Prayut returns as prime minister

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Prayut govt tipped to escape – but wounded – from this week’s censure debate

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is bracing for his third censure debate this week when he and five other Cabinet members will be grilled by opposition politicians.

The attacks will center on the government’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating economic fallout, according to opposition leader Sompong Amornvivat of the Pheu Thai Party.

The four-day debate is scheduled to start on Tuesday (August 31), with voting on Saturday (September 4).

As well as Prayut, the opposition is also targeting five key ministers from the three major coalition parties. They are Deputy Premier and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob from the Bhumjaithai Party, Labour Minister Suchat Chomklin and Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn from Palang Pracharath, and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on from the Democrat Party.

No serious impacts

The opposition is expected to pull no punches in its attacks this time – unlike in two previous censure debates which were marred by allegations of behind-the-scenes deals.

However, observers say the grilling is unlikely to bring any serious change, such as a Cabinet reshuffle or the collapse of Prayut’s administration.

More: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/prayut-...ensure-debate/

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Thai PM challenged on 1st day of censure debate over failure to contain pandemic

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was singled out for fierce attacks by opposition Pheu Thai MPs, over his alleged failures in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the first day of the censure debate in parliament this morning (Tuesday).

The start of the debate was delayed by about 40 minutes, due to a lack of the required quorum, prompting a party-list MP for the Bhumjaithai party, Wirach Pantumapol, to propose, informally, that the debate should be postponed to the next parliamentary session. More MPs showed up shortly afterward to make the quorum, so the debate could proceed.

Taking the floor as the first speaker at about 10am, Pheu Thai party leader Sompong Amornvivat accused the prime minister of incompetence and complete lack of knowledge, resulting in failures in several areas of national administration, specifically in the management of the coronavirus pandemic, causing the death of thousands of people and extensive damage to the economy and businesses.

He questioned the prime minister’s honesty in the procurement of a certain make of COVID-19 vaccine, despite its inferior quality, and likened the government’s vaccine procurement policy to putting the people in peril.

Pheu Thai Secretary-General Prasert Chanthararuangthong blasted the prime minister and the minister of public health, Anutin Charnvirakul, for every failure in the fight to contain the pandemic, from the procurement and distribution of vaccines and the failure to take Thailand into the COVAX program to the procurement of rapid antigen test kits.

He said that the dependence on Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines while, at the same time, forbidding the private sector to procure alternative vaccines, has led to a shortage of vaccines in Thailand and deprived the population of rapid access to vaccines as COVID infections increases.

He questioned whether someone in the government might have benefited from the procurement of such a large amount of the Chinese Sinovac inactivated virus vaccine, despite its dubious efficacy.

The government’s decision not to join the COVAX program has deprived Thailand of access to free vaccines and of the opportunity to enhance the country’s vaccine security, while several other ASEAN countries have joined the program, said the Pheu Thai secretary-general.

He also accused the prime minister of flip-flopping over the procurement of 8.5 million antigen test kits, adding that the pandemic situation in Thailand has worsened, to the extent that the United States, Britain and Hong Kong have issued travel advisories for their citizens against visiting Thailand. “I would like to ask the prime minister how come Thailand has descended to this level?” he asked.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin and Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwat Thanakamanusorn are also to be targeted during the censure debate expected to be wrapped up either Thursday or Friday.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm...tain-pandemic/

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Govt denies jab purchase graft

The government has defended itself against accusations of corruption in its procurement of Covid-19 vaccines, saying the allegation that it pocketed change from previous Sinovac purchases was totally untrue and that its spending was above board and transparent.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha denied embezzling any money after a Pheu Thai MP questioned a 2-billion-baht discrepancy between approved budgets and the paid prices for five batches of the Sinovac vaccine Thailand bought.

He was responding to accusations made on Tuesday on the first day of the four-day no-confidence debate.

As for an accusation that the PM had paid money to further his political career, Gen Prayut said the opposition knew only too well that he had never done what was alleged, adding that the entire state budget the government has recently spent mostly went to funding the fight against Covid-19 and easing its impact on the country and the people.

