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Published on December 30, 2007

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is preparing to pull the strings behind the new government and reorganise the military's top brass following the People Power Party's election victory, sources say.

Sources close to Thaksin said the ex-leader backed the formation of a coalition government, consisting of the People Power Party (PPP) and five smaller parties headed by PPP leader Samak Sundaravej.

Based on this formula, the new administration will have 315 seats in Parliament, leaving the lone opposition Democrat Party with 165.

Sources said Thaksin was upset by conditions imposed by Banharn Silapa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai for joining the coalition.

Thaksin later agreed to accept the party and its 37 members of Parliament as alliance constituents.

PPP members, who met with Thaksin in Hong Kong earlier this week, said the former prime minister had assigned close aides to help Samak form a new cabinet. These include Newin Chidchob, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Chalerm Yoobamrung and Somchai Wongsawat.

"Chalerm was assigned to negotiate with both Chart Thai and Puea Pandin so they can join the coalition. Thaksin insisted both should be included," said a top Thaksin aide, who asked not to be named.

Mingkwan Sangsuwan, a PPP party-list member, will head the Samak government's economic-management team. Thaksin hopes he will boost business and investor confidence, as well as spur economic growth.

"If Mingkwan is successful, People Power's popularity in Bangkok will rise, and the party might then field him as a candidate for Bangkok governor."

"Once the Samak government takes office, the first priority is to reorganise the top echelon of military officers. Key members of Class 10 of the cadet school will be restored to powerful posts in the military. They still support Thaksin."

"General Anupong Pao-chinda, the Army commander-in-chief, will still be in the top post, even though he was appointed by the junta following the coup, but other key army posts will be reshuffled."

"The new government will reorganise the top echelon of police and Interior Ministry and judiciary. Antagonists, such as academics, businessmen and the news media, could face some sort of action, too," the source said.

He said the Council of National Security, set up following the coup, had been granted an amnesty in the Constitution, so no legal action could be taken against it.

However, the new government will scrutinise major arms-purchase contracts to see if there are irregularities, the source said.

The Assets Examination Committee, which launched an extensive investigation of Thaksin and his family, will remain intact, because its dissolution would damage the image of the PPP, the source said.

"We could be condemned if we disbanded the committee, so we will just ensure it works within the rule of law," added the source.