Retired General appointed Prime Minister

[wowpow]

THAILAND GETS 24TH PRIME MINISTER

(dpa) - General Surayud Chulanont, a respected retired army officer who has served as a privy councillor, was appointed Thailand's new Prime Minister Sunday.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved his nomination making it official, the government said.

Surayud is Thailand's 24th prime minister since the kingdom became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. But perhaps more important he is the first since 1992 who did not win the position in an election.

Still, he is widely respected by civilian leaders and within the military as honest and not corrupt.

Surayud's appointment comes 13 days after the September 19 coup d'etat that toppled Prime Minister Thakson Shinawater after five-and-a-half years in power.

General Winai Phattiyakul, secretary general of what is now called the Council for National Security (CNS), the third name for military officers who led the bloodless coup, promised the CNS will step aside and let civilians run the country.

But the CNS under article 14 of the new interim charter is allowed to fire the prime minister without resorting to violence, and will continue to be responsible for considering urgent matters.

The military council said a new general election will be held in late 2007, but that it will only come when a new constitution is in place.

Under the interim 39-article charter a national assembly representing all social sectors will select a constitution-drafting assembly to write a new constitution, the government said. The draft will be put up for public hearing within 45 days after it is completed.

The interim constitution also provides CNS with an amnesty for having staged the coup d'etat, saying that the military leaders will not be held legally accountable for their past actions in toppling the Thaksin administration.

Bangkok Post Breaking News

Still, he is widely respected by civilian leaders and within the military as honest and not corrupt.



This is the Bangkok Post, not the Pyongyang Daily News. It would be laughable if it weren't so goddammed sad/scary.

The test is whether there really will be elections in 2007.
In the past, military rule has lasted for many years at a time.
I will believe it when I see it, but still remain hopeful that the coup was a necessary evil because Thailand had run out of good choices. Thaksin had to go and he is gone, so now we are in the now what phase.

How truly unexpected

The test is whether there really will be elections in 2007.
In the past, military rule has lasted for many years at a time.
I will believe it when I see it, but still remain hopeful that the coup was a necessary evil because Thailand had run out of good choices. Thaksin had to go and he is gone, so now we are in the now what phase.

Guess it depends which Politician will guarantee the generals that they wont be dismissed immediately or even arrested. Thaksin may be gone but his supporters and cronies are still around lurking in dark corners sharpening knives.

Thaksin may be gone but his supporters and cronies are still around lurking in dark corners sharpening knives.

There must be a lot of dark corners to fit all those supporters in them. At least 25-30 million of them, by my reckoning.

Still, he is widely respected by civilian leaders and within the military as honest and not corrupt.



This is the Bangkok Post, not the Pyongyang Daily News. It would be laughable if it weren't so goddammed sad/scary.

BBC NEWS
Dependable choice, Thaialnds new PM is respected by civilians and military alike


Positive standing, both at home and abroad, will allay fears that the military is choosing one of its own to be the country's leader.

A reputation for being incorruptible - an important trait given the accusations of graft levelled at his predecessor, the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He publicly expressed his displeasure during the May 1992 uprising, in which many civilians were killed, and has campaigned tirelessly for a more modern, accountable army.

Becoming a commander in 1997, he again prioritised the fight against corruption and rights violations - and was seen as a friend to Burmese refugees for the part he played in allowing them to seek refuge in Thailand.

In the late 1990s, Gen Surayud clashed with Mr Thaksin, who wanted to increase business ties with the Burmese military leaders.

After leaving the army in 2003, the devout Buddhist spent a lengthy time being a monk.

Ironically, one of the main legacies from his long military career is his attempt to distance the army from politics.

He is seen as pivotal in changing the military from a self-serving, often corrupt, group of individuals into a modern, professional organisation.

In fact Time Magazine once described him as "perhaps the most important Thai figure of the modern era".

Civilians and the army alike do not appear to see Gen Surayud as military at all. One of the six most senior coup leaders, Gen Winai Pattariya, said recently: "We all consider that a retired general is a civilian."

Political leaders seem to agree. Korn Chatikavanij, deputy general secretary of the opposition Democrat Party, recently described Gen Surayud as an "appropriate" choice.

The former general has always distanced himself from any intention of entering the political arena.

But now the military has taken over the country, and they need a prime minister whom they, the Thai people and the international community trust.


And especialy for te yankie doodles: BBC NEWS


He fought Thai communist insurgents in the 1960s, and later fended off incursions from Burmese troops and ethnic Wa guerrillas.

