PM's meeting at hotel was inappropriate

Well, let us for one moment just examine the facts.  It is an undisputed fact that she missed a meeting of the House to attend this meeting.

When assuming public office, and particularly a high office of state, individuals lose a considerable amount of freedom; in essence they become servants of the public. There are many things that they simply cannot do, as they are inappropriate; and there are many more they cannot do because of how the action might appear; and there are many things they have to do because they are expected to.  So, missing a sitting of the House is at best setting a poor example in an environment where attendance is already lamentable, with the House being unable to get a quorum on many occasions. At worst, it is highly inappropriate to meet property developers in such a way. Then to seek not to address the problem directly and choose to communicate in an indirect and bizarre fashion through her Facebook page simply invites controversy.

If David Cameron, the British prime minister, skipped the House of Commons and was seen coming out of The Ritz in Piccadilly, I can tell you all hell would break loose. The same is true for the German chancellor and any leader in a Western democracy. It is understood that they are in the public gaze and must not just be beyond reproach but be seen to be beyond reproach. There is a chronic mis-understanding of probity in Thai politics where personal interest washes into public life on a daily basis, and this is why politicians are held in such low regard by the Thai public.

The prime minister must understand that the carefree days of popping out to do a bit of shopping and having lunch or meetings with whomever she pleases are gone. She is now a public servant who holds the highest office in the land, and must behave as such. Moreover, 

she must truly serve the public interest and not the interests of her family.

Fred Morrice

Bangkok