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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blobber
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Discussion 43 : 27 Oct 2012 at 15.0643
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"Ms Yingluck also successfully pushed for Pradit Sintawanarong to replace Witthaya Buranasiri as public health minister even though Mr Witthaya has performed well and is part of a strong Pheu Thai faction led by Mr Pongsak.
Dr Pradit is a businessman in the property sector and was a shareholder in a subsidiary of Sansiri Group, which has good relations with Ms Yingluck."
So Yinkluck is replacing the health minister who has been doing a good job with a property businessman who has good relations with Yingluck. Show's what is important to her. Get your friends and associates to the trough.
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Bangon
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Discussion 42 : 27 Oct 2012 at 15.0342
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whatajoke: You're spot on with the Asean 'new dynasties', and the Shinawatras to become one soon (if?). But to call these countries 'democracies'! Even Singapore is for sure not one! And communist countries 'rotating' their leaders? Could follow you about China, but it's a HUGE trough, and there are many big pigs queuing, might this explain that? By the way: China just blocked the NYTimes for writing the actual beloved-leader-who-was-very-poor's family now has a fortune of 2.7Billion USD., and holds many high positions...
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Bangon
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Discussion 41 : 27 Oct 2012 at 15.0241
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whatajoke: You're spot on with the Asean 'new dynasties', and the Shinawatras to become one soon (if?). But to call these countries 'democracies'! Even Singapore is for sure not one! And communist countries 'rotating' their leaders? Could follow you about China, but it's a HUGE trough, and there are many big pigs queuing, might this explain that? By the way: China just blocked the NYTimes for writing the actual beloved-leader-who-was-very-poor's family now has a fortune of 2.7Billion USD., and holds many high positions...
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Rab.Madar
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Discussion 40 : 27 Oct 2012 at 15.0040
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I know its a long way yet, but wouldn't there be a lot of lost faces if Peu Thai got voted in for a second tenure, just like Thaksin. It is possible, Yingluck, a woman with no previous political experience was so popular that she outvoted a veteran like Abhisit. Ouch !!!
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whatajoke
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Discussion 39 : 27 Oct 2012 at 13.4439
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Has anyone else noticed that all of the ASEAN democracies are generally dominated by families or entrenched names; Hun, Lee, Aquino, Macapagal, Marcos, Sukarno, Suharto, Shinawatra, Mahatir, while the dictatorships and communist states rotate leaders without much nepotism.
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bangmodken
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Discussion 38 : 27 Oct 2012 at 13.3838
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Thailand is just getting what it deserves/voted for. I feel no sympathy for any of those who voted PTP,when the Shinawatras bankrupt the country. Even if these voters should be starving in the streets,they should not expect a single baht or grain of rice. They messed it up big this time. No going back. And why are people talking about Marcos and Suharto when Hun Sen is right next door?
Read the investigative reports in BP and the other media.
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Khun Ken
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Discussion 37 : 27 Oct 2012 at 13.2237
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Thailand=Shinawatra INC.
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democrazy
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Discussion 36 : 27 Oct 2012 at 12.5236
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Is this the democracy that the red-shirts protested for in 2010 ?
Thailand is becoming a one family dictatorship.
Anyone remember the Marcos-, Suharto families in Pilippines,Indonesia.
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GeriatricG
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Discussion 35 : 27 Oct 2012 at 12.4635
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The dynasty seems to be winning but its top four should look a little more carefully at history. Even worms turn. The country cannot be ruled to enhance one family: it must help all families - even those who do not see they are being led by the nose. The Red Shirts may be the first to turn (and The Man Abroad has been greatly assisted by their honest efforts. Does he care? Not a whit.) Did Khun Thaksin notice what has just happened to Signor Berlusconi?
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bobby2000
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Discussion 34 : 27 Oct 2012 at 12.3834
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D26
How does having a democratically elected government take Thailand "back to the old tyrant days"??
I understand that some of you dislike the current government but a lot of remarks and accusations posted in this forum are simply ridiculous.
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