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Published on February 21, 2008

Wichianchot Sukchotrat, a failed People Power Party candidate who was fielded in Bankgok in the December election, will be the head government spokesman, with Suparat Nakbunnam and Natthawut Saikua as his deputies.

Wichianchot is close to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. He was previously deputy permanent-secretary for Justice and spokesman for the National Counter Corruption Commission.

A source said Thaksin's influence within the ruling party played a key role in Wichianchot's appointment.

The appointments were announced at a press conference at Government House by PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, who has acted as government spokesman to date.

Jakrapob said Cabinet also appointed Wan Yoobamrung, son of Interior Minister Chalerm, as secretary to the deputy public health minister, and Chonsawat Asavahame, son of Puea Pandin Party chief adviser Vatana, as secretary to the deputy interior minister.

Among the high-profile appointees was Chai Chidchob, father of banned politician Newin. Chai was appointed as head of the government whips, Jakrapob said.

Newin had earlier reportedly failed to push for his father to become the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Both Wan and Chonsawat have a negative public image as wayward children of powerful politicians.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej confirmed yesterday that both Wan and Chonsawat were among the appointees, despite heavy criticism and pressure for him to remove them from the proposed list of appointees.

"If Chonsawat remains on the list, so must Wan. Are you satisfied? That's it," said the prime minister, when asked about the matter.

Yesterday's Cabinet meeting lasted just 20 minutes and only dealt with the endorsement of political appointees.

Samak said the Cabinet meeting was brief because the ministers had to get back to attend the parliamentary debate on the government's policies.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation