PM strictly punctual

When the government declared its policies on December 30, Abhisit held the Cabinet's first meeting before calling another one the same evening. The meetings seemed to imply that the government's New Year gift to the public was pure hard work.

"The atmosphere in Abhisit's Cabinet meetings is never really exciting. As soon as the meeting begins, the prime minister gets straight to the point, rarely discussing anything that is not on the agenda. The exception would be if he had a very important issue to talk about. However, Cabinet meetings during Samak Sundaravej's times were different, and issues discussed were not always on the agenda," a meeting-room officer said.

The officer, who asked not to be named, said political topics were rarely discussed during Cabinet meetings. "At the most, they would only discuss the government's jobs. Controversial issues such as the 4,000 NGV bus-leasing project or problems with agriculture would be discussed until they are concluded, and not be revisited repeatedly," the officer said.

Nowadays, Cabinet meetings are held exactly at the time scheduled. Abhisit arrives on the dot at 9am, and allows the ministers a few moments to greet each other or consult among themselves, before signalling the start of the meeting. Everyone has to be seated once the meeting is called to order.

So, what really happens at these meetings? For starters, every issue on the agenda is brought up by the prime minister, who throws in a bit of light banter to keep things on an even keel. However, ministers who are new at the job are often left wondering if the PM is being serious or not.

For instance, when the Cabinet was discussing the purchase of 20 bulletproof cars, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan jokingly said to Abhisit: "The Prime Minister must sure know how good bulletproof cars are."

The PM then turned the joke on to his deputy, Suthep Thaugsuban, saying: "You can ask Deputy Prime Minister Suthep, he was in the car as well."

However, there was no response from Suthep, who stays quiet during Cabinet meetings, only speaking about issues he is in charge of or when he is asked a direct question.

Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot, is quite the opposite and is oftentimes told by the PM to stop getting distracted and "let's finish the agenda issue by issue".

The other talkative ministers include Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa, and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti, who has a comment about everything.

Another Cabinet member who voices his opinions loudly, and perhaps a bit too harshly, is Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya. Often microphones have to be turned off because his comments just can't be recorded. Similarly, Industry Minister Charnchai Chairungrueng speaks his mind rather too loudly without being concerned that they might offend someone.

Luckily, Deputy Education Minister Narisara Chawaltanpipat adds beauty to the meetings. Every time any of the gentlemen feel bored or sleepy, they just have to turn around and appreciate the vision as she prettily flips her hair away from her face.

piyanart@nationgroup.com