PM testing patience of 'big boss'

The "big boss" is apparently running out of patience, because Samak, instead of strengthening the government's position, is giving it a negative image.

Samak is acting too independent, a source quoted the "big boss" as saying.

A recent incident may have been the proverbial last straw in their relationship.

Samak suddenly revealed during his trip to China last week that "someone" was trying to do everything to oust him from the premiership. Reporters on the trip were puzzled by Samak's remarks, because no one had raised that question. Some were curious who the "someone" was.

At first, it sounded like Samak meant his opponents, but people in the government think differently. They believe Samak may have wanted to send a message to the "big boss".

Reports by Kyodo News Agency about a corruption case in Japan involving Thai government officials is causing a stir.

Kyodo reported on Monday that a former executive of Japan's Nishimatsu Construction had told Japanese prosecutors last week the firm paid Bt125 million in 2003 to Thai government officials for a Bt2-billion tunnel project.

The former executive is being investigated by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office on suspicion of violating the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.

Citing sources, Kyodo reported that local staff of Nishimatsu in Thailand had paid the bribes after consulting executives

of Nishimatsu's Thai partner.

The payments were apparently made to Thai government officials and officials in charge of overseeing bids for the project immediately before and after the project was awarded.

This report will, no doubt, put Samak in a tight spot, similar to the predicament of many of the PM's ministers who are already facing court rulings.

Samak was Bangkok governor and Thaksin Shinawatra the PM at the time. Also, Deputy Prime Minister Sahas Banditkul, Samak's long-time aide, was in charge of the project when he was deputy governor.

This bribery case has added another twist to the plot regarding who the "someone" plotting to oust Samak is.

Perhaps it would not be Samak's opponents, but rather someone the premier is familiar with.

piyanart@nationgroup.com