Thailand 2006 interim civilian government under military control
Encyclopedia
The Thai 2006 interim civilian government is the Thai
provisional
civilian government headed by Interim Prime Minister General
Surayud Chulanont
. It was appointed on 1 October 2006 by the Council for National Security, the initial post-coup interim military government led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin
, which had overthrown the government of Thaksin Shinawatra in a coup on 19 September 2006. The interim government operated under an interim constitution
, promulgated that same day.
against the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
, suspended the Constitution
, cancelled upcoming elections, and dissolved Parliament. The junta later appointed General Surayud Chulanont
as Prime Minister of an interim civilian government, promulgated an interim charter, and changed its name to the Council for National Security.
, CDRM vice-president, said that more than five candidates were being considered for the post of interim prime minister, though none of them had been approached yet. Chalit said the CDRM would favour a lawyer
since political reform is the priority of the CDRM's goal. Economists could be brought in as cabinet
ministers to take charge of national economy.
Former central bank governor Mom Rajawongse Chatumongol Sonakul
was tipped as interim prime minister because he is knowledgeable about economic issues. Some CDRM leaders had reservations about Chatumongol, who gained a reputation for being outspoken and intolerant during his long years as a technocrat at the Finance Ministry and Bank of Thailand
(BoT). Chatumongol previously served as the permanent secretary for finance from 1 October 1995 to 28 July 1997 and was dismissed by the Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
government. Named on 7 May 1998, governor of the Bank of Thailand
by Tarrin Nimmanhaeminda, Chuan Leekpai
government's finance minister, Chatumongol was later sacked on 30 May , 2001 by the Thaksin Shinawatra
government.
, at the time the current governor of the BoT, has the banking and business community's favour, and was seen as a strong contender.
(Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
) was also previously rumored to have been short-listed for the post.
and former boss of junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratkalin Surayud Chulanont
also emerged as a strong candidate for Premier. Panithan Wattanayakorn of Chulalongkorn University
called Surayud the most feasible choice, noting that "He is also recognised internationally. Time magazine ran a story about him on its front page once and dubbed him an Asian hero." Suriyasai Katasila, leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy
also said that Surayud was the strongest candidate. Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda
, Surayud's former boss, was seen to be in a cheerful mood after reports gained ground that Gen Surayud might be named interim prime minister.
During a nationally televised press conference General Sondhi Boonyaratkalin reaffirmed wanting to install a new civilian prime minister "as soon as possible" but was still narrowing down candidates for the job. He did not rule out a former soldier for the temporary role, "When you say civilian prime minister, you will see that soldiers after they retire can be called civilians," hinting at the former Army commander Surayud.
On 1 October, the military junta officially named Surayud as interim Prime Minister. The leaders also announced an interim constitution to take effect immediately until a new permanent constitution is drafted and signed by the King of Thailand. This temporary charter includes provisions giving amnesty for the military junta and all others under its command.
Surayud 1/2 - Two ministers have been added to the Cabinet. The two new ministers have been appointed and sworn in on 18th November 2006.
Surayud 1/3 - Two ministers have been added to the Cabinet. The two new ministers have been appointed and sworn in on 2nd February 2007.
Surayud 1/4 - One minister announced his resignation, one minister received additional responsibility and three ministers have been added to the Cabinet. The resigned minister announced his resignation on 28th February 2006, effective the following day. The minister (received additional responsibility) and the new three new ministers have been appointed and sworn in on 7th March 2007.
On 21 May 2007, One minister resigned from the cabinet, due to health reasons.
On September/October 2007, Five members of the Cabinet resigned after named by the National Counter Corruption Commission as holding company shares of over 5 percent, which is in violation with the 2000 anti-graft law.
Surayud 1/5 - After five ministers resigned cabinet, one minister received additional responsibility and one minister has been added to the Cabinet. The new minister has been appointed and sworn in on 2nd October 2007. The minister who received additional responsibility has been appointed and sworn in on 3rd October 2007. Additional responsibilities were given to current ministers.
Following general elections and the establishment of a new civilian government, the junta would be dissolved and replaced by a permanent "Council of National Security" (CNS) whose future role in Thai politics has not yet been explained. It was later revealed that the interim charter would give the junta significant control over the interim civilian government.
sons."
