Yingluck steps out of Thaksin's shadow

The writer is right on the dot. Divisiveness among the Shinawatra’s clan is coming.

The prime minister should be lauded for doing what is right. First, not giving a ministerial post to that red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan is the first step to national reconciliation. The subsequent wrath of Jatuporn should have pleased the PM for not listening to her brother. Second, retaining the two ministers of finance and trade in spite of the displeasure of Thaksin’s old guard is indicative of the PM’s courage in having the current ministers facing the opposition’s censure vote and also indicative of her independence. Third, the appointed old guards were obviously chosen because of their expertise and reasonable integrity and not as told by the premier’s big brother. Fourth, dropped ministers were previous appointees of Thaksin and some were of dubious character. It was a good opportunity to drop them.

In sum, the premier is telling the world that she alone is in charge of Thailand’s destiny and she is no “dumb blonde”. Now, there will be fewer Pheu Thai MPs visiting Hong Kong.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok