IN MEDIA
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will face a more precarious situation even after a major cabinet reshuffle which is expected to be announced next month.
As a veteran politician, Mr Samak should realise that any changes in the cabinet will breed resentment, particularly among those who are left out. He cannot satisfy everyone. But he cannot avoid a political backlash, either.
A cabinet reshuffle is made necessary by the recent resignations of PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair and Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemart will be suspended from their duties if the Supreme Court's criminal division for political office holders accepts a criminal case filed against them in connection with the issuance of the two- and three-digit lottery by the ousted Thaksin Shinawatra government.
Speculation is also rife that Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan will be removed in the forthcoming reshuffle.
These key changes will cause great political repercussions if not handled properly. Mr Samak will find it hard to manoeuvre because he cannot control members of the ruling People Power party.
In fact, a cabinet reshuffle may signal a decline of his premiership rather than a bold move forward.
All his enemies in the opposition Democrat party, the People's Alliance for Democracy and the so-called ''invisible hand'' will step up their campaigns for his removal.
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