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Published on April 14, 2008

During his weekly TV programme, he complained about media reports that the government had achieved nothing so far.

Samak said the government had actually been working hard and running the country was not the same as growing "string beans", so it was not possible for results to appear in two months.

So far, the government has announced two major economic stimulus packages which provide direct state funds to the grass-root population as well as generous tax breaks and other incentives to salaried workers, businesses, property and other sectors.

According to Samak, Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Suraphong Suebwonglee has also been working hard. He is leading a delegation to the United States and the United Kingdom to promote the economy.

However, other critics have complained about the Commerce Ministry's inability to manage the cost of necessities, resulting in economic hardship among low-income earners.

Samak said during his weekly TV show that the 2007 Constitution was like a political trap set up against a strong and stable government, so it is necessary to amend it as soon as possible.

Earlier, the premier suggested that his government would not touch the charter until its last three months in office. However, he changed his mind because there have been attempts to take legal action against the ruling parties.

The Election Commission last week forwarded fraud cases involving the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties to the Constitution Court for possible party dissolution.

Samak said charter amendments were not self-serving, but the effort will benefit those standing in the next election.

The Nation