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Published on February 29, 2008

Though several of Samak's ministers met Thaksin at the airport, there was no confirmation the prime minister had any communication with him at all.

There is speculation that the reason for Thaksin's earlier than expected return is because he was upset with Samak and rushed back to bring him into line.

Samak seemed more composed yesterday than on Wednesday, when he seemed frustrated by reporters pursuing him for comments, but he did not speak to the media at all. He appeared to be trying to remain calm and not get angry or complain, and smiled occasionally at reporters. The prime minister started the day by chairing his first Defence Council meeting at the Defence Ministry. After the three-hour meeting he left the ministry without speaking to the media and went to have lunch in the Tha Prachan area.

In the afternoon, Samak returned to Government House, where he spent time with PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair discussing the transfer of Public Relations Department director-general Pramote Rathavinit.

The premier then met Eneko Landaburu, director-general of the European Commission's external relations department, and Friedrich Hamburger, the EC's ambassador to Thailand.

Samak leaves this morning for a two-day official visit to Laos and will miss his "meet the press" briefing, which is held on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation