Appointment of Thai military allies hints at concern about security

[webfact]

Appointment of military allies hints at concern about security
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The 11 CABINET members with military backgrounds are close and trusted colleagues of Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha, and they can be divided into three groups.

The first group consists of those who deserve his gratitude, including former Army chiefs General Prawit Wongsuwan and General Anupong Paochinda, both of whom are Prayuth's retired former bosses. Prawit is now deputy prime minister and defence minister, and Anupong is the interior minister in the new 32-strong Cabinet.

Prawit is expected to oversee the interim government's security affairs.

General Prayuth, who has retained his seats as head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and Army commander-in-chief, has much respect for and confidence in Prawit and Anupong.

The second group consists of Prayuth's close friends who he believes deserve rewards and important posts. These include General Chatchai Sarikalya, who is the new commerce minister, General Dapong Ratanasuwan, the natural resources and environment minister, General Tanasak Patimapragorn, deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and General Surasak Kanjanarat, the new labour minister.

Subordinates will be "his limbs"

All four of these officers, who are to retire at the end of this month, are Prayuth's former classmates at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.

The third group consists of his trusted subordinates who are to act as his "limbs" in his Cabinet. These include Lt-General Surachet Chaiwong, who is deputy education minister, General Paiboon Koomchaya, who is justice minister, and General Udomdej Sitabutr, who is deputy defence minister.

Udomdej, who is also deputy Army chief, is tipped to replace Prayuth as head of the Army next month.

In addition to the inclusion of many military men, the appointment of National Intelligence Agency director Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana as the Prime Minister's Office minister also indicates that Prayuth is focusing on security affairs, at a time when the junta believes there are still threats to the newly formed government by old power cliques.

Suwaphan, who has worked closely with the Armed Forces, was approached shortly before his appointment to the Cabinet, according to a source familiar with the matter. It appears Prayuth wanted him to help with possible threats from the new unelected administration's political enemies.

Suwaphan was ignored by the previous government led by the Pheu Thai Party, which trusted the police more. After the coup, he worked closely with military intelligence units in cracking down on gangs of armed men allegedly employed by politicians to attack protesters who took to the streets of Bangkok against the previous elected government. Many suspected gunmen have been arrested and a lot of war weapons reportedly confiscated.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Appointment-of-military-allies-hints-at-concern-ab-30242307.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-02

[siampolee]

Suwaphan was ignored by the previous government led by the Pheu Thai Party, which trusted the police more. After the coup, he worked closely with military intelligence units in cracking down on gangs of armed men allegedly employed by politicians to attack protesters who took to the streets of Bangkok against the previous elected government. Many suspected gunmen have been arrested and a lot of war weapons reportedly confiscated.

Well there is the truth, Suwaphan was ignored by the previous government who had ''bought '' the police.

Then we see after the coup he is involved in sanitising the country with regards to the groups ( gangs) sponsored by a wanna be dictators family and their brown nosing acolytes.

Note his departments success,.

Now is it unreasonable to expect any politician in this world to surround himself with those he or she trusts and also in certain cases to brings their perceived enemies a little closer to them in their attempt to stabilise and govern the country ?

A while back there were ongoing complaints regarding blatant abuse of power, the legal system and massive corruption.

Now why are we hearing complaints concerning the tackling of the above mentioned problems, perchance the moaners and whingers are indeed feeling the pinch financially and power wise and also fearing that their shielding from prosecution may well be endangered?

A warrior, a commanding General enters battle fully armed with a competent force around him or her just as General Prayuth is seen to be doing

[Suriya4]

Thailand has become the latest military joining many of African countries.

[smutcakes]

So the decision of who would be cabinet members depends on 3 things:

1) Those who deserve his gratitude

2) Close friends who deserve rewards

3) His trusted subordinates

Well this really seems like a step up! So much for good Governance, no cronyism etc!

And that is better than removing a sitting PM and 9 of her associates for transferring a distant relative to a position?

[Bob12345]

What I learned from the Thai CEO of a big bank who gave a guest lecture at my university is that Thai leaders do not ask their subordinates for input; they go into a meeting knowing 85% of the answers to not lose face and be able to lead the group.

Knowing that, it is really worrying that at least 10 of the new cabinet ministers have about zero to none specific knowledge of their portfolio ( i assume that the general doing the defense portfolio will know a bit about the military). If he wanted to really change the country for the good, why didn't he pick people who are right for the job instead of people who he owes?

The first group consists of those who deserve his gratitude (...)

The second group consists of Prayuth's close friends who he believes deserve rewards and important posts (...)

The third group consists of his trusted subordinates who are to act as his "limbs" in his Cabinet (...)

[EricBerg]

It looks like Prayuth is seriously taking in account that "old power cliques" will try to break the legs under his chair. If so, he is right and anticipating well to it. Especially one leader of the biggest clique will never let go. Only in his grave he will.

[Chao Lao Beach]

members with military backgrounds are close and trusted colleagues of Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha

General Prayuth, who has retained his seats as head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and Army commander-in-chief.

I get the coup thing-o, many Thais seem to be happy, I was a bit surprised when the military now call them selves as elected civilian Gov however.

[siampolee]

Smutcakes post # 4

So the decision of who would be cabinet members depends on 3 things:

1) Those who deserve his gratitude

2) Close friends who deserve rewards

3) His trusted subordinates

Well this really seems like a step up! So much for good Governance, no cronyism etc!

And that is better than removing a sitting PM and 9 of her associates for transferring a distant relative to a position?

Exactly the same as when a new Prime Minister is put into place in the U.K or a newly elected American President , in fact it's the same all over the world politically and business wise.

Corrupt individuals are removed by one process or another and replaced by those who will try to improve matters and in fact actually do seem to be trying to improve matters too..

[chainarong]

General Prayuth is on top of the page in this appointment department , don't look at the obvious, look further, always keep an eye on your enemy, but keep a closer eye on your friends, End of story.

[smutcakes]

It looks like Prayuth is seriously taking in account that "old power cliques" will try to break the legs under his chair. If so, he is right and anticipating well to it. Especially one leader of the biggest clique will never let go. Only in his grave he will.

So to counter this cliques, he has appointed his own and the one overpowering clique in Thai history! Yeah that's going to work.

I still cannot understand why people gloss over the fact that the military are just as rife with cronyism, nepotism, corruption etc than every other body in Thailand. They have probably been in power more than any civilian Govt since 1932, which makes them very much complicit in the current state of affairs yet they are still viewed by some as the saviors. You really believe that these people got to the top of their respective armed forces by pure hard work!!!!

[Bob12345]

It looks like Prayuth is seriously taking in account that "old power cliques" will try to break the legs under his chair. If so, he is right and anticipating well to it. Especially one leader of the biggest clique will never let go. Only in his grave he will.

I hope you do realize that Prayuth is the representative of the biggest and oldest power clique in Thailand.

[Bob12345]

Smutcakes post # 4

So the decision of who would be cabinet members depends on 3 things:

1) Those who deserve his gratitude

2) Close friends who deserve rewards

3) His trusted subordinates

Well this really seems like a step up! So much for good Governance, no cronyism etc!

And that is better than removing a sitting PM and 9 of her associates for transferring a distant relative to a position?

Exactly the same as when a new Prime Minister is put into place in the U.K or a newly elected American President , in fact it's the same all over the world politically and business wise.

Corrupt individuals are removed by one process or another and replaced by those who will try to improve matters and in fact actually do seem to be trying to improve matters too..

The big difference is that in the US or UK the ones in power consult their teams of advisers on how to tackle certain problems. They put someone at the top who knows how to get proposals through the system and the actual proposals and policies are written by teams of experts. Those experts are often in their place longer than leaders (and not re-appointed after every election).

In Thailand this is totally different as the leader is supposed to take the lead and tell the rest what to do. If you are lucky you have people below you who will point out your mistakes, if you are unlucky you have a bunch of Thai educated people who will nod to whatever you say so you don't lose face.

[ChrisY1]

Patronage ....alive and going well

[NongKhaiKid]

Smutcakes post # 4

So the decision of who would be cabinet members depends on 3 things:

1) Those who deserve his gratitude

2) Close friends who deserve rewards

3) His trusted subordinates

Well this really seems like a step up! So much for good Governance, no cronyism etc!

And that is better than removing a sitting PM and 9 of her associates for transferring a distant relative to a position?

Exactly the same as when a new Prime Minister is put into place in the U.K or a newly elected American President , in fact it's the same all over the world politically and business wise.

Corrupt individuals are removed by one process or another and replaced by those who will try to improve matters and in fact actually do seem to be trying to improve matters too..

The big difference is that in the US or UK the ones in power consult their teams of advisers on how to tackle certain problems. They put someone at the top who knows how to get proposals through the system and the actual proposals and policies are written by teams of experts. Those experts are often in their place longer than leaders (and not re-appointed after every election).

In Thailand this is totally different as the leader is supposed to take the lead and tell the rest what to do. If you are lucky you have people below you who will point out your mistakes, if you are unlucky you have a bunch of Thai educated people who will nod to whatever you say so you don't lose face.

Many years ago I was introduced to a doctrine called the ' Shift to Risk ' which considers a leader, be it a country or organisation who is surrounded by ' Yes ' people or those who for many reasons will not speak out in opposition to what the leader says or proposes etc. no matter how wrong it may be.

In my teaching days here i attended many staff meetings and can't remember many, except the foreigners, opposing what the chair of the meeting said. If there wasn't enthusiastic, but false, support there was silence as those who didn't agree said nothing.

[RKASA]

Smutcakes post # 4

So the decision of who would be cabinet members depends on 3 things:

1) Those who deserve his gratitude

2) Close friends who deserve rewards

3) His trusted subordinates

Well this really seems like a step up! So much for good Governance, no cronyism etc!

And that is better than removing a sitting PM and 9 of her associates for transferring a distant relative to a position?

Exactly the same as when a new Prime Minister is put into place in the U.K or a newly elected American President , in fact it's the same all over the world politically and business wise.

Corrupt individuals are removed by one process or another and replaced by those who will try to improve matters and in fact actually do seem to be trying to improve matters too..

"newly elected" is key here and they don't also pick the house and Sen. at the same time. " Exactly the same" what a brain fart that is.

[rickirs]

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Smutcakes post # 4

So the decision of who would be cabinet members depends on 3 things:

1) Those who deserve his gratitude

2) Close friends who deserve rewards

3) His trusted subordinates

Well this really seems like a step up! So much for good Governance, no cronyism etc!

And that is better than removing a sitting PM and 9 of her associates for transferring a distant relative to a position?

Exactly the same as when a new Prime Minister is put into place in the U.K or a newly elected American President , in fact it's the same all over the world politically and business wise.

Corrupt individuals are removed by one process or another and replaced by those who will try to improve matters and in fact actually do seem to be trying to improve matters too..

With regard to being "exactly the same" for a newly elected American President (POTUS) - No.

Some POTUS cabinet nominees actually come from opposition parties, some are selected for their demonstrated expertise and management skills, some for their good relations with the elected Congressional House from where all federal funding comes, and some purely for their ideological alignment with the POTUS. The POTUS is also the Head of State who commands the armed forces as a civilian and may have no military experience at all. Most significantly in difference, the POTUS cabinet nominees must be confirmed by an elected Senate.

[Thaimaishoe]

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

Smutcakes post # 4

So the decision of who would be cabinet members depends on 3 things:

1) Those who deserve his gratitude

2) Close friends who deserve rewards

3) His trusted subordinates

Well this really seems like a step up! So much for good Governance, no cronyism etc!

And that is better than removing a sitting PM and 9 of her associates for transferring a distant relative to a position?

Exactly the same as when a new Prime Minister is put into place in the U.K or a newly elected American President , in fact it's the same all over the world politically and business wise.

Corrupt individuals are removed by one process or another and replaced by those who will try to improve matters and in fact actually do seem to be trying to improve matters too..

With regard to being "exactly the same" for a newly elected American President (POTUS) - No.

