Time for Prayuth Cabinet to show what it's made of

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Time for Prayuth Cabinet to show what it's made of
Supon Thanukid



BANGKOK: -- "Having or not having soldiers in the Cabinet is not the point. The point is what the country's problems are and how we are going to solve them," Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha said in defence of his choice of Cabinet members during his weekly television programme last Friday.

The PM's decision to appoint 12 soldiers to the 32-seat Cabinet, a few seats short of half, has come under criticism.

"Critics now are bugging us about having too many soldiers. I have given this deep thought. Not having soldiers is impossible because the country is struggling with a stability problem.

"Some people said I would pick senior colleagues from the same military clique. The point is not where these people are from but the fact is I cannot do without people whom I trust. Please, do not be too suspicious and pay too much attention to the individuals," Prayuth said, begging the public for understanding.

Some people may have gone along with Prayuth's logic and understood the circumstances and limitations the PM faced when it came to picking Cabinet members. His supporters, including people with no political affiliation, can accept his argument that who the ministers are may be secondary to what policies they come up with.

Surveys show most people believe having several military men in the Cabinet would not only help ensure peace and stability in the country but the Cabinet would also get things done efficiently. Important decisions can be made swiftly, since the PM can get them to work in the same direction without having to worry about losing political support, as elected politicians must do.

The PM has pointed out the strength of his administration. "I do not belong to any party. I represent the 'Move the Country Forward' party. There is neither an opposition nor a government camp."

Critics have not budged, claiming that Prayuth's choice of his trusted colleagues deprives some key ministries of skilled and experienced ministers.

But the PM has insisted he is held accountable for the Cabinet selection because he alone made that decision. Prayuth may be entitled to believe that his critics have jumped the gun to judge his Cabinet without allowing them to perform for a few months.

"Wait and see. If they are not good, I can change every position. A government can have many reshuffles. People who do not perform will be shown the door, and those who are corrupt must go to jail," Prayuth said as he assured the public that he would personally plug the loophole that people are concerned about - the lack of balance of power in his military-influenced Cabinet. When an organisation or state fails, it is the leadership that is the root cause: As the saying goes, a fish rots from the head down.

Judging the performance of the National Council for Peace and Order in running the country's security, economic and social sectors over the past three months, the junta has passed the test with flying colours. The public will have to give the Prayuth Cabinet the benefit of the doubt.

The country's journey through reform is expected to be a rocky one. Energy reform, for instance, has already shown signs of trouble from the beginning when nationalists and privatisation enthusiasts clashed over their ideologies.

The country's economic outlook, with expected growth this year of less than 2 per cent, does not sound encouraging to the Prayuth Cabinet.

Farmers' chances of getting state subsidies for the plummeting prices of their produce are dim. Economic stimulus is almost impossible when the state coffers will be drained by debts incurred from populist policies implemented by the previous government.

The Prayuth Cabinet must bear in mind that there is a thin line between love and hate. High job-approval ratings in the past three months do not necessarily translate into the same scenario in the next three or six months. Fast-changing world situations on social and economic fronts may complicate the domestic situation.

Prayuth's ability will be put to the test. We will soon see if he is a captain who can pilot this ship through a vast, volatile ocean.

History is in the making.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Time-for-Prayuth-Cabinet-to-show-what-its-made-of-30242568.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-05

[chainarong]

The trouble you have General when you pick people you can trust and know very well, is you tend to developed a mentality of Yes men , not something you would want when weighing up the checks and balances on some important issues, I would rather have a robust debate than a table of nodding mates.

[EricBerg]

For the time being the army boys are doing way much better than the previous lot. Nobody in their right mind would want lil sis, Chalerm and Tarit back. That is the only thing that matters. Now see if Prayuth can push things further with this team.

[EricBerg]

""Wait and see. If they are not good, I can change every position. A government can have many reshuffles. People who do not perform will be shown the door, and those who are corrupt must go to jail," Prayuth said"...

..."and those who are corrupt must go to jail,"... ..."and those who are corrupt must go to jail,"... ..."and those who are corrupt must go to jail,"...

oh yeahhhhhhhhhhh

[EBlair48]

It ain't made out of women, two out of 30 positions? Guess we're back to the Ol' Boyz Club mentality.

( Whoops will I face a libel charge ? )

This tidbit from Bangkook P certainly is interesting; Sorry no links allowed - only The Nation( alistic) news allowed to be quoted.

A source in the cabinet also said Gen Prayuth has instructed cabinet members to dress in either the phra rajathan shirt or the Raj pattern jacket when they attend cabinet meetings instead of Western formal suits.

This too, hope it isn't serious;

At one point during his speech, Gen Prayuth, who also heads the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), told the people in attendance about the effects black magic is having on him. "If you still want to fight on and go underground, bring it on. If you resort to performing [black magic] rituals, just bring it on,'' Gen Prayuth said, referring to anti-coup elements which remain active. ...

"Today, I have a sore throat, a pain in the neck. Someone said there are some people putting curses on me. I had so much lustral water poured over my head I shivered all over. I'm going to catch a cold..."

The ritual of having lustral water poured over one's head is believed to ward off the effects of black magic.

Edited September 5, 2014 by EBlair48

[smutcakes]

Maybe the reason behind the YS decision is the rather dangerous precedent it would set for the General.

Can he really be sure that all the cabinet, all the NRC, all the reform councils are going to be corruption free.

After all he is the overarching supreme ruler of everything, so like with YS if there is corruption in the system he would be in the hot seat.

(of course him and his mates and family members have the get out of jail card amnesty, but it still would not be a good look)

[Lupatria]

• New Cabinet sworn in

• Time for Prayuth Cabinet to show what it's made of

shouldn't it be the other way around???

[smutcakes]

For the time being the army boys are doing way much better than the previous lot. Nobody in their right mind would want lil sis, Chalerm and Tarit back. That is the only thing that matters. Now see if Prayuth can push things further with this team.

I wont argue that the army boys so far seem to be doing okay in getting things done, or that having the previous lot back would be a good idea.

However it must be tempered with the fact it is a hell of a lot easier to get things done when you have no opposition, and can do whatever you like whenever you like, it obviously makes things a hell of a lot easier to get things done.

So far they have done things which they are well suited to, cracking down on this and that. The difficult bit is going to be when it actually comes to running the country productively and ensuring the reforms are useful, fair and done in a way which will not just lead to more strife down the road.

[ThailandNoob]

For the time being the army boys are doing way much better than the previous lot. Nobody in their right mind would want lil sis, Chalerm and Tarit back. That is the only thing that matters. Now see if Prayuth can push things further with this team.

And who would dare say otherwise? Criticise the junta and get hauled off to jail.

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ThailandNoob]

The PM has pointed out the strength of his administration. "I do not belong to any party. I represent the 'Move the Country Forward' party. There is neither an opposition nor a government camp."

Maybe this should be reworded as "there is no opposition because I had them all arrested and sent to military camps for 'attitude adjustments', and they know that they will get sent back if they speak out".

And this means that the general is calling Suthep a liar when he said that they had been planning the coup together for 4 years.

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[metisdead]

A trolling nonsense post has been removed.

[Thanet]

For the time being the army boys are doing way much better than the previous lot. Nobody in their right mind would want lil sis, Chalerm and Tarit back. That is the only thing that matters. Now see if Prayuth can push things further with this team.

By 'doing', you mean talking. We've heard lots and lots of talking so far.

[tbthailand]

'Time for Prayuth Cabinet to show what it's made of'

answer: NCPO

[Alwyn]

The trouble you have General when you pick people you can trust and know very well, is you tend to developed a mentality of Yes men , not something you would want when weighing up the checks and balances on some important issues, I would rather have a robust debate than a table of nodding mates.

