Anything & Everything About Thailand

[U-Need]

BANGKOK, April 3 (TNA) - Thailand's general election on Sunday upholds the constitution and people's power, according to a Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party executive and secretary-general of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej.

Dr. Prommin said Sunday night that the TRT Party is pleased with the development--that the country's constitution and the Thai people's electoral rights are sustained amid differences in opinions among people in the society.

"Whatever the election results will be, the development is an achievement of our country's democracy and the TRT Party is happy with that," he said.

Dr. Prommin called for a spirit of national reconciliation after the election to forge ahead with the second-round political reform and national development with the participation of all parties concerned.

"From now on, all conflicting parties should turn to a reconcilable mode for the sake of societal and national benefits," he urged.

Dr. Prommin acknowledged that the caretaker prime minister would be willing to consider all proposed ideas from all parties to achieve the national reconciliation.

Meanwhile, a senior academic from Chulalongkorn University, Prof. Prayad Hongthongkam, suggested that to achieve the national conciliation, parties involved in the political turmoil before the Sunday's election should all sacrifice, not just the caretaker premier himself--as demanded by his opponents and the oppostion.

"For instance, if the caretaker prime minister decided to suspend his political role despite his party's victory in the snap election. He is considered a gentleman making a significant sacrifice for the national reconciliation. Other parties should also make a gentleman gesture by ending their anti-government movements to bring peace and order back to the society and to join forces in forging ahead the political reform, which will be followed by a new general election run by various political parties," said Pror. Prayad.

Unofficial vote counts so far have shown that the TRT Party will win the Sunday's election despite a number of vote abstentions in several constituencies, particularly those in Bangkok and the South.

Mr. Thaksin's TRT Party was only major political party contesting in the election with some small minior parties, as the former three main oppostion parties, including the Democrat, the Chart Thai and the Mahachon Party, boycotted the early poll.

Mr. Thaksin said that he would not accept the premiership if his TRT Party won less than 50 per cent of the total vote. (TNA)--E002

[U-Need]

BANGKOK, April 3 (TNA) – Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra cancelled a press conference on Sunday night since he needed to wait for voting results nationwide first, revealed a Thai-Rak-Thai (TRT) Party executive, Suranand Vejjajiva.

He said the TRT leader viewed electoral votes would have an influential factor for his decision to do next; so, he did not want to guess or forecast what would happen.

Asked whether the election results would be a key factor for his decision to continue to administer the country or take a political break, Mr. Suranand said the number of votes and recent political unrest would be instrumental factors that determine how TRT would do with the second political reform.

“We should not mention that how the election results would have an effect on the political future of the caretaker premier,” he said. (TNA) – E005

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Monday 3 April 2006 :-

Thaksin receives less than half of popular votes so far: iTV

An unofficial tally Monday night by iTV showed that caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai Party was receiving less than half the popular votes counted so far in the Sunday national election.

As of 5 pm, iTV reported that the Thai Rak Thai Party had received 44.4 per cent of the popular vote nationwide, with 85 per cent of the vote counted.

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Thai Rak Thai win 16 million votes : Thaksin

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra claimed on Monday that his Thai Rak Thai Party won a total of 16 million votes in the Sunday election.

"No votes" plus votes for other parties were altogether 10 million.

Speaking in a television programme of Channel 11, Thaksin said he was satisfied with the outcome of the election.

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Bokhin and Somkid were candidates to be PM if I step down : Thaksin

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Monday he has four candidates to replace him if he decided to step down.

He revealed two of them who were former House Speaker Bokhin Polakura and ex-Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

He asked TV host Adisak Srisom to guess the names of the rest.

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Give me good reasons to step down : Thaksin

If he is to step down, he would have good reasons to explain to those who voted for him in Sunday election, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Monday.

He claimed that a total of 16 million have voted for him in April 2 election.

Speaking in a television programme of Channel 11, Thaksin said there were some groups of people who want to oust him.

"I am ready to step down as demanded by those groups. However they should give me good reasons so that I could explain to the 16 million people who voted for me," he said.

In case he steps down, he will have to travel and be busy meeting and explaining to people in many parts of the country on why he has to resign.

He said he is more than ready to resign if his resignation can benefit to the country.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 3 April 2006 :-

Thaksin to stay PM - for now

Despite a significant drop in his Thai Rak Thai party's performance at a snap poll on Sunday leaving a deeply divided nation, embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday implied he would stay on for a third term.

"If I am not prime minister will the country be better off?" Thaksin said in a televised programme late Monday.

Thaksin, who has been the target of mass demonstrations in Bangkok calling for his resignation in the pre-election period, claimed to have secured 16 million votes at Sunday's polls, 3 million less than the 19 million his TRT party won in last year's election but more than half of the estimated 30 million ballots cast.

"It's like getting a B (grade) instead of an A," said Thaksin.

Thaksin said he would set up a committee to work on national reconciliation and to make constitutional amendments and said on live television he would resign if the committee asked him to.
"If the committee asks that I resign, then I will, if that will solve the problem"

An unofficial count of ballots cast in Bangkok had the TRT losing to the "no votes" in 27 out of the capital's 36 constituencies. About 51 per cent of Bangkok voters ticked the "no vote" box, deemed a protest vote against Thaksin.

The strong abstention vote in the capital and in many other parts of the country was deemed a slap in the face for the ruling party, observers said.

"This is a warning from the people," said opposition Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. "This is something strange and new, to have so many no votes."

Sunday's snap election was unique in Thailand's political history because all three opposition parties boycotted the polls to protest what they called the prime minister's abuses of his populist appeal.

The opposition urged their supporters to tick the "no vote" box on their ballots as a protest vote against Thaksin.

In the February 2005 general election, the ruling party won more than 30 of Bangkok's constituencies. Backing from Bangkok, Thailand's capital and home to the country's middle and upper classes, is deemed crucial to a government's stability.

Common political wisdom has it that while the rural areas elect governments, Bangkok overthrows them.

Thailand's 17 southern provinces, the traditional stronghold of the Democrat party, were also showing a majority of no votes, but, according to preliminary counts, the Thai Rak Thai was claiming the majority vote in the northern and north-eastern provinces, where it won by wide margins in the 2001 and 2005 polls.

Thaksin claimed that nationwide there were only 10 million no votes, with an unusually high number of destroyed ballots he attributed to the confusion over the oppositions' boycott.

Without the opposition parties in the running, Sunday's snap election was essentially a one-horse race with Thai Rak Thai candidates contesting unopposed more than half the country's 400 constituencies.

Under the constitution, a single candidate must win at least 20 per cent of the eligible votes in his or her constituency to win. With many no votes there will be a need for re-elections to be held in 38 constituencies.

Until the seats are filled Thailand's parliament cannot open.

The opposition and a Bangkok-based mass movement against the embattled premier, that staged nearly daily demonstrations demanding Thaksin's resignation during the election campaign, claimed that Thailand is in need of a new round of political reforms to safeguard the democratic system against populist premiers in the future.

The Democrats have argued that they boycotted the Sunday polls because a general election would not solve the country's political problems, which have essentially been created by Thaksin.

[acmilan]

CONFIRMED- Thaksin Stepping Down for now

By Nopporn Wong-Anan
23 minutes ago



BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will announce on Tuesday that he is taking a "political break" to try to resolve a long-running crisis over opponents' demands for his resignation, an aide said.


"He will have to bow to the current situation and take a political break," the aide said soon after Thaksin returned from seeing King Adulyadej Bhumibol.

Thaksin was due to speak to the nation on television at 1330 GMT (9:30 a.m. EST), his spokesman said.

Opponents demanding he resign over allegations of corruption and abuse of power said earlier they would stop street protests and take part in a new election if he quit immediately.

Thaksin had offered on Monday night to resign if they called off the protests and joined a new poll he said could take place 15 months after last Sunday's election, which was boycotted by the main opposition.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva agreed to run in a new election, but only if the telecoms billionaire quit now.

"I don't see why it couldn't happen today. The PAD have said yes, we've said yes, and it was his offer -- so he should stick to his word."

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an ad-hoc coalition behind street protests calling for Thaksin's head, had said they would go home if he resigned.

"When the prime minister makes an official announcement to the public that he will resign, the alliance will end its rallies immediately," PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila told reporters.

Thaksin called Sunday's snap poll to defuse a street campaign led by a former business ally, Sondhi Limthongkul, and his political mentor, retired general Chamlong Srimuang.

Appearing on a television talk show on Monday, Thaksin did not repeat recent calls for law and order, seen by some as a threat to crack down on protests that took off in January after the tax-free sale of the telecommunications empire he founded.

RECONCILIATION CALL

Thaksin, 56, said he wanted reconciliation after the poll boycott by the Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties.

"I will do anything. I have retreated so many steps that my back is against the wall," he said.

Thaksin said his Thai Rak Thai party (TRT) had won 16 million votes, a fall of 3 million from the landslide win in February last year, although official returns are far from complete.

He said 10 million voters abstained -- effectively a vote against him -- spoiled their ballots or chose minor parties, threatening a continuation of a crisis hurting the economy.

Thaksin proposed that a group of former judges, university chiefs and prime ministers seek a way out of the political mess and said he would quit if they recommended his exit.

The opposition said the proposed panel was "irrelevant" and dismissed Thaksin's call for reconciliation.

The opposition boycott left 38 of 400 parliamentary constituencies without a winner and no one can form a new government until all seats in parliament are filled.

An unopposed candidate must get 20 percent of the eligible vote to win -- and there is no guarantee by-elections for those 38 seats, most in Democrat strongholds, will achieve that -- and all seats must be filled before parliament can convene.

(Additional reporting Ed Cropley, Apornrath Phoonphongphiphat and Chawadee Nualkhair)

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 5 April 2006 :-

Thaksin bowing out :
Prime minister arrives at Government House with tears in his eyes after audience with His Majesty the King

Caretake Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra bowed out of the political battle last night, declaring in a nationwide telecast that he would not form the next government. ''I will not to accept the prime ministership when the new parliament convenes in 30 days,'' he said.

''I will remain as caretaker prime minister until there is a new parliament and government,'' he added.

With what he claims amounted to 16 million votes, Mr Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai easily won the election on Sunday, and the House of Representatives would normally have nominated him prime minister at its first session.

But since by-elections have to be held in 38 constituencies it remained unclear when Parliament could convene for the nomination, and how long he would remain caretaker prime minister.

Mr Thaksin cited the need to restore national unity for the celebration of His Majesty the King's 60th anniversary on the throne in June as a main reason.

He also spoke of the positive response from the People's Alliance for Democracy and opposition parties to his offer to resign, made on Monday night during the Krong Sathanakarn programme on Channel 11, if they ended their protest and boycott of the elections.

PAD yesterday morning had expressed a willingness to call off Friday's rally if Mr Thaksin resigned. At about the same time, the opposition parties said they would join the election if he quit now.

Opposition party members welcomed the caretaker prime minister's announcement. But the PAD had reservations.

After a meeting with four other core leaders, Sondhi Limthongkul said the alliance was only 25% satisfied.

The alliance would go ahead with a rally on Friday that would focus on the Election Commission's mishandling of the election on Sunday.

The alliance would only disband permanently if Mr Thaksin resigned.

If he did not do so by the end of the month, and continued to dominate the next government through proxies, the PAD would regroup and resume demonstrations.

The PAD had a duty to resist policies such as negotiating free trade agreements and mega-projects which the government initiated.

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, another PAD leader, declared victory for PAD's marathon demonstration which lasted 34 days and 34 nights.

''If we didn't join forces, there would be no today. This shows that ordinary people like us can solve the crisis rocking the country,'' Maj-Gen Chamlong said.

Somsak Prisanananthakul, deputy Chart Thai leader, commended Mr Thaksin's ''spirit'' of sacrifice. Chart Thai looked forward to political reform, constitutional changes so that all four main parties could contest the next elections.

Mahachon party leader Maj-Gen Sanan Kachornprasart also commended Mr Thaksin.

Democrat adviser Banyat Bantadtan said Mr Thaksin's decision would help reduce the political temperature .

Mr Thaksin made the announcement from Government House after an audience with the King in Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

''But I seriously need to apologise to the 16 million people who voted for me to be prime minister.''

Mr Thaksin recalled the King's warning after the May 1992 uprising that attempts by rival parties to defeat one another would only lead to the defeat of the country as a whole .

''The fellows who love me have expressed themselves in the election. Those who are dissatisfied with me have expressed themselves through abstention. The PAD and the opposition have expressed themselves. So it's time for all of us to express in unity our loyalty for the King,'' Mr Thaksin said.

He said he was taking a step back by refusing to form the next government but under article 215 of the constitution would remain caretaker until the new prime minister is found.

But he stressed that as the Thai Rak Thai leader, he would push for the continuation of poverty-reduction schemes, the 30-baht medical care, drugs suppression, and mass transit projects.

''I will visit people as a representative and as a former prime minister who is concerned about them,'' he said.

Mr Thaksin insisted that he had done his best in the past five years as the prime minister and that he never had any ill intention toward the nation. He promised he would explain all the controversies around him if he gets the chance.

''Our children must grow. There will be no use for a handful of grown-ups to try to defeat one another,'' he said, before ending his television appearance that last about 15 minutes.

Mr Thaksin made the announcement after an audience with His Majesty the King at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan. He arrived at Government House reportedly with tears in his eyes together with his wife Khunying Potjaman and his two daughters.

Mr Thaksin spoke to the nation from the hall of the Thai Khoo Fa building in Government House.

Before the live telecast, he called a meeting with several ministers including his deputy and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Labour Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and Deputy Public Health Minister Anuthin Charnveerakul.