Some POTUS cabinet nominees actually come from opposition parties, some are selected for their demonstrated expertise and management skills, some for their good relations with the elected Congressional House from where all federal funding comes, and some purely for their ideological alignment with the POTUS. The POTUS is also the Head of State who commands the armed forces as a civilian and may have no military experience at all. Most significantly in difference, the POTUS cabinet nominees must be confirmed by an elected Senate.

Yes... same same!!!

but different.

[jpeg]

members with military backgrounds are close and trusted colleagues of Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha

General Prayuth, who has retained his seats as head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and Army commander-in-chief.

I get the coup thing-o, many Thais seem to be happy, I was a bit surprised when the military now call them selves as elected civilian Gov however.

So's the rest of the World

[jpeg]

General Prayuth is on top of the page in this appointment department , don't look at the obvious, look further, always keep an eye on your enemy, but keep a closer eye on your friends, End of story.

Actually it's the other way around 'keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer'. But who can tell the difference, here?

[fab4]

Suwaphan was ignored by the previous government led by the Pheu Thai Party, which trusted the police more. After the coup, he worked closely with military intelligence units in cracking down on gangs of armed men allegedly employed by politicians to attack protesters who took to the streets of Bangkok against the previous elected government. Many suspected gunmen have been arrested and a lot of war weapons reportedly confiscated.

Well there is the truth, Suwaphan was ignored by the previous government who had ''bought '' the police.

Then we see after the coup he is involved in sanitising the country with regards to the groups ( gangs) sponsored by a wanna be dictators family and their brown nosing acolytes.

Note his departments success,.

Now is it unreasonable to expect any politician in this world to surround himself with those he or she trusts and also in certain cases to brings their perceived enemies a little closer to them in their attempt to stabilise and govern the country ?

A while back there were ongoing complaints regarding blatant abuse of power, the legal system and massive corruption.

Now why are we hearing complaints concerning the tackling of the above mentioned problems, perchance the moaners and whingers are indeed feeling the pinch financially and power wise and also fearing that their shielding from prosecution may well be endangered?

A warrior, a commanding General enters battle fully armed with a competent force around him or her just as General Prayuth is seen to be doing

"A warrior, a commanding General enters battle fully armed with a competent force around him or her just as General Prayuth is seen to be doing"

[Thai at Heart]

When they said security I thought they were referring to outward not inward.

But then that's what the Thai army does best.

[billd766]

What I learned from the Thai CEO of a big bank who gave a guest lecture at my university is that Thai leaders do not ask their subordinates for input; they go into a meeting knowing 85% of the answers to not lose face and be able to lead the group.

Knowing that, it is really worrying that at least 10 of the new cabinet ministers have about zero to none specific knowledge of their portfolio ( i assume that the general doing the defense portfolio will know a bit about the military). If he wanted to really change the country for the good, why didn't he pick people who are right for the job instead of people who he owes?

The first group consists of those who deserve his gratitude (...)

The second group consists of Prayuth's close friends who he believes deserve rewards and important posts (...)

The third group consists of his trusted subordinates who are to act as his "limbs" in his Cabinet (...)

Could you then please explain how a woman with zero political experience was elected by her brother to be the Prime Minister of Thailand?

When you have done with that can you please explain how a woman with zero experience of the military elected herself as Defence Minister of Thailand?

[billd766]

It looks like Prayuth is seriously taking in account that "old power cliques" will try to break the legs under his chair. If so, he is right and anticipating well to it. Especially one leader of the biggest clique will never let go. Only in his grave he will.

So to counter this cliques, he has appointed his own and the one overpowering clique in Thai history! Yeah that's going to work.

I still cannot understand why people gloss over the fact that the military are just as rife with cronyism, nepotism, corruption etc than every other body in Thailand. They have probably been in power more than any civilian Govt since 1932, which makes them very much complicit in the current state of affairs yet they are still viewed by some as the saviors. You really believe that these people got to the top of their respective armed forces by pure hard work!!!!

If the military are as rife with corruption, cronyism and nepoyism why can I not remember you shouting about Yingluck and the PTP over the last 3 years?

[Baerboxer]

Thailand has become the latest military joining many of African countries.

Candidate for the most ludicrous post of 2014?

