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He could have been seen as a hero for upholding electoral democracy, not bowing to tough talk by military generals. Alas! What Somchai is biding his time for and fighting for has nothing to do with the public interest. He is working for vested interests known to all in the country.

Not only that, in shrugging off coercive gestures from the armed forces chiefs, Somchai likes to portray himself as a mouse that roars - a civilian leader who stands up against undue pressure and undemocratic overtones.

Call it raw guts from a man who once presided over the bench and probably sentenced some poor souls to death. Some doubt whether it is true courage. What comes to the minds of political observers is that he was likely forced to show a spine and hide his shaky knees.

As we have witnessed, Somchai has not been himself since day one in office. His ill-concealed jubilation at taking the premiership might have been his true feeling. Who would not want to be national leader? It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was his moment of glory.

It might have been hard for him to realise the price he will eventually have to pay for the brave act of biting off what he certainly cannot chew or swallow. Now, his conviction amidst daunting adversity could be this: What the heck! What else is there for me to lose?

In just over a month in the top job, his stature, honour and character have been wrecked beyond repair - if only he would care to do some damage assessment. Not only is there the shattered image for being sloppy in performance, his status as a political puppet is also beyond dispute. 

Standing not as a fighter for democracy or some noble cause he has been publicly accused of neglect of duty, hiding stocks, attempting to bribe judges, and conspiring with tainted family members over their own shady deals.

Those charges will undergo due legal process in time. By internationally acceptable standards, a man with a severely dented image and character would have been regarded unfit and improper to stay even one hour in office. This creates further disgrace to the country's leadership.

But this is Somchai, who learns fast in our gutter politics that shamelessness and a lack of decency are prime qualities for politicians who strive for self-serving interests, quick rewards and fame.

This is also a man who has yet to apologise to the public and victims for police brutality from sunrise to sunset on October 7. His conscience remains undisturbed by over 400 injured and two dead. Forget those with severed limbs and permanent deformity.

This is the brother-in-law of Thaksin Shinawatra, who is desperately seeking asylum in Britain, knowing that only absolute political triumph back home by his cronies will enable him to set foot again in his motherland. That is possible only after all criminal charges and possible jail terms have been completely whitewashed. The Supreme Court for political cases will rule today whether Thaksin and his wife have broken the law over what was generally regarded as a sweetheart land deal. If convicted, his chance of coming home as a free man will be very remote, if not impossible.

What fate lies in store for Somchai now that he ignores the public's ridicule of his performance and the pressure from adversaries? Outwardly, he tries to live a normal life, pursuing routine state affairs, believing that a period of two months is enough to fulfil three major tasks before considering whether he should quit. In that time, he thinks he will be tolerated by the armed forces chiefs - never mind the prevailing economic crisis.

One might suspect that if he could do things on his own, he would pack up and run, far away from criminal charges and the high risk of a jail term. He cannot do that just yet. The strings behind him are still firmly held by the master in London.

The ongoing power play is intriguing. It's like a three-way gladiator duel. Somchai and his militant supporters are squaring off with the armed forces chiefs on one side, and the PAD on the other. It's difficult to tell who will win without more bloodshed. Each party to the conflict is dealing with high stakes and the risk of a high price to pay.

Somchai holds state power, which does not mean much without fair play. After the recent bloodshed, the other parties do not want to give him a fair chance. With the increasingly impatient public, he certainly does not have the luxury of two months.