Word Association (2024)

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
With Somkid, Prayut takes an unprecedented gamble
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As a Thaksin ally joins the Cabinet, the pm is betting that his startling break from traditional cronyism will yield results

I wouldn't have appointed them in the first place if I didn't expect them to do well, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said of the new Cabinet members when a reporter asked about his expectations for the revamped team. The response might have been rhetoric or it might have been sincere, but the question was surely straightforward enough - and fair.

Cabinet appointments have far too often been made on the basis of political alliance or some other vested interest rather than the appointees' ability to serve the nation.

When coalition partners have bargaining power, the prime minister of the day might well accede to their wishes for Cabinet posts regardless of the candidate's merit. If the premier is firmly in control, the portfolios are apt to go to his own choices. Typically, Cabinet appointments depend on who is doing the nominating rather than who is being nominated.

Most notably, we have endured a string of poor ministers of education, and not for lack of qualified candidates but because the position is easily auctioned off to help ensure the government's survival. Other key posts go to the clever campaigners who "deliver" substantial numbers of parliamentary seats. Ability to do the assigned job is rarely a factor in the selection process.

Whether a self-serving prime minister is to blame or greedy coalition partners, the result is invariably the same - ministers unable or unwilling to do their jobs and citizens cheated out of sound government. We have had ministers of science who were more devoted to superstition than technology. We have had justice ministers who in their private lives flaunted the law. And we have had corruption from stem to stern.

The political crisis of the past decade has only made matters worse, with siblings and spouses substituting for Cabinet members banned from office due to election rigging and other offences.

We routinely witness Cabinet line-ups reshuffled solely in response to political pressure rather than as attempts to improve performance. Some ministers are so politically influential that they're considered "untouchable", virtually immune to impeachment and criminal charges. In contrast to routine practice in countries from South Korea to Canada, not a single Thai minister has ever resigned his post to take responsibility for a blunder occurring under his jurisdiction.

Prayut was facing a no-win situation this week when he added Somkid Jatusripitak to his Cabinet. Somkid is closely associated with fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, leaving observers to wonder whether the military regime is "getting desperate" in efforts to bring about real change. But he's a solid choice as deputy prime minister in charge of the economy and, had Prayut picked someone else, especially a lesser talent, he would have been accused of bias or hypocrisy over his reconciliation plans.

Prayut's supporters, however, will be in mood to sympathise. Somkid's appointment must strike them as the equivalent to a Pheu Thai government naming Supachai Panitchpakdi as finance minister.

Regardless, the prime minister deserves credit for setting a precedent with this move, one that goes some distance in countering the practice of choosing ministers for the sake of political strength.

A tradition that slows Thailand's progress has been breached, however temporarily. We hope Somkid's appointment represents more than a mere "exception to the rule", and that future leaders continue to look past rivalries to find the best candidates for the jobs that otherwise simply aren't getting done.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/With-Somkid-Prayut-takes-an-unprecedented-gamble-30267677.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-29

[pmugghc]

OK, let the usual Thai bashers begin with their vile comments, full of contempt!

[lovelomsak]

No bashing here I enjoy the dog and pony show

[Toknarok]

Alliegencies can change overnight in Thailand. Somkid may have been a close ally of Thaksin at one time but he could have changed his mind or pehaps being shoved away from trough for some time may have somethng to do with it. No wonder those in power tend to surround themselves with relatives in the "asian family - mafia' tradition. Thaksin found this out with Newin Chidchop.

Edited August 29, 2015 by Toknarok

[LannaGuy]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Edited August 29, 2015 by LannaGuy

[chainarong]

Somkid appears without principal if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

The key words here is " without principle ".

[chainarong]

It is not all about who your preferred person is or which party , it is all about ability , after all we are working with a Junta who couldn't care less about loyalty or rule of law , so if Somkid comes out smelling roses that's fine, if not he's name is mud, get the drift

[uty6543]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Maybe Somkid like the PM wants to see a change for the benefit of Thailand and not just for himself.

