A fist to fight the clapping

Phromsak Sanpho, chief of a network of grassroots groups in the region, said in Chiang Mai yesterday that apart from the fists, they will also come up with plastic hands that depict "I love you" in sign language.

The group intends to use the fists, which will be red in colour and made from sponge, as a symbol of democracy and reconciliation. They would be handed out to members next week.

Government supporters have also agreed to guard Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and other ministers who travelled to Chiang Mai to boost their backers' morale.

The clappers have been a vital weapon for PAD protestors, who have already used them several times to embarrass Somchai.

Light shines on Samak again

Despite being disqualified, former PM Samak Sundaravej came under the spotlight last week when he was admitted into Bumrungrad Hospital.

An initial report said Samak had serious food poisoning, but the hospital was told to hold the reports and ensure his privacy. On Saturday however, PM Somchai Wongsawat spent about 25 minutes with the patient and said he was cheerful and expected to be discharged soon.

"We didn't talk very much. He needs to rest," Somchai said.

However, all cheer aside, rumours are surfacing that Samak is suffering from liver cancer, which makes one wonder why it took the doctors four days to treat him for a simple food poisoning and why he was admitted into the critical care unit.

Rumours have also surfaced that Samak is reportedly planning to travel to the United States for two weeks, reportedly to see a doctor there.

However a source familiar with the matter said judging from the Bt12,000 a day that Samak had to pay was far too small a bill for a patient undergoing cancer treatment.

Still, one cannot help but wonder why the 73-year-old politician was admitted into hospitals so many times during his term as premier.