http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/The-government-Thaksins-Front-Line-30172716.html
The government: Thaksin's Front Line
The government has taken up the role of representative of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is living in exile - with much of its work aimed at helping him.
In return, Thaksin has originated or watched over much of its work, even in setting up the Cabinet line-up. Many foreign trips of government members or officers have been to countries where Thaksin has either been present or recently visited.
Quote of the year:
"The falling tears didn't come from weakness. Other people cannot understand; it is the 'in' feeling."
- PM Yingluck
Cabinet members:
_ Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra: "Parrot PM"
Yingluck is the bird Thaksin raised in a golden cage and taught to speak repeatedly the messages he wants while avoiding talking politics.
_ Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit: "Grocery Tuxedo" Yongyuth patiently stays with the Pheu Thai Party while Thaksin rewards him with positions. He has a good personality and is a gentleman. However, he has no clearer achievement than being at the PM's side at all times.
_ Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung: "Kumarnthong Kanong Suek" (War-enjoying Kumarnthong)
"Kumarnthong" is a naughty child ghost kept in control by a shaman as a servant. He can do things visibly or invisibly. Many times, in whispers, Chalerm has told others what to say according to their designated role. Meanwhile, this active minister has been assigned to take on many important tasks - just like a warlord.
_ Justice Minister Pol General Pracha Promnok: "Stray Eagle"
As a police officer, Pracha is known as the "Eagle of the Northeast". Besides being appointed as justice minister, Pracha was assigned director of the Flood Relief Operations Centre, which was far from his expertise. He was then seen as an eagle who had flown astray.
_ Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul: "Peung Pao Pae" (Peung the perfect target)
Playing with the sound of his nickname "Peung", the alias also stresses that he can do all the tasks designed to help Thaksin, including re-issuing a Thai passport for him, and the transfer of ambassadors known to be on the other side.
_ Deputy Prime Minister Pol General Kowit Wattana: "The Wrench"
This capable but quiet minister keeps his tongue tied, especially with reporters. He was the first border patrol police officer to become national police chief.
_ Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong: "Puleng Nong"
Playing with the sound of the name of King Burengnong - the word "puleng", which means running or travelling awkwardly here and there, is combined with the word "nong", which means overflow - a comment on his performance as commerce minister, in which he had to go here and there to promote the economy, while he cried when visiting a flooded industrial estate.
_ Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan: "Spilling idea"
Pichai is very good at proposing ideas, but they have never been implemented. He is very often seen standing behind the PM in the media but his achievement has not been recognised.
_ Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut: "Kongbae Theera" once said that even Kongming - the great strategist of the Three Kingdoms - could not solve Thailand's flood problems. Theera himself, the only minister who was also in the Abhisit Vejjajiva Cabinet, provides "all kinds of services" for Chart Thai Pattana de facto leader Banharn Silapa-archa. Therefore he is called a "bae" or a servant.
_ Science and Technology Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee: "Phi Joh Plod" Plodprasob's name is combined with a Thai saying, "phi joh pak" - which means speaking inconsiderately, as if possessed by a ghost - a reference to Plodprasob's telling people prematurely to evacuate in the face of flood waters, which panicked Bangkok residents in the early days of FROC's work after he joined it.
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