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Members of the Thai Journalists’ Association announce the findings of a study of PM Samak Sundaravej’s relationship with the media yesterday, which was World Press Freedom Day.
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Look who's talking
Sunday Xpress
Published on May 4, 2008
Samak uses crude language to bully, discredit media, journalists say
The country's journalists' association says PM Samak Sundaravej has an "antagonistic" relationship with the press and this poses a "threat to the freedom of the press". It adds that the PM's unfortunate ways are "counter-productive to the development of democratic society". Samak's crude language, abrasive manner, reluctance to cooperate and rebuttal of criticism during interviews are "aimed at discrediting the media and preventing it from scrutinising the government". The association's 142-page study coincides with World Press Freedom Day yesterday and was conducted by watchdog Media Monitor. It recalls the PM's most notorious moment when he retorted to persistent questioning from a reporter with the "indecent" question: "Did you fornicate last night?" It cites his frequent use of "crude words" on his weekly television segment. "As a prime minister, he fails to understand his role in the political-communication process and at the same time chooses to ignore the important role of the news media in democratic society by failing to respect its dignity and prestige," the association statement says. It says Samak's contributions are not "useful".
Deliberately incoherent It asserts he "often chooses to be incoherent or does not give the right answer. When he answers, his answer always conveys less important information, or he gives answers intended to end the interview as quickly as possible. Meanwhile his lengthy answers also lack substance". The monitor adds that Samak "strikes back at reporters with questions, scorning interviewers, spinning news, questioning questions and refusing to answer". Samak is "too often satirical" when referring to a third party and uses comparisons "to sneer at opponents or ideas that oppose his". It notes the PM resorts to foul language when commenting on the news media and opponents but never when describing himself or his government.
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