While the cat's away, the mice are itching to play

First, the Election Commission (EC) has decided to delay its debate on the dissolution case against the People Power Party.

The EC would like to have more time, to deal with this case in a cautious manner. It will consult its factfinding panel next week before finalising its decision on September 2.

However, wrapping up a party dissolution case would normally take four to six months, if dissolu¬tion of Thai Rak Thai is taken as a precedent.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, known for his foul temper, has been in an excellent mood since Thaksin fled the coun¬try. The day Thaksin left the coun¬try for good, Samak said: "The weather seems to be very fine, doesn't it?" Now Samak can really erase his nominee status and be his true self.

Second, the Supreme Administrative Court has refused to issue an injunction to ban Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong, and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas from their duties. The People's Alliance for Democracy had filed a case against the three ministers as they were involved in the two and threedigit lottery scandal. But the Supreme Administrative Court stated that the case lay beyond its jurisdiction as it is now under deliberation by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

In effect, Surapong is free to con¬tinue to run his show. Surapong and Samak belong to the Gang of Four that is now running the coun¬try.

Third, Sanan Kachornprasart, the deputy prime minister, yesterday chaired a screening committee studying the procurement of NGV buses. The committee agreed to reduce the number from 6,000 to 4,000 buses after initial delay. The cost of this project will therefore be cut from Bt110 billion to Bt67 billion. It will forward the resolu¬tion to the Cabinet in the next two weeks for approval.

It's party time for Sanan and the coalition partners. Since Thaksin's departure, politicians are returning to their normal business.

Now you may realise why men in Thaksin's inner circle wanted him to go into exile. Without the impos¬ing shadow of their boss, they can now start to develop their own power base. Thaksin is still loved and worshipped by his men. But they prefer that he stay abroad. Forever.