Reshuffle stirs anger within PPP

Much of the heat appears to have been caused by Newin Chidchob, the banned Thai Rak Thai executive, who reportedly oversaw the reshuffle with Samak, PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee, and Samak's secretary-general Teerapol Noprampa. The group has since been dubbed "gang of four."

Newin's influence has upset the Isaan Pattana faction led by Nakhon Phanom MP Paichit Sriworakan. Earlier, former deputy House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranont left Isaan Pattana for Newin's group, a move which helped him land the post of Culture minister.

Newin and Somsak allegedly had a deal when Somsak stood down as a candidate for the House Speaker's post - to pave the way for Newin's father, Chai. The payback upset the Isaan Pattana faction, as they wanted Loei MP Preecha Rengsomboonsuk to take a ministerial post as part of their quota. Paichit led his faction to meet Samak to seek an explanation over the appointment of Somsak.

The Isaan Pattana's members are now creating turmoil in the PPP - they allege a close aide of the PM demanded Bt10 million in exchange for a Cabinet post. If the allegation can be proven, Samak and the government could be brought down.

Newin also created waves by getting former Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap made Commerce Minister. Chaiya is Newin's old friend from the defunct Group of 16, a team of politicians from different parties that dates back more than 10 years.

The ousting of former Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung from the Cabinet is also seen as Newin's work. Four ministers in his "Friends of Newin" faction remain in the Cabinet without being moved.

Newin's influence was also felt by Puea Pandin, their coalition ally. Newin asked Samak to reclaim the Industry post back from Puea Pandin leader Suwit Khunkitti.

In the latest reshuffle PPP traded the deputy Commerce Minister's post for Puea Pandin's Industry post. It was reportedly Newin's plan to back Pichet Tancharoen, the brother of Newin's friend Suchat, to be deputy Commerce Minister.

Despite being banned from politics the latest reshuffle showed Newin is still a power, even behind the scenes. He has had close ties to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, his wife Pojaman, and PPP politicians and other parties.

Newin also hinted the Group of 16 might join forces again in a new party, which the 'Gang of Four' is setting up as a backup if PPP is dissolved by the Constitution Court over Yongyuth Tiyapairat's electoral violations.

piyanart@nationgroup.com