Yesterday marked the latest explanation from the minister as he accompanied Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to a special function hosted by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand.

The top concerns expressed by investors concerned the legal amendments, and despite Krirk-krai's efforts, he could not make those in attendance - particularly chairman Peter J van Haren - understand the government's intention behind the changes.

When seeing reporters outside the function room, van Haren told them he was satisfied with the government's effort but the situation was still murky, and foreign investors would love to discuss the matter in more detail with the minister.

After leaving the podium, Krirk-krai was approached and asked what he thought of van Haren's reaction. "He never understands anything," was the brisk response.

As a former government official who has been involved in many international negotiations, Krirk-krai showed how stubborn he can be. He insisted that the amendments were meant to clear ambiguous points in the law and to lift good governance among companies which have foreign shareholders. Moreover, he said, the law would be amended no matter what foreign investors' reactions might be.

"If they have any more questions, they can come to me. I'm willing to spend the rest of my term addressing the questions," he said.

Passing the parcel

Now that the pollution problems at Map Ta Phut in Rayong have become a serious high-profile issue, nobody seems willing to accept the hot potato. Government officials, especially those who work for the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), which is in charge of all matters inside the estate, have refrained from comment.

When reached by a reporter from The Nation on Tuesday, one IEAT official said he would give comments the next day at the Industry Ministry, where he would meet with the minister.

Yet when seeing the same reporter yesterday after a two-hour meeting with the minister, he avoided comment, saying that he had a sore throat and was unable to speak.

It is a puzzle - if he could not speak, then how could he complete the two-hour session with the minister? One can only conclude that he was there to receive orders and had no chance to speak at all.

achara_d@nationgroup.com