Monikers leave Cabinet members unperturbed

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, however, just smiled and declined to comment on her alias of “Parrot PM”.

“I’ve learned about it,” she said as she smiled and walked away to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting.

Government House reporters refer to Yingluck as a parrot raised in a golden cage and taught to repeat messages from Thaksin, while avoiding making statements on her own. 

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said yesterday that he felt honoured by his nickname, “Peung Pao Pae”. “Peung” means the perfect target, and if the tone is changed, the word can mean someone who can complete all the tasks given to him. Surapong has allegedly completed all the tasks designed to help Thaksin, including the reissuing of a Thai passport and transferring ambassadors known to be on the other side.

“I welcome the alias and have no problems with it. I feel honoured. The reporters have their own views. I do, however, believe that I have done useful work as I adhere to the righteous path. I have never done anything that goes beyond my authority,” he said.

The minister claimed that he had carried out his work for the benefits and interests of the country. 

In his four months as foreign minister, Surapong has been harshly criticised for seeking ways and means to bring Thaksin back. He recently revoked the passport ban on Thaksin, issuing him a new passport to replace the one cancelled by the previous government.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, meanwhile, said he liked being referred to as “Kuman Thong Kanong Suek” or the belligerent child ghost. 

“It’s very cute. I didn’t think I would be given a nickname like this,” he said.

Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut said this was the first time in three years that Government House reporters had noticed him enough to grant him a moniker. 

“I accept the criticism, though part of it is inaccurate,” he said, adding that it was untrue that he was a puppet with someone else pulling the strings. “I will improve my work performance next year.”

Theera is called “Kong Bae” in reference to his remark that even Kong Ming – a great strategist in the historical novel “Romance of Three Kingdoms” – could not have prevented the flood crisis. The word “bae” – Chinese for horse or servant – is a dig at him for his devotion to Chart Thai Pattana Party’s de facto leader Banharn Silapa-archa.

Science and Technology Minister Plodprasob Surassawadi said he was not annoyed to be called “Phi Joh Plod” – which suggested that he was only good at talking. 

“I don’t feel slighted. Instead, I like it because it’s true. It’s better to upset someone with your words than to say something nonsensical or unreliable,” he said, adding that it was in his nature to be straightforward and frank.

Plodprasob also said he agreed that this government was “Thaksin’s Front Line”, as named by the reporters. He said it was undeniable that Thaksin was treated with great respect. 

“I and others in Pheu Thai Party are not perturbed [by the nickname] because it is true,” he said. “If I outlive Thaksin, I will build a statue of him in my home. I wonder if anyone would oppose that.”