It's against the law to have differing opinions and free speech at the moment so it doesn't matter - everybody has to be a yes man. As in Hitch hikers guide to the Galaxy, "Resistance is futile". If he can do what he says he can do (although that doesn't seem very clear) then happy days for the Thais. It will be interesting to see if he can have any impact and if he will be willing to let go of the reins eventually

[rubl]

The trouble you have General when you pick people you can trust and know very well, is you tend to developed a mentality of Yes men , not something you would want when weighing up the checks and balances on some important issues, I would rather have a robust debate than a table of nodding mates.

Good mates will tell you their thoughst and help you improve. 'yes'-men I don't count as mates.

[rubl]

For the time being the army boys are doing way much better than the previous lot. Nobody in their right mind would want lil sis, Chalerm and Tarit back. That is the only thing that matters. Now see if Prayuth can push things further with this team.

I wont argue that the army boys so far seem to be doing okay in getting things done, or that having the previous lot back would be a good idea.

However it must be tempered with the fact it is a hell of a lot easier to get things done when you have no opposition, and can do whatever you like whenever you like, it obviously makes things a hell of a lot easier to get things done.

So far they have done things which they are well suited to, cracking down on this and that. The difficult bit is going to be when it actually comes to running the country productively and ensuring the reforms are useful, fair and done in a way which will not just lead to more strife down the road.

Do I sense a touch of jealousy there?

BTW it would seem the 'no opposition part' was tried by Pheu Thai with their 'mandate', but of course that was in the beautiful Thai democracy where the opposition can be obstructed and/or ignored.

As for running the country productively, well with the margin lost due to corruption being 'eroded', with a large part of the government staff (i.e. the people who do the actual work) still there, shouldn't be to difficult.

The reforms are another issue all together, but not one for the Cabinet / NLA as yet. First the NRC must formulate the reforms after numerous discussions, input sessions and other talks with a larger or representative part of the population.

So, to get back to the topic, how much can you show in a few days?

[rubl]

The PM has pointed out the strength of his administration. "I do not belong to any party. I represent the 'Move the Country Forward' party. There is neither an opposition nor a government camp."

Maybe this should be reworded as "there is no opposition because I had them all arrested and sent to military camps for 'attitude adjustments', and they know that they will get sent back if they speak out".

And this means that the general is calling Suthep a liar when he said that they had been planning the coup together for 4 years.

On the other hand maybe this should be reworded as

"the seven months before the coup showed clearly that politics as usual must be out of the equation for the time being as being totally unhelpful in bringing the country forward ."

[rubl]

'Time for Prayuth Cabinet to show what it's made of'

answer: NCPO

If it's made of the NCPO then all cabinet members are part, member of the NCPO. As that is not the case, you seem to be a wee bit too general with your remark.

I might be wrong of course. So pray confirm that all these people are part of the NCPO:

Prime Minister General Prayuth Chanocha (Army chief)

Deputy Prime Ministers: General Prawit Wongsuwan Pridiyathorn Devakula Yongyuth Yutthawong General Tanasak Patimapragorn (Supreme Commander) Wissanu Kreangam

PM's Office Ministers: ML Panadda Diskul, Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana (National Intelligence Agency director)

Defence Minister: General Prawit Wongsuwan

Deputy Defence Minister: General Udomdej Sitabutr (Deputy Army chief)

Interior Minister: General Anupong Paochinda

Deputy Interior Minister: Suthi Makbun

Foreign Minister: General Tanasak Patimapragorn (Supreme Commander)

Deputy Foreign Minister: Don Pramudwinai

Justice Minister: General Paiboon Koomchaya (Assistant Army chief)

Social Development and Human Security Minister: Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew

Education Minister: ADM Narong Pipatanasai (Navy chief)

Deputy Education Minister: LT Gen Surachet Chaiwong (Deputy Army chief of staff), Krissanapong Kiratikorn

Public Health Minister: Rachata Rachatanavin

Deputy Public Health Minister: Somsak Chunharas

Labour Minister: General Surasak Kanjanarat (Permanent secretary for Defence)