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
provisional
Provisional government
A provisional government is an emergency or interim government set up when a political void has been created by the collapse of a very large government. The early provisional governments were created to prepare for the return of royal rule...
civilian government headed by Interim Prime Minister General
General
A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
Surayud Chulanont
Surayud Chulanont
General Surayud Chulanont is a Thai political figure. He was the Prime Minister of Thailand and head of Thailand's Interim Government between 2006 and 2008...
. It was appointed on 1 October 2006 by the Council for National Security, the initial post-coup interim military government led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin
Sonthi Boonyaratglin
General Sonthi Boonyaratglin is former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and former head of the Council for National Security, the military junta that ruled the kingdom. He is the first Muslim in charge of the mostly Buddhist army...
, which had overthrown the government of Thaksin Shinawatra in a coup on 19 September 2006. The interim government operated under an interim constitution
2006 Interim Constitution of Thailand
The 2006 Interim Charter of Thailand was drafted by the Council for Democratic Reform after it seized power from the government of Thaksin Shinawatra in the 2006 Thailand coup...
, promulgated that same day.
Background
On 19 September 2006 the Thai military staged a coup2006 Thailand coup d'état
The 2006 Thai coup d'état took place on Tuesday 19 September 2006, when the Royal Thai Army staged a coup d'état against the elected caretaker government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra...
against the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
, suspended the Constitution
Constitution of Thailand
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand is the supreme law of Thailand. Since the change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy in 1932, Thailand has had 17 charters and constitutions, reflecting the high degree of political instability and frequency of military coups faced...
, cancelled upcoming elections, and dissolved Parliament. The junta later appointed General Surayud Chulanont
Surayud Chulanont
General Surayud Chulanont is a Thai political figure. He was the Prime Minister of Thailand and head of Thailand's Interim Government between 2006 and 2008...
as Prime Minister of an interim civilian government, promulgated an interim charter, and changed its name to the Council for National Security.
Unselected candidate: Chatumongol Sonakul
After the coup, Air Chief Marshal Chalit PookpasukChalit Pookpasuk
Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk was Thai air force officer, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and acting chairman of Council for National Security, the junta that overthrew the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the 2006 coup d'état.-Biography:Chalit graduated from...
, CDRM vice-president, said that more than five candidates were being considered for the post of interim prime minister, though none of them had been approached yet. Chalit said the CDRM would favour a lawyer
Lawyer
A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
since political reform is the priority of the CDRM's goal. Economists could be brought in as cabinet
Cabinet (government)
A Cabinet is a body of high ranking government officials, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers, an Executive Council, or an Executive Committee.- Overview :...
ministers to take charge of national economy.
Former central bank governor Mom Rajawongse Chatumongol Sonakul
Chatumongol Sonakul
Mom Ratchawongse Chatumongol Sonakul is a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance of Thailand and former Governor of the Bank of Thailand. Chatumongkol was the Permanent Secretary for finance from 1 October 1995 to 28 July 1997...
was tipped as interim prime minister because he is knowledgeable about economic issues. Some CDRM leaders had reservations about Chatumongol, who gained a reputation for being outspoken and intolerant during his long years as a technocrat at the Finance Ministry and Bank of Thailand
Bank of Thailand
- History :The Bank of Thailand was first set up as the Thai National Banking Bureau. The Bank of Thailand Act was promulgated on 28 April 1942 vesting upon the Bank of Thailand the responsibility for all central banking functions...
(BoT). Chatumongol previously served as the permanent secretary for finance from 1 October 1995 to 28 July 1997 and was dismissed by the Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is a Thai politician and retired general. He was Thailand's 22nd Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997. He is of Sino-Thai and ethnic Lao descent....
government. Named on 7 May 1998, governor of the Bank of Thailand
Bank of Thailand
- History :The Bank of Thailand was first set up as the Thai National Banking Bureau. The Bank of Thailand Act was promulgated on 28 April 1942 vesting upon the Bank of Thailand the responsibility for all central banking functions...
by Tarrin Nimmanhaeminda, Chuan Leekpai
Chuan Leekpai
Chuan Leekpai was the Prime Minister of Thailand from September 20, 1992 to May 19, 1995 and again from November 9, 1997 to February 9, 2001. A third-generation Thai Chinese, Chuan was born in Trang province in a grass-roofed house. The walls of his family's house were woven from strips of...
government's finance minister, Chatumongol was later sacked on 30 May , 2001 by the Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
government.
Unselected candidate: Ackaratorn Chularat
Ackaratorn Chularat, president of the Supreme Administrative Court, was always considered unlikely to be named interim prime minister because his knowledge of economics is regarded as limited, and he is not widely known in the international community.Unselected candidate: Pridiyathorn Devakula
M.R. Pridiyathorn DevakulaPridiyathorn Devakula
Mom Rajawongse Pridiyathorn Devakula served as Minister of Finance in Thailand's interim civilian government. Before being named to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Pridiyathorn had served as Governor of the Bank of Thailand since 2001...
, at the time the current governor of the BoT, has the banking and business community's favour, and was seen as a strong contender.
Unselected candidate: Supachai Panitchpakdi
Supachai PanitchpakdiSupachai Panitchpakdi
Supachai Panitchpakdi is the Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development . Prior to this, he was the Director-General of the World Trade Organization from September 1, 2002 to September 1, 2005...
(Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development was established in 1964 as a permanent intergovernmental body. It is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment, and development issues....
) was also previously rumored to have been short-listed for the post.
Selected candidate: General (ret.) Surayud Chulanont
Privy CouncilorPrivy Council (Thailand)
The Privy Council of Thailand is a body of appointed advisors to the Monarch of Thailand: King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The Council, as the Constitution of Thailand stipulates, must be composed of no more than eighteen members...
and former boss of junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratkalin Surayud Chulanont
Surayud Chulanont
General Surayud Chulanont is a Thai political figure. He was the Prime Minister of Thailand and head of Thailand's Interim Government between 2006 and 2008...
also emerged as a strong candidate for Premier. Panithan Wattanayakorn of Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is the oldest university in Thailand and is the country's highest ranked university. It now has nineteen faculties and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university in Thailand, it consistently attracts top students from around the country...
called Surayud the most feasible choice, noting that "He is also recognised internationally. Time magazine ran a story about him on its front page once and dubbed him an Asian hero." Suriyasai Katasila, leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy
People's Alliance for Democracy
The People's Alliance for Democracy also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, Thai Patriots Network or the Yellow Shirts - เสื้อเหลือง - was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include...
also said that Surayud was the strongest candidate. Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda
Prem Tinsulanonda
General Prem Tinsulanonda is a retired Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988. He now serves as the Head of the Privy Council of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej....
, Surayud's former boss, was seen to be in a cheerful mood after reports gained ground that Gen Surayud might be named interim prime minister.
During a nationally televised press conference General Sondhi Boonyaratkalin reaffirmed wanting to install a new civilian prime minister "as soon as possible" but was still narrowing down candidates for the job. He did not rule out a former soldier for the temporary role, "When you say civilian prime minister, you will see that soldiers after they retire can be called civilians," hinting at the former Army commander Surayud.
On 1 October, the military junta officially named Surayud as interim Prime Minister. The leaders also announced an interim constitution to take effect immediately until a new permanent constitution is drafted and signed by the King of Thailand. This temporary charter includes provisions giving amnesty for the military junta and all others under its command.
Selection of government ministers
There was early speculation after the coup that junta leaders have approached former senator Kraisak Chonhavan to serve as Foreign Minister in the interim government.Current Cabinet
Surayud 1/1 - The current cabinet sworn in by the King on 9 October 2006.| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister Prime Minister of Thailand The Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy.... |
General Surayud Chulanont Surayud Chulanont General Surayud Chulanont is a Thai political figure. He was the Prime Minister of Thailand and head of Thailand's Interim Government between 2006 and 2008... |
| Deputy Prime Minister | M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula Pridiyathorn Devakula Mom Rajawongse Pridiyathorn Devakula served as Minister of Finance in Thailand's interim civilian government. Before being named to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Pridiyathorn had served as Governor of the Bank of Thailand since 2001... |
| Deputy Prime Minister | Mr. Kosit Panpiemras Kosit Panpiemras Kosit Panpiemras is the Executive Chairman of Bangkok Bank, a leading Thai commercial bank. Following the 2006 Thailand coup, he was appointed advisor to the military junta.-References:... |
| Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office | Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan |
| Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office | Mr. Thirapat Serirangsan |
| Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives | Mr. Thira Sutabut |
| Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives | Mr. Rungrueng Issararangkul Na Ayutthaya |
| Minister of Commerce | Mr. Krirkkrai Jirapaet |
| Minister of Culture Minister of culture A culture minister is a Cabinet position in some governments responsible for protecting the national heritage of a country and promoting cultural expression.... |
Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon |
| Minister of Defence | General Boonrawd Somtat |
| Minister of Education | Mr. Wijit Srisa-arn Wijit Srisa-arn Wijit Srisa-arn is a former Thai politician and was appointed Minister of Education in 2006 by a military junta following a successful military coup... |
| Minister of Energy | Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand Piyasvasti Amranand Piyasvasti Amranand was Thailand's Energy Minister between 9 October 2006 and 6 February 2008. He is former Secretary-General of the Thai National Energy Policy Office, Chairman of Kasikorn Asset Management and Chairman of Panel of Advisors for CEO of Kasikornbank... |
| Minister of Finance | M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula Pridiyathorn Devakula Mom Rajawongse Pridiyathorn Devakula served as Minister of Finance in Thailand's interim civilian government. Before being named to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Pridiyathorn had served as Governor of the Bank of Thailand since 2001... |
| Minister of Industry Minister of Industry The industry minister is a cabinet position in a government.The title may refer to the head of the governmental department that specializes in industry. This position may also be responsible for trade and employment, areas that fall under the ministries of commerce and labour in some governments... |
Mr. Kosit Panpiemras Kosit Panpiemras Kosit Panpiemras is the Executive Chairman of Bangkok Bank, a leading Thai commercial bank. Following the 2006 Thailand coup, he was appointed advisor to the military junta.-References:... |
| Deputy Minister of Industry | Mr. Piyabutr Cholwicharn |
| Minister of Interior | Mr. Aree Wong-araya |
| Deputy Minister of Interior | Mr. Banyat Chansena |
| Minister of Justice | Mr. Charnchai Likitjitta |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | Mr. Nitya Pibulsonggram |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs | Mr. Sawanit Kongsiri |
| Minister of Information and Communication Technology | Mr. Sitthichai Pokai-udom Sitthichai Pokai-udom Sitthichai Pokai-udom was appointed Information and Communications Technology Minister of Thailand in 2006 by a military junta. He founded the Mahanakorn University of Technology in 1990, and was Rector of that institute. From 1990 to 1998, he was Visiting Professor at the University of London's... |
| Minister of Labour | Mr. Apai Chanthanajulaka |
| Minister of Natural Resource and Environment | Mr. Kasem Sanitwong Na Ayutthaya |
| Minister of Public Health | Mr. Mongkol Na Songkhla Mongkol Na Songkhla Mongkol Na Songkhla was as of January 2007 the Minister of Health for Thailand. He was appointed by Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and sworn into office on October 9, 2006... |
| Minister of Science and Technology | Mr. Yongyuth Yuthawongse |
| Minister of Social Development and Human Security | Mr. Paiboon Wattanasiritham |
| Minister of Tourism and Sports | Mr. Suwit Yodmanee |
| Minister of Transport | Admiral Thira Haocharoen |
| Deputy Minister of Transport | Mr. Sansern Wongcha-um |
Surayud 1/2 - Two ministers have been added to the Cabinet. The two new ministers have been appointed and sworn in on 18th November 2006.
| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office | Mr. Prasit Kovilaikul |
| Deputy Minister of Finance | Mr. Sommai Phasee |
Surayud 1/3 - Two ministers have been added to the Cabinet. The two new ministers have been appointed and sworn in on 2nd February 2007.
| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Deputy Minister of Commerce | Mrs. Oranuch Osathanugroh |
| Deputy Minister of Education | Mr. Varakorn Samkoset |
Surayud 1/4 - One minister announced his resignation, one minister received additional responsibility and three ministers have been added to the Cabinet. The resigned minister announced his resignation on 28th February 2006, effective the following day. The minister (received additional responsibility) and the new three new ministers have been appointed and sworn in on 7th March 2007.
| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Resignation from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance | M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula Pridiyathorn Devakula Mom Rajawongse Pridiyathorn Devakula served as Minister of Finance in Thailand's interim civilian government. Before being named to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Pridiyathorn had served as Governor of the Bank of Thailand since 2001... |
| Deputy Prime Minister | Mr. Paiboon Wattanasiritham |
| Minister of Finance | Mr. Chalongpob Susangkarn |
| Deputy minister of Social Development and Human Security | Mr. Poldej Pinprateep |
| Deputy minister of Public Health | Mr. Morakot Kornkasem |
On 21 May 2007, One minister resigned from the cabinet, due to health reasons.
| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Resignation from Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office | Mr. Prasit Kovilaikul |
On September/October 2007, Five members of the Cabinet resigned after named by the National Counter Corruption Commission as holding company shares of over 5 percent, which is in violation with the 2000 anti-graft law.
| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Resignation from Minister of Information and Communication Technology | Mr. Sitthichai Pokai-udom Sitthichai Pokai-udom Sitthichai Pokai-udom was appointed Information and Communications Technology Minister of Thailand in 2006 by a military junta. He founded the Mahanakorn University of Technology in 1990, and was Rector of that institute. From 1990 to 1998, he was Visiting Professor at the University of London's... |
| Resignation from Deputy Minister of Commerce | Mrs. Oranuch Osathanugroh |
| Resignation from Minister of Interior | Mr. Aree Wong-araya |
| Resignation from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs | Mr. Sawanit Kongsiri |
| Resignation from Minister of Natural Resource and Environment | Mr. Kasem Sanitwong Na Ayutthaya |
Surayud 1/5 - After five ministers resigned cabinet, one minister received additional responsibility and one minister has been added to the Cabinet. The new minister has been appointed and sworn in on 2nd October 2007. The minister who received additional responsibility has been appointed and sworn in on 3rd October 2007. Additional responsibilities were given to current ministers.
| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Minister of Interior | General Surayud Chulanont Surayud Chulanont General Surayud Chulanont is a Thai political figure. He was the Prime Minister of Thailand and head of Thailand's Interim Government between 2006 and 2008... |
| Deputy Prime Minister | General Sonthi Boonyaratglin Sonthi Boonyaratglin General Sonthi Boonyaratglin is former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and former head of the Council for National Security, the military junta that ruled the kingdom. He is the first Muslim in charge of the mostly Buddhist army... |
| Acting Minister of Information and Communication Technology | Mr. Kosit Panpiemras Kosit Panpiemras Kosit Panpiemras is the Executive Chairman of Bangkok Bank, a leading Thai commercial bank. Following the 2006 Thailand coup, he was appointed advisor to the military junta.-References:... |
| Acting Minister of Natural Resource and Environment | Mr. Yongyuth Yuthawongse |
Civil service appointments
On Wednesday 27 September the Judicial Commission chaired by Supreme Court President Charnchai Likhitchittha approved the promotion of Jaral Pakdeekul, Secretary-General of the Supreme Court President, to become the Permanent Secretary for Justice Ministry. Jaral replaced retiring Permanent Secretary Jarupong Ruangsuwan.Role of the junta
On Tuesday, September 26 2006, junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin said that the junta would remain in place after the appointment of an interim civilian government, noting "It's necessary to keep the council so that there is no loophole for the executive branch."Following general elections and the establishment of a new civilian government, the junta would be dissolved and replaced by a permanent "Council of National Security" (CNS) whose future role in Thai politics has not yet been explained. It was later revealed that the interim charter would give the junta significant control over the interim civilian government.
- The junta would appoint the Prime Minister and would sit in Cabinet meetings
- The junta would appoint the entire legislature
- The junta would appoint a 2,000 person National Assembly, which would name 200 candidates for a 100 person "Constitutional Drafting Committee". This committee would in turn select 25 members to write a permanent constitution, in addition to 10 persons directly appointed by the Junta.
Parliament
The government worked with a junta-appointed parliament. The 242-member legislature was widely criticized for being dominated by military leaders. Critics called it a "rubber stamp", a "chamber of generals" full of "[Privy Councilor President and key coup backer] Prem'sPrem Tinsulanonda
General Prem Tinsulanonda is a retired Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988. He now serves as the Head of the Privy Council of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej....
sons."