In fact Prem really has done nothing wrong. He simply gave a speech on good governance at Suan Dusit Rajabhat University. This is a topic that is very much in vogue at the moment, and Thaksin himself has spoken frequently on the issue, so no one should have been surprised that Prem chose to address it.

Thus Samak has embarked upon a politically suicidal path. Speaking contemptuously of others probably would not have caused quite as much of a stir among those in uniform. But talking about Prem in such a manner is tantamount to insulting the much-respected privy councillor directly. Worse, Prem’s followers in the armed forces are infuriated that such a veteran and seasoned politician turned television talk-show host as Samak would dare to step on the toes of such a widely respected statesman.

Prem has always exercised the utmost caution in his appearances and speech. Under normal circumstances, he echoes the country’s main concerns and addresses issues in an authoritative manner. As prosaic as that may seem, Prem also tends to be very thoughtful. Along with other Privy Council members, he knows full well that his body language and rhetoric are scrutinised carefully. His words are imperatives, especially in times of political uncertainty, which goes far to explaining why Prem is usually so sought after as a keynote speaker.

At the February 4 rally at the Royal Plaza, Prem refused to meet with the protesters led by Sondhi Limthongkul, instead assigning a representative to accept a royal petition from them. He acted with propriety. A man of honour in his position knows full well what he should and should not do. Accepting the petition himself would have dragged the Privy Council into the anti-Thaksin debate and rallies. Samak should have understood that. But he often acts like he thinks he is God and considers himself indestructible. Some of his right-wing comments and pro-Thaksin views are downright nauseating.

Samak is a true evil in Thai politics. For more than three decades, he has dominated the Thai political scene, holding numerous positions in various governments and becoming surprisingly popular among the urban poor and disadvantaged, especially those worrying about their stomachs.

He played an important role in putting down the 1976 pro-democracy movement, for which he has thus far escaped unscathed. He is one of the great manipulators of public opinion, using his broadcasts to support Thaksin and his cronies. On radio and television, he appears to be “more Catholic than the Pope” when relating how great and generous Thaksin is. He would seem to have no shame whatsoever, and it will be interesting to see what befalls him now. One of the reasons for Samak’s longevity has been the strong support shown him by conservative groups in both the government and the military. After all, Army television and MCOT have both afforded him full air time.

His common-man style and right-wing blurbs have won him many supporters, especially among those in uniform. But this time, he thought he could criticise Prem and get away with it. After all, he has done the same repeatedly with powerful people from different backgrounds. But the public’s mood has apparently shifted, and he has now possibly burned all of the bridges that he so laboriously built. And all because of hubris.

If his political future appears to lie in tatters, he has only himself to blame. Enough is enough!