Thai PM refuses to change his style

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday brushed aside criticism that he has been rude to the country's press corps, saying he has no time for the media and will not change his style.

Speaking on his television show, Talk Samak Style, the prime minister showed no sign of letting up in his verbal attacks on the press.

He said he hoped columnists who implied he was corrupt would be ruined, adding he saw no point in joining the United Nations in celebrating World Press Freedom Day, which was marked on Saturday.

"If (UN Secretary-General) Ban Ki-Moon wants to honor the media, it is his business," Samak said. "But I will never change my style in dealing with media."

The prime minister's long-standing bent for speaking bluntly has won him popularity with working-class and some middle-class voters during his four decades in Thai politics, but he is also disliked by many who find his style too provocative and crude.

Thai media groups used World Press Freedom Day to accuse Samak of routine harassment and intimidation.

The Organizations of Media Occupations, which represents three Thai journalism groups, said Samak's crude language, abrasive manner and reluctance to cooperate are part of an effort by his administration to discredit the media and prevent it from scrutinizing the government.

Samak, who usually espouses right-wing positions, has in the past berated the press for being a "burden on development" and complained that reporters ask "lousy" questions.

When a female Thai reporter once inquired about rumors of infighting within his party before he became prime minister, he snapped back, "Did you have sinful sex last night?"

Samak reaffirmed yesterday he would stop holding twice-a-week news conferences following criticism about his crass style.

Agencies

(China Daily 05/05/2008 page6)