The tactic of using a sensitive issue to bring down a PPP minister had proved successful on the case of former Minister to the Prime Minister' Office Jakrapob Penkair, who resigned on May 30 from the post after being charged of lese majeste over an English speech he made last year which discussed the monarchy and democracy in Thailand.
The Samak-led PPP won the December 23 general election last year and formed a coalition government with five other smaller parties to take office on February 6 this year, 15 months after a bloodless military coup ousted the elected government led by Thaksin Shinawatra.
The PPP was seen as the reincarnation of Thaksin-founded Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, the former ruling party which was disbanded in the aftermath of the coup.
The PAD and the Democrat Party, long-time enemies of Thaksin-led "old power clique", has labeled PPP leader Samak as a "puppet" of Thaksin.
They have accused the government of having focused efforts in the last four months on restoring or protecting political interests of Thaksin and his allies by pushing for amendments to the junta-installed 2007 Constitution and intervening prosecution process of corruption charges against Thaksin and his family.
They had marched to the Assets Examination Committee to "offer moral support" for officials probing Thaksin's alleged corruption cases.
By now, what the PAD want "out" is clear – they vowed to rally around the Government House until Samak steps down. Anyone that they consider will still act under the influence of Thaksin would not be their choice.
The Democrat Party presumably would like to have a chance to be back on the central stage of power after seven years sitting on the opposition bench since Thaksin's days. If they would not wait another four years, they would have to take Samak and PPP to task under the parliamentary system from time to time.
There is no sign of reconciliation from either side, and chance of a military intervention is by now a bit far to reach, as Army Chief Anupong Paojinda has kept firm on a restrained or "neutral" stance between the government and the PAD.
Samak has vowed to stay put as Prime Minister through the four-year term. He earlier also rejected a suggestion of dismissing the parliament to call a snap election.
Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee on Friday expressed confidence that the debate will boost foreign investor confidence. The Stock Exchange of Thailand reflected this optimism by closing at 0.17 percent higher Friday.
Following the showdown of censures, Samak appeared eager to implement some big projects, kicking off a parliamentary debate on 2009 budget bill Friday afternoon, which he believed would boost investment and drive economic growth, and prove his capability as premier.
The veteran politician remained tough and determined after a four-month hard start. His opponents would not give him the chance to complete the four-year journey if he did not act discreetly – to distance himself from Thaksin and any sensitive issues that may sway public trust on his administration.
(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2008)