[Bob]

Sometimes I don't get the repeated bravado regarding the fighting of the communist insurgent rebels in the 1960's. Based on most histories I've read, the alleged communist insurgency was about 9 guys hiding in the woods and occasionally taking a potshot at some buffalo.

Given there are thousands claiming they saved the country by fighting them off, it must have been a hell of a war.

Sometimes I don't get the repeated bravado regarding the fighting of the communist insurgent rebels in the 1960's. Based on most histories I've read, the alleged communist insurgency was about 9 guys hiding in the woods and occasionally taking a potshot at some buffalo.

Given there are thousands claiming they saved by the country by fighting them off, it must have been a hell of a war.
The highly recommended book THE KING NEVER SMILES (by me and the New York Times) makes it clear that the communist "insurgency" movement in Thailand was never a serious movement, was not any proof of a "domino" theory, and was basically a pro peasant rights movement, dealt murderously by the Thai military and I am afraid, the beloved King who overreacted to this threat, probably out of a fear of the monarchy falling, as it did in Laos.

It was just thrown as a bone for the Doodles. Forget the completely discredited book the King never smiles. By the way 'intern, the Far Eastern Economic Review, has effectively now been banned in Singapore, however I don't think their expose on the crap book had too much to do with it.

Quite honestly I think it is great shame that Surayud Chulanont will only be up for it for a year. Maybe he will be convinced to run in the elections 2008. A thoroughly good man.


In a manner that genuinely reflected a mix of his military background and deep spiritual soul-searching in the monkhood, Surayud vowed to rehabilitate a badly wounded nation, divided by unprecedented political conflicts and rocked by growing insurgency in the deep South. He pledged to bring about national happiness through HM the King's advocated sufficiency economy and political reform that hopefully could see a return to full democracy after one year.

No boasting about mega projects or quick modernisation or "poverty will be no more". Yesterday's events were as "un-Thaksin" as we could ever hope they could be. Intentional or not, a clear message was sent that Surayud will be overseeing a transition from roller-coaster, eye-catching shallow politicking, marred by massive corruption, and excess, to something more practical and less divisive.

excerpts,The nation

To state that the book THE KING NEVER SMILES has been discredited is PURELY in your bizarre imagination.
For a military man, this new dictator PM sounds pretty good.
But don't lose sight of the need for ELECTIONS.
And if he wants to run and is elected, that sounds fine, but I doubt he would.
Lets not forget this is a tricky time. The constitution was TRASHED. Thaksin is completely to blame, but it is still quite dicey.

[Bob]

Cedric, what's your source of information that this guy is a good man? (I don't question that he is but, then again, I'm not foolish enough to believe the current newspaper articles either).

Sorry to be so pessimistic, but one does not attain the rank of general, much less the title of Army Chief, in Thailand, by being a good, honest, uncorrupt, guy. In fact, it is impossible.

I suggest you take a look at the house where Surayuth lives, the car he drives (or, more likely, is driven in), and the assets he owns, and explain how they came from a meager general's salary.

Simply put. His track record, and lack of hype, the man himself. He is not unknown.

You may believe what you choose to believe of course, but the BBC is considered a reputable news source, unlike the NYTimes for example that was recently rocked by scandal, when one of their reporters made up all his articles,yes made up all his articles, which they continued publishing without question.
I can't assume all news papers are full of disinformation. I certainly have a healthy suspicion about what the American public for example are fed by way of disinformation, through their media's predilection for frenzied hype and selective reporting.

Sorry to be so pessimistic, but one does not attain the rank of general, much less the title of Army Chief, in Thailand, by being a good, honest, uncorrupt, guy. In fact, it is impossible.

I suggest you take a look at the house where Surayuth lives, the car he drives (or, more likely, is driven in), and the assets he owns, and explain how they came from a meager general's salary.

Enlighten us Arse? Is this the way down Alabama or up on Rodeo drive for that matter, is one judged on ones material possessions like the make of ones car, surely the acts of the man might tell us more? Tell us anyway how he was living and what make of car he is driving?

I agree he's well enough respected and certainly considered honest and should perform much more morally and respectably, at least, than did the last PM.

I just don't think it was wise to appoint military to the post. They are in control and don't need a PM to remain so, so why not give it to a civilian like the prior choice seemed to be?

Not the best move. It will just prolong the cycle of election/incompetence/coup/constitution/election.

I agree he's well enough respected and certainly considered honest and should perform much more morally and respectably, at least, than did the last PM.

