Think hard, Jakrapob told

Bangkok, Thailand

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday urged PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair to reflect on his controversial remarks on the monarchy and act accordingly.

"I think if Jakrapob cannot explain himself to society, then it might be better for all concerned for him to retreat," Thaksin said.

"But if he can explain himself, then it's OK. However, we have to understand that all Thais harbour sensitivity toward the monarchy," he said.

Jakrapob was nowhere to be seen yesterday as he shunned the public eye. Pressure has been mounting for him to quit over his speech in August 2007 that appeared to take on the monarchy.

He was scheduled to attend a meeting at the Foreign Ministry but he cancelled it to go see Thaksin at his Charansanitwong Soi 69 residence.

Thaksin said Jakrapob made sound decisions because he listens to public opinion and knows what to do next.

Thaksin seemed to be trying to distance himself from Jakrapob, who has also become a target for impeachment by the opposition. Jakrapob has increasingly become isolated.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said it would be better for Jakrapob to go through the whole legal process.

http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/22/headlines/headlines_30073672.php