He challenged the opposition to find out who had taken the alleged "change" from the government's purchase of Covid-19 vaccines, saying his government is ready for any investigations into the allegation.

"I only use my salary. I have no children who run a business. I pray every day, so I would never resort to doing anything immoral. And I insist that this government performs its duties honestly," Gen Prayut said.

And in response to an allegation that the government has opted for deficit budgetary planning while achieving nothing in particular, Gen Prayut said Thailand's financial and budgetary status was only recently certified by the World Bank as very strong.

At press time on Tuesday, his deputy and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had not taken the stage to counter the vaccine procurement allegations.

The prime minister reacted to allegations of corruption in Covid-19 vaccine procurement made by Prasert Chantararuangthong, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Nakhon Ratchasima and the party's secretary-general.

Mr Prasert said that instead of procuring the Covid-19 vaccine under the usual public procurement law, Gen Prayut had declared a state of emergency to allow the purchase of the Sinovac vaccines.

And while initially aimed to be only 10% of the entire supply of Covid-19 vaccines, more doses of Sinovac were imported than AstraZeneca, which was supposed to be the main vaccine source, the opposition MP said.

The chargé d'affaires at the Chinese embassy, Yang Xin, once stated that Thailand was the first nation to import Covid-19 vaccines from Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited for commercial purposes, he said.

He also claimed that the Chinese company, listed on Hong Kong's stock exchange, is known to have close ties with a tycoon in Thailand who has close connections with the Thai government.

"Although the Chinese company doesn't have any official sales representatives in Thailand, there certainly are some brokers who pocketed the change from the vaccine deal. As a result, Thai people are using low-quality vaccines at a high price," said Mr Prasert.

Comparing the prices, Thailand paid for 2 million doses of Sinovac as of Jan 5 against the prices paid by other countries, he said.

Thailand actually paid 556 million baht, while Indonesia and Brazil paid only 460 million baht and 337 million baht respectively.

"Gen Prayut and Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have conspired together to purchase the Sinovac vaccine on various occasions," he said.

On July 6, 10.9 million doses of the vaccine were purchased at a cost of 6 billion baht, he said.

Later on five occasions, the cabinet approved a total budget of 10.8 billion baht to fund the Sinovac vaccine purchases, while the actual sum paid was only 8.7 billion baht, according to Mr Prasert.

"This means about 2 billion baht is missing. Where is it now? Who has taken it?" asked Mr Prasert.

Dr Witoon Danwibul, director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, offered an explanation as to why the cabinet had to approve larger sums of budget than the amount actually paid for the Sinovac vaccines in previous purchases.

He said that because the prices of the vaccine and the currency exchange rates change constantly, a higher budget is needed ahead of the purchases, while the allotted budget is in reality disbursed equally to the actual spending, he said.

"There was no change… And no one has taken the rest of the money," he said.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...purchase-graft

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Thai PM defends government’s handling of pandemic 3rd day of censure debate

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha defended his government’s performance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic today (Thursday), the third day of the no confidence debate against him and five other ministers, claiming that cumulative infections and fatality rates in Thailand are much lower than those in many other countries.

He also explained the initial decision not to join COVAX was not a mistake and dismissed the Opposition’s allegation that the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), which he is heading, has assumed a monopolistic position in the management of the pandemic.

After being bombarded with accusations by the Opposition over slow vaccine procurement, vaccine shortages and alleged corruption in the procurement of the Sinovac vaccine, the prime minister took to the floor to defend himself and his administration.

He said that, for the past twenty months, Thailand has performed fairly well in dealing with the latest wave of COVID-19, compared to the global average “but not as well as many people in the country expected.”

Around the world, he said, 217 million people have been infected, accounting for 2.8% of the global population and about 4.5 million people have died, accounting for 2.1% of the infected. In Thailand, however, the infection rate is 1.8% of the population and the death toll is 0.96% of the infected.

Based on infection per one million population, he said that, on August 30th there were 16,548 infections in Thailand, compared to the global average of 27,848 and many fewer than countries which have administered the Moderna vaccine to their populations, such as Israel, with 118,979 infections and the US’s 116,427 infections.

