The man who could be PM

If there is only one way to describe Newin Chidchob's political life, it might be perfect to call him "cat o' nine lives". Despite all his difficulties, he has always bounced back.

Contradict to his former boss Thaksin Shinawatra, it was like one is in heaven and the other is in hell.

No one would have believed that Newin could perfectly match a politician with a clean image like Abhisit Vejjajiva. When the pair hugged each other as Abhisit thanked Newin for his support to the Democrats to form the government, the picture of the pair - published and broadcast in media nationwide - became assured of a place in political history. It showed the power and influence Newin had over Abhisit.

During the forming of the government, Newin's faction in the now defunct People Power Party, joined the coalition and gained more advantage than other coalition partners. With around 20 MPs seats, the faction got two important ministerial seats, Interior and Transport.

That upset some members of the coalition and even some Democrats, especially as the interior minister portfolio normally goes to the core party.

Kingmaker Suthep Thaugsuban had to remind his partmen that "without Newin we are not what we are today". Suthep also reasoned that Newin is the one who knows the northeast region well and has the potential to make incursions into Thaksin's stronghold.

The Interior Ministry has the mechanism and structure to control rural areas. All of Newin's men are in control of the ministry. Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul is the father of Anutin, who is Newin's close friend. While Saksayam, Newin's brother, was appointed chairman of the Interior Minister's working group.

Saksayam has acted as Newin's "nominee" since the Friends of Newin group joined the People Power Party-led government. He was also chairman of then Interior Minister Pol General Kowit Watana's working group.

Although Chaovarat has said he had appointed Saksayam to help with "screening" work for him, politically "screening" means "manipulating". There is a joke doing the rounds that it takes people who contact the ministry only five minutes to talk to the minister but an hour with Saksayam.

However, Saksayam once said he was just a legal adviser to the minister. He said he only proposed all options for the minister to make a final decision.

Newin can now control all the mechanisms. The ministry recently proposed increasing by 100 per cent the salaries of all village heads and kamnans, who are important canvassers, and it was approved by the Cabinet.

In the reshuffle last week of the Interior Ministry governor and officials, Newin's men were put in places to gain the most political benefit.

Newin and his group are working full scale to prepare for the next election under the Bhum Jai Thai Party. The new brand name is being advertised in giant cut-outs in many places in Bangkok and other provinces.

In some areas, they have already introduced their candidates to voters. Newin also bought five-hour airtime a day in 150 community radio stations in the northeast to report news to grassroots people. All Newin needs is to make voters aware of his new party.

It cannot be denied that his party would be the best-prepared for a general election. Having considered his "logistical support", Newin is second to none. Even the ruling Democrats, who have the potential to lead a next government, could be at a disadvantage due to Newin's influence.

Currently, Abhisit seems to be at odds with with Newin's group about moving Thai International Airlines' domestic flights from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Transport Minsiter Sophon Saram, who is under Newin's quota, wanted the move to Suvarnabhumi but Abhisit seemed to favour Don Mueang.

The matter could lead to cracks within the government if Abhisit fails to handle it adroitly.

One thing Abhisit should become aware of: Newin's record shows that whenever he has walked out of any party, the party has paid the price while Newin has marched on to success. Banharn Silapa-Archa and Thaksin could be good examples for Abhisit.

"Tough and dangerous" was a definition of Newin by a once close-aide of Newin. He said Newin is good at planning, administrating, practical, and winning someone's heart.

"He is a good leader and follower. He treats all well. He serves his boss as well as he does for his followers," he said.

Newin is dangerous in a sense that he can use whatever means, bad or good, to achieve his goal.

It would not be something unbelievable if someone were to say that Newin could be a prime minister in the future.