Diplomats [in Thailand] remain unconvinced [about Somchai's gov't]

Friday September 26, 2008
ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT
Bangkok Post

"[Foreign diplomats in Thailand] are also closely watching how amicably Thailand's conflicts with Cambodia will be resolved, with people who know Cambodian strongman and Prime Minister Hun Sen sitting in the new administration."

The diplomatic corps has breathed a sigh of relief at the possibility of violence on the streets decreasing, but many ambassadors believe the government will not last long as several political time-bombs are waiting to explode.

United States ambassador to Thailand Eric John was the first foreign diplomat to meet new Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on Monday at Mr Somchai's house, and the American embassy's team has gradually met many of the key ministers, who were sworn in yesterday.

Mr John went straight to the point and asked Mr Somchai if his cabinet was only a "stop-gap" measure before the next election in a few months, according to a source. The prime minister did not reply, but pledged to do his best during his tenure, the source added.

Outgoing Chinese ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jiuhuan was the second diplomat to meet former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's brother-in-law.

The US and China have played a quiet, but important role in voicing concerns from the international community about the Thai political scene over the past few years.

Japan and the European Commission also took a tough stance when the military staged a coup two years ago and expressed their concerns about the violent political turbulence during the past few months. Their voices represent key traders and investors in Thailand.

Despite the combination of political clowns and gangsters, which include nominees and relatives of banned politicians from the defunct Thai Rak Thai party, the Somchai government is the main legitimate political force in Thailand, said a European diplomat.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) occupying Government House - the centre of administration - gives the country a bad image in the eyes of the foreign community.

"We are sympathetic to Thailand and we know that our stance might not please somebody like the anti-government forces, but this country has come through difficult times over several years and what you need is a more quiet political life - it's better to get Thailand out of the headlines on CNN and the BBC or see comments in The Economist, New York Times and International Herald Tribune," a diplomat based in Bangkok said.

Hopefully, the People Power party-led government will manage to have some political life before the House dissolution, with certain agreements to be reached with the PAD on how to amend the constitution.

Foreign diplomats realise the government is only an interim administration. One thing they do know is that Mr Thaksin will still happily carry his diplomatic passport, at least until the end of the year.

They are also closely watching how amicably Thailand's conflicts with Cambodia will be resolved, with people who know Cambodian strongman and Prime Minister Hun Sen sitting in the new administration.

What they are more concerned with is how the government can win back the confidence of foreign and domestic investors, as well as tourists, to stimulate the economy in the months ahead.

Thai Govt vows reconciliation

Click on the photo above to zoom in

Noppadon leads team to set policy platform

Thursday September 25, 2008
Bangkok Post REPORTERS

Ending the dispute with the anti-government demonstrators led by the People's Alliance for Democracy is a high priority for the government, which was endorsed yesterday by His Majesty the King, an official says.

The administration is expected to take an oath before His Majesty today and could hold an informal meeting tomorrow at the temporary office at Don Mueang international airport.

The government will not officially function until it declares its policies in the House, expected to be next week.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has assigned former foreign minister and People Power party (PPP) member Noppadon Pattama to design a platform.

He held talks with National Economic and Social Development Board secretary-general Ampon Kittiampon yesterday at the PPP headquarters and will discuss the policies with the leaders of all seven coalition parties tomorrow.

According to Mr Noppadon, the government's urgent tasks include national reconciliation.

Other important policies are the border problem with Cambodia, implementation of megaprojects, better education, foreign investment promotion, more lending for the poor and schemes to revive the sagging economy.

All policies could be achieved within three years, the remaining term of the House and the government, he added.

The decision to bring in Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as a deputy prime minister underlines the attempt to mend fences with the PAD.

Gen Chavalit said he would try to find a solution acceptable to the government and the PAD. The new administration was determined to end the political turmoil, he added.

The prime minister reiterated his belief in the quality of his cabinet ministers despite continued criticism. "I'm ready to listen to criticism and can explain all cabinet positions to the public, but it's better to give time to the ministers to prove themselves and let them work first," Mr Somchai said.

The prime minister's comments failed to win over the opposition Democrat party and other critics who are disappointed at the line-up.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva doubted the ability of the government to solve problems as the cabinet was based on the quota system.

"It's a compromise gesture by the prime minister to settle [party] interests. If fundamental problems remain, the nation cannot solve its problems," Mr Apirak said.

Despite having confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Olarn Chaipravat, the former president of Siam Commercial Bank who will be overseeing economic affairs, business leaders cast doubts on the overall economic ministers.

Santi Vilassakdanont, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said Mr Olarn is internationally and locally accepted. It will be better with him in control of the economic ministries, which include finance, industry, commerce and energy, he said.