Why don't you go a visit a few of these African countries and see if your comparison is valid. Let us know if when you get back.

[smutcakes]

It looks like Prayuth is seriously taking in account that "old power cliques" will try to break the legs under his chair. If so, he is right and anticipating well to it. Especially one leader of the biggest clique will never let go. Only in his grave he will.

So to counter this cliques, he has appointed his own and the one overpowering clique in Thai history! Yeah that's going to work.

I still cannot understand why people gloss over the fact that the military are just as rife with cronyism, nepotism, corruption etc than every other body in Thailand. They have probably been in power more than any civilian Govt since 1932, which makes them very much complicit in the current state of affairs yet they are still viewed by some as the saviors. You really believe that these people got to the top of their respective armed forces by pure hard work!!!!

If the military are as rife with corruption, cronyism and nepoyism why can I not remember you shouting about Yingluck and the PTP over the last 3 years?

Um because its always been the same in Thailand, no matter who has been in power.

The pretense for the coup and the protests was to get rid of the corrupt Govt an enact reform, when in fact anyone with half a brain knows the military, dems could not give two hoots about corruption, nepotism, croynism etc, only that it was not going to their pockets anymore. If they cared about corruption they could of at least made an attempt at doing something about it the previous 15+ times they have been in Government.

The simple fact is it was an orchestrated overthrow of an elected Govt, behind the pretense of eradicating corruption etc, something which they have no interest, and have never had any interest in doing.

[Bob12345]

What I learned from the Thai CEO of a big bank who gave a guest lecture at my university is that Thai leaders do not ask their subordinates for input; they go into a meeting knowing 85% of the answers to not lose face and be able to lead the group.

Knowing that, it is really worrying that at least 10 of the new cabinet ministers have about zero to none specific knowledge of their portfolio ( i assume that the general doing the defense portfolio will know a bit about the military). If he wanted to really change the country for the good, why didn't he pick people who are right for the job instead of people who he owes?

The first group consists of those who deserve his gratitude (...)

The second group consists of Prayuth's close friends who he believes deserve rewards and important posts (...)

The third group consists of his trusted subordinates who are to act as his "limbs" in his Cabinet (...)

Could you then please explain how a woman with zero political experience was elected by her brother to be the Prime Minister of Thailand?

When you have done with that can you please explain how a woman with zero experience of the military elected herself as Defence Minister of Thailand?

You seem to make the incorrect assumption, as many anti-red shirt people here do, that whoever is critical of the current government is automatically a supporter of the previous government.

Unfortunately for you I do not, and did not, support the previous government. I do not think that the women you are referring to was a good PM nor that her brother should try to influence Thai politics the way he did. I also do not agree with a person having multiple roles as prime minister and as minister of another portfolio.

So now I ask you, why do you want me to explain these two things?

Are you genuinely interested in my take on how those things happened or were you assuming I was a red-shirt supporter because I am not blindly trusting the words of your favorite general and you thought you had me cornered with those questions?

Let me assume the latter....

(p.s. the answers to your questions are quite simple as you ask "how" which can be easily explained by reference to the procedures how elections take place and how ministers are appointed. I think the question "why" and "why nobody complained about it at the time" are much more interesting questions to look at).

Edited September 2, 2014 by Bob12345

[Bakseeda]

members with military backgrounds are close and trusted colleagues of Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha

General Prayuth, who has retained his seats as head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and Army commander-in-chief.

I get the coup thing-o, many Thais seem to be happy, I was a bit surprised when the military now call them selves as elected civilian Gov however.

Come in guys,,,,It certainly was a " GENERAL Election"...

[jayboy]

What I learned from the Thai CEO of a big bank who gave a guest lecture at my university is that Thai leaders do not ask their subordinates for input; they go into a meeting knowing 85% of the answers to not lose face and be able to lead the group.

Knowing that, it is really worrying that at least 10 of the new cabinet ministers have about zero to none specific knowledge of their portfolio ( i assume that the general doing the defense portfolio will know a bit about the military). If he wanted to really change the country for the good, why didn't he pick people who are right for the job instead of people who he owes?

The first group consists of those who deserve his gratitude (...)