He said Thailand’s cumulative death toll, per one million of the population, is 155, compared 549 globally, 1,945 in the UK, 1,917 in the US and 791 in Israel.

“Thailand’s death rate from COVID-19 is comparatively very low, but we must make sure that there will be no more deaths. I have sympathy for everyone, but we have to look at the situations outside too. If we only look at the situation in the country and keep criticizing it, we won’t be able to do anything,” said the prime minister.

He also claimed that the decision not to join COVAX at the beginning was not a mistake, but a judgement based on the best interests of the country at the time, adding that being a member of the program has several strings attached, making it impossible for the government to set the procurement timeline for vaccines and forcing the government for a substantial amount of investment. Thailand has now decided to join COVAX, because there have been many changes to the regulations.

He warned the Opposition MPs that their denigrating of the Chinese-made Sinovac vaccine may harm the bilateral relationship, adding that more than 30 million doses of the Chinese product have been administered so far in Thailand, including to many MPs, and it has saved many people from death.

He claimed the high price of Sinovac, as pointed out by the opposition, was dictated by the seller, not the buyer.

Addressing accusations that the CCSA has monopolised the power to manage every aspect related to COVID-19, he insisted that the final say still rests with the cabinet, while insisting that the lockdown restrictions imposed by the CCSA are effective in containing the disease.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm...g-of-pandemic/

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wonder if he'll hold up

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I have a feeling he'll do alright

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Plot aims to oust premier

Controversy is flaring up over a "political deal" to unseat Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after some MPs from smaller parties in the government coalition confirmed the plot exists.

Among small coalition parties approached to join the move to cast no-confidence votes to oust the PM is the New Palangdharma Party.

Party leader Rawi Matchamadon said small parties are a key factor in the current political situation, confirming that a report about key figures in the ruling-Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the opposition Pheu Thai having struck a deal to vote against Gen Prayut and remove him from power is true.

Currently, there are nine small government coalition parties, each with one MP, Mr Rawi said, adding there are also coalition parties with less than 10 MPs such as the Chartthaipattana and New Economics Parties.

They have about 20 votes combined, he said, adding if the small parties joined the opposition in voting against the PM, they would have about 212 votes, which are enough to unseat Gen Prayut, he said.

If they could remove the PM from power, a new prime minister is unlikely to be chosen from a list of current prime ministerial candidates submitted by parties, meaning an outsider could be elected, he said.

Most importantly, the outsider must have the backing of the PPRP and Pheu Thai first because the two parties have 250 votes combined, before gathering support from smaller parties, Mr Rawi said.

"I admit that in parliament, there have been talks about who will stand a chance of becoming the next prime minister, and that candidate must be approved by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra," he said. "This formula can materialise only when the PPRP and Pheu Thai join hands."

The government is facing a grilling from the opposition during a four-day no-confidence debate that started on Tuesday, with votes to be cast on Saturday. The debate targets the PM and five cabinet ministers.

On the third day of debate on Thursday, Wisarn Techathirawat, Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Mai, accused Gen Prayut of paying 5 million baht to some MPs in exchange for votes of support.

"I take responsibility [for the following remarks]," he said. "MPs went to the PM's room [in parliament] to receive 5 million baht."

"How come?" he said.

This prompted Weerakorn Khamprakop, a PPRP MP for Nakhon Sawan, to respond by saying he just left the PM's room and the allegation is false.

"We only wanted to offer moral support to the prime minister," Mr Weerakorn said. "We did not take any money. [The allegation] is an insult."

"How come the MPs can receive the money in these premises," he added. "That's utter nonsense."

Gen Prayut yesterday denied the allegation, saying "I confirm that I did not do that. [The MPs] came to greet me."

The move to topple Gen Prayut was engineered this week and involves PPRP heavyweights, including Capt Thamanat Prompow, the party secretary-general, and some renegade members of the ruling party as well as a coalition of micro-parties and politicians in the main opposition Pheu Thai Party.

They colluded to form a plan to cast no-confidence votes against Gen Prayut, according to sources.

