Factional games lead to minister's survival

Published on August 03, 2005 - As apparent proof of the old adage that a bark is often worse than a bite, Culture Minister Uraiwan Thienthong survived Tuesday's Cabinet reshuffle despite public animosity between her Wang Nam Yen faction and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

In May and June, Thaksin and Snoh Thienthong, Uraiwan's husband and Wang Nam Yen leader, exchanged sharp words. Snoh openly criticised the prime minister for allowing his popular mandate to spawn corruption while Thaksin retaliated by attacking factional politics.

Their supporters also joined in the fray, projecting an image of shattered alliance between Thaksin and Snoh.

Even in the morning before the unveiling of the new Cabinet lineup, many believed Uraiwan would lose her job as a punishment intended for her husband.

Political commentators were forced to reexamine the evidence to find an explanation why Thaksin had not dared to remove Uraiwan.

With Uraiwan in the Cabinet, it is a clear signal that Thaksin wants either to mend ties or to declare a truce with the Wang Nam Yen faction.

Why should he care to play factional politics when he has renounced the game?

Both supporters and opponents of Thaksin come up with the same answer: his alliance with Wang Nam Yen is indispensable while he is facing heavy pressure on many fronts.

He has anticipated a ripple effect from his decision to move Suriya Jungrungreangkit from the transport post to industry.

He apparently wants to keep Snoh among his dwindling allies as he confronts his sagging popularity, the economic slowdown, rising oil prices and the discontent of more than 100 Wang Nam Yom members under Suriya's command.