I just don't think it was wise to appoint military to the post. They are in control and don't need a PM to remain so, so why not give it to a civilian like the prior choice seemed to be?

Not the best move. It will just prolong the cycle of election/incompetence/coup/constitution/election.

I completely agree with Arnoid on this one, I think it was an ingenious move to make a civilian the interim prime minister. So much for the Yankee pessimists. Spot on Arnoid.

Cedric, what's your source of information that this guy is a good man? (I don't question that he is but, then again, I'm not foolish enough to believe the current newspaper articles either).At the risk of yet more America-bashing, I offer the following Time magazine write-up about the ex-General: http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/hero ... anont.html (http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/heroes/surayud_chulanont.html)

Gen. Surayuth may be retired, and therefore technically a "civilian", only the most naive and foolish would claim that loyalties lie anywhere other than the military. He carries his rank for life, after all.

is one judged on ones material possessions like the make of ones car, surely the acts of the man might tell us more?

I don't believe that you could be as naive as you're pretending to be. If your salary is 100,000 a month, and you own a 100 million baht house and drive a 10 million baht car, I think those possessions DO tell you an awful lot about a supposedly "honest" man.

Besides, do you know absolutely nothing about how promotions are made in the Thai military and police? I assure you, they are not made for being a good soldier or cop.

Boyprick, can you give that a rest now, we all know he is super duper for the job. I love that mix of military and spiritual, sensitive and strong. A real Thai for all seasons.

Boyprick, I love that mix of military and spiritual, sensitive and strong. A real Thai for all seasons.

Spot on!

Maybe boyprick only loves greed and desire. I dunno.

greed and desire

You mean, the exact principles that have driven the Thai military and police for decades?

And what is with this kindergarten name-calling? It doesn't do anything to strengthen your argument, but does give us an insight into your level of maturity.

[wowpow]

My thinking is that this guy may well be the best choice for the job but it would have been much better for international and national confidence to have appointed a 100% civilian Prime Minister over a retired Army General.

Apart from that the Military Government do not seem to have put a foot wrong.

New readers should take into account that ANY government is OK with TeePee, as long as they don't crack down on steroid sales.

greed and desire

You mean, the exact principles that have driven the Thai military and police for decades?



Sure, in your eyes.

In the mind of ANYONE, except perhaps those who either haven't spent much time in Thailand, or are blind as a bat. Everyone knows that the motives of the military and police are PROFIT above all else. Serving the people comes far down the list. You can read the oft-quoted book by Ajarn Phasuk if you need it spelled out for you.

Apart from that the Military Government do not seem to have put a foot wrong.

Yes, apart from overthrowing a legitimate, democratically-elected government.

New readers should take into account that ANY government is OK with TeePee, as long as they don't crack down on steroid sales.

...and Botox and collagen and plastic surgeons and Heaven forbid, Tawan Bar. Pee-pee Wowpow would have to do his kneeling before a church altar, for a change.

Apart from that the Military Government do not seem to have put a foot wrong.

Yes, apart from overthrowing a legitimate, democratically-elected government.

Oh stop endlessly repeating the obvious. There is nothing sacred about democracy, yes democracy has been dealt a peck on the cheek, now relax and take the full brunt of the coup at it's best. Pucker up for a real government, even Mr Pridiyathorn has agreed to be in the cabinet, probably as the finance minister. This new government is far better than the old one, by far, even a monkey can see that.

Why dont you concentrate on the failings of democracy, this might be more constructive. Talk about buying an election, you can use the United States as a very good example of Democracy at it's worst, and maybe Sweden at it's best, monarchy included. Long live H.K.H Prince Carl Philip!

http://www.royalcourt.se/kungafamiljen/ ... 00227.html (http://www.royalcourt.se/kungafamiljen/hkhprinscarlphilip.4.187e1841020141a4c88000227.htm l)

[TrongpaiExpat]

"Besides, do you know absolutely nothing about how promotions are made in the Thai military and police? I assure you, they are not made for being a good soldier or cop."

Sarcasm aside, you could have replaced "Thai" with just about any country.

"There is nothing sacred about democracy"..especially looking at the USA and the UK at the present with the two whackos running those joints.

As an arch feminist and socialist/communist this coup is as good as it gets and is about the only way they could of got rid of Toxin and thank God they took my advice finally.

providing they do actually have elections within a year ..corruption will carry on as it was normally always going to..thats the real problem !!!!!!