EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW =

PM wins hearts in UK by engaging in 'open and frank discussion'

By Tulsathit Taptim
The Nation
Published on March 16, 2009

Against a politically and diplomatically difficult backdrop, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has come back from England having scored a= few more hard points thanks to his refusal to avoid direct challenges on the st= ate of Thailand's democracy.

A mini showdown with fugitive activist Ji Ungpakorn at a forum on Saturday capped a politically charged vi= sit during which the "legitimacy" of his office faced tough questions along with the Kingdom's lese majeste law.

But, according to British Ambassador Quinton Quayle, Abhisit's perceived willing= ness to address the problems of Thai democracy was well noted.

"He showed, both by his words and actions, that he wants to promote democratic debate about the future of Thailand," the envoy told The Nation in an emailed reply to questions about Abhisit's visit.

"His willingness to engage in an open and frank discussion, including on sensiti= ve issues, impressed his audience. He showed that he is ready to listen to the point of view both of those who agree and disagree with his government and = to give answers to the key questions of most concern in Thailand. <= /span>

"The discussion that took place at Oxford University on March 14 is a good model= for future debate in Thailand."

Ji was in the audience, using his foot-shaped clapper to greet Abhisit and mak= ing stinging comments on the state of Thai democracy after the prime minister s= poke on democratic challenges.

The two fascinated the audience with the issue of whether the lese majeste law = was a "political tool" or a simple channel to guard the Monarch again= st defamation, and whether Ji had fled what could have been a straightforward court case.

On other aspects, the British ambassador said it was a satisfactory trip for Abhisit.

"This was a very successful visit. At a time of a major economic crisis, he gave a very useful input, as chair of Asean, to the preparation of the London Summ= it of G20 countries on April 2.

"He and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown agreed on the importance of working together on a macro-economic stimulus plan, reforming the international financial institutions and of taking a firm stand against protectionism.

"They agreed to keep in touch in the run-up to the summit, which Khun Abhisit wil= l be attending as chair of Asean," the diplomat said.

In a speech to business representatives in the City of London, Abhisit also stressed his commitment to boosting UK investment in Thailand. He pledged to encourage an expansion of trade links and met many British business leaders during his visit.

Sir Terry Leahy, the chief executive of Tesco, said the retailer remain committ= ed to investing further in Thailand and wanted to explore opportunities to dou= ble exports of Thai fruit and vegetables to the UK