PM battles rivals on many fronts

Not only outsiders but even Democrat members see the Abhisit government as a political novice. That's why former prime minister and Democrat chief

adviser Chuan Leekpai had to deploy his right-hand men such as Niphon Promphan (as PM's secretary-general), Khunying Supatra Masdit (as PM's

adviser), and Suthep Thaugsuban (as deputy prime minsiter), to help support Abhisit.

Chuan placed Suthep as "shadow" prime minister to Abhisit. Given full power and authority, Suthep takes charge of all political problems to let Abhisit

focus on his duties as premier.

While concerned people are worried about the new prime minister, Abhisit was so confident as to appoint many new faces as ministers, including his

Oxford pal Korn Chatikavanij as the Finance Minister.

Abhisit's decisions left many Democrats MPs "heartbroken", especially those who were confident of making the Cabinet list.

After four months in power, Abhisit seems to be facing more criticism about political and economics issues from his own party members.

The latest criticism was about the charter amendment. Chuan and deputy chief adviser Banyat Bantadthan publicly opposed the amendment and the

political amnesty for more than 200 banned politicians following dissolution of their parties.

It is surprising why Chuan, who wholeheartedly supports Abhisit, was so vocal in his opposition.

On the one hand, it could be because of the high political acumen of the former prime minister. Chuan may foresee a threat to the Democrats. If

those politicians are granted amnesty, they could become his party's fierce rivals in the next election.

On the other hand, it could be just a warning or reminder from Chuan to Abhisit. The latter lately has had no time to talk and consult the former.

Chuan reportedly felt upset.

Moreover, some heartbroken MPs have also publicly criticised some ministers. MP Pichet Panwichatkul voiced his concern about the 2010 budget bill,

which has cut allocations to the ministries run by other coalition parties. The former finance minister feared that MPs from coalition parties might not

vote for the bill. If the bill failed to pass the House the premier has to resign, he said.

It is not clear whether Pichet's criticism is driven by any desire to replace Korn at the Finance Ministry, a Democrat source said.

If the premier decides to reshuffle his Cabinet, Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Pollabutr will be a candidate, the source said, claiming that

Alongkorn was at the centre of a debate among party MPs as a minister most likely to be replaced.

Even the prime minister once teased Alongkorn that as he is a minister now, it is not necessary to bring a photographer along to take photos and video

as evidence. Alongkorn has no support base. He is known to be a loner even since the days the Democrats were in the opposition.

"He is too much of a show-off and always causes trouble in his work, like he did recently when he ordered the crackdown on piracy in Patpong," the

source said.

However, undercurrents within the party don't seem to have shaken up Abhisit.

One of the premier's close aides insisted that Abhisit has no plans to reshuffle the Cabinet until the charter amendment succeeded followed by House

dissolution, finally.