Rumours regarding the deal emerged after Pheu Thai decided to exclude Prawit Wongsuwon, PPRP leader and deputy prime minister, and Capt Thamanat from the no-confidence debate.

This prompted critics, particularly members of the Move Forward Party, which is in the opposition camp, to question whether the two parties had struck a secret political deal.

After the first day of the debate, a rumour regarding the move to topple Gen Prayut intensified when political observers noted that Gen Prayut was subjected to fierce attacks from opposition MPs while government MPs did not do enough to leap to his defence as in previous no-confidence debates.

This led to a rumour about a House dissolution and a shift in the political alliance after the debate. As a result, Gen Prayut had to quash the rumour, insisting he would stay on until the coalition government completes its four-year term in 2023.

However, the PM admitted that he was aware of the rumour about the political deal to oust him.

Sources said that such a deal was the result of a rift between Gen Prayut, Gen Prawit and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda.

The problem arose when Gen Anupong rejected a request by Gen Prawit who wanted Jatuporn Buruspat, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to be appointed as permanent secretary for interior, the sources said.

Mr Jatuporn is reportedly known to have close ties with Capt Thamanat.

Both Gen Prawit and Capt Thamanat wanted Mr Jatuporn to serve as permanent secretary for the interior to support the PPRP's arrangements for the next general election, the sources said.

A PPRP source said that previously there were about 40 MPs from various parties ready to oust Gen Prayut. However, supporters of the PM managed to persuade about 20 of them to switch back support, the source said.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...o-oust-premier

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Thai PM Prayut wins confidence vote despite political dissension

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and five of his Cabinet members today comfortably won a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives despite four days of brutal attacks on his integrity and mishandling of Covid-19 pandemic and its economic fallout and political dissension within the major ruling Palang Pracharath Party.

Prayut won 264 votes of confidence against 208 no-confidence votes. However, his parliamentary support trails behind four other Cabinet members who were also targets of the censure debate. Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin received the least number of confidence vote at 263 against 201.

The confidence vote came after four days of gruelling attacks by opposition MPs which zeroed in on what they saw as the Prayut government’s failure in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impact. At one point, an opposition MP also accused Prayut of bribing dissenting MPs within the ruling PalangPracharath Party in return for their political support. However, no evidence has been produced to substantiate the claim.

Prayut survived the censure debate amidst speculation over dissension within the party whose support for his premiership is crucial. Rumours were rife that some MPs in the party were ganging up with those from other smaller pro-government parties to unseat him.

Here are the full results of the no-confidence vote:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha: 264 VS 208 (3 abstained)

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul: 269 VS 196 (11 abstained)

Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin: 263 VS 201 (10 abstained)

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob: 269 VS 195 (10 abstained)

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on: 270 VS 199 (8 abstained)

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn: 267 VS 202 (9 abstained)

4 days wasted: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm...enzied-rumors/

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Little extra…….

Dissident Pheu Thai MP abstains from censure vote against five ministers

Renegade Pheu Thai MP Sarunvuth Sarunkate, of Thailand’s northern province of Uttaradit, admitted today (Saturday) that he defied the party whip, to vote against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, by abstaining in the vote on five other ministers this morning, following four days of censure debate.

The dissident MP, who was barred by the party from participating in the no-confidence debate, explained that he could not accept being forced to follow the party’s resolution on voting, even before the start of the censure debate on August 31st.

“I am a representative of the Thai people, not someone who can be led by the nose and follow the resolution as demanded by the party,” announced Sarunvuth in parliament before the voting.

The Pheu Thai MP alleged that some opposition parties had exploited the censure debate for political or financial gain, by putting the names of 3 or 4 ministers on the censure list so they could use it as a bargaining chip.

“This is a suspicious practice which I cannot accept and this is not the first time,” said Sarunvuth.

Asked whether he is worried about retaliation by the party, the MP said that he is not concerned at all because he had his own reasons for how he voted.

He said he could not accept being forced to toe the party line after it forbade him from speaking in the debate, adding that he would like Thai politics to change for the better.

