The reincarnation of Newin Chidchob

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
The reincarnation of Newin Chidchob
The Nation

The transformation is welcome, but can Buri Ram's saviour avoid the temptation to become another 'Banharn'

BANGKOK: -- In the past few years, one name has been conspicuously absent from Thailand's political turmoil. An amnesty-bill crisis led to the Bangkok "shut down" headed by Suthep Thuagsuban, and then, amid much talk of a threat of civil war, the military seized power and launched yet another round of "reform". Now, just over a year into military rule, Suthep has announced he is returning to the scene. Keen-eyed observers might be wondering where political wheeler-dealer Newin Chidchob has disappeared to.

For sports enthusiasts, he never went away, but merely reinvented himself as the founder and owner of arguably Thailand's best football team. Once bandied at every turn, his name is now associated with just one "brand" - Buriram United. The rice-scheme scandal, charter reform and Thaksin Shinawatra now seem firmly in Newin's past, along with the rest of the political realm. And the onetime political play-maker claims he has relinquished all ambitions for public office.

Young Buriram fans would likely find it impossible to picture their saviour as a shrewd politician. But even among seasoned politics watchers, memories might be fading. The days he played a key role in the collapse of the Democrat-led government, vowed to support Thaksin Shinawatra, then watched as their relationship turned sour, seem a long time ago now.

Before his "reincarnation", Newin seemed wedded to controversy.

"I was in politics for 20 years and not many people admired me, but after being in football for two years, everyone loves me," he said in 2012. Football fans revere him for building their local club up from scratch and turning it into one of the top outfits in Southeast Asia while Buriram locals say he's put their "backwater" province on the map.

His ambition is still there, but it no longer strays into the political arena. Not satisfied with building Buriram United into a regional brand, he has built a racing circuit that has transformed the province into the capital of Thai motorsports.

Yet though his success in building brands has given him a "second life" after politics, sceptics still question whether he would jump back into public life should opportunity come knocking at his door. His reply is both simple and to the point: "Politics is hell, and now I'm out of hell, there's no returning."

In politics, image and reputation are everything, and Newin should know that better than most. But as the chief of a football club, he is free to roam the streets on his big bike in a Buriram jersey.

What Newin has achieved in his hometown province shares something in common with veteran politician Banharn Silapaarcha. The strongman of Suphanburi did a great deal to put his province ahead of others. But the actions of politicians are motivated by power and popularity, and Banharn might not have had the purest motives in championing Suphanburi's development.

Unlike Banharn, Newin quit politics before he pursued his ambitions for his home province. He has successfully cast off his "murky" political image for the time being. But with his football team poised for greatness in Asia, there is one thing left for Newin to prove. He has to demonstrate that he won't become another "Banharn" by giving in to political temptations. Newin will earn even greater respect if he doesn't exploit his success in Buriram for political gain. Perhaps the man can be a model not only in brand-building for a remote province, but also in retiring from politics gracefully.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/The-reincarnation-of-Newin-Chidchob-30265916.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-05

[borisloosebrain]

Wow the Nation really knows how to spin a story. The man should really be in jail. Caught on camera buying votes, scammed the Thai taxpayers for millions of dollars during his time in politics.Lol. But hey he's a likeable guy and that's the game and he's played it very well and made a fortune.

[ezzra]

Probably the man is low on cash and want to replenish his coffers, no other reason for him to

come back while papa Prayth is on guard...

[Don Mega]

Needs to change his surname to Maytag as he operates some impressive washing machines.

[Toknarok]

If those that love him had to drive on some of the roads in Buriram (which he alone has the contract to build and maintain) then they might just change their opinion of him.

[zaphod reborn]

Wow the Nation really knows how to spin a story. The man should really be in jail. Caught on camera buying votes, scammed the Thai taxpayers for millions of dollars during his time in politics.Lol. But hey he's a likeable guy and that's the game and he's played it very well and made a fortune.

The Nation has been dredging all kinds of scum from the bottom of the lake in order to proffer some kind of alternative to Prayuth.

Suthep, Newin, Kasit, Banharn, Sudarat - they all should be in jail.

[TooPoopedToPop]

Stick to football Newin... You've done very well for yourself, your team, and Buriram.

As a politician you were a corrupt slimebag.

[Briggsy]

Newin Chidchob and family retain a very firm hold on Buri Ram politics, including provincial and local budgets, police, local officials, etc. and a strong influence on neighbouring provinces.

How has he "given up" politics? He has just backed out of the national limelight.

This is a ridiculously shallow piece of journalism.

[casualbiker]

If those that love him had to drive on some of the roads in Buriram (which he alone has the contract to build and maintain) then they might just change their opinion of him.

Well if it's only Newin building and repairing the roads, no wonder they are in poor repair!!!

[skildpadden]

I don't understand why The Nation is so keen on digging up these political dinosaurs. They should belong in the history books and not being considered for any political career or office - and that goes for both sides, yellow, red or in between.

Now there is an oppportunity (if allowed) to build up a new politically aware generation, free from old power hungry families who wants what is best for themselves and not the country. Of course it starts already in kindergarten by allowing free thought and later on in schools introducing various politcal philosophies (therefore probably not possible).
However wishful thinking, but perhaps simply a ban on everybody who has been member of parliament before 2014 might help making a fresh start and getting in new ideas and approaches - the old way certainly didn't do the country any good.

[NickJ]

He will strike when the time is right. He is just becoming popular for now. Awhile down the road he will have many people vote for just because of his team.........

[smutcakes]

I don't understand why The Nation is so keen on digging up these political dinosaurs. They should belong in the history books and not being considered for any political career or office - and that goes for both sides, yellow, red or in between.

Now there is an oppportunity (if allowed) to build up a new politically aware generation, free from old power hungry families who wants what is best for themselves and not the country. Of course it starts already in kindergarten by allowing free thought and later on in schools introducing various politcal philosophies (therefore probably not possible).

However wishful thinking, but perhaps simply a ban on everybody who has been member of parliament before 2014 might help making a fresh start and getting in new ideas and approaches - the old way certainly didn't do the country any good.

Its not just the Nation, these political dinosaurs are all over these Committee's, NLA, NRC etc Chai Chidchob, Newin's 87 year old Dad is on the National Reform Council, not really a surprise given how close that clan is with certain military personnel high up in the NCPO.

Despite their massively dubious past, i feel there could be a reason why suddenly their names are cropping up again.

[user82374298374]

Why would any Asian politician encourage new faces, new thinking, actual political engagement, etc.?

The purpose of government in Asia is to benefit those in control, and to maintain the status quo as much as possible, nothing more.

[Ruamari]

Probably the man is low on cash and want to replenish his coffers, no other reason for him to

come back while papa Prayth is on guard...

He was the darling of the last "clean military government". Why should this time be any different?

[exbikey]

If those that love him had to drive on some of the roads in Buriram (which he alone has the contract to build and maintain) then they might just change their opinion of him.

Well if it's only Newin building and repairing the roads, no wonder they are in poor repair!!!

Did he build the race circuit too?

[Don Mega]

If those that love him had to drive on some of the roads in Buriram (which he alone has the contract to build and maintain) then they might just change their opinion of him.

Well if it's only Newin building and repairing the roads, no wonder they are in poor repair!!!

Did he build the race circuit too?

No. but his money did.