Culture Minister: Veera Rojpojanarat

Natural Resources and Environment Minister: General Dapong Ratanasuwan

Science and Technology Minister: Pichet Durongkaveroj

Finance Minister: Sommai Phasi

Transport Minister: ACM Prajin Juntong (Air Force chief)

Deputy Transport Minister: Akom Termpitayapaisit

Energy Minister: Narongchai Akrasanee

Commerce Minister: General Chatchai Sarikalya (Assistant Army chief)

Deputy Commerce Minister: Apiradi Tantraporn

Industry Minister: Chakkamon Phasukvanich

Tourism and Sports Minister: Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul

Information and Communication Technology Minister: Pornchai Rujiprapa

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister: Peetipong Phuengbun na Ayutthaya

[rubl]

The trouble you have General when you pick people you can trust and know very well, is you tend to developed a mentality of Yes men , not something you would want when weighing up the checks and balances on some important issues, I would rather have a robust debate than a table of nodding mates.

It's against the law to have differing opinions and free speech at the moment so it doesn't matter - everybody has to be a yes man. As in Hitch hikers guide to the Galaxy, "Resistance is futile". If he can do what he says he can do (although that doesn't seem very clear) then happy days for the Thais. It will be interesting to see if he can have any impact and if he will be willing to let go of the reins eventually

A minor correction if I may.

It is NOT against the law to have a different opinion.

PS don't forget, always carry a towel

[tbthailand]

'Time for Prayuth Cabinet to show what it's made of'

answer: NCPO

If it's made of the NCPO then all cabinet members are part, member of the NCPO. As that is not the case, you seem to be a wee bit too general with your remark.

I might be wrong of course. So pray confirm that all these people are part of the NCPO:

Prime Minister General Prayuth Chanocha (Army chief)

Deputy Prime Ministers: General Prawit Wongsuwan Pridiyathorn Devakula Yongyuth Yutthawong General Tanasak Patimapragorn (Supreme Commander) Wissanu Kreangam

PM's Office Ministers: ML Panadda Diskul, Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana (National Intelligence Agency director)

Defence Minister: General Prawit Wongsuwan

Deputy Defence Minister: General Udomdej Sitabutr (Deputy Army chief)

Interior Minister: General Anupong Paochinda

Deputy Interior Minister: Suthi Makbun

Foreign Minister: General Tanasak Patimapragorn (Supreme Commander)

Deputy Foreign Minister: Don Pramudwinai

Justice Minister: General Paiboon Koomchaya (Assistant Army chief)

Social Development and Human Security Minister: Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew

Education Minister: ADM Narong Pipatanasai (Navy chief)

Deputy Education Minister: LT Gen Surachet Chaiwong (Deputy Army chief of staff), Krissanapong Kiratikorn

Public Health Minister: Rachata Rachatanavin

Deputy Public Health Minister: Somsak Chunharas

Labour Minister: General Surasak Kanjanarat (Permanent secretary for Defence)

Culture Minister: Veera Rojpojanarat

Natural Resources and Environment Minister: General Dapong Ratanasuwan

Science and Technology Minister: Pichet Durongkaveroj

Finance Minister: Sommai Phasi

Transport Minister: ACM Prajin Juntong (Air Force chief)

Deputy Transport Minister: Akom Termpitayapaisit

Energy Minister: Narongchai Akrasanee

Commerce Minister: General Chatchai Sarikalya (Assistant Army chief)

Deputy Commerce Minister: Apiradi Tantraporn

Industry Minister: Chakkamon Phasukvanich

Tourism and Sports Minister: Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul

Information and Communication Technology Minister: Pornchai Rujiprapa

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister: Peetipong Phuengbun na Ayutthaya

yes, the cabinet is a bit larger than the Junta chiefs' little clique. The point is that the NCPO has been moved into the cabinet.

So the remark may be a wee bit too precise for you.

[tbthailand]

The trouble you have General when you pick people you can trust and know very well, is you tend to developed a mentality of Yes men , not something you would want when weighing up the checks and balances on some important issues, I would rather have a robust debate than a table of nodding mates.

