PM's denial on Prem: now that was political

The prime minister denied that any political issues were discussed with the Privy Council president. “We talked and exchanged views about the many projects under General Prem’s various foundations.” Pheu Thai had condemned the elite to encourage the red shirts. The foundations are a mark of what the elite does for their country. How uncharitable of the premier not to offer help or reward by the government for such acts. But that would have been political.

Was it possible that the PM praised Prem without apologising for her brother’s condemnation of him? The spokesman “did not confirm” that this had happened but he did not deny it either. How apolitical is that topic?

Thida Tawornseth claims the red shirts are working to achieve a democracy in which sovereignty belongs to the people. She describes Pheu Thai and the red shirts as a two-leg strategy. She said they acted independently to achieve “the ultimate goal “. How does a Thaksinocracy equate to rule by the people? I do not think Thida and PM Yingluck are reading from the same hymn sheet. Perhaps the prime minister is seeking a crutch.

RICHARD BOWLER

Bangkok