Thaksin demands a 'clean' cabinet

Thaksin demands a 'clean' cabinet

Outsiders tapped but Isan MPs push demands

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has indicated he is prepared to bring in political outsiders to form a squeaky-clean cabinet with an internationally accepted image.

But his efforts may be thwarted by the powerful lobbying force of Pheu Thai MPs from the Northeast who want their importance in the election victory to be rewarded with a larger quota of cabinet seats. Intense lobbying has been noted within the party all week.

Thaksin has let it be known he wants the first Yingluck cabinet to look good. A party source said he has been trying to recruit respected figures from outside the political arena despite the pressure from party factions demanding recognition in the form of ministerial seats.

Thaksin's firm grip on the party's fortunes mean red shirt leaders elected to parliament may not be invited into the cabinet. But the source said they could take over posts in any reshuffles that occur later.

Outsiders who have been approached to take up ministerial posts include the executive chairman of Siam Commercial Bank Vichit Surapongchai, former ambassador Vikrom Koompirochana and ex-president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand Kittiratt na Ranong. It is expected they would take portfolios in the economic and foreign affairs ministries.

Former PTT president and chief executive officer Prasert Bunsumpun is reported to have told his staff he is in line to become energy minister. Party insiders have been unable to confirm this.

Another Pheu Thai source said that with 35 cabinet seats up for grabs, five will be given to coalition parties and the remaining 30 will be allocated to Pheu Thai MPs.

Fifteen seats will be reserved under a central quota for some party MPs and non-MP members. The rest of the seats will be distributed among MPs from each region.

The source said MPs from the Northeast had originally wanted eight cabinet seats.

But as two MPs from the Northeast had already been given the posts of House speaker and deputy speaker, their quota had been slashed to six.

Somsak Kiatsuranont of Khon Kaen and Chaiyaphum's Charoen Chankomol were elected as House speaker and deputy speaker respectively on Tuesday.

The source said MPs from the Northeast insist the original quota of eight cabinet portfolios be honoured, citing the significant number of 104 House seats won in the region.

The source said central region candidates tipped for cabinet posts were Nakhon Pathom MP Phadermchai Sasomsap, Ayutthaya MP Witthaya Buranasiri, Nonthaburi MP Udomdej Rattanapian, list MP Col Apiwan Wiriyachai.

Strong candidates from the North include Phrae MP Worawaj Ua-apinyakul, Chiang Mai MP Boonsong Teriyapirom and Chiang Rai's Itthidej Kaewluang.

Favoured candidates from the Northeast include list MP Torpong Chaiyasan, MP for Loei Preecha Rengsomboon and MP for Ubon Ratchathani Supol Fong-ngam.

Bangkok MPs who are likely to be given cabinet posts are Wicharn Meenchainant and Anudit Nakornthap. The pair have the backing of Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, a former key member of Thai Rak Thai who retains a strong influence in Pheu Thai.

Some party sources said the cabinet line-up for coalition parties had been finalised. Chartthaipattana Party will get the agriculture, tourism and sports portfolios and a deputy minister's post. Chart Pattana Puea Pandin will be given the industry portfolio while Phalang Chon can choose either the culture or the science and technology portfolios.