Falling star of Thaksin fails to sparkle

Take the case of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - he tries to present himself frequently to his supporters and grabs media space to avoid being forgotten.

Since last week Thaksin has appeared and talked to Thais frequently. Basing himself in Dubai, he phoned-in to Thailand almost everyday. Some days he even phoned twice. Sometimes he beamed himself down via video link to talk to his supporters here.

It would have cost him a lot for the phone use - but that's no concern for a tycoon like him.

In his phone-ins, Thaksin repeatedly pleaded with supporters for sympathy and showed his concern for the economic problems. He created some hope for his listeners, saying he could save Thailand if Thais gave him a chance and helped him return to the country.

When Thaksin fled Thailand last August he appointed a personal spokesman to deliver his message to Thais on his behalf. But it has proved unsuccessful, so the former PM now has to play the game without help.

Having been divorced by his wife, he now has only his younger sister Yingluk left to coordinate between himself and his MPs, many of whom are reportedly ready to jump ship.

The daily phone-in from Thaksin tells something: he is now alone. He has to fight by himself. He has no one left to stand beside him. He fears losing ground as Abhisit Vejjajiva's popularity gradually increases.

After trying to teach premier Abhisit on how to tackle economic problems, Thaksin then attempted to show his seniority and superior experience to the younger premier, whom he called a "boy". Thaksin wanted to show that he had more ability and enthusiasm in solving economic problems than Abhisit.

Thaksin even bought an advertisement in a Thai newspaper to promote his speech about the economic crisis, which took place last week at the Foreign Correspondent's Club in Hong Kong, to be re-run on the Democracy Television or D Station of his red-shirted protesters.

However, no matter how hard he tries, apparently, it is not working; people have lost faith and confidence in the former premier as proved by a recent Abac poll. Almost half the respondents did not believe that if Thaksin returned to power as prime minister, the country's economy would improve, while 40 per cent still believed in him.

For Thaksin supporters, his appearance and his speeches may build some hope, but for anti-Thaksin people - they could listen to his pleas without feeling any guilt whatsoever.