Gen Surayud : Solve Problems First, Then Talk About New Ministers Position

[Jai Dee]

Gen Surayud : Solve problems first, then talk about new ministers position

PM Gen Surayud Chulanont dismissed reports that he has assigned new positions for his administration as yet, adding that he would like to solve current problems affecting the country before assigning new positions.

While inspecting flood problems at And Thong and Singhaburi, Gen Surayud said he is not keen in discussing about politics as yet and would like to solve the current flooding problems in the country first.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Acting secretary-general said one week to form new cabinet line-up

Gen. Pong-thep Thep-prathip <พล.อ. พงศ์เทพ เทพประทีป>, acting secretary-general to Prime Minister said that it will take a full week to prepare for the cabinet line-up under Gen. Surayud Chulanont.

He added that the new Prime Minister already knows who he would like in his new administration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Interior Ministry prepares a room for PM to hold a VDO conference with provincial governors

The Ministry of Interior has prepared a conference room for Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to meet with the governors from all provinces via video conference.

The Deputy Secretary to the Interior Ministry, Mr. Chairuek Sit-amnart (ชัยฤกษ์ ดิษฐอำนาจ), said that the Prime Minister would be able to virtually hand different policies to the provincial governors nationwide at this conference room.

Mr. Chairuek also spoke about the rotation of positions within the Interior Ministry, saying that their names of the officials should be already submitted to the new government. He believes that the proposed rotation will not be altered after the new Interior Minister has been appointed.

He added that all interior officials are ready to follow the policies of whoever has been entrusted to take the Interior Minister’s post.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM refuses to hint on the new cabinet line-up, wants to solve problems facing country first

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ จุลานนท์) has declined to mention about his new cabinet line-up, adding that he wants to solve problems caused by severe flooding first. Gen Surayud only told reporters that the media will be able to see a clearer picture of the cabinet line-up in a week's time.

Before taking a helicopter to inspect flood situation in Ang-thong (อ่างทอง) and Singhburi provinces, the premier expressed his concern on the flood situation in the country and said that the matter is the first priority to deal with.

Referring to the violence in the Deep South, Gen Surayud said the issue is set to be tabled in the new cabinet meeting. He is also waiting to discuss with his new ministers on whether the government should hold talks with insurgents in the restive south. Gen Surayud however said that with the hard work and dedication by the government officials, positive signs have shown and that insurgent acts in the three southern border provinces, have weakened.

In the meantime, Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niumpradit (บุญสร้าง เนียมประดิษฐ์) spoke about the flood situation and that he has assigned units to restore historical places in Ayudhaya (อยุธยา) Province, which has been hit hard by flood. He also asked for assistance from relevant agencies to provide consumer goods to flood-affected people, including residents at Koh Kred (เกาะเกร็ด) in Nontaburi (นนทบุรี) Province. At the same time, forces from Royal Thai Army and medical units have been dispatched to assist flood victims in major districts.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

[Pink Mist]

[Jai Dee]

PM Surayud will lead ministers to a sworn-in ceremony before HM the King next Tuesday

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the Cabinet meeting will not take place next Tuesday (October 10th) as he will lead the new ministers to a sworn-in ceremony before His Majesty the King.

Today, Gen. Surayud had a discussion with Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the Council for National Security Chairman, and Privy Council President and Statesman Prem Tinsulanonda for two hours. The Prime Minister said they discussed the preparation Sarn Jai Thai Su Jai Tai (สานใจไทยสู่ใจใต้) Conference.

The event will start tomorrow at 9 AM, and youths from the South will participate in this conference on October 25th.

The Prime Minister also stated that they did not talk about the appointment of the Cabinet members. However, he is confident that the Cabinet will be fully set up in a week, or next Monday.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

/Closed.

[Jai Dee]

BOT Governor is certain that the new Cabinet will be set up before the end of this week

The Bank of Thailand Governor, M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula, is confident that the government will be able to conclude the names of the new ministers within this week.

The central bank governor, who is also in the economic team of this government, said he could not specify the names and the positions in the new Cabinet at the moment, but he believes that the Cabinet will be formed by the end of this week. He said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will announce the names of the new ministers by himself.

