Published on October 07, 2005
of brother-in-law’s tenure’
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday denied having anything to do with his brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat being kept on as permanent secretary for Justice for an extended period.
Thaksin said the term was extended because the government could not find anyone suitable to replace him or find another position for him to fill. Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya had endorsed Somchai’s job extension on grounds that a suitable successor could not be found. --------------------- BROADCAST REGULATOR: Thongchai elected NBC chairman Thongchai Kuasakul yesterday received unanimous backing from fellow members-elect of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to head the country’s first broadcast regulatory body. Thongchai was nominated for the chairman’s post by colleague Pichien Amnatworaprasert and received the support of the five other NBC members-elect. They will assume office once the prime ministerial recommendation for their appointment receives Royal endorsement. Piyamart Songklin The Nation. --------------------- LIBEL SUIT: PM’s lawyer to keep eye on TV show Lawyer Thana Benjathikul, who is representing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a libel case against the co-hosts of a weekly political talk show, said he would closely watch this week’s edition on ASTV tonight to see whether the hosts or the programme’s content made reference to the case. Thaksin earlier this week filed a suit in the Criminal Court against Sondhi Limthongkul, founder of Manager media group, and Sarocha Porn-udomsak, who hosts the show “Muang Thai Rai Sapda” (Thailand Weekly). --------------------- PARLIAMENT: Decision on new site this month The House committee on parliamentary affairs will decide by the end of the month where to build the new parliament building, Parliament President Bhokin Bhalakula said yesterday. Bhokin said the working group would meet on Wednesday and, if the information is clear, a decision should be made by the end of the month. --------------------- UN SECRETARY-GENERAL: Surakiart has 109 countries’ backing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said 109 countries had expressed support for Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai’s bid to become the next UN secretary-general. However, Thaksin said the Kingdom still lacked backing from countries on the Security Council. – The Nation.
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