Dusit Nontanakorn, vice-chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said he believes Mr Olarn will be able to direct the economic team.

"We will give them an opportunity to work even though most of them are the same people as the last cabinet," he said.

As the new administration promises to improve education as a key policy, vice rector of Dhurakij Pundit University Paitoon Sinlarat questioned the suitability of Srimuang Charoensiri as the education minister. Mr Paitoon said he did not recognise Mr Srimuang's role in education in the past.

Bangkok Senator Rosana Tositrakul questioned the selection of Preecha Rengsomboonsuk as a deputy interior minister because of his connection to a 4.3-billion-baht drug scandal.

Mr Preecha was secretary to former health minister Rakkiat Sukthana, who was exposed by Ms Rosana in a Public Health Ministry scandal in 2003. She said Mr Preecha was implicated by a fact-finding committee but not charged.

Rakkiat was convicted by the Supreme Court's political crime section in October 2003 of taking a five-million-baht bribe from drug firm TNP Healthcare Co and sentenced to 15 years in jail. Mr Preecha did not face any legal charges.

"How can such a person with a tainted background be promoted to the cabinet," she said.

Foreign diplomats suspect the government will not complete its term.

Thailand: King endorses new cabinet; Opposition abandons hope for new administration

BANGKOK, Sept 24 (TNA) -Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Wednesday gave royal approval to new cabinet under Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

The new cabinet ministers -- most of whom were ministers in the outgoing administration of Samak Sundaravej -- will have an audience with the king for an oath-taking ceremony on Thursday evening at his palace in Hua Hin district before officially undertaking their new duties.

The 61-year-old prime minister, royally appointed Thailand's 26th prime minister last Thursday, will concurrently hold the defence minister's portfolio in the new cabinet.

Surprisingly, former prime minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was appointed deputy prime minister along with Chavarat Charnvirakul, retired Maj-Gen. Sanan Kajornprasart, former banker Olarn Chaipravat, and Sompong Amornwiwat who will also be foreign minister.

Mr. Sompong, justice minister in the outgoing administration, faces an uphill task holding the foreign ministerial portfolio because he lacks international relations experience, and is asked to resolve Thailand's border problem with neighbouring Cambodia and chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) until the end of 2009.

Suchart Thadadamrongwej was elevated from deputy finance minister to minister, with Pradit Pataraprasit as his deputy, retaining his post. Another deputy finance minister is Ranongrak Suwanchawee.

Chaiya Sasomsup retained his commerce ministry portfolio as did Pol. Gen. Kowit Wattana who was able to cling to the interior ministerial portfolio but lost his deputy prime minister post in the new cabinet.

Another surprise -- considered unwelcome by some -- sprang up in the new administration when former interior minister Chalerm Yoobamrung returned as public health minister. The outspoken politician with no knowledge of medical affairs is known to be a close ally of ousted, fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now seeking political asylum in Britain.

Former national police chief Pol. Gen. Pracha Promnok was appointed industry minister.

The new cabinet received lukewarm response from opposition Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva soon after it was announced on television and radio stations.

Mr. Abhisit said there were hardly any new faces in the new administration and it would be difficult for it to gain confidence from the public which is looking to solutions for the country's prevailing problems.

"Many of the ministers were criticised earlier and they're still in this cabinet," said Mr. Abhisit, adding that earlier criticisms that the cabinet would be formed by those engaged in politics and efficient persons would be left out.

The new cabinet should not think of a honeymoon period because the country is already facing a palatte of problems including floods in widespread parts of the country, political turmoil and economic problems, said Mr. Abhisit.

"Hopes for improvements by the prime minister are misplaced," said Mr. Abhisit, sarcastically. "It's not going to happen,"

No honeymoon [for Somchai Wongsawat]

Even before it is official, the cabinet is coming under strong criticism, despite a plea from Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to judge their performance, not the nominations.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
By Bangkok Post Reporters

Critics ignored a plea from Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on Tuesday to give his cabinet nominees time to prove themselves. Their main targets are Sompong Amornwiwat, who is to become foreign minister, and Suchart Thadathamrongvej, who will be promoted to finance minister.

Controversial former interior minister Chalerm Yubamrung will come back into the administration, this time as public health minister.

Prasong Kosittanond, who has been nominated as a deputy interior minister, could stir up trouble in the Puea Pandin coalition party as he is not an elected MP.

On Tuesday, the cabinet list was forwarded to His Majesty the King for endorsement.

The prime minister boasted that all 36 members of his cabinet were well-qualified for their posts, although others might think differently.

"Let's wait and see their performances," Mr Somchai said, adding he could justify the nomination of all his prospective cabinet members.

A source in the People Power party (PPP) said the list was approved by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who wants to curb the influence of the faction led by Newin Chidchob.

Another party source said Mr Sompong was nominated to become foreign minister because PPP core members wanted him to handle hot issues like the Preah Vihear temple and the revocation of Mr Thaksin's diplomatic passport.

Mr Sompong's preference was either staying on as the justice minister or being moved to the Interior Ministry. However, he had to succumb to pressure from inside the PPP, the source said.

Mr Sompong wasted no time on Tuesday in saying goodbye to officials at the Justice Ministry, telling them he was leaving for the Foreign Ministry.

The decision to put him at the Foreign Ministry surprised and worried officials as he has two key issues waiting for him.

He has to resolve the spat with Cambodia over the border dispute and handle Southeast Asian affairs as Thailand now chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Mr Sompong will not have much time to learn about his new job because his first assignment is to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York and chair an informal meeting of Asean foreign ministers on Sept 29, a Foreign Ministry official said.

Political analyst Panitan Wattanayagorn of Chulalongkorn University was worried about the appointment of Mr Sompong as the foreign minister, given the difficulties of the Thai-Cambodian dispute.

It required a capable person specialising in foreign affairs, the analyst said. He urged Mr Sompong to show his courage by revoking the diplomatic passport of Mr Thaksin.

Historian M.L. Walwipa Charoonroj of Thammasat University said Mr Sompong was not suited to the foreign affairs portfolio. The post required a person well-versed in international policies, not a protector of politicians' interests, she said.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa said he was concerned about Mr Suchart handling finance policy.

When Mr Suchart was a deputy finance minister in the Samak Sundaravej administration he had once criticised the Bank of Thailand, Mr Banharn said. That could lead to problems in the administration.

Mr Chalerm, who was earlier forced out of the interior post by public pressure, has been given some breathing space by health experts.

Kriengsak Watcharanukulkiat, head of the Rural Doctors' Society, said he had no expectations from the new public health minister as the government will not last long. But he said the new minister could be given a chance to prove his qualifications.

Saree Ongsomwang, manager of the Foundation for Consumers, said the new minister in charge of public health had to improve access to medicine and the universal healthcare scheme.

Puea Pandin also had its own problem after the cabinet line-up was completed as the nomination of Mr Prasong could threaten its unity.

Dissident MPs in Puea Pandin warned of turmoil after party leader Suvit Khunkitti nominated Mr Prasong, a non-MP and reportedly the party's financier, to the post of deputy interior minister again.

Yasothon MP Ronritthichai Khankhet said he and the other seven MPs in the party disagreed with Mr Prasong's nomination as he was not an MP and lacked political experience.

The eight MPs are from the Ban Rim Nam faction and another faction led by party-list MP Sarudej Yasawat.

Mr Ronritthichai said the two factions had eight MPs altogether but none of them were included in the cabinet list.

Correction: Sompong, not Chavilit, is the new Thai FM

Sompong, New Thai Foreign Minister

By D.Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Justice Minister and veteran politician Sompong Amornwiwat is set to helm the Foreign Ministry in Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's Cabinet.

The deputy leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) told reporters today that Somchai had asked him to be foreign minister in the new Cabinet which is awaiting royal endorsement.

Sompong, 67, one of the front-runners to replace prime minister Samak Sundaravej after he was disqualified by the Constitution Court on Sept 9, said he woul d be ready to assume the post which was last held by former diplomat Tej Bunnag.

Sompong's confirmation today also ruled out former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as speculated by the media or former ambassador to France Saroj Chavanaviraj who was nominated by Samak to replace Tej but was left out in the cold after Samak's departure.

Thai officials said Sompong, who hailed from the northern city of Chiangmai, was favoured over other career diplomats due to the party's close link with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

"In the previous Thaksin government until he was ousted in the 2006 coup, his party was not concerned much with the foreign ministry. But now they need a politician in control as there are lot of issues about Thaksin, his exile abroad and his red (diplomatic passport)," said a government source.

Sompong's immediate task would be to reduce the border tension with Cambodia, as well as taking charge of the country's preparation to hold the Asean Summit in December.

Somchai, a brother-in-law of Thaksin, said the Cabinet line-up had been completed, including nominees from five other parties in the coalition government.

The former judge is expected to hold the Defence Minister post as well.

The new cabinet is expected to have several new faces, including for the coveted Finance Minister post where the current deputy finance minister, Suchart Thadathamrongvech is likely to replace PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee who declined reappointment due to an ongoing court case.

