Democracy Lesson With Abhisit

Thanks to reader S. for pointing out this gem of a BBC interview with Abhisit Vejjajiva, who became prime minister of Thailand “in a way that lacks democratic legitimacy,” as interviewer Zeinab Bedawi puts it. “I’m surprised by that!” – exclaims Abhisit. But Zeinab Bedawi is well prepared. Chapeau.

Abhisit goes on and tells her that under the “other party” the government “could barely function. But now, I’ve stabilized the situation.” Brave new leader, that’s quite a record when you’re not able to recall the strongman tactics back then. And Zeinab Bedawi has other feisty questions.

Abhisit’s beautifully articulated British accent remains top of the line – while content-wise, well, hear for yourself. Reader S. included this comment: “All those years at Eton and Oxford have sure given this guy the ability to spin, b******* and lie with not only a completely straight face, but a really convincingly sincere freshness.”

Well, you’re old enough to make up your own mind. But polished he is and he speaks, pretty boy. After minute six though of the interview he clearly starts feeling uncomfortable. Of all things him, who has given interviews to about every renowned newspaper and TV channel.

It’s the fearless interviewer, stupid! She produces a Q&A you actually want to listen to again.

BBC doesn’t allow embedding of videos. You’ll find the interview here.




Sphere: Related Content

Related posts on absolutelyBangkok.com:

  1. The Generals’ Democracy
  2. Now More Than Ever? Abhisit’s FCCT Address
  3. Abhisit – Hun Sen 0:0
  4. Abhisit In Wonderland
  5. Quo Vadis Prathet Thai
  6. 1 + 1 = 3
  7. Machiavelli Personality Test: Are We A Better Thai Politician?

March 18, 2009 | Filed Under News & Media, Politics 

Comments

One Response to “Democracy Lesson With Abhisit”

  1. hobby on March 19th, 2009 5.08 am

    She tried asking some hard questions, but IMO he brushed them off with ease.
    (the big chance to pin him down was Giles at Oxford, but he also blew it as he cannot see past his Marxist agenda – maybe PTP will have better luck in the censure debates, but I doubt they are up to it)

    What I’d really like to see is someone knowledgeable about all the issues but also unbiased, (like a Duncan McCargo), do a one-on-one interview/debate with him – that would be fun.

Leave a Reply