Referring to Mr. Kosit Panpiemras (โฆสิต ปั้นเปี่ยมรัษฎ์), the Executive Chairman of Bangkok Bank, whose name is appearing in the new Cabinet, M.R. Pridiyathorn said he could not tell which position Mr. Kosit will be appointed, as the Prime Minister is the person who approaches him. Nevertheless, the Governor of the Bank of Thailand said Mr. Kosit is highly capable and has knowledge in many areas.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

/Closed.

[Jai Dee]

ALL THE PM'S MEN

Potential candidates for the Surayud's Cabinet

Deputy Prime Minister/Culture Minister/Commerce Minister/Health Minister (updated)/Industry Minister/Agriculture Minister (updated)/Finance Minister/Energy Minister/Foreign Minister/ Interior Minister (updated)

Education Minister :

5pm - Privy Councillor member Dr Kasem Wattanachai today cancelled his meeting after receiving an urgent telephone call from the prime minister. This caused speculation that he would be in the cabinet and possibly as Education Minister, the position he held under Thaksin government.

Deputy Prime Minister :

October 4, 2006

2.15pm

Executive chairman of the Bangkok Bank, Kosit Panpiemras, former Agriculture deputy minister during the Anand Panyarachun's administration, was seen meeting Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Tuesday. He refused to reveal the content of the discussion. Today he is tipped to be a deputy prime minister who will oversee rural development and decentralisation policies.

Culture Minister :

October 3, 2006

6 pm : Former Bangkok Senator, Kraisak Choonhavan, known for his outspokenness, has emerged Tuesday evening as one of the top man for the top post at the Ministry of Culture. Kraisak was the chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Two days ago, his name had emerged as the possible future foreign minister but the academicturnedpolitician was quickly edged out by career diplomats who could ensure continuity rather then provocative ideas.

Another top man in the spotlight was former permanent secretary at the Culture Ministry, MR Chakrarot Chithrabongse, whose name came up as a candidate.

Commerce Minister :

October 3, 2006.

6.30pm : Former Commerce Ministry's permanent secretary, Krirkkrai Jirapaet, on Tuesday night emerged as one of the main contender to lead his former work place.

Health Minister

October 4, 2006

4.30pm - Network of medical personnel propose today their choices of candidate for Health Ministry. The network which has doctors, dentists, nurses and public health ministry officials throughout the country, as members, said that the new minister should not be politically attached to any party and has questionable background.

Their choices are Privy Councillor member Dr Kasem Wattanachai, Former Senator Dr Malinee Sukavetvorakit, or respectable anti-tobacco Dr Prakit Vatheesathokkit.

October 3, 2006.

7pm : Former Health Ministry's permanent secretary Vitura Sangsingakeo emerged as the leading candidate for the top post at the ministry.

Industry Minister :

October 3, 2006

8pm - Ajva Taulananda, former president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, emerged Tuesday evening as the leading contender to lead the Industry Ministry.

Agriculture Minister :

October 4, 2006

2pm - Rumour mill of the day has it that the next Agriculture Minister will be Ajva Taulananda. The honourable chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce was tipped on Tuesday to be the Industry minister.

October 3, 2006

6.30pm - Executive Chairman of Bangkok Bank Kosit Panpiemras has initially emerged as the man to take up the top post at the Finance Ministry, deemed one of the most important portfolio for the Surayudh's Cabinet.

Kosit met Surayud at the Government House Tuesday afternoon for about 20 minutes. He later admitted he will join the new Cabinet in an economic ministry post but refused to elaborate, saying it depends on the prime minister. He also stated that chairman of the Bangkok Bank, Chatri Sophonpanich, has given him the green light to resign from his position at the bank and that he would be permitted to return to the institution when his mission is completed.

But by Tuesday afternoon it appeared that the military council behind the coup wanted him to head the Agriculture Minister. However, when confronted by reporters on Tuesday afternoon after meeting with Surayud, he deny the speculation that he would be the next Agriculture Minister.

Finance Minister :

October 3, 2006

8pm - Bank of Thailand Governor Pridiyathorn Devakula is the likeliest candidate for the post. As his current position as head of the central bank is so prestigious, he would be unlikely to leave it for anything less important than the Finance portfolio. It has been reported that he might also be willing to accept the post of deputy prime minister.

Energy Minister :

October 3, 2006

7.45pm Former National Energy Policy Office secretary-general Piyasvasti Amranand has emerged as an appropriate choice for the post, as his ideas about alternative energy sources are welcomed by the energy industry.

