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Though the programme was killed following the transformation of TITV to Thai Public Broadcasting Service (recently changed again to Thai TV), the Opposition's grilling of the gov-ernment certainly reminded every-one of the fun they once cherished.

As seen on TV, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva exchanged in a rhetorical fight over the age of both politicians during the time when Thailand and Cambodia were con-testing the ownership of Preah Vihear.

Samak boasted that he held public office before Abhisit even existed. Abhisit lashed back by saying he could still know all the details of what happened by reading books. Thus, age did not matter, he coun-tered.

Another entertaining moment came on the second day of the censure debate, when Korn Chatikavanij took his turn to grill Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee. Instead of showing evidence that Surapong abused his power to benefit former prime minis-ter Thaksin Shinawatra, Korn returned to the years before 2006 when Thaksin was suspected of irregular share transactions. His three-hour talk was interrupted repeatedly, with objections lasting for about an hour. Korn might have found this funny, for he raised his eyebrows and grinned before he was knocked by Surapong, who showed his disappointment that Korn could not establish a link between Thaksin and the finance minister.

Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan was in the spotlight yes-terday, as he was the only targeted minister criticised by Samak in Parliament. To the audience, Mingkwan was like a kid still under Samak's thumb.  Probably because of that, Mingkwan had the urge to go to the bathroom, though he was still in the middle of his defence.

Democrat Trairong Suwannakhiri found Mingkwan cute, saying that he has a young-looking face that appeals on TV, though he teased him for being the first commerce minister who involved himself in selling pigs and rice rather than focusing on sup-ply chains.

Democrat Winai Sompong mocked Mingkwan for his softness, and likened his style to "Kamen Sai Yoke" - a traditional Thai song that describes the soft movement of a Bo tree. At mid-day, Deputy House Speaker Somsak Kietsuranont also came up with a good quote. When an MP counter-attacked the Democrats, he said: "The Opposition launched a no-confidence debate. It's their right to accuse the ministers. Without the accusations, why would they be here?"

The power blackout at Parliament after that killed the joy for a while, but the audience will always remem-ber the good times watching the re-run of their favourite programme.