All the six ministers, including the prime minister, survived the censure debate in the voting today.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/disside...ive-ministers/

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• Rumbling undercurrent unsettles Prayut despite censure win

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha managed to survive his third no-confidence vote, but a brewing storm in the ruling party is now undermining his once solid position.

For analysts, recent developments also point to an uncertain political future for the “3P group” of former Army chiefs, namely Gen Prayut, Deputy Premier Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, and Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda.

Before the censure debate began, Prayut appeared to feel insecure when he asked Prawit, leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath, about a rumor that many party MPs were planning to deny him their vote. “Why aren’t those MPs supporting me? What did I do wrong? I am working so hard,” the PM reportedly wrote in a text message.

News of a power play and behind-the-scenes bargaining within the ruling party emerged even before the four-day censure debate began on Tuesday (Aug 31). The party’s secretary-general, Thammanat Prompow, was rumored to be engineering a plot to unseat Prayut by amassing no-confidence votes against him.

According to media reports, the move involved heavyweights and renegade members of the ruling party as well as politicians from the main opposition Pheu Thai Party and a coalition of smaller parties. Thammanat, who serves as deputy agriculture minister, later denied plotting to oust the PM.

As it turned out, Prayut and the five other targeted Cabinet members managed to gain support from most MPs in the vote on Saturday.

Thammanat joined all Palang Pracharath MPs – except deputy House speaker Suchart Tancharoen – in voting to back Prayut after the censure debate.

However, the PM got fewer approval votes than all but one of the targeted ministers.

Prayut received 264 votes, just one more than Labour Minister Suchat Chomklin, who emerged with the least approval votes among the six targeted Cabinet members. The PM also got the highest number of no-confidence votes, at 208.

Real intention

Critics are convinced that Thammanat’s real intention was not to bring down the premier but to push for a ministerial promotion.

Wanwichit Boonprong, a political scientist at Rangsit University, believes Thammanat may be eyeing the interior minister’s post, having survived a Constitutional Court ruling on his qualification in May and being appointed secretary-general of the ruling party a month later.

The academic explained that the interior minister’s decisions are crucial in boosting the chances of re-election for governing-party MPs. But Anupong, who has served in the post since the 2014 coup, has failed to share or allocate any benefits to Palang Pracharath MPs, Wanwichit said.

“If Thammanat replaces Anupong, he will do a better job of allocating [state] projects to benefit the party’s MPs. I’m pretty sure Thammanat will get support from the MPs, too,” the political scientist said.

Wanwichit believes Prayut will eventually concede and reshuffle the Cabinet at year-end or early next year.

Saying sorry

On Friday afternoon, Prayut met Thammanat at the foundation – which Prawit chairs. Thammanat reportedly offered an apology to the PM for “causing any uneasiness” while blaming the media for “rumors and fake news” about the plot to overthrow him.

In the presence of about 60 Palang Pracharath MPs, Thammanat reportedly told the PM that the politicians and the party wanted his assurance he would work more closely with them, as Prayut had never met with them. The PM promised to adapt himself regarding the matter, the media reported.

For the March 2019 general election, Palang Pracharath – which was founded a year earlier – nominated Prayut as its only prime ministerial candidate although he was not (and still is not) a party member. At that time, Gen Prayut was leading the post-coup junta formed after he seized power as the Army chief in 2014.

Initially led by a group of technocrats, Palang Pracharath has seen periodic infighting between rival factions that have triggered major changes in its leadership. The latest party shake-up saw Thammanat promoted to secretary-general in June.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/rumblin...e-censure-win/

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Censure debate signals end of Prayut’s ‘command-and-control’ leadership

Halfway through their government’s four-year term, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and his brothers in arms – Gen Prawit Wongsuwan and Gen Anupong Paochinda – apparently have no choice but to change tack if they want to remain in power.

Events surrounding last week’s censure debate indicate that Prayut has lost his bargaining power with factions in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party as well as coalition partners.

As a result, he can no longer avoid a major Cabinet reshuffle or keep his distance from powerful politicians if he wants a smooth ride during his remaining time in office.

Known as the “3Ps”, the trio of former Army chiefs must now face up to the reality of taking their first steps towards their eventual loss of power.