[GeorgesAbitbol]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Maybe Somkid like the PM wants to see a change for the benefit of Thailand and not just for himself.

this post is the best joke of the day

[lovelomsak]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Maybe he wasnot given a choice.

[billd766]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Perhaps his principle is to help ALL the Thai people and not just the chosen few in an "elected" government.

Foe example, why was he not selected for the position of Finance Minister in the last "elected" PTP government run by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, instead of the one they did "choose", and who freely admitted that he lied to the government, parliament and the Thai people?

[khunken]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Perhaps his principle is to help ALL the Thai people and not just the chosen few in an "elected" government.

Foe example, why was he not selected for the position of Finance Minister in the last "elected" PTP government run by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, instead of the one they did "choose", and who freely admitted that he lied to the government, parliament and the Thai people?

Somkid was one of the few Thaksin choices based on ability and you're right that a principle to serve all Thais is a lot better than just one crook.

However he could not have been selected by Thaksin again because he was banned from all political positions for 5 years.

I applaud Prayuth for selecting Somkid because of his ability and it also does embarrass the 'I hate Thaksin, but....' vocal mob.

[Jonmarleesco]

The PM has obviously been reading up on Abraham Lincoln.

[Jonmarleesco]

It is not all about who your preferred person is or which party , it is all about ability , after all we are working with a Junta who couldn't care less about loyalty or rule of law , so if Somkid comes out smelling roses that's fine, if not he's name is mud, get the drift

'... we are working with a Junta who couldn't care less about loyalty or rule of law ...' And previous governments did?

[Solomon]

OK, let the usual Thai bashers begin with their vile comments, full of contempt!

An unelected PM whose first cabinet full of unelected crony Generals runs the economy into the ground within a year of seizing power from a popularly elected government whose "populist policies" were the only thing keeping the economy afloat now does an about face and appoints a former acolyte of the mastermind of the "populist policies" to salvage the wreckage and you think these peanuts are undeserving of vile and contempt filled commentary?

Please....

[arfurcrown]

Solomon post # 15

An unelected PM whose first cabinet full of unelected crony Generals runs the economy into the ground within a year of seizing power from a popularly elected government whose "populist policies" were the only thing keeping the economy afloat now does an about face and appoints a former acolyte of the mastermind of the "populist policies" to salvage the wreckage and you think these peanuts are undeserving of vile and contempt filled commentary?

Please....

Sadly Solomon you lack the wisdom of your namesake.

In all my 26 years here I have never seen such a bunch of inept corrupt self serving politicians as we had in the last couple of administrations.

The current state of the Thai economy is not nor has not been as a result of this current administrations efforts over the last year or so.

It is a combination of factors., Worldwide economic slowdown and the benefits of the previous administrations cronyism, mismanagement and manipulations of the public purse to benefit one political family its cronies and those generally in power as opposed to those who were paid put them into power.

[LannaGuy]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Perhaps his principle is to help ALL the Thai people and not just the chosen few in an "elected" government.

Foe example, why was he not selected for the position of Finance Minister in the last "elected" PTP government run by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, instead of the one they did "choose", and who freely admitted that he lied to the government, parliament and the Thai people?

Embarrassing post if you really believe the unelected military junta is serving ALL the Thai people. Just embarrassing.

[Solomon]

Solomon post # 15

An unelected PM whose first cabinet full of unelected crony Generals runs the economy into the ground within a year of seizing power from a popularly elected government whose "populist policies" were the only thing keeping the economy afloat now does an about face and appoints a former acolyte of the mastermind of the "populist policies" to salvage the wreckage and you think these peanuts are undeserving of vile and contempt filled commentary?

Please....

Sadly Solomon you lack the wisdom of your namesake.

In all my 26 years here I have never seen such a bunch of inept corrupt self serving politicians as we had in the last couple of administrations.

The current state of the Thai economy is not nor has not been as a result of this current administrations efforts over the last year or so.

It is a combination of factors., Worldwide economic slowdown and the benefits of the previous administrations cronyism, mismanagement and manipulations of the public purse to benefit one political family its cronies and those generally in power as opposed to those who were paid put them into power.