The second group consists of Prayuth's close friends who he believes deserve rewards and important posts (...)

The third group consists of his trusted subordinates who are to act as his "limbs" in his Cabinet (...)

Could you then please explain how a woman with zero political experience was elected by her brother to be the Prime Minister of Thailand?

When you have done with that can you please explain how a woman with zero experience of the military elected herself as Defence Minister of Thailand?

Both ridiculously easy questions.She was nominated by her party and them elected by the people of Thailand.Though like Obama, Cameron and Merkel she had no military experience, as a legitimate democratically elected leader (like the others mentioned) took on responsibility for oversight of the armed forces.

[billd766]

It looks like Prayuth is seriously taking in account that "old power cliques" will try to break the legs under his chair. If so, he is right and anticipating well to it. Especially one leader of the biggest clique will never let go. Only in his grave he will.

So to counter this cliques, he has appointed his own and the one overpowering clique in Thai history! Yeah that's going to work.

I still cannot understand why people gloss over the fact that the military are just as rife with cronyism, nepotism, corruption etc than every other body in Thailand. They have probably been in power more than any civilian Govt since 1932, which makes them very much complicit in the current state of affairs yet they are still viewed by some as the saviors. You really believe that these people got to the top of their respective armed forces by pure hard work!!!!

If the military are as rife with corruption, cronyism and nepoyism why can I not remember you shouting about Yingluck and the PTP over the last 3 years?

Um because its always been the same in Thailand, no matter who has been in power.

The pretense for the coup and the protests was to get rid of the corrupt Govt an enact reform, when in fact anyone with half a brain knows the military, dems could not give two hoots about corruption, nepotism, croynism etc, only that it was not going to their pockets anymore. If they cared about corruption they could of at least made an attempt at doing something about it the previous 15+ times they have been in Government.

The simple fact is it was an orchestrated overthrow of an elected Govt, behind the pretense of eradicating corruption etc, something which they have no interest, and have never had any interest in doing.

But DID you shout and scream about the corruption, nepotism and cronyism when the PTP were in power.

It is an easy question with a simple yes or no answer.

If you did then I admire you and if you didn't wuy are you whining about the Army now. Double standards perhaps?

[billd766]

What I learned from the Thai CEO of a big bank who gave a guest lecture at my university is that Thai leaders do not ask their subordinates for input; they go into a meeting knowing 85% of the answers to not lose face and be able to lead the group.

Knowing that, it is really worrying that at least 10 of the new cabinet ministers have about zero to none specific knowledge of their portfolio ( i assume that the general doing the defense portfolio will know a bit about the military). If he wanted to really change the country for the good, why didn't he pick people who are right for the job instead of people who he owes?

The first group consists of those who deserve his gratitude (...)

The second group consists of Prayuth's close friends who he believes deserve rewards and important posts (...)

The third group consists of his trusted subordinates who are to act as his "limbs" in his Cabinet (...)

Could you then please explain how a woman with zero political experience was elected by her brother to be the Prime Minister of Thailand?

When you have done with that can you please explain how a woman with zero experience of the military elected herself as Defence Minister of Thailand?

You seem to make the incorrect assumption, as many anti-red shirt people here do, that whoever is critical of the current government is automatically a supporter of the previous government.

Unfortunately for you I do not, and did not, support the previous government. I do not think that the women you are referring to was a good PM nor that her brother should try to influence Thai politics the way he did. I also do not agree with a person having multiple roles as prime minister and as minister of another portfolio.

So now I ask you, why do you want me to explain these two things?

Are you genuinely interested in my take on how those things happened or were you assuming I was a red-shirt supporter because I am not blindly trusting the words of your favorite general and you thought you had me cornered with those questions?

Let me assume the latter....

(p.s. the answers to your questions are quite simple as you ask "how" which can be easily explained by reference to the procedures how elections take place and how ministers are appointed. I think the question "why" and "why nobody complained about it at the time" are much more interesting questions to look at).

Another simple question then. Were had I said or implied in those two questions that you are a supporter of ANY side? Where did I say that I was a supporter of any side and the General was my favourite General?