After his announcement, he went to his office for about ten minutes and returned downstairs without replying to reporters who asked him to name his successor.

Mr Thaksin drove his luxurious sedan and brought his family to their residence in Soi Charan Sanitwong 69 road.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 5 April 2006 :-

Thaksin leaves Government House

Outgoing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Wednesday announced his leave of absence to a special Cabinet meeting and then packed his belongings and left Government House.

He designated his No 2, Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya, to work on his behalf during his absence.

He said the special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday would be his last Cabinet until the next government is formed.

Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee later explained that the caretaker Cabinet meetings would still be held without Thaksin but Chidchai would take charge of the future meetings until the next government is formed.

Officials loaded Thaksin's personal belongings onto two pick-up trucks, which left Government House at 1:40 pm.

After the trucks left, Thaksin's son, Pantongtae Shinawatra, came to pick up Thaksin at Government House.

He walked downstairs from his office inside the Thai Kufah Building along with his son and several Thai Rak Thai leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan.

Thaksin carried with him the family portrait he used to place on his office desk.

He greeted police officers who formed lines to see him off.

Before leaving in Pantongtae's car, Thaksin told reporters that he would take a long rest with no schedule of returning to work.

Asked where he would go to rest, Thaksin replied "I'll stay around here. If I have time, I'll visit my home in Chiang Mai."

When asked whether he had decided who would be the next prime minister, Thaksin said he was still undecided and still considering candidates for the post.

Thaksin said Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak was taking charge of economic affairs for the government.

Meanwhile, the Wang Nam Yom faction of Somsak Thepsutin and Yaowapha Wongsawat announced that it supported Thai Rak Thai executive Pongthep Thepkanchana for the post of prime minister.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 5 April 2006 :-

Speculation rife over who'll fill PM's post

Speculation about Thaksin Shinawatra's possible successor bubbled over following his televised vow yesterday that he would not seek the post of premier in the next government.

Three key members of his Thai Rak Thai Party have stood out as candidates to replace him and lead the new government during a transition dominated by political reform.

They are party-list contenders Bhokin Bhalakula, Somkid Jatu-sripitak and Sudarat Keyuraphan.

Former Parliament President Bhokin is the top contender, according to a Thai Rak Thai source who said Thaksin's wife Pojaman had thrown her full support behind him. Bhokin is a constitutional expert.

Bhokin took a prominent role as Thaksin's key legal adviser as the leadership crisis deepened. Bhokin has been examining all possible legal channels in the Constitution that could help Thai Rak Thai form the new government.

He has advised Thaksin on how to handle political reform after the election and argued against all those who sought a "royally sponsored prime minister".

However, Bhokin is unpopular with the party's MPs and its leading executives, as he is seen as being interested only in legal issues. His critics worry that he will be an ineffective manager of the economy.

Thaksin and Bhokin have been close since 1997 when they were in the administration of then Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Somkid is considered by many outsiders to be the best choice to succeed Thaksin.

Business leaders have been quite vocal about their support for him, as they are worried about the fallout from political turmoil on economic growth. They believe Somkid is best suited to allaying their concerns. As a finance minister in the first term of the Thaksin government, Somkid succeeded in winning the confidence of business leaders and economists.

Thaksin has praised Somkid for his economic management. Som-kid is the author of the Thai Rak Thai's economic platform and the populist policies that have helped it win elections.

Throughout five years in power, however, Somkid has demonstrated strong leadership, a trait needed at a critical time when Thaksin and his party face pressure from all sides.

Key party members are said to doubt that Somkid will be able to protect Thaksin from those seeking to scrutinise allegations involving the controversial sale of Shin Corp.

Thaksin appears to trust Bhokin more than Somkid as the former is more responsive to Thaksin's instructions. Somkid has had "breaks" with Thaksin and has been accused of "disobedience", party sources say.

Sudarat, however, is seen as having the least chance of the three.

The close aide of Thaksin is considered a last-resort to be selected only if the others refused to take the "temporary top job".

Her appeal has plunged as the party's Bangkok's candidates fell short of the "no vote" ticks in nearly 30 of 36 constituencies.

Although party executives will name his successor, Thaksin will have the final say.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 5 April 2006 :-

Businessmen behind Somkid as next prime minister

Businessmen believe that caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak is the right choice to become the next prime minister, if Thaksin Shinawatra really decides to step down as he said he might do on Monday night. They would prefer to see Somkid at the helm as, in their view, he is capable of moving the economy forward.

However, they said that should Somkid become premier, a major challenge would be whether he could resolve the political conflicts that have brought the nation to its current stalemate.

