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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shopwow
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Discussion 23 : 27 Oct 2012 at 10.0223
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I am no great fan of Jatuporn but I feel sad for him, I wish I could convey my feelings to him in some way. The P.T used the reds to come to power and have now started abusing the reds. Jatuporn seriously believed that he was fighting for democracy. But today he sees the system in tatters, a group of educated, rich and powerful politicians enslaved by an absconding criminal and his family. Jatuporn, is this the democracy you fought for? Is this what you promised the poor people who thronged your protests and supported you and your cause with their life. Just remain a true leader of the reds - keep fighting for democracy, real democracy.
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bluebkk
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Discussion 22 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.5622
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No pity for the majority of Thais...They got what they voted for... the country is being robbed dry and Greece situation is coming very very fast.....
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bkk1
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Discussion 21 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.3621
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Well lets see K. Jatuporn now he not a MP he can go to Jail as Thaksin does not need him any more

Thaksin is slowly selling Thailand to Cambodia incase he can never come back here

The Government is setting up a Libya style of running things

European ambassador should read and look around Thailand
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dao
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Discussion 20 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.2620
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When forced to pay tax like everyone else put your family in the most important governemnt posts and siphon money out of the country .
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Asian Hand
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Discussion 19 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.2619
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To all those waving a foreign flag - this government was elected by the people of Thailand. Like it or not the building blocks of democracy are in place. It will continue to be painful going forward. Look at US history - a violent path to where its at today. In the Thai system, the PM, as the President of the US, is allowed to select a cabinet. No doubt there is a bias in the current reshuffle. Oh by the way D11, your country granted a visa to Mr. T, a convicted felon, to enter the USA. As the population becomes more saavy perhaps they will want a change. Its their choice.
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whatajoke
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Discussion 18 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.2318
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Correction: Jatuporn Prompan was never previously a minister as the article incorrectly states.
D4 Ploydonut: that's an interesting, if rather naive, point of view you have there. Pity a complete political novice puppet seems to impress so many people.
In which other country in the world would the ex-wife of a fugitive criminal be calling the shots in govt, along with a sister-in-law (Yaowapa) who has never been an elected politician and yet wields so much power. Shakespeare couldn't have written a better farce.
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mogy71
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Discussion 17 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.0917
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And I forgot to mention Silvio's ability to polarize a nation...
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faceless
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Discussion 16 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.0616
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Who is surprised?
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mogy71
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Discussion 15 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.0615
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Buster#3; I've always likened TS to the other famous Italian megalomaniac politician Silvio Berlisconi. The similarities are uncanny, from corporate through to corruption - maybe one difference is the bunga-bunga parties....
Berlisconi has manipulated, modified and ripped through Italian laws to benefit himself and his family through the years.
Now look where Silvio is going. Will he manage to do a runner too ?
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mjt
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Discussion 14 : 27 Oct 2012 at 08.5414
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Welcome to what the wise majority apparently wanted! It does make you think of Marcos & Suharto, another asian dynasty.
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