New cabinet approved, announced in royal gazette

[JAG]

I wonder what are ADM Narong Pipatanasai qualifications that he was appointed Education Minister.

He went to school as a young lad?

[ratcatcher]

I wonder what are ADM Narong Pipatanasai qualifications that he was appointed Education Minister.

He went to school as a young lad?

"And now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee"

[Old Man River]

Got to be honest:

I like the following persons:

Don Pramudwinai - A very good diplomat

Suthi Makbun - Former Governor of Ubon and Korat

Krissanapong Kiratikorn - Not that bad

Rachata Rachatanavin - I would have liked him in the Education Ministry but lets see what he can do at Pubic Health.

Veera Rojpojanarat - Culture Ministry and possible on the clampdown

Pichet Durongkaveroj - Not so bad

Sommai Phasi - Not so bad

Narongchai Akrasanee - Excellent as I know and worked with him with Brooker Group

Apiradi Tantraporn - Good choice

Chakkamon Phasukvanich - I know him from Indorama and he is a good choice

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul - Surprise but another excellent choice - Would have liked her in the Industry Ministry and no Tourism Ministry but time will tell

Pornchai Rujiprapa - Another good move

Peetipong Phuengbun na Ayutthaya - Another good move

OK, looking at the generals I am not a fan of them but looking at all the deputies that have been appointed even if they are yellow/red they are all some of the best persons any cabinet can have.

My guess is that all those deputies will be one day become the Ministers when the army pulls out and possible call election in 2016/2017. Yes I know in 2015 but I don't believe it.

The cabinet is not that bad and I know several of those deputies. Surely if you keep the army out those deputies are clean.

I think Prayuth is serious of changing the country. Even the democrats can't come up with this kind of cabinet.

PS: The deuputies are very loaded but they earned their money. That some of those deputies have billions don't surprise me but I want to know what the generals and their wifes, children hold.

Once again not a bad cabinet.

I like Pridiyathorn and Sommai. They have been around the block together before and bring stability to a tough portfolio.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Stradavarius37]

Got to be honest:

I like the following persons:

Don Pramudwinai - A very good diplomat

Suthi Makbun - Former Governor of Ubon and Korat

Krissanapong Kiratikorn - Not that bad

Rachata Rachatanavin - I would have liked him in the Education Ministry but lets see what he can do at Pubic Health.

Veera Rojpojanarat - Culture Ministry and possible on the clampdown

Pichet Durongkaveroj - Not so bad

Sommai Phasi - Not so bad

Narongchai Akrasanee - Excellent as I know and worked with him with Brooker Group

Apiradi Tantraporn - Good choice

Chakkamon Phasukvanich - I know him from Indorama and he is a good choice

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul - Surprise but another excellent choice - Would have liked her in the Industry Ministry and no Tourism Ministry but time will tell

Pornchai Rujiprapa - Another good move

Peetipong Phuengbun na Ayutthaya - Another good move

OK, looking at the generals I am not a fan of them but looking at all the deputies that have been appointed even if they are yellow/red they are all some of the best persons any cabinet can have.

My guess is that all those deputies will be one day become the Ministers when the army pulls out and possible call election in 2016/2017. Yes I know in 2015 but I don't believe it.

The cabinet is not that bad and I know several of those deputies. Surely if you keep the army out those deputies are clean.

I think Prayuth is serious of changing the country. Even the democrats can't come up with this kind of cabinet.

PS: The deuputies are very loaded but they earned their money. That some of those deputies have billions don't surprise me but I want to know what the generals and their wifes, children hold.

Once again not a bad cabinet.

As a lecturer at Mahidol, we are thrilled that our president is going to serve as public health minister...because he was a terrible president and couldn't make a decision about what to have for lunch without forming a committee. Good riddance

[VBF]

Better get used to cabinets like this from now on.

L'enfer est plein de bonnes volontés et désirs.

-Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Yeah we had better do that--frustrating isn't it.

I would like to know why tho is frustrating and how it will really affect any lives of the majority of TV posters?

I would suspect not one iota at all

The comment of the Tom poster, we have no idea what this cabinet will be like--just let's see shall we first.

I suggest the majority of TV posters either live in or visit Thailand regularly and IMO, no matter who you are, if you live in a country, or even if you visit for long periods of time, the people running the country will definitely have some influence on your lives.