Foreign Minister :

October 3, 2006

8pm - Former Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Nithya Pibulsonggram appeared to at the forefront as the man to lead as the candidate as of Tuesday evening, squeezing out other candidates.

The name of former Foreign Minister's permanent secretary Saroj Chavanavirat was floated in a conversation in Tuesday morning between the current permanent secretary Krit Garnjanagoonchorn and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont but the verdict is still out as to how will take up the ministry's top post.

4pm - Earlier in the day, HM's Deputy Principal Private Secretary Tej Bunnag and former permanent Nithya Pibulsonggram.

Last week, military sources told The Nation that the leader of the military council behind the coup, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, was eyeing former Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan. Although Surin's nomination may be welcome by the international community, the generals are also acknowledged that his membership in the Democrat Party would hurt his chance of being nominated.

Also last week, former National Security Council's secretarygeneral Charan Kullavanit also emerged in the conservation among the inner circle. A colorful and outspoken security tsar, Charan climbed up the Army's rankandfile successfully - like hundreds of Thailan'd generals - but achieved stardom when he was appointed to head the NSC.

But the curtain has yet to fall. To the surprise of many, former Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai appeared to be putting his application for the job now that his chances of becoming the next UN Secretary General has hit rockbottom as the UN Security Council refused, for the forth time, to give him a passing grade.

Interior Minister :

October 4, 2006

2.30pm - It is widely speculated today that Interior Ministry under the interim government will have its former permanent secretary Aree Wongaraya as deputy minister. Aree is an old hand in the ministry and his performance during his term was deemed acceptable to all parties.

October 3, 2006

8pm - Tuesday evening saw General Oud Buangbon coming out ahead as one of the man to assume the top position at the powerful Ministry of Interior. The retired soldier was the former permanent secretary at the Defense Ministry with close personal ties to General Prem Thinsulanonda, the president of the Privy Council.

The other person whose name also came up was General Somdhat Attanand, former Army chief who was instrumental in getting General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the head of the military council who ousted Thaksin, to his current top post in the Army.

As for the post of the deputy interior minister, former Army chief Geneal Vichit Yathip, a career soldier with close personal ties to former premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

2pm - One of the most talked about political figure in the post Thaksin, Privy Council member Plakorn Suwannarat, was touted as the next interior chief.

But the respected former civil servant, according to his close associate, will not take the offer and will continue to work as a member of the HM's Privy Council. He deemed the current posting the highest in his career as public service.

The close aide said Plakorn is aware that the public, as well as the media, has tossed his name out. He is also aware that expectations will be high with the line up of the new interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont who has taken the helm on Sunday.

Plakorn, the former director of the nowdefunct Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), has deep understanding of the situation the South where an ongoing insurgency has claimed more than 1,700 people have been killed since January 2004. He was Thaksin's first victim; the SBPAC was dissolved by the previous government in mid2001, just months after Thaksin came into power.

Source: The Nation - 4 October 2006

/Closed.

[Jai Dee]

Spokesman of PM's office states that names of deputy spokespeople will be announced after the designation of the cabinet

Army Capt. Yongyuth Maiyalarp (ยงยุทธ มัยลาภ), the Spokesman of the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that the names of deputy spokespeople of the Prime Minister’s Office will be announced after the Cabinet has been designated. The team will be selected from specialists, and they must be acceptable among the public.

He said that the administrators are discussing the candidates’ qualifications. The primary report said that two positions of deputy spokespeople have already been determined, and they will be responsible for releasing government announcements.

As for Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) daily announcements, Army Capt. Yongyuth said that the Secretariat of the Prime Minister will be responsible in this task.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet list should be completed by Tuesday: Surayud

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Thursday that the list of his Cabinet would be complete by Tuesday.

Surayud said some newspapers had inaccurately reported that he would lead his Cabinet to be sworn in on Tuesday.

"I didn't say that I would lead the Cabinet to be sworn in on Tuesday. I just said that the Cabinet list would be complete by Tuesday," the prime minister said.

"It would be depend on when His Majesty the King will grant us an audience," Surayud said.

Source: The Nation - 5 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM confirms cabinet line-up next Tuesday

Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont <พล.อ.สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์> revealed after a meeting with the supportive 'Sai-Jai-Thai project for the South', ( สานใจไทยสู่ใจใต้ ) a project inititated by the Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda (พล.อ. เปรม ติณสูลานนท์) Foundation, that the list of his Cabinet would be complete by Tuesday.

