New Thai PM To Be Announced Sunday

[george]

New Thai PM to be announced Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The military council will name a new prime minister this weekend, but the generals have not yet decided who they want to take the job, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The council's leader, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, "is scheduled to have a royal audience on Saturday to submit the interim constitution for royal approval, and the name of the new prime minister will be announced one day after," Major General Thawip Netniyom told Agence France Presse

But he said the junta had not yet chosen the person to replace ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

"As of today, it's unclear who will become the next prime minister," he said.

The constitution, however, is already complete and comprises 39 articles, Thawip added.

The junta has promised to issue an interim constitution and to name a civilian prime minister within two weeks of their September 19 coup.

They then plan to launch a process to write a permanent constitution to replace the one they tossed out when they took power and imposed martial law. Sonthi has vowed to hold elections in October 2007.

The leading contenders to become prime minister include the respected former army boss General Surayud Chulanont and the former World Trade Organization chief Supachai Panitchpakdi, according to Thai media.

--The Nation 2006-09-27

[Scott]

It will be nice to have a civilian PM--even if he will be answering to the military. It's an encouraging sign.

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

It will be nice to have a civilian PM--even if he will be answering to the military. It's an encouraging sign.

If a PM does not answer to the people, then it is purely cosmetic.

Nevertheless "gam kee dee kwar gam todt"

Edited September 27, 2006 by Barney_the_Dinosaur

[billd766]

It will be nice to have a civilian PM--even if he will be answering to the military. It's an encouraging sign.

Also it is within the 2 weeks that the CDRM said they would take.

Hopefully with this as a start maybe some of the other things that they would happen will.

[Losangels]

Will it be the ex-general that the local paper mentioned today?

Personally I prefer someone like Anand Punyarachun who has no links to the military

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

I'd like to see ex-general Chavalit Yongchaiyudh return to the Premiership.

When he left a few years back his fortune teller said he would return to office one day, and his New Aspiration Party was beloved in the badlands of Isaan.

[Thaising]

I'd like to see ex-general Chavalit Yongchaiyudh return to the Premiership.

When he left a few years back his fortune teller said he would return to office one day, and his New Aspiration Party was beloved in the badlands of Isaan.

If he will appointed the PM post, The thais will be more worries that he would pull down another economic crisis like in 1997.

Edited September 27, 2006 by Thaising

[Rinrada]

Will it be the ex-general that the local paper mentioned today?

Personally I prefer someone like Anand Punyarachun who has no links to the military

Wifes brother could probably be it OK.

It would give him something to do in between trying to fix his old motorbike.

[Plus]

If a PM does not answer to the people, then it is purely cosmetic.

People failed this country. The PM should be answerable to the CDR and the King.

[ColPyat]

If a PM does not answer to the people, then it is purely cosmetic.

People failed this country. The PM should be answerable to the CDR and the King.

Lovely, lets just get completely rid of democracy, to simplify things. Or, even better, lets get rid of the people alltogether. Those people are just such a pain the arse, always failing the country.

[englishoak]

I don't think S E Asia is realy ready for democracy yet. Sure there is a show but other than Japan I can't think of another country that has embraced it without seriously "tweaking" the ground rules of a true Democracy.

Then again most of the "Democratic" countries are guilty of abusing those same guidelines all the time.......... Ah well mabe they are ready...

[john b good]

I'd like to see ex-general Chavalit Yongchaiyudh return to the Premiership.

When he left a few years back his fortune teller said he would return to office one day, and his New Aspiration Party was beloved in the badlands of Isaan.

Big Jiew "you gotta be kidding

General Surayud Chulanont would be a good choice. <snip>

And IMHO (for whatever that is worth) he is a good man.

/Mod Edit - Speculation and comments re Thai Royalty deleted.

Edited September 28, 2006 by Jai Dee

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

I don't think S E Asia is realy ready for democracy yet. Sure there is a show but other than Japan I can't think of another country that has embraced it without seriously "tweaking" the ground rules of a true Democracy.

Then again most of the "Democratic" countries are guilty of abusing those same guidelines all the time.......... Ah well mabe they are ready...

Doesn't "Thai-land" mean 'land of the free or something like that. These people love freedom and liberty.

[lookpedkeeray]

General Surayud Chulanont would be a good choice.

Well sorry.. regardless of if he's actually a good choice, keep in mind the headline would read:

"Thai military steps aside. General Sonthi replaced by......... General Surayud"

Not saying it therefore won't happen, but if they have any sense at all then they pick a civilian with some international experience as well as being seen as neutral at home.

Then again.. this could be difficult if qualified civilians don't like the implications of the job.

[otherstuff1957]

[

Doesn't "Thai-land" mean 'land of the free or something like that. These people love freedom and liberty.

Actually, Thailand means 'land of the Thai's'. The myth that it means 'land of the free' was spread by Pibun Songram, the PM/Dictator of Thailand back in the '40's.

[h90]

If a PM does not answer to the people, then it is purely cosmetic.

People failed this country. The PM should be answerable to the CDR and the King.

Lovely, lets just get completely rid of democracy, to simplify things. Or, even better, lets get rid of the people alltogether. Those people are just such a pain the arse, always failing the country.

It is just for 1 year not forever, there are not many other options at the moment.

[cclub75]

Thais have their King as a father figure, and kids are always pain in the arse. Democracy is for grown ups, or orphans.

Plus, bravo. That's a very clever and rich metaphor.

And I would add : rather prophetic...

[Jai Dee]

Privy councilor Surayud Chulanont denies being approached to be interim PM

Privy councilor Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) denies being approached by the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) to be interim prime minister.

Gen. Surayud said he will have to ask for reasons and talk with CDR first if the post of interim prime minister is offered to him.

He said, however, that he is still worried about several things after the September 19 power seizure by CDR, particularly acceptance of foreign countries and problems concerning the southern violence and economic management.

Gen. Surayud said CDR should quickly explain to the international community why it had to seize power from the civilian government.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 September 2006

[bobfla]

Privy councilor Surayud Chulanont denies being approached to be interim PM?

Now it seems todays Nation's website suggests otherwise.:-

Surayud selected as PM: source

"The ruling generals have selected an interim prime minister whose appointed (sic) is expected at the weekend, said a senior figure in the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR).

"All people in the CDR have agreed about it and we're confident that the choice will be acceptable to the public," said Navy commander-in-chief Admiral Sathiraphan Keyanont, who is a deputy leader of the council.

A source in the CDR Thursday said the governing generals agreed that Privy Council member General Surayud Chulanont, who was previously the armed forces supreme commander, would be given the post.

The Nation"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30014888

Edited September 28, 2006 by bobfla

[george]

Interim PM choice sent for royal endorsement

BANGKOK: -- The ruling generals have selected an interim prime minister whose appointment is expected at the weekend, a senior figure in the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) said yesterday.

A source said last night the CDR submitted the appointment yesterday for royal endorsement.

"Everyone in the CDR are in agreement and we are confident that the choice will be acceptable to the public," said Navy commander-in-chief Admiral Sathiraphan Keyanont, who is a deputy leader of the council.

Sathiraphan declined to name the interim premier yesterday, saying the CDR chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin would make an announcement about the new prime minister.

When asked if the new PM would be a civilian or military man, the Navy chief pointed to a senior Army officer in uniform and said: "He will not be dressed like this, for sure".

A source in the CDR said the governing generals agreed that Privy Council member General Surayud Chulanont was the most suitable choice in the current situation, because the country was in need of unity. The retired general was previously Army chief and armed forces supreme commander.

Surayud is viewed as capable of ensuring reconciliation in the Kingdom, while any of his weaknesses could be rectified by technocrats and experts in those fields, according to the source.

The army chiefs expected that the final Cabinet line-up would help restore confidence overseas in Thailand.

The ruling council has said the interim prime minister would be named over the weekend, at the same time a temporary constitution is enacted.

The new prime minister is expected to lead an interim government for a year while a new constitution is being written. Then, a new election will be organised by October next year, according to a timeframe announced by the CDR shortly after its overthrow of the Thaksin Shinawatra government on September 19.

In addition to Surayud, former World Trade Organisation chief Supachai Panitchpakdi, who now heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development, has also been touted as a leading contender for the PM's seat.

