During the Thaksin-Shinawatra era it was former students of Suankularb College who governed Thailand. Today it is the turn of St Gabriel's College graduates.

From coup leaders to members of the Council for National Security, the Cabinet and the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and top state agencies - St Gabriel's old boys are now the most influential figures in government and power.

They are mostly military personnel and technocrats.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is the most prominent but he is joined by deputy and Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula.

Then there is Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras, Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen, Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong and Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp. Let us not forget prime ministerial advisor Wattanachai Chaimuanwong.

United Nation's Trade and Development Cooperation boss and former WTO head Supachai Panitchpakdi was educated at St Gabriel's, too.

There are 20 members of the National Legislative Assembly who attended St Gabriel's. Some of these are Admiral Prajet Siridej, General Prawit Wongsuwan, General Preechai Paramasawat, General Panthep Phuwanartnurak, Purachai Piumsombun, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, General Somthat Attanant, Saravut Watcharapon and Sophon Suphapong.

Other well-known St Gabriel's College graduates are Viroj Laohaphan of the Assets Examination Committee, Panthep Klanarongran, chairman of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC), Klanarong Chantik, a member of the NCCC, Lt General Wuthichai Pornpibul, director of Channel 5, General Winai Phathiyakul, permanent secretary at the Defence Ministry and secretary-general of the National Security Council and Phongpayom Watphuti, permanent secretary at the Interior Ministry.

They were all guests yesterday at a St Gabriel's celebration in honour of the influential and important. Some 3,000 former and present students attended.

Surayud is the first from St Gabriel's to become prime minister. Yesterday he received the Martin de Tours Award, named after the Reverend Martin de Tour who founded the school in 1920.

There were 40 recipients of the Vincent Mary Awards yesterday. Supachai was unable to attend.

Surayud spoke briefly to express his thanks for the efforts of the school's teachers and the Brothers of St Gabriel.

He promised to run the country honestly and to the best of his ability. He will work to advance Thailand and create national unity.

"I would like St Gabriel's students to concentrate on their studies. They must avoid carelessness and aim to become good people. We need to be both good people and capable people," he said.

During the Thaksin era it was former students of Suankularb College who were close to the centres of power. Some of those include Dr Prommin Lertsuridej, Chaturon Chaisang, Newin Chidchob, Wattana Muangsuk, General Thamarak Isarangura, Samak Sundaravej, Police General Jumpol Manmai, Paiboon Damrongchaitham, Somsak Premsuk, Piyaphan Chimapasut, Sawai Phromanee and Thawatchai Sajjakul.

Most of them lost their powerful positions following the September 19 coup.

In Thailand, political and business connections and networking are everything. These connections are formed from school days.

In military circles, for instance, former students of Class 9 at Armed Forces Preparatory School (pre-cadet college) now hold top positions supporting General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and his Council for National Security.

General Montri Sangkhasap is the leader of the Class 9 members. It has overtaken Class 10 - of which Thaksin Shinawatra is a member.

During the reign of General Suchinda Kraprayoon, his Class 5 at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy wielded power.

Influential figures now count the classes they attend at the prestigious National Defence College as part of the power network.

President of St Gabriel's Alumni Association Suwat Liptapanlop hosted yesterday's awards.

Suwat might appear to be the black sheep given his key role in Thai Rak Thai.

Suwat has also been linked to the Klong Dan corruption scandal, which the NCCC is now investigating. Key commission members attended St Gabriel's.

"Today is quite a historic day for St Gabriel's. We have the first former student that has become prime minister.

"This event is held to honour all former students who now hold important positions such as prime minister, ministers, and members of the National Legislative Assembly. We would like new students and old to have an opportunity to meet and make friendships," he said.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation