Foreign Minister and PAD acolyte Kasit Piromya is cited at length in the Bangkok Post (10 November 2009: “Govt blasts Thaksin’s interview”).
Given the current political climate, the article is surprisingly even-handed. Kasit isn’t. He claims that “condemned the remarks as offensive and inappropriate.” Kasit adds that “Thaksin also made inappropriate comments about His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince.”
This is an interesting claim, for Thaksin actually praises the prince. So is Kasit opposed to the prince or just not thinking before speaking? Maybe it is Thaksin’s “hidden motive” that Kasit is thinking about but hasn’t explained.
Kasit claims that “Thaksin’s interview is a violation of the monarchy, which is the country’s core pillar and a highly respected institution. It is unacceptable and should have never taken place…”.
PPT suggests that readers consider the released transcript, for Thaksin really does try his best to attack Prem, Surayud and the “network” while claiming to be exceptionally loyal to the throne. Yes, Thaksin makes some suggestions about needed reform, but he keeps talking respect and loyalty.
Kasit also claims that “the interview lacked credibility as it contained several false or distorted items of information regarding the role of the monarchy in politics and the bilateral spat between Thailand and Cambodia over the appointment of Thaksin as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government.” PPT noted a factual error related to the 2001 election result, but we’ll wait to hear more from Kasit.
It is a remarkable interview.