Suchart is the leader of the Puea Thai, a party formed recently with the aim of absorbing members of parliament from PPP in case the party is disqualified for alleged election fraud.

Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who has good relations with Hun Sen and Tea Banh, is expected to become Thailand next FM

Somchai completes his team

September 23, 2008
By Piyanart Srivalo, Woranaree Kosachan
The Nation

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday he had completed his list of Cabinet members and that background checks were under way on the proposed appointees.

He said the Cabinet Secretariat was carrying out the checks in order to ensure that their qualifications were in line with the law.

"The Cabinet list has been completed. Now the Cabinet Secretariat is doing to the background checks. There are lots of people involved," said the premier. Although the Secretariat has promised to complete its task as soon as possible, Somchai expects the process to be time-consuming.

The prime minister yesterday received many visitors to his home as he was preparing the final Cabinet line-up.

As of last night, the ministerial portfolios involving the ruling People Power Party (PPP) were not complete, but the nominations from five other coalition parties had already been submitted, according to a party source.

Under the PPP quota, former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is expected to become deputy prime minister and foreign minister, with the urgent task of settling the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Chavalit has maintained good relations with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen and Defence Minister Tea Banh.

Chalerm Yoobamrung, who served as interior minister in the PPP-led government of Samak Sundaravej, is expected to join the next Cabinet. However, it remained unclear last night whether he would serve as justice minister or deputy prime minister.

This would depend on whether Sompong Amornwiwat, who is currently caretaker justice minister, stays at the ministry or becomes public health minister in the new Cabinet, the source said.

The Cabinet seats that remained unsettled yesterday involved those under the quota system. They include the positions set aside for members of different factions in the party, including the Friends of Newin group.

As for the seats for other coalition parties, Puea Pandin Party's Pracha Promnok could become deputy PM after party leader Suwit Khunkitti turned down the offer. His decision came after he learned that he was not being given the Industry portfolio.

The Industry Ministry portfolio is expected to go to Anongwan Thepsuthin, leader of the Matchima Thipataya Party. She is now caretaker minister of natural resources and environment.

Caretaker energy minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop, who is from the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party, yesterday said she had opted not to be reappointed. Wannarat Charnnukul, a senior figure from Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, is set to replace her at the Energy Ministry.

Mingkwan Sangsuwan, who is currently caretaker industry minister, is likely to get no position in the new Cabinet, according to the source.

The allocation of Cabinet seats is now mired with coalition quotas, factional squabbling and a game of musical chairs among cronies.

Like the Samak Sundaravej government - which was hatched in Hong Kong - the Somchai administration is being drawn up in London.

Key faction leaders like Newin Chidchob and Yongyuth Tiyapairat allocated seats under instructions from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Pojaman.

Somchai's wife, Yaowapa, advised her brother Thaksin into reserving plum assignments for a clique of MPs from the North. Loyal allies from Chiang Mai were duly rewarded with jobs in the PM's inner circle, and Somchai reportedly agreed to rubber-stamp the deal worked out by his wife and in-laws.

The Cabinet line-up signals the People Power Party's determination to plough through all political adversity in order to cling to power.

Political expediency might yield an incompetent government, with coalition MPs focusing more on partisan interests than the greater good.

Even if the government were to collapse in a few months, it would not be of concern because the alliance and the electoral system would remain intact to help win re-election bids.

It is just a coincidence that the PAD-led opposition has decided to come up with a new political model to replace what it considers a flawed electoral system at the same time as the unveiling of the Cabinet.

The PAD intends to make people aware of the "evil-side" of the Somchai government - which it claims to be a proxy of Thaksin's autocratic regime. But by rushing to advance the tentative model for its so-called "new politics", it has failed to think things through. As a result, confusion only seems to intensify.

It remains doubtful whether its new politics could be a viable alternative to the existing political system.

Though the PAD claims it is drawing a road map to revamp the system, it appears unable to come up with either a fresh proposal or a breakthrough.

The debate on what constitutes an appropriate political model for Thailand has been rekindled time and again over the past 76 years. Arguments advanced by the PAD are nothing but a rehash of past issues.

The idea about allocating House seats between appointees and elected MPs is not new. For more than a decade after the advent of democracy in 1932, half of the parliamentary representatives were appointed.

However, nowadays people are more politically conscious, which is why the PAD is being met with such stiff opposition to the idea of House seats being allocated.

This idea has since been modified to divide seats between elected MPs via constituency vote and elected professional representatives via peer vote. The PAD has yet to clarify how the nomination process and peer vote would be organised.

The idea of professional representation sounds strikingly similar to the so-called democratic representation in a communist regime. If the PAD were to emulate a Chinese political model, many would cry foul over the regression of popular democracy.