• 
• 

Published on February 4, 2008

Incoming Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday said he would extend mass-transit routes across Bangkok and its suburbs as well as improve the country's irrigation using Mekong River water within three years.

Samak invited the news media to his home, where he cooked for them. He apologised for releasing the names of his Cabinet to Japanese correspondents and not local reporters.

Samak often makes headlines because of his acerbic tongue. But yesterday he showed a softer side, cracking jokes and sharing cooking tips and the experiences of his youth.

He said his first task would be to extend Skytrain routes, build more mass-transit systems and improve irrigation using water from the Mekong.

Earlier in the day, Samak joined a ceremony for veterans and was overheard telling outgoing defence minister Boonrawd Somtas that as defence minister he would not interfere in the military.

"I have no motivation. I just want to work in the Defence Ministry. The military chiefs can proceed with their work in accordance with procedure. I will not interfere,'' he said.

Samak said his life had changed since assuming office. "I had never worn a hat but this morning I had to wear one and stood at attention with soldiers. I used to wake up with freedom, but now I have to check my schedule to see what's ahead for me in the day," he said.

He said his love for cooking and shopping for ingredients started when he was seven and his mother asked him to do the shopping. As his family moved from house to house in Bangkok, he had the chance to explore about 20 different markets.

Samak, a family man who neither smokes nor drinks, said his wife did not share his passion for cooking. He handed out copies of his biography, which includes comments about Samak from 50 people, including former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Kesinee Jaikawang,

Panya Thiewsangwan

The Nation