He has declined to make public comments on the matter.

Some analysts yesterday described Supachai as a suitable choice for prime minister, saying that due to his good image in the world community, his appointment would make it easier for the interim government to win confidence from other countries.

One observer said it was rare for a privy councillor to be appointed prime minister.

Supachai was ahead of Surayud in a public survey by Bangkok University of residents in Bangkok and surrounding areas. He won support from 35 per cent of respondents, compared to 28 per cent for Surayud.

Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chai Pattana Foundation, re-emerged yesterday as a possible candidate for the role of prime minister, following Sathiraphan's hint that the CDR choice was not a man in uniform.

Among those expected to serve in the interim administration are central bank governor MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, who is likely to be finance minister, according to sources close to the CDR.

Krirkkrai Jirapaet is expected to become commerce minister; Ajva Taulananda, industry minister; Piyasvasti Amranand, energy minister; General Thawat Ket-angkun, defence minister and Chai-anan Samudvanija, transport minister.

Former senator Kraisak Choonhavan and former permanent secretary for foreign affairs Tej Bunnag, were leading candidates to become foreign minister, according to the sources.

--The Nation 2006-09-29

[lukamar]

People failed this country. The PM should be answerable to the CDR and the King.

Whatever happened to the "get out there and protest in the streets for democracy" Plus we all know from a few months ago? I heard these guys need a partner.

Edited September 29, 2006 by lukamar

[steveromagnino]

I call on all TVers to uphold the principles of democracy. Now watch this putt.

I have it on good source that Anand would be seen as too close to the coup makers, being that he is a Prem type character (great guy too incidentally).

I hope that Supachai will be 'da man' however he isn't exactly neutral, since he comes from the democrats; however he is the guy that I can see the financiers abroad liking more than an ex soldier.

Chavalit?????!!! Nice joke, but seriously, the only thing that guy should be running is a pi$$ up in a brewery.

[sriracha john]

I'd like to see ex-general Chavalit Yongchaiyudh return to the Premiership.

When he left a few years back his fortune teller said he would return to office one day, and his New Aspiration Party was beloved in the badlands of Isaan.

If he will appointed the PM post, The thais will be more worries that he would pull down another economic crisis like in 1997.

But the good General would do so much to bring culture to the forefront.

His performance in Swan Lake was purely inspirational:

[george]

New premier and interim charter submitted for royal approval : Sonthi

The new prime minister is somebody you know well.

BANGKOK: -- Gen Sonthi Bunyaratglin, leader of the military council, said Friday that he already submitted for royal approval the new prime minister and the interim charter.

He however declined to reveal the name of the new premier.

"He (the new premier) is somebody we know well. He is someone who you will feel comfortable to wai," Sonthi told reporters.

--The Nation 2006-09-29

[Plus]

People failed this country. The PM should be answerable to the CDR and the King.

Whatever happened to the "get out there and protest in the streets for democracy" Plus we all know from a few months ago? I heard these guys need a partner.

Little correction - PAD demanded justice. Without justice there was a democratically elected leader who wasn't fit for the office.

When I say people failed I mean everyone. I blame PAD for not coming back in force after Thaksin's return. They didn't put enough pressure on him and so kept his options open until the army stepped in.

In hindsight, PAD's pressure alsmost certainly would have been accompanied with violence. The coup prevented that.

And, of course, I blame people as a whole, who not only voted for Thaksin in large numbers, but who openly allowed, if not admired his corruption.

Left to themselves they fell prey to Thaksin's sweet talk and chose the leadership incompatible with country's traditional aspirations. Surely they all agree with the coup makers now, but where were they two weeks ago?

In a democracy it would be the people who decide the country's course, if they wanted businessmen they would get businessmen. If they wanted to worship money they would be free to do so, even if it meant changing nation's phsyche.

Thailand, on the other hand, is a monarchy, a constitutional monarchy (without constitution at the moment), thus there are certain principles that cannot be compromised, no matter how many people voted against them. This is the arrangement that everyone agrees on. Democracy has limits here.

What do I personally prefer in absolute terms? Probably democracy, but in Thailand's case monarchy is more reliable if you are looking for sound governance. Personally I'd prefer an honest PM appointed by CDR than a crook elected by people.

