Abhisit firm on Jakrapob being 'dangerous'

The opposition Democrat Party yesterday insisted PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair's views expressed in his controversial speech last year reflected his "dangerous attitude" towards the country's constitutional monarchy.

Party leader Abhisit Vejjajivasaid what Jakrapob remarked upon in his press conference on Monday only confirmed the Democrats' belief about him and his views.

"We maintain our stance and view that he has no suitability to remain in office," Abhisit said at a press conference at the party's headquarters.

Jakrapob on Monday called a press conference at Government House, which was broadcast live on the state-run NBT, to confirm his loyalty to the monarchy and accused Abhisit of resorting to old-style politics.

The opposition leader said Jakrapob distorted the meaning of some simple English terms for his own benefit.

During Abhisit's press conference yesterday, a video recording of Jakrapob's speech was played, particularly the parts in which he made controversial remarks involving the monarchy.

The Democrat leader said it was clear Jakrapob referred to royal patronage, and not general patronage. He said Jakrapob himself benefited from a patronage system led by ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Abhisit said the party had followed up on a lese majeste case filed by a police officer against Jakrapob involving his controversial speech given at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in August last year.

He said he was very surprised when reading the transcript.

"I lived more than 10 years in England and I was startled when reading the English transcript. I didn't expect anyone would make such provocative views. I also asked people I know to read the transcript and they all shared what I felt," Abhisit said.

He said he then sent a memo to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, calling for a decision to "defuse the possible conflict". Abhisit said Samak had to take the responsibility if the controversy got out of hand, as the PM had refused to nip the problem in the bud by removing the minister.

The opposition leader said Jakrapob was trying to deflect attention from his controversial speech and acts by describing the controversy as a conflict between him and Abhisit.