Sharp-tongued Samak cancels weekly briefings

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has cancelled his weekly press briefings after he was accused of using impolite language with reporters. ''I will stop giving interviews every Tuesday and Friday because I was criticised by an influential person for using rude words,'' he said.

He usually sets aside time for media interviews on Tuesdays and Fridays. He is known for his blunt and sometimes abrasive responses.

Mr Samak said someone had ''lashed out at me angrily''.

''He said that he has never met a prime minister who uses such impolite language,'' said Mr Samak. He declined to name his critic, saying only that he was a ''big'' (influential) person.

The critic cited his use of words such as ''heng suay'' (lousy), ''tam hok a-rai'' (what the hell are you doing), and ''kra hien kra hue rue'' (overzealous).

''I will consult the Royal Institute of Thailand, which produces the official Thai dictionary, about how 'kra hien kra hue rue' could be conceived as rude,'' Mr Samak said.

Despite the criticism, he will continue with his television and radio talks on Sundays.
(Source- http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/01May2008_news10.php)