Hope it clarifies.

[Jai Dee]

Thailand coup rulers choose Chulanont as interim PM

Bangkok, Sept. 29 (AP): Thailand's military rulers have chosen Surayud Chulanont, a former army commander and close adviser to the country's powerful monarch, as interim prime minister following their coup, the auditor general was quoted as saying.

Auditor General Jaruvan Maintaka revealed the choice in comments to reporters late Thursday that were carried on an official government Web site Friday. "Yes, definitely, Gen. Surayud is the prime minister. He is the suitable person,'' Jaruvan was quoted as saying by the Public Relations Department.

However, she later denied making those comments. When telephoned about the details on Friday, she told The Associated Press: "I didn't say so.'' The conflicting accounts could not immediately be reconciled.

All Friday morning Bangkok newspapers carried headlines that Surayud would probably head the new government.

His appointment was expected to be announced this weekend or Monday, after it receives approval from King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Surayud, a highly regarded 62-year-old retired officer, was selected by the country's ruling military council which seized power from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup Sept. 19 while the premier was abroad. The council vowed to name a civilian prime minister within two weeks.

Akara Thiroj, a spokesman for the council, said an interim constitution has already been completed and sent to the Royal Palace. He hoped the constitution could be announced Saturday or Sunday and followed by the formal announcement of the prime minister on the weekend or Monday.

"The media seems to know more than I do. Every newspaper put his name on the front page,'' Akara said when asked who the new prime minister would be.

The other much-touted possibility for the job had been former World Trade Organization chief Supachai Panitchpakdi, who now heads the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, or UNCTAD.

Surayud's appointment was expected to be widely praised in Thailand.

Over a 40-year career in the military, Surayud garnered a reputation for effectiveness, tact and incorruptabiltiy, the latter a trait not shared by a number of officers in Thai military ranks. Upon his retirement in 2003, he was appointed to the Privy Council, the top advisory body to the king.

During his career he fought Thai communist insurgents and handled the sensitive situation along the embattled Cambodian border during the 1980s. He was regarded as close to the American military, which praised him throughout his career.

A devout Buddhist, Surayud spent time as a monk after leaving the army and often said he had no intention of entering the political fray.

Korn Chatikavanij, deputy general secretary of the Democrat Party, said earlier that Surayud is an "appropriate'' choice.

Although being a former general might give the outside world the impression the military was merely transferring power to one of its cronies, that would be neither true nor relevant, he said.

"What is important is domestic reconciliation and Gen. Surayud is ideal for that,'' Korn told The Associated Press.

The coup leaders accused Thaksin's of corruption and causing schisms in Thai society. His government was overthrown while he was visiting New York, and he is now in London and has not indicated if or when he may try to return to Thailand.

Large demonstrations early this year demanding his ouster _ following allegations of corruption and abuse of power _ reflected a polarized Thai society, and many Thais have greeted the coup as a resolution of that crisis.

The United States, which has decried the coup as a setback to democracy, meanwhile on Thursday suspended US$24 million (euro18.8 million) in assistance to Thailand.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said U.S. financing of U.S. military sales to Thailand is being cut off along with training for Thai military personnel.

"The United States continues to urge a rapid return to democratic rule and early elections in Thailand,'' he said.

Source: Associated Press - 29 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

SURAYUD HAS THE RIGHT CREDENTIALS

As interim prime minister, career soldier's qualities could restore national stability

Amid the unstable situation after the coup, the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) desperately needs an interim prime minister with power and charisma to ensure that everything remains under control.

The CDR has faced difficulty in finding the most suitable person to fill the top post. Its dilemma has been whether to give priority to boosting international confidence or enhancing reconciliation in the country.

Anand Panyarachun, who became prime minister in 1991 following a coup, told Newsweek recently that this month's coup was similar to the one in 1991 but with an added dimension.

"When the government disappeared from the scene [in 1991], there was no fear it could make a comeback. But over the past five years Thaksin Shinawatra and his party have become too powerful. They have consolidated their hold over the government machinery and certain sectors of the armed forces and parliament. So I think it's a more precarious situation," Anand said.

Anand's words echo the concerns of Privy Council member General Surayud Chulanont about the remaining parts of Thaksin's regime.

Surayud warned that if the ousted prime minister returned to Thailand, it could create further rifts in the country because there would be clashes between his supporters and opponents.

"Myself and several other people understand that supporters and opponents will clash on the day that Thaksin returns home. It would be a big commotion. Therefore, we want the military council to speed up national reconciliation," he said.

Those concerns raised by two prominent figures might help the CDR easily decide which one would be its priority - international image or national stability.

The CDR has already decided who it wants to lead the country, but has declined to reveal the name.

"The military council has agreed by consensus and made our choice for prime minister. We are confident that he will be acceptable to the public," Admiral Satirapan Keyanon said.

It is believed that the CDR has decided to place national reconciliation at the top of its agenda. If so, who will be the person who could destroy Thaksin's regime and foundations?

Having looked at two strong candidates - General Surayud and Supachai Panitchpakdi, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development - the former is likely to be the one chosen by the CDR.

One has a good international image while the other has more ability to bring peace to the country.

Supachai has a sound standing among the international community. A respected technocrat with a clean record in Thailand's national politics, his appointment would definitely be received positively by the international community.

Moreover, the former World Trade Organisation (WTO) chief was the first person to have crossed over from one of the Bretton Wood institutes - which include the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and WTO - to become the head of a key UN organ.

Just last week, his name surfaced among the UN Permanent 5 members (USA, UK, China, Russia and France) as a possible candidate for UN secretary-general, replacing Kofi Annan when he steps down in the coming weeks. But his strong point is not enough to ease the chaos in the country.

Surayud, on the other hand, is deemed a clean, well-respected professional soldier who built his career through the Special Warfare command. He is well liked and respected by the men who served under his command.

His selection to lead the interim government would reflect the desire by the CRD to disband the foundations that Thaksin had laid over his years in power, as well as neutralise the cronies associated with the Thai Rak Thai Party.

Although himself a career soldier, Surayud is seen as the man who put the public at ease and reassured them that the military was not interested in holding on to power.

His term as Army chief helped put to rest the ghost of the May 1992 uprising in which scores of civilians were killed. His strong support of the then Third Army chief Lt-General Wattanachai Chaimuenwong during the stand-off with the Burmese junta during border clashes made the Army the source of comfort for the public.

More importantly, Surayud is seen as a man who has the sophistication to deal with the complexities behind the ongoing insurgency in the Malay-speaking South. Thaksin was deemed to be too dogmatic in his approach, emphasising law and order instead of tackling the root cause of the historical resentment behind the violence.

If the interim PM post goes to Surayud, he could help to justify the CDR's first reason for staging the coup - that Thaksin's government had brought about severe and unprecedented disunity in Thai society.

If Surayud could get strong candidates for his cabinet, he could ease international concerns about the coup and maintain the strength of the economy.

A European ambassador said the international community would be closely watching to see who was appointed to the three important positions in the interim government of prime minister, finance minister and foreign minister.

"The three must not disappoint the public and must work independently from the military council," he said, adding that the CDR should step down after the interim government is set up.

Source: The Nation - 29 September 2006

[george]

Thailand coup rulers choose Chulanont as interim PM

Still not confirmed, but quite likely. We might have to wait until Sunday for the official confirmation.

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

So .....the civilian tipped for the PM'ship is actually a General?

[Jai Dee]

Auditor-General Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka discloses that Gen. Surayud Chulanont will be named interim prime minister

Auditor-General Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka (จารุวรรณ เมณฑะกา) disclosed that Privy Council member Gen. Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) will be appointed interim prime minister.

Khunying Jaruwan told reporters at Suvarnabhumi airport where she came to pick up her subordinates who returned from South Korea yesterday that it is certain now that Gen. Surayud will lead the interim government to be set up by the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR). CDR seized power from the Thaksin Shinawatra government on September 19.

Aside from Gen. Surayud, other leading contenders for the post of interim prime minister are said to be UNCTAD secretary-general Supachai Panichpakdi (ศุภชัย พานิชภักดิ์) and Supreme Administrative Court president Akrathorn Chularat (อักขราทร จุฬารัตน์).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 September 2006