US embassy cable - 05BANGKOK6852

UNCLAS BANGKOK 006852 
 
SIPDIS 
 
INFO ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS 
HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, TH, Cabinet Reshuffle 
SUBJECT: SUPRISE MOVE: MINISTERS SWAP JOBS TO QUELL TRT 
IN-FIGHTING 
 
REF: BANGKOK 6462 
 
1.    (SBU) SUMMARY.  In a surprise move, Thailand,s Prime 
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promoted recently-resigned Public 
Health Minister, Dr. Suchai Charoenratakul to the position of 
Deputy Prime Minister, while moving the incumbent Deputy PM 
Phinit Charusombat into the slot previously held by Dr. 
Suchai. The move demonstrates that the Prime Minister is 
serious about keeping relations smooth in his inner circle * 
in particular keeping his wife and Dr. Suchai happy*and will 
not change the policy making or execution of health 
initiatives in Thailand.  END SUMMARY. 
 
2.    (SBU) Dr. Suchai resigned from his position as the 
Public Health Minister earlier last month because he felt he 
lacked the power to restructure key positions in his Ministry 
(reftel).  Dr. Suchai, who has been the long-time personal 
physician to Thaksin,s wife, was at odds with Dr. Suchai,s 
predecessor and embroiled in a struggle with Ministry 
bureaucrats over personnel transfers.  The surprise 
resignation showed internal rifts within the TRT, which 
Thaksin has been anxious to downplay.  Suchai's new Deputy PM 
position oversees the Health, Science, and Information and 
Communication Technology Ministries but is largely ceremonial 
in nature. 
 
3.    (SBU)   Although Phinit has not publicly commented 
about taking a step down from Deputy PM to Cabinet Minister, 
analysts say he should be happy because the latter position 
actually exercises more direct authority than the Deputy PM 
post.  It is believed that Phinit was picked to go there 
because he is well-respected by both parties involved in last 
month,s problems.  Phinit is more of a politician and not a 
health expert, but he has a very capable staff.  The switch 
in positions is unlikely to change Thailand,s policies in 
preparing for and responding to the Avian Influenza threat. 
 
4.    (SBU) Comment.  Thaksin dodged another bullet by 
quelling this controversy quickly and apparently to the 
satisfaction of everyone involved.  At a time when the TRT is 
facing a good deal of internal strife, Thaksin showed his 
political savvy and prevented a relatively minor issue from 
becoming a major catalyst for dissent in his party.  The 
change in positions should not affect Health policy in any 
noteworthy manner.  End Comment. 
BOYCE