Cabinet grants red shirts govt advisory posts

UDD co-leaders to be 'grassroot conduits'

The cabinet has appointed more core red shirt members to political positions, saying it is the best way to assimilate them into the conventional political system and to ensure they will act as a conduit for information from the grassroots.
The cabinet yesterday assigned several United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) co-leaders as assistants, advisers, secretaries and assistant secretaries to several ministers.

The appointments were seen as an effort to appease the red shirt camp, as none of its members were given ministerial positions.

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Government spokeswoman Thitima Chaisaeng said the postings would benefit the country.

"From now on, there is no need to worry that these people will take to the streets in protest," she said.

Deputy government spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ad said the red shirts who were given political posts had contributed to the Pheu Thai Party.

Mr Anusorn said the appointments will prove to be a strength for the government in that the appointees will act as a link relaying information from the grassroots and help the government better respond to people's needs.

UDD leaders appointed yesterday include Chinnawat Haboonpad (adviser to Transport Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat); Rak Chiang Mai 51 group leader Phetchawat Wattanapongsirikul (adviser to Social Development and Human Security Minister Santi Prompat); UDD red guard chief Aree Krainara (secretary to Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit); Yoswaris Chuklom - also known as Jeng Dokjik - (assistant to Deputy Interior Minister Thanit Thienthong's secretary); Gen Chongsak Phanitchakul (adviser to Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa); Phichit UDD leader Nawin Bunseth (secretary to Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul); and Pattaya UDD leader Sa-nga Thanasanguanwong (secretary to Labour Minister Padermchai Sasomsap).

Also, Wan Yubamrung, son of Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm, was appointed assistant to Deputy Transport Minister Kittisakdi Hathasongkorh's secretary.

They join about 10 other key red shirts who have already been appointed to political positions.

Mr Anusorn said the cabinet had also appointed 20 assistants to ministers. Prominent figures taking up positions include Prapas Chongsanguan, Wisa Khanthap and Pittaya Pukkaman.

As for the appointment of Mr Aree, Mr Anusorn said the red guard chief had previously run as an MP four times and once served as an adviser to the interior minister.

And Mr Chinnawat is suited to the post of adviser to the transport minister given that he was once a leader of a pro-Thaksin taxi drivers club, Mr Anusorn said.

With his new role, he should help the government to better handle the needs of taxi drivers, Mr Anusorn said.

He also predicted that colour-coded political divisions would gradually vanish over the next four to five years.

Meanwhile, a source at Government House yesterday said Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm told the cabinet that giving political posts to red shirts could leave the government vulnerable to criticism.

Mr Chalerm told a team of government representatives to explain to the public that the red shirts had helped Pheu Thai's election campaign and should be given a chance to work for the government, the source said.