Thai PBS World talks to political analysts about what lies ahead for Prayut’s government after it managed to survive a third no-confidence vote.

Time to make changes

Wanwichit Boonprong, a political scientist at Rangsit University, believes the censure vote signaled that the “3Ps” of Prayut, Prawit, and Anupong must reassess their strategy if they want to stay in power or secure Prayut’s position.

Prayut and five members of his Cabinet comfortably sailed through the no-confidence motion in Parliament on Saturday (September 4). However, it should be noted that Prayut was hit with the highest number of no-confidence votes (208) and the second-fewest approval votes (264).

Ministers from other coalition partners won more votes in favor.

Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Sri-on from the Democrat Party came top with 270 approval votes versus 199 against, followed by Bhumjaithai’s Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (269:196) and Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob (269:195).

“The path is not rosy for Prayut. Public confidence and popularity during his seven years in power has been declining. The political landscape is also shifting – along with the balance of bargaining power,” the analyst said.

Reports of a power play and behind-the-scenes bargaining within the ruling party emerged even before the four-day censure debate began last Tuesday (August 31). Party secretary-general Thammanat Prompow was rumored to be engineering a plot to unseat Prayut by amassing no-confidence votes against him.

Observers see this as a move to force the 3Ps to ease their grip on power and pressure Prayut to return some of his ministerial posts, such as Interior and Energy, to ordinary MPs.

Besides, Prayut has no choice but to reshuffle the Cabinet and needs to work more closely with ruling MPs, who have been complaining, said Wanwichit.

Lastly, he said, the 3Ps must make preparations to “climb down from the tiger’s back”.

“The 3Ps’ future looks gloomy as they are no longer attractive to politicians looking to win at the next election. There is no space for them [in politics] from now on,” the analyst said.

Yuthaporn Issarachai, a political scientist from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, believes a Cabinet reshuffle will come at year-end or early next year.

Prayut previously declared that he would never shake up his Cabinet or dissolve the House early.

“The next reshuffle will not only be aimed at maintaining government stability and the ruling party’s unity, but will also be part of preparations for the next election,” Yuthaporn said.

More: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/censure...ol-leadership/

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Controversial Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao sacked

Controversial Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao has been dismissed from the cabinet, effective yesterday (Wednesday), but only announced today, amid an internal conflict between him, on one side, and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda on the other. Also dismissed from the cabinet is Deputy Labour Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat.

The departures of the two ministers from office were published in the Royal Gazette today. Mr. Prayut said “it was his order” when asked if they were dismissed or voluntarily resigned and that he has his reasons, while Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam confirmed they were sacked.

Thammanat, in a press conference to announce his resignation today, in an apparent move to snub the government narrative, said that his relationship with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, also leader of the main coalition party, Palang Pracharat, remains intact, but he has parted ways with both the prime minister and General Anupong and he has decided to follow his own path, although he added that he has not fallen out with the two men.

He also said that he might quit the Palang Pracharat party in the future and form his own party, because he no longer feels comfortable remaining in Palang Pracharat.

Meeting the media at parliament this afternoon, Thammanat said that he had thought about his position as deputy agriculture minister for the past several months and found that the post did not meet his expectations and that he would like to return to his old status as an MP to serve his constituents in the northern province of Phayao, his hometown.

“I want to do a job which will truly serves the country, not just a job to serve some groups of people,” he said, adding that he had consulted his family over the past several days and came to the conclusion that he should quit the cabinet.

Thammanat has eyed the interior portfolio, being held by General Anupong, but this move has been rejected by the prime minister, as he considers the general and General Prawit to be “brothers in arms” – who are given the nickname “three Ps”.

Thammanat said that, after the resignation, he will return to Phayao, to work for the benefit of the people there, adding that he had decided to quit on Monday, but was asked by General Prawit to delay the resignation, which he agreed to do, but “after consideration, I found out that the path of my life for the people is still long, so I decided to make up my mind,” he said.

Asked about his conflict with the prime minister, Thammanat said that it is not over yet, although he has tried his best to be reasonable but, finally, decided to quit the ministerial post.

