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Press still in limbo; TRT MPs are now silenced too
 The Nation
November 22 , 2005 - The government appeared to soften its stance against its critics yesterday in the wake of increased public backing for media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, who has recently launched incessant tirades against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. But Thaksin remained resolute that he would not speak to the press until after the New Year.
"I appoint my own Mercury," he said, in a jovial response to suggestions that his silence was related to astrological charts.
The PM attracted much criticism yesterday over his decision to cancel his weekly "Meet the Press" sessions until next year.
In response to an invitation by senior monk Luangta Maha Bua to attend a peace meeting with Sondhi, Thaksin remained non-committal. But Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said the PM would "definitely find free time" from his busy schedule to pay his respects to the revered monk in person.
Surapong said Thaksin was aware of Luangta Maha Bua's invitation and he thanked the monk for his kindness.
In a related development, government whips agreed that Thai Rak Thai MPs should refrain from making public comments about the bickering between Thaksin and Sondhi, a party source said.
"The whips agreed that staying silent was the best way to avoid making things worse. All MPs unrelated to the matter will be asked not to comment publicly. Only those connected with the row should be allowed to speak," he said.
Also yesterday, the legal team of the ruling TRT party agreed not to press additional defamation charges against Sondhi for his latest allegations against Thaksin.
Referring to Thaksin's media silence, Surapong said the PM would devote time at the end of the year to clear up the backlog of work and resume his weekly press meetings next year.
"The prime minister is not superstitious and he will reorganise his work processes to effectively solve problems," he said, dismissing speculation that the PM's silence was nothing more than a cynical attempt to avoid media scrutiny.
Surapong said relevant Cabinet members would give more interviews to lighten the premier's workload.
"The prime minister will continue to answer policy questions but he won't comment on details delegated to his respective ministers," he said.
The government also yesterday moved to counter an allegation by Sondhi that Thaksin acted inappropriately by chairing the merit-making ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in April.
Surapong said the government would distribute video CDs in which Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam explains the merit-making ceremony, which is supposed to be reserved for the Royal Family.
Wissanu apparently explains that Thaksin sought and received Royal approval and strictly observed court protocols.
But that wasn't enough for Democrat Party spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon, who yesterday slammed the prime minister and accused him of using astrology to run the country.
Ongart attacked Thaksin for refusing to give press interviews because Mercury's plane was not auspicious.
"What he said contradicts his previous claim that he does not believe in astrology. If he does not believe in astrology, why is he using it to run the country?" he asked.
"Thaksin is the country's leader and when the country is in trouble, he must talk to the people. His dereliction [of duty] hurts and creates more trouble for the country,'' he said.
Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Polabutra also criticised Thaksin for his media silence and his subsequent astrological explanation, saying that the country's leader should not appear ignorant, but rather set a good example.
Alongkorn demanded that Thaksin answer allegations that his sister used a state aircraft recently to transport her friends to a house-warming party in Chiang Mai.
Senators also hopped on the bandwagon by slamming the PM for cancelling his weekly "Meet the Press'' sessions and appearing to lack leadership.
Senator Chirmsak Pinthong said he felt very uneasy that the country's leader cannot keep his promises and changes his stance according to his mood.
"This reflects the emotional instability of the country's leader,'' Chirmsak said.
"If the PM refuses to answer media questions and rejects criticism, we will have problems with our democracy,'' he said.
Senator Karun Saingam said Thaksin should correct his mistakes instead of cancelling press sessions.
Senator Nirand Pitakwatchara said Thaksin should know that his image could be adversely affected if he accuses the media of distorting the facts.
"Press freedom is public freedom. The government should not block press freedom,'' he said.
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