Thaksin refuses to answer critics, cites astrology

Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, has refused to answer questions or speak to the press until the new year, citing astrological reasons. The astonishing timeline for his refusal to speak was skipped over in the otherwise decent article below.

How would you feel about investing your money in a country with such Mickey Mouse antics?

PM's astrological silence 'irrational'

The Nation, Nov 21 , 2005

The vice-president of the Thai Journalists Association yesterday challenged Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to answer reporters' questions if he was serious about building a knowledge-based society.

Pattara Kampitak dismissed as irrational Thaksin's claim that he could not speak to reporters because "Mercury is not in an auspicious orbit now".

"The PM is confusing our children with his unreasonable rationale,'' he said.

Thaksin was obliged to answer questions on issues such as the use of state aircraft for personal purposes and the Egat privatisation plan, he said. He should also encourage debate on political and social issues and allow government officials to disclose public information, Pattara said.

"The PM does not like criticism and he does not accept different opinions. He wants to speak by himself and does not like to be asked questions. His management is not good for a democratic country," he said.

Pattara said he would continue to ask Thaksin questions through the media even though he refuses to answer them.

"The public will decide and judge his refusal to answer the media,'' he said.