He added that he has not yet decided to quit the party or to quit his post as the party’s secretary-general, until he has consulted General Prawit, the party leader.

Thammanat denied the allegation that he was plotting the ouster of the prime minister through the voting after the censure debate last week, but said that he does not like the current political atmosphere, characterized by the deep political divide between the people.

He claimed that several parties have been trying to court him.

Despite his unresolved conflict with the prime minister and General Anupong, Thammanat said that he will vote for the passage of the constitutional amendments in parliament tomorrow.

Thammanat spent about four years in prison in Sydney, Australia, in the 1990’s on drug trafficking charges. He continued to deny the confiscated substance was heroin, saying it was only flour, earning him the notorious nickname of a flour merchant.

Thammanat survived both the no confidence motions against him in Parliament, and was not targeted in the latest motion last week. In May, the Constitutional Court ruled in his favour to maintain his status as an MP, saying the sentence was handed by an Australian court, not a Thai court.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/controv...d-dpm-wissanu/

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PM orders satellite deal probe

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has set up a panel to investigate a domestic satellite communications concession contract that expired on Friday which involved a company founded by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

The panel is to investigate the domestic satellite communication contract between the Transport Ministry and Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co, currently known as Intouch Holdings Plc (Intuch), from past governments until the present, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Friday.

Gen Withawat Rachatanant, a former chief ombudsman, is the panel's chairman, with Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam as an adviser, Mr Thanakorn said. Deputy permanent secretary for the PM's Office Mongkolchai Som-udon is also a panel member and secretary, Mr Thanakorn said.

Other legal issues associated with the deal will also be probed by the panel.

The panel is further authorised to look into compliance, or a lack thereof, with rulings delivered by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division of Holders of Political Positions, and recommendations submitted to the cabinet by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Thanakorn said.

The panel is also to advise the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry on negotiations on the issues, how to act in line with a cabinet resolution on Sept 7, 2021, as well as on a move to find those responsible for causing damage to the state and the public.

The panel have also been tasked with solving problems after the contracts expire by setting a framework for negotiations between parties to the contracts to ensure fairness and maximum benefits for the country.

On Tuesday, the cabinet resolved that Intouch Holdings increase its stake in Thaicom Plc, the operator of satellites, from 41.13% to at least 51% so the company will have be able to take total management control.

The court previously ruled that the amendment of the fifth satellite concession contract in 2004 which allowed the company to reduce its stakes in Thaicom to be below 50% was not correct. The panel's chairman must also regularly report the findings, recommendations or solutions to the prime minister, the spokesman said.

The probe is intended to ensure compliance with the law and other relevant regulations and to protect frequencies and the right to operate the satellite orbits which are national assets.

Mr Thanakorn said that the 30-year concession contract, signed on Sept 11, 1991, expired on Friday.

Sources said the prime minister set up the panel to look into issues regarding Thaicom's satellites.

Thaicom Plc, formerly known as Shin Satellite Plc, is the first and only company to provide commercial satellite services. It was awarded a concession from the Transport Ministry.

Government sources also said that there have been complaints against state officials over their failure to comply with rulings delivered by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division of Holders of Political Positions.

The panel will also examine contracts between past governments and Shinawatra Computer % Communications, the sources said.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...ite-deal-probe

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PM says no cabinet reshuffle yet

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha reiterated today (Sunday) that he has no current intention of reshuffling his cabinet, following the departures of Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao and Deputy Labour Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, and hopes that his deputy, Prawit Wongsuwan, will not be upset by his decision.

He said that his relationship with Prawit, one of what he calls his two “brothers in arms”, the other being Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda, will never be broken, adding that he is ready to acquaint himself with and be more receptive to MPs of the ruling Palang Pracharat and other parties.

Thammanat, also secretary-general of the party, is regarded as a protégé of General Prawit. On the day of his removal by the prime minister, Thammanat claimed his relationship with Prawit remains strong.

The prime minister also said that he will pay more visits to upcountry provinces, in an effort to reach out to the local people and to hear their problems and points of view.

