Content of book about PM of more interest than cover

The Bangkok Post reporter Wassana Nanuam explained that her book about Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (‘Pluay’) could not go ahead pending approval from the “boss”. 

“The publishing house said that they are waiting for ‘the boss’ to decide if it should go ahead. It might not be ready in time for the book fair or at a push, might be ready nearer the closing of the expo,” she said.

The book features the prime minister’s answers and explanations concerning many issues she has been attacked over. Wassana said neither Yingluck nor PM’s secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva had read the manuscript or seen layouts before printing, but did get the final draft before it was sent to the printer. Suranand said Yingluck complained she did not like her cover photo or the book title. The author said that the PM looks tough in the cover photograph.

The PM should accept the tough photo on the cover as a compliment. PMs need to be tough. It is certainly not a cause for banning the book.  The Q and A section could be more embarrassing. However it can easily be affirmed as it is already in the public domain. Any cancellation would immediately attract an immediate response from her detractors. Anything she said abroad does not count in Thailand.

Richard Bowler

Bangkok