Reshuffle shows Big Four's clout

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Reshuffle shows Big Four's clout

ANALYSIS: Shinawatras cement hold over government

Published: 27 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The much-anticipated new cabinet line-up shows signs of power being consolidated among the "Big Four" of the Shinawatra family.

The reshuffle list reflects the broad power wielded by ousted prime minister Thaksin, his ex-wife Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra and his two sisters Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Yaowapa Wongsawat.

Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman are set to maintain his political interests mostly through the appointments of members of the so-called House No.111, including Pongsak Raktapongpaisal who is tipped for the post of energy minister, Phongthep Thepkanchana who is expected to become the education minister and Varathep Rattanakorn who is likely to appointed a PM's Office minister.

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ricefield
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Discussion 63 : 30 Oct 2012 at 01.0863
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The headline subtitle reads, "Bangkok Post reporters say the new cabinet will consolidate the economic, diplomatic and especially political power of the Big Four of the Shinawatras".

So what do others say?

Financial Times:- "“With this reshuffle, she has signalled growing political confidence and independence,”

Thai Rath:- "Nevertheless, at the same time, Yingluck was able to push for Pradit Sintawanarong to be the new Public Health Minister. Most importantly, others in the Thai Ku Fah group (Yingluck’s group) and those close to Jae Daeng (Yaowapha) and who are in close scrutiny of the opposition have kept their positions. T
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englishbob
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Discussion 62 : 29 Oct 2012 at 12.1462
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Eric John said he could foresee a 'bright future' for Yingluck.
He said she was 'more poised than before'. But in the same email he noted that Thaksin 'wanted to make a deal' with the government about $2.3 billion and did not want Yingluck in the limelight. Other Peua Thai heavyweights were not impressed with the idea of an inexperienced Thaksin clone as party leader.

The ambassador was also very complimentary about Abhisit and wrote that the Thaksin's speeches were 'inflammatory' and could 'reasonably be seen to encourage violence'... Cherry-picking again, Dom?
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jgriff
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Discussion 61 : 28 Oct 2012 at 04.1961
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Dis 47 "So, diplomats and the respondents to local opinion polls who want her to finish her term of office seem to be convinced, all that remains are a few dozen posters at the Bangkok Post."

Thats hallarious. "Sources in diplomatic circles " No proof just sources! Probaly Thai sources.
Opinion polls. Now thats even funnier. You think that 1200 people out of 65 million is a true opinion poll.

"A few dozen posters." Take a measurment of how many for PTP and how many against PTP. Not all that are against are for Dem Party. They just see a very corrupt govt. TS party got in by giving money= populast policies to get in. Which will p
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bangmodken
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Discussion 60 : 28 Oct 2012 at 03.2760
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D45 & 46 : Mugabe's ZANU-PF was democratically elected in 2008 in the same fair and transparent way as TRT/PPP/PTP. Recent polls showed that his government got high scores and that most participants were satisfied with the governments performance,especially the land-distribution scheme.
In DPRK,Kim Jong-Ill fared even better,scoring 99% of the votes and local polls has showed overwhelming satisfaction with his government,which is now headed by his son since his passing,just like Pantongtae some day will take over his fathers place,if all goes well.
Based on your obvious insight into democracy in your comments,then Zimbabwe and DPRK are as "
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bckatcha
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Discussion 59 : 28 Oct 2012 at 03.0059
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Like it or not, it's a hand well played!
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bangmodken
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Discussion 58 : 27 Oct 2012 at 19.5558
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And to D47 : Maybe the poll should have questioned why most people want Yingluck to complete her 4 year term? Could it be that most people,diplomats and other foreign envoys included,don't want a repetition of the colour coded violence?
I personally think so and my opinion is based on talks with Thais,both those I know and in casual meetings,at the market and elsewhere.
As for former U.S. Ambassador Eric John's comment,it sounded more like a face saver than anything else. Perhaps it was directed at Yingluck's improved english speaking skills?
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domdunnn
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Discussion 57 : 27 Oct 2012 at 19.2157
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ringmaster D53

Hear,hear! Thailand's biggest political problem is the complete lack of an effective opposition.

The task of the opposition is not just to scrutinise the government's performance, it should also be putting forward alternative policies designed to show voters that there is a different and better way of solving their problems. From the Dems all that is heard is complete silence and they wonder why they cant get elected!
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The Dark Side
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Discussion 56 : 27 Oct 2012 at 19.1956
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Speaking of weak links. What is planned for the PT idiot minister named Plodprasop? He is not just a weak link he is in fact a missing link.
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The Dark Side
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Discussion 55 : 27 Oct 2012 at 19.1655
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"I never sell my soul. I swear to the spirit of the red shirts," he said.

Oh Jatuporn you make me want to cry. But they are tears that are caused by laughing too much at stupid things that are said.
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The Dark Side
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Discussion 54 : 27 Oct 2012 at 19.1354
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The former transport minister's main task will be to prepare for talks with Cambodia on both countries' overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand and possible collaboration and exploration in oil and natural gas.

This is obviously a misprint. It should read 'under the table personal exploitation' not 'collaboration.' These are the Shinawatra's, nothing more and their brand of diplomacy spells personal gain at all cost to Thailand or whom ever they are doing business with.
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Reshuffle shows Big Four's clout | Bangkok Post: news