April 24 2004

Thai Prime Minister shows softer side

The bleary-eyed chap in the curious kilt & shawl combo is none other than Thailand's billionaire Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Toothbrush in hand, he's pictured here queuing up for the communal bathroom at an Udon Thani temple and, judging by the strained expression on his face, he's bursting for a piss too.

This week's photo-opportunity was staged to reveal the PM's humbler side. It might actually have worked had he not chosen to wear Fendi. It was a brave effort, though and I'm going to award him 7/10 for looking sweet and vulnerable. In fact, if I were a leading designer of ladies haute couture fashion, I'd have him washed and sent up to my room.

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In truth, though, I think that all great men could benefit from showing a little humility once in a while. In Thailand, they sometimes do and I think it's admirable. However, some of our western politicians are lodged so far up their own arses that they could examine the half-digested remains of their working breakfasts.

Can you imagine George W Bush allowing himself to be photographed first thing in the morning, stumbling into the well-appointed bathroom of his lavish White House apartment with a half-hearted erection dangling from the open fly-hole of his monogrammed silk pyjamas? Unfortunately, I can - but the mental image now makes me regret ever having brought the matter up.

[Posted to Thai Secrets by David]

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Readers' comments

John U says:

David, you must have eyes like a fucking hawk, and you obviously know your designer gear.

I wouldn't have a clue what part of his anatomy is adorned by the Fendi label.

Why does he need so many toothbrushes?

Maybe he uses one to scratch his arse. Hope he doesn't mix them up.

April 24, 2004 6:26 PM

smee says:

the vendi is the towel apparently.
It has raised alot of discussion on thai web boards.
..you seriously believe he is showing some humility?..I just think his most beloved spin doctor is on crack..

April 24, 2004 7:23 PM

Thai X Men says:

You guys all missed the Prada flip-flops! That they are 2 sizes smaller only reaffirms that our PM is truly a teen at heart.

Oh yes, that kilt is not a Fendi but most probably Burberry's limited edition.

And is that really a temple bathroom door?

April 24, 2004 7:32 PM

John U says:

David,

I admire you for airing this because it must be very anti PC as far as the Thai government is concerned.

I have an email from another person who has a web site with comments, and he's shitting himself if anything a bit controversial goes on there at the moment. (don't ask - I've mentioned him before)

Anyway, back to the subject, if I had legs like those I'd definitely wear a longer Fendi towel however much the fucking thing cost.

April 27, 2004 6:59 AM

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