Thaksin said in a television interview on Monday night that he might consider stepping aside from politics and floated the names of possible successors: former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, and Somkid.

Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, deputy secretary of the Board of Trade, said the latest move by Thaksin might ease the political pressure.

"We have to see whether the prime minister will call a meeting among several parties to find a way out of the political deadlock," he said. "I personally think that if Thaksin decides to step down and appoints Somkid to become prime minister, it will be an appropriate choice because Somkid has been good in his assignment so far. And he has charisma. He doesn't have any history."

Pornsilp said if Somkid became the next premier, his priority would be to resolve economic problems and speed up constitutional reform to move the country forward. Moreover, Somkid is respected among foreigners.

"Therefore, I believe that he will be able to move the country's economy forward and ease the current political tension," he said.

The political stalemate is likely to continue after many voters chose to abstain from voting in Sunday's general election to register their protest against Thaksin, whose popularity has been declining due to allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

Somsak Paneetatyasai, president of the Thai Shrimp Association, said Somkid was a suitable person because of his non-partisan characteristics. Moreover, he is accepted by the business sector for his straightforward character.

Nonetheless, Somsak said the new government should focus on rebuilding and reconciliation. The Constitution should be reformed by relaxing the qualification requirements for MP candidates, such as mandating that a candidate must be a member of a political party for at least 90 days before contesting an election.

He added that the new government would have to deal with the rising baht because it is starting to affect exports.

Surachai Suthitham, president of Thai Swine Raisers Association, said if Thaksin insisted on hanging on to power, the political problems would not be resolved.

"We have to see who will be the next prime minister," he said. "But I think that if Thaksin names a Thai Rak Thai person to become his successor, the problems won't end. I don't have any personal objection against Somkid, but we have to see whether several parties will accept him."

A source from Government House said Thaksin was testing the waters by floating the names of his successors on Monday night to gauge the public's initial reaction. And the reaction towards Somkid has been fairly positive.

However, Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, chairman of Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association, said Somkid was equipped with an economic background and his record so far had not been tainted by scandal.

"But we have to see whether Somkid will be able to solve political problems," he said.

Poj Aramwattananont, president of Thai Frozen Foods Association, said the Thai Rak Thai Party should review its stance.

"Even though Thaksin may claim his party got 16 million votes, there's no democratic country where abstention and disqualified ballots were as high as 10 million," he said.

Somkid is an acceptable choice for the private sector, but what the new government should urgently do is change certain articles in the Constitution to end divisions in society, boost the economy which has been slowing down for the past three or four months, and dissolve the House for the new election, said Poj.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 5 April 2006 :-

Fast-food sector McDonald's set to beef up its presence : 50 new outlets, double sales targetted

McDonald's Thailand plans to open as many as 50 new outlets within the next five years with the aim of doubling its sales, according to the company's managing director, Rob Chiasson.

They will include traditional outlets, kiosks and counters that sell desserts only and dessert-only outlets in front of grocery stores.

The company has also set aside funds for renovating its existing branches, which it will do over a number of years and following different concepts, such as "music station" branches at Central Lat Phrao and Siam Paragon and an "active game" branch on Central Ram-Indra.

"We will create different branches to meet the different demands of our customers," he said.

He declined to put a figure on the cost of new outlets because it depends on the size, location and style of the new stores.

McDonald's currently has about 100 outlets in Bangkok and 15 more around the country.

Chiasson said Thailand has more competition than most other countries because there are diners, restaurants and sidewalk eateries wherever you go.

That said, the country also has high potential because Thais normally dine away from home an average of 40 times a month. As a result, McDonald's foresees strong growth in Thailand.

McDonald's Thailand recorded sales growth of 5 per cent last year, compared with 2004, and expects sales growth of 10 per cent this year.

"We believe our growth will achieve its target because our sales grew by 11 per cent in the first quarter of the year," he said.

To boost its sales, McDonald's will launch a new menu to better meet the demands of local customers.

It yesterday introduced its latest product, the grilled chicken foldover. It will be available at all McDonald's restaurants until June 1 at a price of Bt59.

The main concepts behind the company's new menu are food safety and faster service, he said. McDonald's is concerned about health issues and will offer nutritional information in all of its branches.

"We believe our products are not junk food," he said. "It is quality food and healthy food."


Somluck Srimalee
The Nation

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 5 April 2006 :-

Go ask Chidchai, Thaksin tells reporters

Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday handed over the duties of caretaker prime minister to Deputy PM Chidchai Vanasatidya, saying he was tired and wanted to "take a rest".

The move came on the heels of his shock announcement on Tuesday night that he would not seek another term as premier.

