tried to make the military their own plaything?

But - but that's different.

Yes it is - very, very different.

Unfortunately, in the current climate, not much more can be said.

[Artisi]

fab4 post # 14

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

. One of the key changes is Yingluck also becoming Defence Minister.The Democrat’s Chuan in the late 90s and Samak and Somchai in 2008 also served as Defence Minister while being Prime Minister

The precedent had been set.

Did you criticise the Shinwatra clique when they tried to make the military their own plaything?

But - but that's different.

Yes it is - very, very different.

Unfortunately, in the current climate, not much more can be said.

Would the great Robespiere, I assume you are playing the part of Robespierre, like to explain why it is very, very different?

[wave]

In the OP it appears that the vast majority of the positions are to be filled by the Military, only Industry and Finance have mentions of civilians.

These are all figures that have close ties to Prayuth.

Not really confidence inspiring when you consider all the opposition that was raised to cronyism in previous administrations.

I struggle to see how they expect to get broad support from the population on this, especially as it was one of the main factors driving the recent protests.

Obviously broad support is not required, but will they be able to keep a lid on dissent that we are already seeing from the rubber farmers and energy protesters who both supported the coup??

[kimamey]

"Prayuth might name himself as defence minister in order to have direct control over the military to back up his government."

An odd way to lay the foundation for democracy in Thailand. Prayuth alone makes these decisions.

“There must be no majority decisions, but only responsible persons, and the word ‘council’ must be restored to its original meaning. Surely every man will have advisers by his side, but the decision will be made by one man.” ...and... “The majority can never replace the man” - Adolf Hitler

"Prayuth might name himself as defence minister in order to have direct control over the military to back up his government."

Didn't work so well for the last defence minister.

[webfact]

Winthai corrects Prayuth, saying Cabinet to be appointed in September

BANGKOK: -- Col Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order, said the Cabinet of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha will be appointed in September instead of October as Prayuth said earlier.

Winthai explained that Prayuth made an error during his live speech after he received a royal command appointing him as the PM.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Winthai-corrects-Prayuth-saying-Cabinet-to-be-appo-30241710.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-25

[Artisi]

In the OP it appears that the vast majority of the positions are to be filled by the Military, only Industry and Finance have mentions of civilians.

These are all figures that have close ties to Prayuth.

Not really confidence inspiring when you consider all the opposition that was raised to cronyism in previous administrations.

I struggle to see how they expect to get broad support from the population on this, especially as it was one of the main factors driving the recent protests.

Obviously broad support is not required, but will they be able to keep a lid on dissent that we are already seeing from the rubber farmers and energy protesters who both supported the coup??

If the positions are filled by people capable of carrying out their role in a fair and just way for the benefit of Thailand then they might just get broad support from the population as a whole and the usual trouble from those who oppose a fair, just and transparent system. Why not give them sometime to get their feet under the table and undertake what they will be charged to do.

[fab4]

fab4 post # 14

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

. One of the key changes is Yingluck also becoming Defence Minister.The Democrat’s Chuan in the late 90s and Samak and Somchai in 2008 also served as Defence Minister while being Prime Minister

The precedent had been set.

Did you criticise the Shinwatra clique when they tried to make the military their own plaything?

Just a gentle reminder, siampolee, the OP is about the tough choices that Prayuth faces when picking his cabinet - not about Yingluck or Chuan, Samak, Somcahi or the "Shinawatra clique"............

See how pathetic a stance that is?

[wave]

If the positions are filled by people capable of carrying out their role in a fair and just way for the benefit of Thailand then they might just get broad support from the population as a whole and the usual trouble from those who oppose a fair, just and transparent system. Why not give them sometime to get their feet under the table and undertake what they will be charged to do.

There are a few problems that I see with this though, firstly how can a group of (largely) Generals and Military men be capable in carrying out these roles, what experience do they have in managing a civil society?

Secondly how could this be a "fair, just and transparent system" when there is little or no oversight and accountability.

When combined with appointing your military buddies it leaves them exposed to the very same criticisms that were leveled at the government they overthrew, namely cronyism and lack of transparency.

As I previously stated they are now seeing dissent from the very people that pushed for Military intervention. How they respond to and manage this will be very interesting.

If they fail to maintain support from their core support base it's wishful thinking to expect broader endorsement from the rest of the population which will be essential in moving the country forward.

Furthermore I don't think they have the luxury of "getting their feet under the table" when their stated goal was to bring in reforms and hold elections in September 2015.

Edited August 25, 2014 by wave

[fab4]

"Prayuth might name himself as defence minister in order to have direct control over the military to back up his government."

An odd way to lay the foundation for democracy in Thailand. Prayuth alone makes these decisions.

“There must be no majority decisions, but only responsible persons, and the word ‘council’ must be restored to its original meaning. Surely every man will have advisers by his side, but the decision will be made by one man.” ...and... “The majority can never replace the man” - Adolf Hitler

"Prayuth might name himself as defence minister in order to have direct control over the military to back up his government."

Didn't work so well for the last defence minister.

Actually it did. A certain general didn't cause any trouble whilst government was in session and Yingluck was Defence Minister, though if suthep is to be believed, and in this particular case I think he is, all she managed was to forestall the inevitable pre planned event.

Edited August 25, 2014 by fab4

[Artisi]

If the positions are filled by people capable of carrying out their role in a fair and just way for the benefit of Thailand then they might just get broad support from the population as a whole and the usual trouble from those who oppose a fair, just and transparent system. Why not give them sometime to get their feet under the table and undertake what they will be charged to do.

There are a few problems that I see with this though, firstly how can a group of (largely) Generals and Military men be capable in carrying out these roles, what experience do they have in managing a civil society?

Secondly how could this be a "fair, just and transparent system" when there is little or no oversight and accountability.

When combined with appointing your military buddies it leaves them exposed to the very same criticisms that were leveled at the government they overthrew, namely cronyism and lack of transparency.

As I previously stated they are now seeing dissent from the very people that pushed for Military intervention. How they respond to and manage this will be very interesting.

If they fail to maintain support from their core support base it's wishful thinking to expect broader endorsement from the rest of the population which will be essential in moving the country forward.

Furthermore I don't think they have the luxury of "getting their feet under the table" when their stated goal was to bring in reforms and hold elections in September 2015.

First up, do you really believe that the military appointees will be any less experienced than anyone else in managing a civil society, haven't seen to much expertise from anyone else from outside the military in all the time I've been in Thailand and besides it's the civil servants etc that run a country reporting to the appropriate minister.

Secondly, when ever is there any accountability in any government system, when your in power your in power and it takes a lot of effort on anyone to bring about change or ensure everything is above board.

Finally, getting your feet under the table has nothing to do with luxury, it's about giving a bit of time to get established and things on the go.

Edited August 25, 2014 by Artisi

[tbthailand]

None of the people to who will be appointed will have much competition when compared to the previous PTP government ministers. Average job length was about 6 months and qualifications needed were to be a part of Thaksins family or a crony from the police school. The last Defence Minister was Yingluck who knows as much about being Defence Minister as she did about being the PM.

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

in today's Thailand, where else can trouble come from? I'd say the man is being cautious.

[tbthailand]

fab4 post # 14

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

. One of the key changes is Yingluck also becoming Defence Minister.The Democrat’s Chuan in the late 90s and Samak and Somchai in 2008 also served as Defence Minister while being Prime Minister

The precedent had been set.

Did you criticise the Shinwatra clique when they tried to make the military their own plaything?

Just a gentle reminder, siampolee, the OP is about the tough choices that Prayuth faces when picking his cabinet - not about Yingluck or Chuan, Samak, Somcahi or the "Shinawatra clique"............

See how pathetic a stance that is?

he just misspoke, the military has made Thailand their own plaything

[fab4]

None of the people to who will be appointed will have much competition when compared to the previous PTP government ministers. Average job length was about 6 months and qualifications needed were to be a part of Thaksins family or a crony from the police school. The last Defence Minister was Yingluck who knows as much about being Defence Minister as she did about being the PM.

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

in today's Thailand, where else can trouble come from? I'd say the man is being cautious.

Well that's an interesting way of explaining total control, Cautious.................

[tbthailand]

None of the people to who will be appointed will have much competition when compared to the previous PTP government ministers. Average job length was about 6 months and qualifications needed were to be a part of Thaksins family or a crony from the police school. The last Defence Minister was Yingluck who knows as much about being Defence Minister as she did about being the PM.

Yes it's sad when a PM has to appoint oneself as Defence Minister just to keep control of the army - or didn't you see the irony in that?

in today's Thailand, where else can trouble come from? I'd say the man is being cautious.

Well that's an interesting way of explaining total control, Cautious.................

I read a report elsewhere that the only threat to his total control would come from within - which is why the military succession is a more important task that selecting his cabinet. So yes, he is being "cautious" so as to keep his total control.

The cabinet selection will get a lot of air time. I will be interested in seeing the information on the military changes if/when Herr General retires.