Thursday, April 15, 2010

PM's silence is deafening


PM Abhisit Vejjajiva's silence for the past few days has been deafening. His spokesman, Panitan Watanayakorn, confirmed today that the premier had deliberately kept silent and will continue to refuse any press interviews for the next few days "for his own safety."

What does that mean? Of course, I know that the pressure on Abhisit is daunting. The red shirts want him to dissolve parliament now. The army has asked him to follow the line: Political problems must be solve by political means. His coalition partners want him to make up his mind about a time frame for House dissolution. The Election Commission has ruled that it will propose that his Democrat Party be dissolved.

But that's all the more reason why he should communicate with the people. What is so "unsafe" about telling the public what's happening?

One source says he wants to weigh all the pros and cons before making up his mind on his next step -- and to tell the people about it. Another source says Abhisit is keeping low so that he can consolidate his political position.

Whatever the real reason behind this self-imposed "silent period" when the PM does speak about, it will surely hit like a thunderbolt.

1 comment:

Steve said...

Not often I find myself agreeing with Khun Suthichai.....

a] Just how "unsafe" can the PM actually be while closeted inside a secured army base protected by a regiment?

b] Does he now think the media are a physical threat to him?

Now, of all times, Thailand needs leadership and reassurance. None is provided by silence and people will draw their own conclusions about this - usually the worst ones.