"Today is the last day I will head this Cabinet," Thaksin told a Cabinet meeting yesterday. "I'm tired and want to rest. I have appointed Chidchai to do my work."

He also asked reporters to leave him alone.

"Let me have my privacy back from today. Whatever you want to know, go ask Chidchai," he said. Chidchai is the highest ranking of seven deputy prime ministers.

Thaksin insisted he would not be involved in the Cabinet's decision-making process unless "significant agendas" arise.

After five years in office he needed time to recuperate, he said.

On Tuesday he said he would take a "political break" so the country could reconcile and celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Tension had spread across the country following the uncertain outcome of Sunday's election and Thaksin's insistence that he would continue to serve as prime minister, despite a backlash at the ballot box that saw an unprecedented number of voters spoil their ballots or tick "no vote".

"What I have done is to ensure that the new House [which will select the new prime minister] will take its first session." Thaksin said. "I believe my decision is the best way out for the country."

Chidchai, a close aide of Thaksin, was promoted to the No 2 spot in the Cabinet in the middle of last month while thousands of anti-Thaksin protestors were besieging Government House.

Overseeing security at the time, Chidchai had been seen as a replacement for Thaksin should mounting protests force him to step down.

Yesterday's meeting was called to discuss economic affairs, but Thaksin was reported to have stunned his ministers by using the session to say "goodbye".

Some ministers - including Anuthin Charnveerakul, Surapong Suebwonglee and Sudarat Keyuraphan - cried, reports said.

A Thai Rak Thai Party source said Thaksin and his family would fly to England, where his daughter Pinthongta is enrolled in a graduate programme, on Saturday for a vacation.

Meanwhile, Thaksin's opponents were sceptical about his latest moves.

Democrat Party deputy leader Jurin Laksanavisit said it would have been better for Thaksin to resign along with his ministers to pave the way for a "royally sponsored prime minister".

Thaksin will be able to control the replacement he selected, Jurin said.

Suriyasai Katasila, spokesman of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said Thaksin was still the caretaker prime minister legally.

"Thaksin should resign if he is not ready to serve the premiership post," he said, adding that key PAD members would discuss how to react to Thaksin's latest move by Saturday.

"But we are still strict about our ultimatum that gives Thaksin until the end of the month to step down from the caretaker post," Suriyasai said.

Although Thaksin had promised the new government under his party would rule for only one year to oversee political reforms before calling a new election, the PAD regarded one year as too long, Suriyasai said. The PAD wants a six-month limit, he said.

The PAD would move its rally tomorrow to Sanam Luang, he said.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 5 April 2006 :-

POLITICAL SITUATION : What lies ahead?

Post-Thaksin questions are mostly old ones, except whether the most loved and most hated leader is going for good

The ultimate question remains unanswered: Is this real regime change? Despite the emotional announcement, the tears, the planned vacation, and the designation of a new caretaker leader, Thaksin Shinawatra has built a political legacy too deep-rooted, massive and enigmatic to be easily undone. Combine that with his unrivalled resilience and reputation for frequent changes of heart and hidden agendas, and Tuesday's euphoria among one half of this divided Kingdom has gradually become clouded by the familiar shadow of mistrust.

Optimists saw yesterday's assignment of Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya to work on Thaksin's behalf while he takes a holiday in England as a further retreat. Emotional farewells with Cabinet members and rural supporters also led many to believe that even if Thaksin did not mean to stay away from politics for long, the "exile" won't be too short, either. Everyone is looking forward to the beginning of a political-reform process, which would take much, if not all, of this year, and then a new general election under new rules.

Not rosy, but achievable. The optimists were encouraged by the humble manner of his departure. On Monday, Thaksin was his usual arrogant and provocative self, insisting that he won a comfortable election victory with more than half of votes cast nationwide supporting his leadership. After an audience with His Majesty the King in Hua Hin the next day, however, he returned to Bangkok a forlorn and subdued figure, reportedly in tears, and called an urgent press conference.

It was a different Thaksin speaking from that podium. He delivered undoubtedly the best speech of his premiership, apologising solemnly to the 16 million voters who supported him and admitting that continued conflict and turmoil would only endanger the nation. He didn't even appear to try to claim that he was making a sacrifice, and even some of his most vocal critics seemed quite softened by the speech.

Pessimists say, don't believe what you see - at least as not yet. And their reasons seem more solid than those of the optimistic camp. First and foremost, Thaksin did not say he would be gone for good. He will still be there, as an MP and leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, which stands a good chance of forming the core of an interim government that will take the country through this year. If that really happens, will the next government become just another version of the allegedly "Thaksin-free" Shin Corp?

