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Monday, July 13, 2009

To pass Abhisit's ethics test for Foreign Minister, Take over an airport and break international law

Bangkok Post


Kasit Piromya meets the ethics standards set down for cabinet members and should stay in the cabinet, insists Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The embattled foreign minister had no credibility problems, Mr Abhisit said while denying claims the government had interfered in the legal case now before him.


Mr Kasit is facing charges for his part in last year's blockade of Suvarnabhumi airport. Critics say he should resign immediately.


Speaking on his weekly television programme, the prime minister yesterday said he would not dismiss Mr Kasit over his involvement in the People's Alliance for Democracy's blockade of the airport.


"At this stage, where a summons has been issued, there is no need to dismiss him from the post," Mr Abhisit said.


"Initial checks found that the minister has no credibility problems."


Mr Kasit is among 36 PAD leaders and key supporters facing terrorism and other criminal charges for the Nov 25 to Dec 2 occupation of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.


The blockade was part of a campaign to force the government, led by the now-defunct People Power Party, to give up power.


Abhisit is tone deaf. If The Nation, your biggest propagandist, calls on Kasit to resign, you better start re-thinking this strategy.

1 comment:

Steve said...

"Initial checks found that the minister has no credibility problems."

"Initial checks" ? Meaning Abhisit had one of his clipboard-carriers call Kasit's wife and ask her? Or he got a few Thai ambassadors to sound out their host governments?

Trial by media is not to be welcomed - but the published comments should give any PM pause for thought. Apirak set the correct standard and a good example - it's beyond belief that neither Kasit nor Abhisit see that.