Look how the various changes in visa rules affect many of us, look how the current anti-corruption measures alter (seemingly) trivial things like beach experiences.Why, even exchange rates may alter depending on how the current government is perceived by the outside world.

The questions of how much/many influence(s) and whether it/they will be good or bad remain to be seen.

Cautious optimism anybody?

[tx22cb]

,,,,

As a lecturer at Mahidol, we are thrilled that our president is going to serve as public health minister...because he was a terrible president and couldn't make a decision about what to have for lunch without forming a committee. Good riddance

Don't assume that these Cabinet Ministers are there to make independent decisions/policies. Most of them are there to implement (secret) agenda that will be given to them by the PM. If they don't implement the agenda assigned to them, they will be deemed to have under-performed and will be removed.

[halloween]

Don't assume that these Cabinet Ministers are there to make independent decisions/policies. Most of them are there to implement (secret) agenda that will be given to them by the PM. If they don't implement the agenda assigned to them, they will be deemed to have under-performed and will be removed.

It's called the Westminster system.

[FangFerang]

I hope there is a comma missing, but "General Prawit Wongsuwan Pridiyathorn Devakula Yongyuth Yutthawong" is even a long whistle by Thai standards.

[rubl]

At least prayuth didn't nominate himself as Defence Minister, just his old mate and mentor of The Eastern Tigers, retired General Prawit Wongsuwan to keep the troops in check.

Though he did miss a trick, a man with these skills would have been a shoe in as Finance Minister

The Nation October 5, 2012

Former defence minister General Prawit Wongsuwan announced assets worth Bt79.063 million, recording a sharp increase from the Bt9.39 million he declared a year ago.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Korn-declared-richest-Democrat-while-Sutheps-debts-30191739.html

But surely General Prawit Wongsuwan would be much more qualified, if not as well connected, as his predecessor.

Well, at least 'as qualified' as his successors in the Yingluck Administration who were handpicked by Ms. Yingluck herself before she took over as MoD.

[rubl]

,,,,

As a lecturer at Mahidol, we are thrilled that our president is going to serve as public health minister...because he was a terrible president and couldn't make a decision about what to have for lunch without forming a committee. Good riddance

Don't assume that these Cabinet Ministers are there to make independent decisions/policies. Most of them are there to implement (secret) agenda that will be given to them by the PM. If they don't implement the agenda assigned to them, they will be deemed to have under-performed and will be removed.

Don't worry, I don't assume what you assume, but state as if it were facts.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

So 11 Generals, one admiral as Education Minister and an Air force chief as Transport Minister!

Even if it was Jack Sparrow and the entire crew of The Black Pearl, anything would be better than the last bunch of scallywags

Anything beats the last bunch of conmen, just hope that the Generals remember their promises. Power can be very corruptive.

Edited August 31, 2014 by HiSoLowSoNoSo

[webfact]

Prayuth's Government
PM puts faith in military and ex-bureaucrats
Political Desk
The Nation

12 of 33 in Cabinet from armed forces t ensure Prayuth's roadmap stays on track
BANGKOK: -- GENERAL Prayuth Chan-ocha's Cabinet - with nearly half the ministers either active or retired military - won royal endorsement yesterday.

The interim government led by Prime Minister Prayuth has 33 ministers, including the PM, for 35 portfolios. Nine of them are military officers, while another three are former military personnel. All are close to Prayuth.

In addition to military officers, who Prayuth trusts, the Cabinet has many retired civil servants, which signifies Prayuth's faith in bureaucrats to take a leading role rather than businessmen, who have lost influence due to connections with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a source said.

Prayuth reportedly learnt a lesson from the 2006 power seizure, which saw many businessmen in the post-coup Surayud Chulanont Cabinet.

The generals in the latest Cabinet are expected to ensure that the PM's roadmap is not disrupted.

Prayuth's former superior General Prawit Wongsuwan was appointed deputy PM and Defence Minister, while another of his ex-superiors, General Anupong Paochinda, was named Interior Minister.

Prawit was chosen because of his connection with Thaksin, which could be fruitful when it comes to efforts to achieve reconciliation, with legal consequences against the fugitive continuing in the normal justice process, the source said.

Four of the premier's former classmates have portfolios. General Dapong Ratanasuwan was appointed Natural Resources and Environment Minister, General Tanasak Patimapragorn is deputy PM and Foreign Minister, Gen Chatchai Sarikalya was named Commerce Minister, and permanent secretary for defence General Surasak Kanjanarat is the Labour Minister.

