Can all PM's men protect Yingluck?

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who appears to be such a delicate lady for the rough and tumble of politics, is going to face some serious difficulties in her job.

Apart from facing the challenge of successfully delivering her party's promises, the premier also has to face a very tough rival - the opposition Democrat Party. Her team of advisers doesn't appear to be doing much to help her.

Although she is surrounded by big names like General Panlop Pinmanee, Olarn Chaipravat, Suchon Chaleekrua, General Chaisit Shinawatra and Suchon Charmpoonod, it is believed that they were not picked by the prime minister herself. Instead, they were given these posts as a political reward.

Also, Yingluck's secretary-general Bandhoon Supakavanich is as much of a novice in politics as his boss, because he has only ever been a civil servant. So, her brother fugitive ex-premier Thaksin decided to put together another team of advisers to help his sister last as long as she can in the field of politics.

This so-called team of advisers, nicknamed "Baan Pitsanulok" because they will be working out of the prime minister's official residence, has emerged recently and seems to be comprised of banned politicians from the now defunct Thai Rak Thai and People Power Party. These advisers, who are veterans in politics, are expected to protect Yingluck from any and all threats.

This team, which will provide her with advice on all political issues, would be led by her brother-in-law and former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and include other big names such as Chaturon Chaisang, Noppadon Pattama, Phumtham Wechayachai, Warathep Rattanakorn, Pongthep Thepkanjana and Chusak Sirinil.

This team cannot be made official because appointing banned politicians as advisers might violate laws. However, it still plans to meet once a week at Baan Pitsanulok. Yingluck has been seen visiting this place quite often.

Baan Pitsanulok became infamous when late prime minister Chartchai Choonhavan set up a think-tank, led by former journalist Pansak Vinyaratn, which worked out of this residence. However, Chartchai was toppled in a coup in 1991 because these very advisers had adopted an aggressive stance against the military.

Moreover, the ruling Pheu Thai Party's strategic committee has recently set up a war room to protect Yingluck from being discredited by their rivals.

This war room will use information as its main weapon and will publicise the government's performance while at the same time attacking the opposition Democrat Party's moves against this administration as well as exposing its shortcomings.

Pheu Thai spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said his party would change its tactics from defence to attack. They will also place special emphasis on explaining facts, especially in relation to accusations from the Democrats, as well as tell the public what the party is planning to do. Party MPs will be responsible for providing information in the provinces, while staff at the party headquarters in Bangkok will cooperate with key party members and ministers to explain matters.

"Our rivals have tried to discredit us by flinging accusations at us repeatedly. We have been smeared by them. From now on we will strike back immediately. No more defensive mode," Prompong said.

The war room will also set up a schedule to promote the party's populist policies. For instance, they will report on the progress made in increasing the minimum daily wage to Bt300 this month and Bt15,000 salary for new graduates next month.

Apparently, everything is being done to protect Yingluck, though whether she survives in the end really depends on her and not all the prime minister's men.