It's against the law to have differing opinions and free speech at the moment so it doesn't matter - everybody has to be a yes man. As in Hitch hikers guide to the Galaxy, "Resistance is futile". If he can do what he says he can do (although that doesn't seem very clear) then happy days for the Thais. It will be interesting to see if he can have any impact and if he will be willing to let go of the reins eventually

A minor correction if I may.

It is NOT against the law to have a different opinion.

PS don't forget, always carry a towel

'It is NOT against the law to have a different opinion'

as long as you keep it to yourself.

That is the wonderful nature of "suppression"

[Boxclever]

An unelected prime minister and cabinet that ceased power through the barrel of a gun. He's already failed!!

[Paulzed]

The trouble you have General when you pick people you can trust and know very well, is you tend to developed a mentality of Yes men , not something you would want when weighing up the checks and balances on some important issues, I would rather have a robust debate than a table of nodding mates.

You have a point, however the yes men mentality is probably what is needed for the short term to get back on track.

Also, when did you ever see a Thai having a healthy debate?

[Alwyn]

The trouble you have General when you pick people you can trust and know very well, is you tend to developed a mentality of Yes men , not something you would want when weighing up the checks and balances on some important issues, I would rather have a robust debate than a table of nodding mates.

It's against the law to have differing opinions and free speech at the moment so it doesn't matter - everybody has to be a yes man. As in Hitch hikers guide to the Galaxy, "Resistance is futile". If he can do what he says he can do (although that doesn't seem very clear) then happy days for the Thais. It will be interesting to see if he can have any impact and if he will be willing to let go of the reins eventually

A minor correction if I may.

It is NOT against the law to have a different opinion.

PS don't forget, always carry a towel

I beg your pardon, you're absolutely correct. It's against the law to voice a different opinion. The towel is always with me!

[rubl]

'Time for Prayuth Cabinet to show what it's made of'

answer: NCPO

If it's made of the NCPO then all cabinet members are part, member of the NCPO. As that is not the case, you seem to be a wee bit too general with your remark.

I might be wrong of course. So pray confirm that all these people are part of the NCPO:

Prime Minister General Prayuth Chanocha (Army chief)

Deputy Prime Ministers: General Prawit Wongsuwan Pridiyathorn Devakula Yongyuth Yutthawong General Tanasak Patimapragorn (Supreme Commander) Wissanu Kreangam

PM's Office Ministers: ML Panadda Diskul, Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana (National Intelligence Agency director)

Defence Minister: General Prawit Wongsuwan

Deputy Defence Minister: General Udomdej Sitabutr (Deputy Army chief)

Interior Minister: General Anupong Paochinda

Deputy Interior Minister: Suthi Makbun

Foreign Minister: General Tanasak Patimapragorn (Supreme Commander)

Deputy Foreign Minister: Don Pramudwinai

Justice Minister: General Paiboon Koomchaya (Assistant Army chief)

Social Development and Human Security Minister: Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew

Education Minister: ADM Narong Pipatanasai (Navy chief)

Deputy Education Minister: LT Gen Surachet Chaiwong (Deputy Army chief of staff), Krissanapong Kiratikorn

Public Health Minister: Rachata Rachatanavin

Deputy Public Health Minister: Somsak Chunharas

Labour Minister: General Surasak Kanjanarat (Permanent secretary for Defence)

Culture Minister: Veera Rojpojanarat

Natural Resources and Environment Minister: General Dapong Ratanasuwan

Science and Technology Minister: Pichet Durongkaveroj

Finance Minister: Sommai Phasi

Transport Minister: ACM Prajin Juntong (Air Force chief)

Deputy Transport Minister: Akom Termpitayapaisit

Energy Minister: Narongchai Akrasanee

Commerce Minister: General Chatchai Sarikalya (Assistant Army chief)

Deputy Commerce Minister: Apiradi Tantraporn

Industry Minister: Chakkamon Phasukvanich

Tourism and Sports Minister: Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul

Information and Communication Technology Minister: Pornchai Rujiprapa

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister: Peetipong Phuengbun na Ayutthaya

yes, the cabinet is a bit larger than the Junta chiefs' little clique. The point is that the NCPO has been moved into the cabinet.

So the remark may be a wee bit too precise for you.

So, all NCPO members are also cabinet member? Some cabinet members not in the NCPO?

Maybe your "made of" was not precise enough, maybe the cabinet is made of NCPO members and others ?

[rubl]

An unelected prime minister and cabinet that ceased power through the barrel of a gun. He's already failed!!

"to cease" == halt an activity

"to seize" == confiscate, legal removal, impound, usurp

[ThailandNoob]

The PM has pointed out the strength of his administration. "I do not belong to any party. I represent the 'Move the Country Forward' party. There is neither an opposition nor a government camp."

Maybe this should be reworded as "there is no opposition because I had them all arrested and sent to military camps for 'attitude adjustments', and they know that they will get sent back if they speak out".

And this means that the general is calling Suthep a liar when he said that they had been planning the coup together for 4 years.

On the other hand maybe this should be reworded as

"the seven months before the coup showed clearly that politics as usual must be out of the equation for the time being as being totally unhelpful in bringing the country forward ."

What was totally unhelpful in bringing the country forward were the actions of Suthep, who later admitted to being in cahoots with Prayuth and doing the whole thing to stir up enough chaos for the military to have an excuse to launch a coup.

So your argument boils down to "the Yellows should be in charge of the country even though they are unelectable, because if they are not then they will spit the dummy and cause trouble".

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[rubl]

The PM has pointed out the strength of his administration. "I do not belong to any party. I represent the 'Move the Country Forward' party. There is neither an opposition nor a government camp."

Maybe this should be reworded as "there is no opposition because I had them all arrested and sent to military camps for 'attitude adjustments', and they know that they will get sent back if they speak out".

And this means that the general is calling Suthep a liar when he said that they had been planning the coup together for 4 years.

On the other hand maybe this should be reworded as

"the seven months before the coup showed clearly that politics as usual must be out of the equation for the time being as being totally unhelpful in bringing the country forward ."

What was totally unhelpful in bringing the country forward were the actions of Suthep, who later admitted to being in cahoots with Prayuth and doing the whole thing to stir up enough chaos for the military to have an excuse to launch a coup.

So your argument boils down to "the Yellows should be in charge of the country even though they are unelectable, because if they are not then they will spit the dummy and cause trouble".

What was totally unhelpful in bringing the country forward was a government ignoring the population and only working for that criminal fugitive abroad up to the point of trying to push through a blanket amnesty bill which suddenly even covered Thaksin's last two years in and out of office and Ms. Yingluck's first two years.

So, thankfully we have a period without politicians and other fools. Only esteemed TV members left to provide the Thai government with their negative opinion.

[rubl]

"Ignoring the population"? Thai people knew exactly what they were getting when they voted PTP in in 2011. In the lead up to the election, Thaksin described Yingluck as his "clone", and she did absolutely nothing to dispel that. Everyone knew that a vote for Yingluck was a vote for Thaksin, a vote for the country to be run by Skype, and for him eventually to be brought back to Thailand a free man in some way shape or form.

In contrast to this, we had the same bunch of sore losers do everything in their power to avoid having an election, including sending "popcorn gunmen" to scare people away from polling stations. And now we have a military coup and elections suspended. So please tell me who is "ignoring the population".

Where were you all this time, my dear Noob? I could have used your help.\

Various posters still don't believe me when I write Thaksin is involved, Thaksin controls, Thaksin and not 'the people'. A coup might have been the only way to avoid a descent into Thaksincracy. Even Ms. Yingluck didn't speak much of the truth stating at the last censure debate that she and only she was in charge.

[metisdead]

A post containing comments that can be construed as being negative about the imposition of Martial Law or the Coup has been removed.

Posts that have exceeded the nested quote limit have been removed because they were too messed up to make head or tail of who said what. Please try to minimize nested quotes to the one or two that you are actually replying to. Thanks.