But after seeing the news clip lasting no more than five minutes of his interview given to CNN's Dan Rivers, we have to say that Sonthi should have imitated Thaksin. He should have hired lobbyists to coach him on what to say to ensure he got his message across during his tightly limited airtime.

As it turned out, Sonthi failed to score points among the international audience, compared to Thaksin who seemed to earn more sympathetic ears during his previous interview with the same network.

Most questions put to Sonthi followed what Thaksin had said. In short, although Rivers was interviewing Sonthi, he was more interested to get Sonthi's rebuttals against what Thaksin earlier said on many issues. For the network, Sonthi's bickering with Thaksin were perfect sound bites.

Coming from the military, Sonthi may not be the perfect choice to represent the government for an international audience. Mention of "junta" conjures up the image of a brutal military dictator.

Second, Sonthi, with his compromising character, failed to convey his message. His deputy, General Anupong Paochinda, may be a better CNS spokesman, while Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr certainly offers better punch-lines.

Sonthi didn't really make a dent in improving the image of the junta. And he gave no new revealing info during his exclusive. But CNN didn't seem to mind, as public anticipation prior to Sonthi's interview already made drum-rolls to promote the network here.

Free advice to Sonthi and the CNS: Next time, hire a media consultant to get better advice.

jeerawat@nationgroup.com