Analysis: Surprise appointment of Somkid

Bangkok Post, February 16, 2007

Veera Prateepchaikul


Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's appointment Thursday of Somkid Jatusripitak, former deputy prime minister and finance minister of the ousted Thaksin regime, as the government's mouthpiece on the sufficiency economy came as a total surprise to the public.

Not even Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula who is responsible for clarifying the philosophy of sufficiency economy to the foreign community was aware of the appointment in advance.

The prime minister admitted that it was Somkid himself who approached him and voluntarily offered the service for the government. However, several political observers believed it was the government which approached Somkid to solicit his service.

But whoever made the first move did not matter as much as the fact that the choice of Somkid was a plus for the government in several aspects. Given Somkid's credibility and reputation in the international community, he is in a good position to clarify to the international community, especially foreign media, about sufficiency economy philosophy that it is relevant with globalisation although while serving in the Thaksin regime he often preached capitalism and ''leap forward'' economy.

Honest speaking, the Finance Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry have not been successful in clearing up doubts held among foreign businessmen about sufficiency economy.

Politically, Somkid's recruitment to serve the Surayud government lends credence to the government's call for national reconciliation. Viewed in a different context, Somkid's appointment will deal a blow to Thai Rak Thai party which is now breaking up with several factions already jumped ship. Diehard members of the party may have to reconsider whether it is worthwhile to put their political future with the party or to find green pasteur elsewhere.

As far as Somkid is concerned, he is yet to make known his political ambitions although one political faction, the Matchima, which comprises mainly of former Thai Rak Thai MPs, has rolled out a red carpet for him to lead their party which is to be set up in the future.

Last but not least, Somkid's recruitment to serve the government in the capacity as the government's spokesman on sufficiency economy with the international community represents a win-win situation for both the Surayud government and the Council for National Security.

It is regarded as shrewd move amounting to ''shooting two birds with a single shot''. The only drawback is that Finance Minister Pridiyathorn's feelings might get hurt because he was not consulted in advance and that he might be seen as failing in his job to clarify the sufficiency economy philosophy.