The Palang Pracharat party reportedly will hold a general assembly soon, to discuss a possible revamp of its structure, amidst speculation that Interior Permanent Secretary Chatchai Promlert, who is due to retire at the end of this month, may join the party.

There is speculation that Chatchai could be named the new deputy interior minister, to fill the seat left vacant by Thammanat, adding that the “Sam Mitr” faction of the party may, again, demand the energy portfolio, in exchange for the industry post currently held by Suriya Juangroongruangkit.

Super Poll said Saturday that 98.4%, of 1,224 respondents to an opinion poll, agreed that the prime minister should revamp his cabinet and bring people who are competent and honest to join his team.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...as-pprp-leader

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PM denies rift with Prawit

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has rejected rumours of a rift between himself and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon following the exit of Capt Thamanat Prompow and Narumon Pinyosinwat from the cabinet.

Speaking to the press at Government House on Monday, Gen Prayut made a firm guarantee that his relationship with Gen Prawit, also deputy prime minister, was solid.

"I can assure you that between us there is no need to clear the air. There is no problem with our work. Everything should be by the rules and be in line with the democratic system," Gen Prayut said. "I do what falls under my authority as the prime minister. And there isn't a time we don't understand each other."

Capt Thamanat and Ms Narumon were known to be close to Gen Prawit who was reportedly kept in the dark about the pair's sackings from the ministerial posts until they were made official.

Capt Thamanat stands accused of masterminding a campaign to oust Gen Prayut during the recent censure debate almost two weeks ago. The plot allegedly involved a number of PPRP heavyweights and renegade members of micro-coalition partners and politicians in the main opposition Pheu Thai Party.

Gen Prayut rejected speculation he would take the helm at the PPRP with some analysts convinced that he could be soon moving to assert his authority in the ruling party.

"I never think that far. Spare me the question. It's no good [addressing the question] at this point. I'm doing my best now," he said.

Gen Prayut also said he was preparing to make visits to the provinces now that the Covid-19 situation was easing while noting that it should not be seen as a signal for fresh polls.

The prime minister appeared keen to put to rest talks about tensions between him and Gen Prawit.

When arriving for a meeting of the national land policy committee at Government House in the late afternoon on Monday, he greeted Gen Prawit with a wai. The pair talked for a few minutes and seemed in good spirits.

After addressing the press, Gen Prayut was seen walking along with Gen Prawit to his car.

It was their first meeting following the dismissal of Capt Thamanat and Ms Narumon last week amid rumours of tensions between the three brothers-in-arms boiling over. Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda joined the meeting via video conference.

Gen Prawit shook his head when asked about a rumour that Capt Thamanat resigned as the PPRP secretary-general. He said the question should be directed at Capt Thamanat.

The PPRP leader also asked reporters to stop asking about the alleged rift between him, Gen Prayut and Gen Anupong and insisted that he did not feel hurt and that he would not step down from the PPRP top post.

"I've talked to them. There is no conflict, no rift, no hurt feelings. And I don't quit," he said.

Meanwhile, Anucha Burapachaisri, the prime minister's deputy secretary-general, on Monday attended a meeting of government whips in what was seen as the premier's efforts to work closely with MPs.

Gen Prayut reportedly agreed to close the distance between himself and the PPRP MPs after the alleged plot to oust him from the post was thwarted.

Mr Anucha said his job would allow the prime minister to hear the MP's concerns and proposals first hand, saying he would attend every government whip meeting and report directly to the prime minister.

Monday's meeting involved the coalition partners' plan to sponsor a draft law on the new election system after parliament last week endorsed a charter amendment bill that sought to bring back the two-ballot voting system.

In a related development, the main opposition Pheu Thai Party's ethics committee Monday resolved to expel two party MPs for failing to respect party rules.

Prasert Chantararuangthong, the party's secretary-general, said that the MPs facing the expulsion are Uttaradit MP Saranwut Saranket and Pathum Thani MP Pornpimol Thammasan.

Mr Prasert said Mr Saranwut spoke ill of the party while Ms Pornpimol barely took part in party activities and often cast her vote against the party's stance.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...ft-with-prawit