The Lure Of Power

Today's Top Stories >> Wednesday December 10, 2008 09:55

The lure of power Bangkok Post The meeting of minds between the Democrat party and politicians from the previous coalition government was most unlikely - but suddenly it was a reality. They shook hands and agreed to forge an alliance that will set up a new government. It was hard to believe Buri Ram's favourite son, influential politician Newin Chidchob - who not too long ago was Thaksin Shinawatra's right-hand man - and Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, the power broker in the new coalition, could ever kiss and make up. In 1995, Mr Newin spearheaded a House debate on alleged irregularities in the Sor Por Kor 4-01 land reform scheme in Phuket, which eventually caused the collapse of Chuan Leekpai's Democrat-led government. Mr Suthep was then deputy agriculture minister and was accused of helping rich people in Phuket to obtain Sor Por Kor 4-01 documents for land intended for distribution to the poor. But as the political turmoil of the last six months ground to a stalemate and desperation set in, an "Oct 20 operation" was planned in secret. Its purpose: to convince other political parties to support the Democrat party. The Newin camp was the first target. "Mr Suthep worked hard from Oct 20 until the night of Dec 5," a close associate of Mr Suthep said, while noting that Oct 20 itself had no political significance. Mr Suthep spent many hours each day trying to talk Mr Newin into backing the Democrat party, the source said. The agreement between Mr Suthep and Mr Newin was concluded in the presence of House Speaker Chai Chidchob, Mr Newin's father, and other key politicians from both sides, the source said. Thaksin learned what was going on and tried to get Mr Newin on the phone, only to be told that everything was over, it was a done deal, the same source said. Thaksin reportedly assigned Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai to call Mr Newin, who upon picking up the phone quickly switched on the speaker so all those present could hear. "So we're through then? Owe no one anything now, do we?" Mr Apiwan said. "If so, we'll be enemies. If you change your mind, call back." Mr Suthep also had to work hard to get the backing of former Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa. For a start, Mr Suthep had to make sure that party members who had previously displeased Mr Banharn during a House debate when he was prime minister in the mid-90's did not show their faces. Mr Suthep held his breath when Mr Banharn said: "The prime minister must be . . ." and then paused for a long while before finally saying "Abhisit", the source close to Mr Suthep said. In exchange for securing the premiership for Mr Abhisit, Mr Suthep had to agree to demands made by the other political groups.

This means there will be fewer ministerial portfolios left for the Democrats if the government is formed, and the party will see intense jockeying for the cabinet seats among its own members.