Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BANGKOK5077
2007-09-24 10:01:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:
CABINET RESIGNATIONS MAY LEAD TO THAI COUP
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 005077
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NSC FOR PHU
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM TH
SUBJECT: CABINET RESIGNATIONS MAY LEAD TO THAI COUP
LEADER'S APPOINTMENT
Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 005077
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NSC FOR PHU
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM TH
SUBJECT: CABINET RESIGNATIONS MAY LEAD TO THAI COUP
LEADER'S APPOINTMENT
Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (U) On September 20, an official of the National Counter
Corruption Commission (NCCC) reported publicly that three
cabinet members held significant stakes in private companies.
Following the disclosure, Information and Communications
Technology Minister Sitthichai Pokai-udom and Deputy Commerce
Minister Oranuj Osathananda announced their resignations.
Interior Minister Aree Wongarya, the third figure identified
by the NCCC, said he would discuss his situation with Prime
Minister Surayud Chulanont, after Surayud's return from the
UNGA session in New York.
2. (U) The 1997 Constitution compelled cabinet members with
significant holdings in private companies to place their
shares in a blind trust. The 2006 interim constitution,
which was much less comprehensive, contained no similar
provision. The 2007 Constitution imposed more stringent
limits on the financial activities of legislators and cabinet
ministers, as well as their spouses and children, but its
transitory provisions exempted members of the current
cabinet. Although Sitthichai, Oranuj, and Aree appear not to
have broken the law, some Thais saw their previously
undisclosed holdings as tainting a government that came into
office after a coup allegedly motivated in part by the
corruption of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
3. (C) COMMENT: With Army Commander Sonthi Boonyaratglin due
to retire on September 30, there has been much speculation
that Sonthi might enter the cabinet. The resignations
provide justification for a limited cabinet reshuffle, which
could include an important position for Sonthi. While most
speculation has focused on the possible creation of a new
Deputy Prime Minister position that would handle security
affairs, Sonthi might also aim to replace Aree, which would
enable him to exercise significant influence during the
coming election. (The Interior Minister has a nationwide
network that extends from the provincial governors -- who
report to the Minister -- down to the grassroots level.)
Nevertheless, when we contacted an NCCC official to ask about
the resignations, he insisted that the timing of the NCCC
revelations was not linked to Sonthi's impending retirement.
BOYCE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NSC FOR PHU
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM TH
SUBJECT: CABINET RESIGNATIONS MAY LEAD TO THAI COUP
LEADER'S APPOINTMENT
Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (U) On September 20, an official of the National Counter
Corruption Commission (NCCC) reported publicly that three
cabinet members held significant stakes in private companies.
Following the disclosure, Information and Communications
Technology Minister Sitthichai Pokai-udom and Deputy Commerce
Minister Oranuj Osathananda announced their resignations.
Interior Minister Aree Wongarya, the third figure identified
by the NCCC, said he would discuss his situation with Prime
Minister Surayud Chulanont, after Surayud's return from the
UNGA session in New York.
2. (U) The 1997 Constitution compelled cabinet members with
significant holdings in private companies to place their
shares in a blind trust. The 2006 interim constitution,
which was much less comprehensive, contained no similar
provision. The 2007 Constitution imposed more stringent
limits on the financial activities of legislators and cabinet
ministers, as well as their spouses and children, but its
transitory provisions exempted members of the current
cabinet. Although Sitthichai, Oranuj, and Aree appear not to
have broken the law, some Thais saw their previously
undisclosed holdings as tainting a government that came into
office after a coup allegedly motivated in part by the
corruption of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
3. (C) COMMENT: With Army Commander Sonthi Boonyaratglin due
to retire on September 30, there has been much speculation
that Sonthi might enter the cabinet. The resignations
provide justification for a limited cabinet reshuffle, which
could include an important position for Sonthi. While most
speculation has focused on the possible creation of a new
Deputy Prime Minister position that would handle security
affairs, Sonthi might also aim to replace Aree, which would
enable him to exercise significant influence during the
coming election. (The Interior Minister has a nationwide
network that extends from the provincial governors -- who
report to the Minister -- down to the grassroots level.)
Nevertheless, when we contacted an NCCC official to ask about
the resignations, he insisted that the timing of the NCCC
revelations was not linked to Sonthi's impending retirement.
BOYCE