New appointment of ex-Thaksin aide criticised

The Straits Times, February 20, 2007



Mr Somkid (top), who served as Thaksin's (bottom) chief economic adviser, was appointed by Gen Surayud, who said he would head a committee to explain and clarify the government's economic policy. -- AP



BANGKOK - The pro-democracy group that spearheaded protests against toppled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra criticized on Tuesday the inclusion of a top Thaksin aide in the military-installed government.

The People's Alliance for Democracy said former Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who was appointed an economic adviser last week, engineered policies of extreme capitalism and consumerism in the fallen government, which many dubbed 'Thaksinomics.'

Mr Thaksin was ousted last September in a military coup following months of mass street protests, with the alliance and other groups accusing the former prime minister of massive corruption and abuse of power.

Mr Suriyasai Takasila, an alliance spokesman, said Mr Somkid's appointment would increase disunity among Thais and pave the way for a return to Thaksinomics.

Mr Somkid, who served as Thaksin's chief economic adviser, was appointed by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who said he would head a committee to explain and clarify the government's economic policy, especially to foreign investors.

'Having someone from the previous government who also has contacts in the economic world, especially in Japan and China, will help create confidence that sufficiency economy doesn't conflict with capitalism,' Gen Surayud told reporters.

A key protest leader, media tycoon Mr Sondhi Limthongkul, warned that if Mr Somkid didn't resign, the alliance would take action against him, but did not elaborate.

Gen Surayud said he will not change his mind on the Mr Somkid's appointment. -- AP