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Published on March 3, 2008

The four swift transfers have prompted accusations of "abuse of power" by critics of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. They allege it is part of a plot to interfere in the judicial process of charges against former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and pave the way for his return to power.

Samak has said he believed an "invisible hand" that was behind the 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin is attempting to ruin his government. He and his pro-Thaksin ministers know they will not have a safe and smooth ride as long as the legacies of the junta are still around.

First to go was the chief of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Sunai Manomai-udom, who was moved from his post by an order of Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat on February 22.

During the previous administration, Sunai replaced Sompong's younger brother, Sombat, as DSI director-general. His top priority was to handle charges against Thaksin, including the SC Asset share-concealment case and controversial deaths during the former premier's war on drugs.

Sompong insisted that he transferred Sunai to the newly formed Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption because his capabilities were needed there. However, the appointment of Tawee Sodsong, who is close to Thaksin's allies, as the new DSI chief raises doubts about possible revenge and attempts to interfere in the judicial process.

Four days later, on February 26, the Samak Cabinet approved Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab's order to transfer of Siriwat Thiptharadol, head of the Food and Drug Administra-tion, to the inactive post of ministry inspector general.

Siriwat worked on the previous government's policy of imposing compulsory licensing on expensive HIV/Aids, cancer and heart treatments. His rigid stance on this issue posed a threat to the Samak government, which opposes the policy on the grounds that the country could suffer commercial retaliation from major powers.

Just two days later - on the same day that Thaksin returned to the country after living in exile abroad for almost 18 months - Public Relations Department (PRD) chief Pramote Rathavinit was transferred to an inactive post in the PM's Office Ministry.

Pramote, allegedly close to the Democrat Party, became PRD chief shortly after Thaksin was ousted. He banned pro-Thaksin station PTV from going on air. He launched a legal fight against allegedly pro-Thaksin station iTV, which was finally shut down by the junta-installed government.

Police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej became the fourth senior official to be removed from office on Friday. He was appointed to the post by the coup leaders to replace General Kowit Wattana, who was allegedly aligned with Thaksin.

Seripisut led a police crackdown in mid-2007 on a street rally by the pro-Thaksin Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD), which aimed to oust Thaksin's most bitter enemy, Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda.

The outgoing police chief could not have thought at the time that the People Power Party under Thaksin's shadow would win the December 23 election. Some DAAD leaders, including PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, have assumed power in the Samak administration.

The swift removal of these top government officials has given rise to the belief among Thaksin's opponents that his regime is rising from the ashes.

With rumours that several other top government officials, including central bank governor Tarisa Watanagase and Justice Ministry permanent secretary Jaran Pakdithanakul, are to be replaced by pro-Thaksin faces in the near future, the People's Alliance for Democracy is becoming a focal point for the public's anti-Thaksin sentiment.

Indeed, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama declared on Saturday that changes were planned in the country's diplomatic corps.

As anti-Thaksin elements still exist in this divided country, PAD is ready for a new round of street rallies against the pro-Thaksin government.

They believe, if nothing is done to stop it, Thaksin will walk free from all charges and return to rule the country.

Weerayut Chokchaimadon

The Nation