‘Best’ Cabinet for the nation or just PM?

Published on August 04, 2005 - Tuesday’s Cabinet reshuffle may have been expected but the scope of the changes, involving as many as 17 seats, was beyond the expectation of many political observers. The question is whether the changes were aimed at easing national problems and boosting the government’s efficiency, or solving the problems facing the one-party administration.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said his new Cabinet was “the best it could be”. But it appeared to be the best for the PM himself rather than the public.

By making changes to the ministerial line-up, Thaksin obviously hopes to reduce the mounting pressure on his administration, amid headaches due to the weakening economy, the drawn-out impact of the airport corruption scandal and the lingering violence in the deep South.

However, it is doubtful that this pressure will be reduced following the sweeping changes in the Cabinet line-up.

The first shake-up of the Thaksin II administration has already attracted much criticism and only a few of the new appointments are viewed as satisfactory – among them the new education minister, Chaturon Chaisang.

Some political observers yesterday described the new Cabinet as “old wine in a new bottle”, while others viewed the move as Thaksin’s bid to buy time.

The prime minister may also have had some hidden agenda in mind when he made large-scale changes to his administration. Most of the changes involved the swapping of seats between members of his previous Cabinet.

Was the big revamp aimed at confusing critics and deflect their attention from former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who was viewed as the main target for removal in the first place?

If it works, it could help save the face of Suriya, who has the backing of more than 100 MPs in the ruling Thai Rak Thai party.

With the fallout of the CTX scandal, Suriya was widely expected to be completely dropped from the new line-up. But the prime minister opted to keep him in the Cabinet, giving him two seats: those of deputy prime minister and industry minister – a role that is almost as coveted as the transport minister’s post.

To many, it would appear that Suriya has been promoted rather than demoted.

And the reason for the prime minister’s decision regarding Suriya may have had a lot to do with Suriya’s significant influence within the party.

It seems that Thaksin may have wanted to please Suriya’s Wang Nam Yom faction.

Even so, there were signs of disappointment yesterday from within the faction.

It appears that the prime minister does not care too much about the widespread suspicion facing his outgoing former transport minister, say political observers.

Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, yesterday said that Thaksin’s decision not to remove Suriya could create “a stigma” for his government.

He said the decision also led to suspicion regarding whether the PM was really sincere about fighting corruption.

Veera Somkwamkid, secretary-general of the People’s Network Against Corruption, expressed doubts about whether the reshuffle was aimed at protecting the national interest or retaining power.

So, with the latest changes he has made to his Cabinet, Thaksin risks dissatisfaction, both from within his political party and from those on the outside.

Somroutai Sapsomboon, Kittipong Thavevong
The Nation