Prayuth's 'junior' friends from pre-cadet school days, Navy chief ADM Narong Pipatanasai and Air Force chief ACM Prajin Juntong, were appointed Education Minister and Transport Minister respectively.

The premier's subordinates from the armed forces who will help him administer the country include deputy Army chief General Udomdej Sitabutr, the Deputy Defence Minister, and assistant Army chief General Paiboon Koomchaya, the Justice Minister.

General Udomdej, potentially the successor to Prayuth as the Army commander, is expected to utilise his potential to deal with pro-Thaksin military officers who may be "active".

Prayuth reportedly interviewed all candidates for ministerial posts before making his final decision, especially former officials who performed well after the junta seized the power on May 22, the source said.

Most ministers were approached by Prayuth himself. For example, he phoned National Intelligence Agency director Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana and asked him to join the Cabinet as one of the two PM's Office Ministers, a source said.

On Friday, Prayuth defended the presence of military figures in the Cabinet, saying it was necessary to deal with certain security issues. He acknowledged the criticism, but said he needed to trust the people around him to work efficiently.

There are only two women in Cabinet posts. They are ex-deputy permanent secretary for the Commerce Ministry Apiradi Tantraporn, who was appointed deputy Commerce Minister, and Toshiba Thailand chairwoman Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, the Tourism and Sports Minister.

His Majesty issued the royal command, countersigned by Prayuth, to appoint the Cabinet on Saturday. It was announced in the Royal Gazette yesterday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/PM-puts-faith-in-military-and-ex-bureaucrats-30242225.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-01

[siampolee]

In addition to military officers, who Prayuth trusts, the Cabinet has many retired civil servants, which signifies Prayuth's faith in bureaucrats to take a leading role rather than businessmen, who have lost influence due to connections with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a source said.

Prayuth reportedly learnt a lesson from the 2006 power seizure, which saw many businessmen in the post-coup Surayud Chulanont Cabinet.

In the majority of countries around the world it's the civil service mandarins who in reality shape and guide and then implement the policies of those in power.Politicians come and go, civil service mandarins are there for the long term and they can see the results of policies implemented.

The exclusion of business people from the cabinet is in my view a positive move,as advisers more than welcome, however as policy makers, well vested interested always come to the top and often those interests and their proponents ultimate aims are not in the best interests of the country and its peoples as a whole..

Prayuth's former superior General Prawit Wongsuwan was appointed deputy PM and Defence Minister, while another of his ex-superiors, General Anupong Paochinda, was named Interior Minister.

Prawit was chosen because of his connection with Thaksin, which could be fruitful when it comes to efforts to achieve reconciliation, with legal consequences against the fugitive continuing in the normal justice process, the source said.

A sensible political and judicial move which should help to bring about a situation whereby reconciliation of some form may be possible.Of course the old adage of ''keeping ones enemies closer than ones friends,'' springs to mind.

A cabinet made up of friends and allies, well we see the same around the world do we not? Better the devil one knows than the devil one doesn't know.

This administration carries a heavy load on its shoulders, its actions its policies are indeed a heavy load of responsibility. That heavy load is going to shape the long term future for Thailand and its people, this is a situation that no other administration has ever faced or even taken on board. Indeed we are living in exciting times

[pmugghc]

I wonder what are ADM Narong Pipatanasai qualifications that he was appointed Education Minister.

Remind us again: how many Education Ministers did we have during the Yingluck admin?

[rickirs]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Got to be honest:

I like the following persons:

Don Pramudwinai - A very good diplomat

Suthi Makbun - Former Governor of Ubon and Korat

Krissanapong Kiratikorn - Not that bad

Rachata Rachatanavin - I would have liked him in the Education Ministry but lets see what he can do at Pubic Health.

Veera Rojpojanarat - Culture Ministry and possible on the clampdown

Pichet Durongkaveroj - Not so bad
Sommai Phasi - Not so bad
Narongchai Akrasanee - Excellent as I know and worked with him with Brooker Group
Apiradi Tantraporn - Good choice
Chakkamon Phasukvanich - I know him from Indorama and he is a good choice

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul - Surprise but another excellent choice - Would have liked her in the Industry Ministry and no Tourism Ministry but time will tell

Pornchai Rujiprapa - Another good move

Peetipong Phuengbun na Ayutthaya - Another good move

OK, looking at the generals I am not a fan of them but looking at all the deputies that have been appointed even if they are yellow/red they are all some of the best persons any cabinet can have.

