Samak's tv show coup

But there is one recent plan that was delivered decisively and smoothly. Even its opponents did not find it a threat until it was on air.

People Television (PTV), has found a "proper" room to voice its support for the government and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. And Samak got all the credit.

In his Sunday TV programme "Talking Samak Style", Samak said he would launch a daily TV programme broadcasting at 10pm on NBT channel to respond to allegations by his opponents, particularly the People's Alliance for Democracy and ASTV.

He would show the whole nation what the truth was, as he would not let people tell lies any longer.

Then the people waited for his first programme. But deputy government spokesman Nattawut Saikua came out on Monday morning with news that pleased the government's opponents - the plan was being aborted.

The broadcast time of 10pm was occupied by a news talk programme run by a private firm. So the Samak plan could not be delivered until the firm's contract expired.

Later in the afternoon, Government House reporters were told of another "abrupt" change. The Samak plan was revived because the firm said it was prepared to change the style of the programme.

As the clock ticked closer to 10pm, many viewers expected to see the premier popping up with a fresh counter-attack to his opponents' allegations.

What surprised and stunned them was that Samak failed to show up. Instead they saw the familiar faces of PTV executives, who had led a pro-Thaksin rally that turned into a riot in front of General Prem Tinsulanonda's Bangkok residence last year, on the government channel. They were Veera Musikapong, People Power Party MP Jatuporn Promphan and Nattawut.

No surprise. Topics raised were targeted to attack the government's opponents, including the controversial status of the National Counter Corruption Commission, which is accused of acting in a manner unfavourable to the government.

It is apparent that the PTV appearance was no accident.

Imagine if Samak said he would bring in all the PTV men to counter ASTV's daily allegations, he would not survive the Sunday. And the "actual" plan would be aborted since his opponents would attack him over manipulating the state media. Samak chose to confuse his opponents.

Well done, Mr Prime Minister.

weerayut@nationgroup.com