Mood swings mark samak's luncheon meet

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday stared down reporters for about two minutes to show his displeasure at their interruption at a luncheon with his coalition partners.

Samak hosted the event, personally inviting each partner including Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa, Suwit Khunkitti of Puea Pandin, Snoh Thienthong of Pracharaj, Anongwan Thepsuthin of Matchima Thipataya and Pradit Pataraprasit of Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana.

After giving reporters his moody look, Samak walked into the Chinese restaurant at the Prince Palace Hotel without saying a word and then switched into charm mode to greet his allies. The six coalition partners were seen enjoying the culinary delights of dim sum, fried bean curd sheet, shrimp wanton soup, fried noodle with prawn and Chinese cabbage. The dessert was fried Chinese jujube.

After the hearty lunch, Banharn talked amicably with reporters and said the coalition partners had discussed ways to help the people in light of the rising cost of living.

He said the coalition was not concerned about its stability and wanted to focus on the people's grievances.

Pradit said Samak updated his partners on the general economic situation, including the fuel price volatility, inflation, the construction of the mass transit system and economic woes.

Snoh said the premier did not raise any specific issues but gave a general assessment on the current situation. The coalition partners will devote full attention to pull the country through the soaring price of energy. He said none of the partners touched on the Constitution, although he urged Samak to avoid commenting on the issue to lessen the political volatility.