Not surprisingly, the political focus is now on what Thaksin allegedly does best - his use of nominees. The identity of the next prime minister will tell a lot about the country's immediate course. If it's Somkid Jatusripitak, the nation can expect a relatively smooth transition to facilitate a constitutional amendment process. The likes of Bhokin Bhalakula, Sudarat Keyuraphan and Chidchai, however, will set alarm bells ringing.

Before we get to that point, there's the issue of convening the "incomplete" House of Representatives. One school of thought believes Thaksin's "exile" will facilitate the correction of all that was wrong with the April 2 snap election and hopefully the House can convene to elect the new prime minister. In this scenario, Thai Rak Thai very likely will still serve as the foundation of the next government, and it will be a toss-up as to whether a crisis of confidence will be rekindled.

The other school foresees a drastic measure to pre-empt the looming farce of nearly 500 Thai Rak Thai MPs, many of whom were beaten by "no votes" or invalid ballots on April 2, parading into Parliament. There is a strong possibility of attempts to nullify the election results, probably through the Administrative Court, to pave the way for either a royally appointed caretaker prime minister and Cabinet or a new election.

Thailand's political road remains plagued with landmines. Adding to the uncertainty is the likelihood of factional turmoil in the wake of Thaksin's dramatic decision. The party has already been divided into three major camps. The first is led by Newin Chidchob, Yongyut Tiyapairat and Prommin Lertsuridej. The second one comprises party financiers. The third is called the "S Group", which brings together major veterans including Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Somsak Thepsuthin, Suwat Liptapanlop, Suchart Tancharoen and Pinij Charusombat with about 150 MPs under their control.

The third group emerged as the most powerful faction in the party after Tuesday, and it is believed to be backing Somkid as the new prime minister. This may pit them against the other camps and Thaksin himself, who want Bhokin to fill the leader's shoes. It is no secret that Thaksin trusts Bhokin more than Somkid, who the patriarch reportedly fears would become "another Anand Panyarachun". "Thaksin fears that Somkid might act like Anand, who worked independently after being named interim prime minister by the military after its coup in 1992," a Thai Rak Thai source said.

If the "S" faction wants to liberate itself from Thaksin, now or the near future might be the best time to act. Thaksin suppressed all the Thai Rak Thai factions throughout five years in power with the help of a constitutional rule that election candidates must have held membership of the political party they represent for at least 90 days. As a national election must be held within 60 days of the House dissolution, no party MPs dared challenge Thaksin, who "enslaved" them with his power to dissolve the House.

There will be a nasty war during the political-reform process as a lot of politicians want to change this 90-day rule. If this rule is scrapped, there will be a whole new ball game, and if Thaksin wants to stage a comeback, things will be very different by the time he returns to the ring.

A source close to Somkid said he was keen to become the next prime minister because it would not be easy for him to get the post under normal circumstances. Other sources said whether the "S Group" declares its independence depends on future circumstances. "If the cake is shared equally among all factions, there may be no rebellion. But if Thaksin still holds absolute control in the party the break-up wont be a matter of if, but when," one said.

The least-talked about scenario is Thaksin's permanent exile, but certain analysts don't think it's the least likely. His tears may convey more messages than his words, they believe. But then again, "we should have known him better" has become a lament strongly associated with the maverick's character. What lies ahead? If you are an anti-Thaksin pessimist, you may take this as a pun.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Thursday 6 April 2006 :-

Total break or simply a canny ploy? : Thaksin's opponents have second thoughts

Former opposition parties, the People's Alliance for Democracy and other civic groups had second thoughts yesterday about the prime minister's decision to take a break from government, raising a chorus of doubts about his intentions. Still, investors cheered the prospect of an end to the political infighting that has paralysed the country for months, pushing Thai stocks up more than 3% to the highest level in over two years.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand index closed at 768.07 points, up 22.74 points, on heavy trade worth 51.07 billion baht. The baht also gained ground to a new high for the year at 38.335 to the US dollar.

Analysts, however, said the gains could be short-lived if the formation of a new parliament is delayed or opposition parties refuse to participate in political reform.

Notable was the reaction of former prime minister Chuan Leekpai who said Thaksin Shinawatra's address to the nation on Tuesday night changed nothing.

''Though Mr Thaksin is taking a break, he's pushing Thai Rak Thai people to take over the post, be it Mr Somkid (Jatusripitak), or Mr Pokin (Polakul),'' Mr Chuan said. ''What has changed is the people, but his regime continues.''

By that, he meant ''interference in independent agencies, media domination, graft, conflicts of interest, cronyism, extra-judicial killings and abductions''.

Democrat executive member Jurin Laksanavisit said Thaksinomics would continue and become more dangerous.