Gen Surayud said that there were some inaccurate reports that he would lead his Cabinet to be sworn in on Tuesday.

The new PM added that the cabinet line-up will also depend on when His Majesty the King will grant the new government an audience.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Dr Kasem : wasn't approached yet to become Education Minister

Privy Councillor Dr. Kasem Wattanachai <เกษม วัฒนชัย > dismissed reports that he has been approached by Gen Surayud to join the new cabinet team as the new Education Minister. Dr. Kasem said he is content with his present job as a Privy Councillor and hopes to continue his work for His Majesty The King.

Dr. Kasem said he believes the new Prime Minister already has a clear picture of who he wants as members in the new cabinet line-up.

He said that there are many capable people in Thailand, which can contribute to the development of the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

ALL THE PM'S MEN

Cabinet in the making

The following is a list of potential Cabinet members. Names with * is confirmed.

Defence : Gen Boonrawd Somtat/Gen Wichit Yathip or Gen Sirichai Thanyasiri (deputy)

Finance : MR Pridiyathorn Devakula

Foreign : Nitya Pibulsonggram

Tourism : Sakthip Krairiksh

Social Development : Panit Nitipanprapart

Agriculture : * Pramote Maiklad

Transportation : Thawee Butsoonthorn/Kamroplak Surasawadee

Environment : Pitipong Puengboon

ICT : Pairat Patchayapong

Energy : Piyasawasdi Ammaranan

Commerce : Krirkkrai Jirapaet

Interior : *Aree Wong-araya/Chanasak Yuwaboon (deputy)

Justice : Charnchai Likitjitta

Labour : Thapabutr Chomsewee

Culture : Kaisri Sri-arun

Science : Yongyuth Yuthawongse

Education : * Wijit Srisa-arn

Health : Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla

Industry : Kosit Panpiemrat

Source: The Nation - 6 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM Surayud insisted appointment of Cabinet will be finalized this Sat-Sun

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont asserted that the appointment of the new Cabinet will be finalized within this weekend.

Gen. Surayud said there will be no auspicious moment following the appointment of the Cabinet, and asked people to wait and see whether certain people may hold at least two posts simultaneously. He stated that he is ready to listen to all sides’ opinions on the appropriateness of the appointment, adding that he will work on the matters that are possible for implementation.

This afternoon, Gen. Surayud assigned Mr. Loyluen Boonnak, the Prime Minister’s Deputy Secretary in the administrative division, to inspect the workplaces in various buildings inside the Government House, such as the headquarters, the news broadcast room, and the workplace for press members. Officials have also been assigned to replace the damaged equipments for the press members.

The Prime Minister will discuss with the administrative division over the place to hold the Cabinet meeting, and the two alternatives are Secretariat of the Cabinet building and the headquarters.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Surayud completes his cabinet line-up

The much-anticipated interim cabinet was taking shape yesterday as some respected technocrats said they had been approached by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont about joining his government.

Surayud said the list of civilian ministers would be ready either today or tomorrow, but declined to confirm his earlier timeline of seeking royal approval for the appointments by next Tuesday.

Wichit Srisa-an, former permanent secretary for university affairs, said he had accepted Surayud's offer for him to serve as the education minister and planned to focus on restructuring the educational system.

"I believe the new government will be serious about educational reform. Although I will have only one year in office, I will set guidelines for future changes. Reform will take time," he said.

He is a former Democrat MP, but left the party two years ago and does not think he will be accused of any bias in his expected new role.

"I have to thank the Democrat Party for all the good experiences. I now have a better understanding about politics," he said.

Yongyuth Yuthawong, the first director of the National Science and Technology Development Agency and currently a senior researcher at the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, said he had accepted Surayud's informal invitation to help out in science affairs.

If he took up the science and technology portfolio, his urgent task would be to create an environment to turn Thailand into a "knowledge-based society". As a scientist, he would have a better understanding of technical issues.

"This administration will have limited time, only one year, in office. So I must do my best," he said.

General Boonrod Somthat, a former Army chief-of-staff, who is tipped to become the new defence minister, said Surayud had approached him to join his team.

Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is expected to become deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs, a source close to him said.

Paiboon Wattanasiritham, chairman of the Community Organisation Development Institute, has been approached by the prime minister to serve as social development and human security minister, a source said.

Source: The Nation - 7 October 2006