My guess is that all those deputies will be one day become the Ministers when the army pulls out and possible call election in 2016/2017. Yes I know in 2015 but I don't believe it.

The cabinet is not that bad and I know several of those deputies. Surely if you keep the army out those deputies are clean. alt=clap2.gif>

I think Prayuth is serious of changing the country. Even the democrats can't come up with this kind of cabinet.

PS: The deuputies are very loaded but they earned their money. That some of those deputies have billions don't surprise me but I want to know what the generals and their wifes, children hold.

Once again not a bad cabinet.

Really does it matter if anyone is good or bad? They all serve with General Prayuth's personal permission. He alone will decide whether anyone is an adequate or inadequate performer. Obviously, active military cabinet members will be especially sensitive to avoiding General Prayuth's wrath as he can also affect their military careers, force early retirement or even court martial.

[halloween]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Really does it matter if anyone is good or bad? They all serve with General Prayuth's personal permission. He alone will decide whether anyone is an adequate or inadequate performer. Obviously, active military cabinet members will be especially sensitive to avoiding General Prayuth's wrath as he can also affect their military careers, force early retirement or even court martial.

Do you think he would go as far as to ask for undated resignation letters before they are appointed?

[belg]

now where did i see this plot before .... someone takes over the power and then appoints friends , family, ...

[fab4]

At least prayuth didn't nominate himself as Defence Minister, just his old mate and mentor of The Eastern Tigers, retired General Prawit Wongsuwan to keep the troops in check.

Though he did miss a trick, a man with these skills would have been a shoe in as Finance Minister

The Nation October 5, 2012

Former defence minister General Prawit Wongsuwan announced assets worth Bt79.063 million, recording a sharp increase from the Bt9.39 million he declared a year ago.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Korn-declared-richest-Democrat-while-Sutheps-debts-30191739.html

But surely General Prawit Wongsuwan would be much more qualified, if not as well connected, as his predecessor.

Well, at least 'as qualified' as his successors in the Yingluck Administration who were handpicked by Ms. Yingluck herself before she took over as MoD.

Even Yingluck, despite her wealth never managed to come up with a magic formula that transformed 9 million baht into 79 million baht in just one year, around 777% rise, so I'm really not sure what your point is, apart from studiously ignoring the obvious "elephant in the room".

(Yingluk's rise in assets for 2014 amounted to a far more reasonable 6.65%)

[KhunBENQ]

I hope there is a comma missing, but "General Prawit Wongsuwan Pridiyathorn Devakula Yongyuth Yutthawong" is even a long whistle by Thai standards.

Just a bad formatting in the article.

I think it has to read like:

Deputy Prime Ministers:

1) General Prawit Wongsuwan

2) Pridiyathorn Devakula

3) Yongyuth Yutthawong

4) General Tanasak Patimapragorn (Supreme Commander)

5) Wissanu KreaNgam

Edited September 1, 2014 by KhunBENQ

[SeaVisionBurma]

^ Now fixed, cheers

[halloween]

But surely General Prawit Wongsuwan would be much more qualified, if not as well connected, as his predecessor.

Well, at least 'as qualified' as his successors in the Yingluck Administration who were handpicked by Ms. Yingluck herself before she took over as MoD.

Even Yingluck, despite her wealth never managed to come up with a magic formula that transformed 9 million baht into 79 million baht in just one year, around 777% rise, so I'm really not sure what your point is, apart from studiously ignoring the obvious "elephant in the room".

(Yingluk's rise in assets for 2014 amounted to a far more reasonable 6.65%)

Maybe he went "short" on rice when the world's smartest businessman got his sister to re-instate his rice scam. Do you have any indication that the declared increase in wealth was illegally gained, or that Yingluk's declared modest increase was anywhere near the real amount?

[See the bears]

I wonder what are ADM Narong Pipatanasai qualifications that he was appointed Education Minister.

A perfect choice. He will sit, listen, nod his head & never dare to challenge the General, never dare to have a thought of his own. An exemplar for Thai education system.

[Jim walker]

Put your faith in a few soldiers hands but not your country’s economy

[ratcatcher]

I wonder what are ADM Narong Pipatanasai qualifications that he was appointed Education Minister.

A perfect choice. He will sit, listen, nod his head & never dare to challenge the General, never dare to have a thought of his own. An exemplar for Thai education system.