Political reform would not materialise as the new prime minister would be Mr Thaksin's puppet and the new government would still be under the TRT's thumb.

''The opposition bloc will show the public the threats posed by the Thaksin regime which are still here and increasingly troublesome,'' said Mr Jurin, chief of the joint opposition committee, after a meeting of the Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties.

The PAD plans to lay out its next step at a major rally tomorrow at Sanam Luang.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said the mission was still not over.

''The first stage is to oust Mr Thaksin, and the second is to uproot the Thaksin regime,'' he said.

The PAD agreed to temporarily halt activities following Mr Thaksin's decision not to accept a third term in office.

Mr Suriyasai said the PAD will call for a specific time-frame for constitutional amendments and expects the process to be wrapped up in six months.

Senator Chirmsak Pinthong believed Mr Thaksin was buying time and his latest move was a display of shrewdness. ''Simply put, we've been outsmarted,'' he said.

Leading academics urged Mr Thaksin to go a step further by resigning from the caretaker prime minister's job.

Somkiat Tangkitvanich, director of the Thailand Development Research Institute, said Mr Thaksin's decision was good for the short term but it could lead to conflict.

''In his speech, he said he would not take the post in the next government. But he remains the party leader and will push forward policies. That means he still has the power, which triggers a wave of discontent,'' he said.

Nimu Makaje, of the Yala Central Islamic Committee, said Mr Thaksin's action brought him compliments and scepticism.

''To ensure that it's a really clean move, he mustn't have a part in selecting the new prime minister and must completely step aside from politics,'' he said.

Somchai Preechasilapakul, of Chiang Mai University's law faculty, suggested an independent commission be established to investigate the allegations against Mr Thaksin because he left many questions unanswered, especially about the ethics of the Shin Corp-Temasek deal.

Suntaree Sengking, president of the coalition of northeastern NGOs, said the group will continue to expose irregularities under the Thaksin regime.

Narong Boonsuayfan, of Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat, pinned his hopes for political reform on the 10 million voters who cast no-vote ballots and others who boycotted the elections.

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD core leader and former mentor of Mr Thaksin, said he did not care if there was another motive behind Mr Thaksin's departure and hailed it as the PAD's victory.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Thursday 6 April 2006 :-

Chidchai becomes interim PM

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has appointed Chidchai Wannasathit as interim prime minister while he takes leave of absence until a new government is formed. Pol Gen Chidchai, in charge of security in the cabinet and also justice minister, was promoted to first deputy prime minister about three weeks ago at the height of a street protest campaign aimed at ousting Mr Thaksin over allegations of abuse of power and corruption.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee stressed Mr Thaksin was only taking leave and not resigning.

Pol Gen Chidchai would take over day-to-day operations and chair weekly cabinet meetings but important matters would still be left to Mr Thaksin, who would retain his position as leader of the Thai Rak Thai party.

Pol Gen Chidchai, who keeps a low profile, is viewed as Mr Thaksin's most trusted aide. They both graduated from the Police Academy and studied together in the United States.

He was a political unknown before Mr Thaksin appointed him to head the Office of the Narcotics Control Board when the administration launched its war on drugs three years ago.

He first joined the Thaksin administration in March 2005 as deputy prime minister and interior minister.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Thursday 6 April 2006 :-

Chidchai at helm leads to fears for South

The appointment of former deputy prime minister Chidchai Wannasathit as acting caretaker prime minister has sparked concern among academics over the future of the deep South. Srisomphob Jitpiromsri, a political science lecturer at Prince of Songkhla University in Pattani, said the southern situation had not improved since Pol Gen Chidchai was assigned to oversee the solution of problems in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat as deputy premier in charge of security affairs.

Pol Gen Chidchai, entrusted with the deep South since August last year, was a key supporter of the executive decree on public administration in emergency situations, which enabled police and military officers to arrest people without strong evidence and proper investigation, Mr Srisomphob said.

Many southern residents were unhappy with this practice, he said.

''So I worry that the violence in the deep South will deteriorate if Pol Gen Chidchai still applies rigid measures to deal with the situation,'' he said.

Voravit Baru, an assistant rector of the same university and a member of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) with Pol Gen Chidchai, said the latter often expressed disapproval of proposals from civic groups.

Mr Voravit cited as an example Pol Gen Chidchai's opposition to a proposal from NRC member Piya Kijthavorn, who is also a political science lecturer at the university, for a review of the executive decree's enforcement.

Mr Piya based his proposal on his own research finding that none of the Muslim communities in the region wanted the executive decree, while some Buddhist communities did.

The executive decree, Mr Voravit said, had led to many questionable arrests and convictions of suspects that had left wives and children struggling to earn a living.