Published on October 07, 2005

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is undeniably handsome. The first time he emerged on the political scene as a candidate for the party, he immediately charmed voters with his good looks as well as strong academic background – both strikingly different traits from most politicians.

And now he must be impressed that his charm has extended over the borders of the Kingdom to Singapore.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Daniel Lian, a Morgan Stanley economist based in Singapore, showed that he too acknowledges the physical beauty of Abhisit.

In the letter recently published by Thai Day newspaper, Lian referred to a wonderful dinner Thaksin hosted in August. The letter contained four points, starting with the message: “You look very tired (I am very concerned) but fiercely confident and determined to fight on and take on the challenges (I am very glad to see that. I am with you).”

In Items 2-3, he talked about Morgan Stanley’s help in organising a road show in Hong Kong August 8-9. He also showed that he was impressed with Pannee Sathavarodom of the public debt management office.

Then out of the blue, in Item 4 he mentioned Abhisit:

“The ‘pretty face’ opposition Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, has been touring the world promoting himself and the opposition and attacking your policy and regime. Attached please see his speech announcement organised by a government think tank in Singapore (Appendix B). I wonder, other than his pretty young face, what else can he offer to the Thai people?”

Lian ended the letter with: “Take good care and keep up the fighting spirit. The 64 million Thai people need you.”

Obviously, his letter has not amused the good people at the Democrat Party.

A source at the party said that the Democrats recently informed Morgan Stanley’s chief about the letter. In their minds, the chief might not have known what Lian has been doing, “which could affect Morgan Stanley’s corporate image”.

The source added that the letter contains something “which could be deemed libellous”, aside from the strangeness of the letter which “could not be deemed appropriate for any organisation”.

In his opinion, Lian should be disciplined and he said that the party is anxiously waiting for Morgan Stanley to punish Lian.

He is so agitated by the letter that he does not care how impressed Lian is by Abhisit’s “pretty face”.

achara_d@nationgroup.com

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