Oh, of course, as opposed to "Thaksin thinks, PTP does" ?

As for his qualifications, I am sure he is far more eminently equipped to be education minister than the previous occupant of the P.M. and Defense Ministers offices? For a start, he is a commander and gets things done, I am sure he will have the schools ship shape in no time.

I am sure the Admiral will do an admirable job on board General Prayuth's new ship of state.

[rubl]

But surely General Prawit Wongsuwan would be much more qualified, if not as well connected, as his predecessor.

Well, at least 'as qualified' as his successors in the Yingluck Administration who were handpicked by Ms. Yingluck herself before she took over as MoD.

Even Yingluck, despite her wealth never managed to come up with a magic formula that transformed 9 million baht into 79 million baht in just one year, around 777% rise, so I'm really not sure what your point is, apart from studiously ignoring the obvious "elephant in the room".

(Yingluk's rise in assets for 2014 amounted to a far more reasonable 6.65%)

So, did someone ask the NACC to investigate? In most cases Pheu Thai MPs would be about the first to request some organisation to look into something or another. The article was from October, 2012 when the Yingluck Administration was still on a roll and making clear to all that they were really on to (or into) corruption.

BTW pity the article only mentioned assets in total amount, but not in details like is mostly done. Can't find a thing either.

Anyway, a new cabinet. How many are from the NLA and how many from outside?

[fab4]

But surely General Prawit Wongsuwan would be much more qualified, if not as well connected, as his predecessor.

Well, at least 'as qualified' as his successors in the Yingluck Administration who were handpicked by Ms. Yingluck herself before she took over as MoD.

Even Yingluck, despite her wealth never managed to come up with a magic formula that transformed 9 million baht into 79 million baht in just one year, around 777% rise, so I'm really not sure what your point is, apart from studiously ignoring the obvious "elephant in the room".

(Yingluk's rise in assets for 2014 amounted to a far more reasonable 6.65%)

So, did someone ask the NACC to investigate? In most cases Pheu Thai MPs would be about the first to request some organisation to look into something or another. The article was from October, 2012 when the Yingluck Administration was still on a roll and making clear to all that they were really on to (or into) corruption.

BTW pity the article only mentioned assets in total amount, but not in details like is mostly done. Can't find a thing either.

Anyway, a new cabinet. How many are from the NLA and how many from outside?

So, did someone ask the NACC to investigate? In most cases Pheu Thai MPs would be about the first to request some organisation to look into something or another

Did you seriously write that?!

[2fishin2]

Military dictatorship same as burma and egypt and pakistan and ..... There ya have it folks. I guess thai military generals are so skilled and have so much free time they can be both government officials and still command people and organizations in the armed forces. What a joke.

Military generals get general officer and government pay.

Military generals get military and government retirement.

Military generals are all part of the military good old boys club.

Military generals always follow the top general.

Pretty simple to follow what's going on here.

Edited September 1, 2014 by 2fishin2

[halloween]

So, did someone ask the NACC to investigate? In most cases Pheu Thai MPs would be about the first to request some organisation to look into something or another

Did you seriously write that?!

Have you come up with any indication that the general's declared wealth increase was not legitimate? Is he, or members of his family, known for corruption, false asset declarations or perjury, like your example of modest wealth gain?

[rubl]

So, did someone ask the NACC to investigate? In most cases Pheu Thai MPs would be about the first to request some organisation to look into something or another. The article was from October, 2012 when the Yingluck Administration was still on a roll and making clear to all that they were really on to (or into) corruption.

BTW pity the article only mentioned assets in total amount, but not in details like is mostly done. Can't find a thing either.

Anyway, a new cabinet. How many are from the NLA and how many from outside?

So, did someone ask the NACC to investigate? In most cases Pheu Thai MPs would be about the first to request some organisation to look into something or another

Did you seriously write that?!

Do you think I let other people use my account ? Why would you doubt I wrote that?

[fab4]

So, did someone ask the NACC to investigate? In most cases Pheu Thai MPs would be about the first to request some organisation to look into something or another

Did you seriously write that?!

Have you come up with any indication that the general's declared wealth increase was not legitimate? Is he, or members of his family, known for corruption, false asset declarations or perjury, like your example of modest wealth gain?

I don't recall saying that the retired generals wealth increase was not legitimate. Likewise I don't recall the NACC investigating the very unusual wealth increase that he accrued in the space of one year. They're not usually backward in coming forward.