Notoriety as a way of life

Who cares what was discussed between the two top figures on Wednesday evening because Thailand's political turmoil is not going to end tomorrow anyway?

Chuwit surely knew how boring national politics has become with the whole system continuing to chase its tail, so he provided a new excitement that bears his absolute hallmark - direct and raw, bordering on madness. Along with that punch a message that defies your political conscience was delivered: "I'm crazy enough to hit a TV news host three days before the Bangkok governor election, so I hope you will be crazy enough to vote for me."

If you were wide-eyed and open-mouthed on hearing about this act of insanity, you are not his real fan. Many people had seen it coming, on the very first day he declared his political ambition. He was anything but a phenomenon, just a very flawed man who became politically attractive because he was good at using the reverse psychology of admitting how bad he was.

Apart from the occasional self-battering openness, Chuwit is a very familiar guy. Here's a man who became rich through notorious businesses and, by his own confession, bribing state authorities along the way.

He entered politics when his interests were threatened and seemingly needed some kind of protection and redemption. Take away the charming moustache and admirable boxing skills, and you can bump into the likes of him anytime in Parliament.

Since no reporter would dare interview him face-to-face from now on, unless he is accompanied by guys in white gowns, here's a collection of questions that our newsroom would like to have asked Chuwit:

A lifestyle editor: Apart from bribing police, beating your wife, being involved in the sex trade and sending hooligans on bulldozers to raze beer stalls, are there other things bad about you that we should know about?

A photo editor: Was punching the news anchor in fact part of your reverse-psychology promotional plan?

A business editor: What happened back there? Were you out of your mind?

A graphics designer: If you fail this Sunday, where will you be?

A sports editor: Where did you learn to jab like that?

A city editor: Is a martial-arts centre for crime-prone Bangkok part of your plan?

A political editor: Have you ever thought of using your binoculars backwards and thoroughly examining yourself?