Why then, my dear friend, has Pridiyathorn Devakula been given the ass and replaced with Thaksin acolyte Somkid??

(like shooting fish in a barrel )

[arfurcrown]

In a battle you use all tactics and it is very wise in politics to keep ones enemy close.

Often that enemy is a turncoat who has useful information and is of course aware of matters that the new commander is not aware of.

Now as your intellect is far superior to mine why don't you answer the question you pose regarding the replacement issue?

Your opinions will or would be of great interest and valued by many of us who have family, property and business interests here, who despite having been here many years and still willing to listen and learn although perhaps having seen and felt a great deal more of the political tidal waves and the effect upon us and the public at large here over the years than the later arrivals here to Thailand....

.

Edited August 30, 2015 by arfurcrown

[LannaGuy]

In a battle you use all tactics and it is very wise in politics to keep ones enemy close.

Often that enemy is a turncoat who has useful information and is of course aware of matters that the new commander is not aware of.

Now as your intellect is far superior to mine why don't you answer the question you pose regarding the replacement issue?

Your opinions will or would be of great interest and valued by many of us who have family, property and business interests here who despite having been here many years perhaps have seen a great deal more of the political tidal waves and the effect upon us and the public at large here over the years..

.

when all's said and done it's all about 'that about which we may not discuss nor debate' and so all this other stuff is just 'noise'.

As JAG has already posted they HAD to put the junta in place and it's naught to do with Thaksin, Rice or the Tooth Fairy!

[arfurcrown]

LannaGuy post # 20

when all's said and done it's all about 'that about which we may not discuss nor debate' and so all this other stuff is just 'noise'.

As JAG has already posted they HAD to put the junta in place and it's naught to do with Thaksin, Rice or the Tooth Fairy!

Interesting comment there Lanna Guy.

A reason to put the junta into place.

Perhaps had that not happened this forum would like no doubt many others would not exist and many of its and other forums members would not be here in Thailand due to very serious civil disorders and a break down of society.

The future is indeed somewhat clouded in mist in more ways than one, Let us hope we can all weather whatever storms may be coming.

Sometimes an iron fist is the only way to secure stability,unpopular in the short term certainly but hopefully long term benefits would be positive.

[billd766]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Perhaps his principle is to help ALL the Thai people and not just the chosen few in an "elected" government.

Foe example, why was he not selected for the position of Finance Minister in the last "elected" PTP government run by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, instead of the one they did "choose", and who freely admitted that he lied to the government, parliament and the Thai people?

Embarrassing post if you really believe the unelected military junta is serving ALL the Thai people. Just embarrassing.

Do you believe that ANY government in the last 25 years or so served ALL the Thai people? That would be more embarrasing especially as so many of them were "elected" governments.

The TRT under Thaksin certainly didn't.

[h90]

I stopped ready at "Thaksin ally". He isn't since a long time, if he ever was.

[h90]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Perhaps his principle is to help ALL the Thai people and not just the chosen few in an "elected" government.

Foe example, why was he not selected for the position of Finance Minister in the last "elected" PTP government run by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, instead of the one they did "choose", and who freely admitted that he lied to the government, parliament and the Thai people?

Embarrassing post if you really believe the unelected military junta is serving ALL the Thai people. Just embarrassing.

No only your hero Thaksin is doing that....

[LannaGuy]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Perhaps his principle is to help ALL the Thai people and not just the chosen few in an "elected" government.

Foe example, why was he not selected for the position of Finance Minister in the last "elected" PTP government run by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, instead of the one they did "choose", and who freely admitted that he lied to the government, parliament and the Thai people?

Embarrassing post if you really believe the unelected military junta is serving ALL the Thai people. Just embarrassing.

No only your hero Thaksin is doing that....

I don't support Thaksin nor do I want him back nor do I OBSESS about him as you do and more importantly I see beyond the smoke and mirrors created by your beloved Junta

[LannaGuy]

Somkid appears without principle if he is prepared to serve in an unelected military junta

Perhaps his principle is to help ALL the Thai people and not just the chosen few in an "elected" government.

Foe example, why was he not selected for the position of Finance Minister in the last "elected" PTP government run by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, instead of the one they did "choose", and who freely admitted that he lied to the government, parliament and the Thai people?

Embarrassing post if you really believe the unelected military junta is serving ALL the Thai people. Just embarrassing.

Do you believe that ANY government in the last 25 years or so served ALL the Thai people? That would be more embarrasing especially as so many of them were "elected" governments.

The TRT under Thaksin certainly didn't.

No I do not believe that and nor do i believe this unelected military junta does either (YOU said it not me)

[arfurcrown]

But if course if Somkid succeeds he along with Prayuth will be hailed as financial conquering heroes.

But should he fail ,failure will be linked to his previous boss in the in the last couple or so previous administration and the blame will be laid at the feet of them all.

Looking at the big picture a vary astute political move by Prayuth.

[MZurf]

But if course if Somkid succeeds he along with Prayuth will be hailed as financial conquering heroes.

But should he fail ,failure will be linked to his previous boss in the in the last couple or so previous administration and the blame will be laid at the feet of them all.

Looking at the big picture a vary astute political move by Prayuth.

Yes, very astute. Just like the proposed charter, which is so thoroughly undemocratic that it actually has made the dems and the PTP agree on something.

Vote yes and kiss democracy goodbye until the new charter is torn up (which will happen at some point), or vote no and see the current bunch stay right where they are.

[Solomon]

In a battle you use all tactics and it is very wise in politics to keep ones enemy close.

Often that enemy is a turncoat who has useful information and is of course aware of matters that the new commander is not aware of.

Now as your intellect is far superior to mine why don't you answer the question you pose regarding the replacement issue?

Your opinions will or would be of great interest and valued by many of us who have family, property and business interests here, who despite having been here many years and still willing to listen and learn although perhaps having seen and felt a great deal more of the political tidal waves and the effect upon us and the public at large here over the years than the later arrivals here to Thailand....

.

What makes you think you've been here longer than I?

The explanation for Pridiyathorn's replacement is straight forward.

The Junta plans to stay for a lot longer yet and will be able to continue doing so more or less unopposed well into 2017 unless...............the economy tanks.

Thais have become somewhat inured to life under military rule after 20 odd coups in the last 80 odd years, however, nothing will rouse the masses into the streets to overthrow a regime more than a period of individual financial pain.

When you can't pay the bills or feed your family suddenly Section 44 and re-education camps don't seem so scary.

Expect a lot of Junta stimulus spending over the next 2 - 3 years, there will be many large infrastructure projects rushed into starting, official interest rates will be keep low and the Baht will be let devalue outside the normal trading bands - of course none of these measures are for the long term benefit of the country - they are all for the short term benefit of those who have usurped power.

The Junta and its backers are going to sacrifice the Thai economy in order to prolong their stay in power and Somkid is just the stooge they need to do it.

The next elected Government (who? when?) will inherit an economy in much much worse condition than the shambles George W handed over to Obama.

[arfurcrown]

Now Solomon I did not state that I had been here longer than you I stated that many who comment have little experience of Thai politics and the machinations involved.

If your interpretation of my comment conveyed to you that you were being judged or criticized you were off of target.

You are in many ways correct concerning the future actions as you see them concerning then current administration.

Hopefully such a time frame might provide a breathing space for Thailand and its peoples to come to understand the principles of the fact that politicians are the servants of the public, not the other way around.

Your comment concerning the status of Somkid indeed tallies with mine, however the introduction of the history of the American economy is irrelevant for many a reason.

I feel that in the long term the Junta may hopefully prove to be the catalyst for dragging Thai politics into a cleaner political arena if such a thing exists although given as politicians around the world are to my mind self serving beggars that hope is probably a pie in the sky hope!!.

The progress of matters short and long term will be governed by world economic factors and any internal matter that may shake the kingdom to the core.

Lived through it all for some 26 years so lets see what the future holds.

To my mind we are in for and will have a white knuckle political and social roller coaster ride with hopefully a calm and placid end to the ride when the end destination is reached.