Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva launched the government's public-opinion campaign on national reform yesterday, but a technical glitch marred the high-profile event at Government House when three phone calls answered by him ended up getting disconnected.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva launched the government's public-opinion campaign on national reform yesterday, but a technical glitch marred the high-profile event at Government House when three phone calls answered by him ended up getting disconnected.
PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said the calls had possibly cut off because the fuses in the phone-switching system had overheated due to many people calling in at the same time. Abhisit has asked for an explanation from technicians.
Satit said later that the problem had been caused by a bottleneck in the switching system, and ordered the number of switchboards be increased to three yesterday, and six today. "I don't think there will be a problem again," he added.
While launching the "Six Days and 63 Million Ideas: Moving Thailand Forward" campaign, the PM said it was aimed at encouraging the public to participate in national reform efforts.
"This is to gather energy from people all over the country. We welcome the opinion of all 63 million people, and you can make suggestions about anything. However, it does not mean the government will address all the issues," he said.
"Our country just experienced a crisis and many of us are still worried about related problems. People are in the mood of wanting to express their views, and though many of the problems can be solved right away, many will need some time. Some problems may not be solved at all, just like many that exist all over the world. But what I hope to do is relieve the public's mind," he said.
The prime minister and volunteers, such as actors and singers, were on standby yesterday to answer calls to the toll-free number (02) 304 9999, which has 300 lines. People have until next Tuesday to call this number. As of yesterday afternoon, more than 2,000 calls were received, though Satit said he expected the number to hit at least 6,000 on the first day of the campaign.
Satit said most of the callers complained about loan sharks and sought government help to overcome their debt problems. The celebrity volunteers said callers praised the prime minister and offered him support, though there were some who also attacked his government. One volunteer said a female caller wanted "Abhisit to go to hell".
The public has until October to send suggestions on national reform to PO Box 9999, Government House, or post them on the prime minister's official website, www.pm.go.th/forward.
Abhisit yesterday appeared irritated when the three calls he answered ended up getting disconnected. He was heard murmuring "the line was cut" after one such interruption, and later joked that maybe people should call him on his mobile phone. After waiting for five minutes to see if the problem can be fixed, he exchanged a few anecdotes with the volunteers before returning to his office.
When asked about the cut-off calls, Abhisit said he had already instructed the technicians to determine the cause.
Abhisit said the campaign was intended to improve public awareness and encourage people to think about the country's problems. He said they could even speak about their personal problems. He denied the campaign was an image-building effort, saying the information gathered would actually be analysed.
Satit also rejected claims that the campaign was a publicity stunt.
"I don't think this is about image-building. We really want to get the public's opinion, and that is why the slogan is 'Let's think together to help reform Thailand'," he said.