Samak gets boost from choice of Tej

The appointment of Tej Bunnag, who has much experience in diplomacy, brought applause and a boost in public confidence for the PM. Obviously, he has tried to improve his government's image by having a "good man" join his Cabinet.

Besides Tej, two other new names were mentioned over last weekend. Former finance minister Veerapong Ramangkura and former deputy prime minister and interior minister Purachai Piumsomboon were reportedly invited to join the Cabinet in the upcoming reshuffle. If the two accept, Samak will get more credit and may shed his image of being Thaksin's nominee. Although Thaksin and Purachai were friends at the Police Academy, it is widely known that the relationship between the two had turned sour.

After Purachai joined Thaksin's Cabinet, he received more public acclaim than the former PM. Some said Thaksin feared he had been outshone by Purachai so he had to be ousted. Also, Purachai did not get along with Thaksin's brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat when Purachai was justice minister and Somchai was permanent secretary at the ministry.

After quitting politics, Purachai wrote a book titled "Khon Dee Mai Me Seum" ("Always Good Men"), attacking Thaksin and Somchai. It was hard for Thaksin to forgive Purachai.

So, why did Samak approach Purachai? Some claim they were close when they worked together when Samak was Bangkok governor. Some claim Samak did a survey and found Purachai is still popular in Bangkok.

If Purachai really replaces Chalerm, Samak will have to face an uprising in his party. Many PPP MPs are furious about the idea. They do not like Purachai, who has been dubbed a "one man show" regarding his character and working style.

Does Samak really want Purachai or Veerapong? Or is it just a ploy?

Samak realises that the potential new candidates might not risk losing credibility, but the names have been released to make Samak look better.

In his defence, Samak might very well be tempted to cry: "I've tried hard to find good men to join the Cabinet but as you know they are scared about getting hurt in politics. What can I do?"

Purachai is one of 47 defendants accused of malfeasance for issuing a Cabinet resolution to implement the two-and three-digit lottery. By law, he should be suspended from any political duties as the Supreme Court accepted the case yesterday. It means he cannot take any government post.

Recently, a reporter met Purachai by accident. He is still happy lecturing in universities about decentralisation and enjoying his hobby, fossil collecting.