Jakrapob delays press conference over controversial speech

Deputy government spokesman Nattawut Saikua told reporters yesterday that Jakrapob wanted more time to prepare a complete translation of his speech.

He said the embattled minister had not made a decision on whether to resign from his post.

The press conference on Monday will be held at Government House. Jakrapob will produce relevant documents and a Thai translation of his speech in English, in addition to answering questions from the media, Nattawut said.

He dismissed press reports that Jakrapob was being pressured by certain senior figures in the ruling People Power Party to resign.

Jakrapob made the controversial speech at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in August last year. It involved the patronage system in Thai politics and remarks on Thai kings past and present which were viewed by critics and the opposition as contempt of the monarchy.

A source said when Jakrapob met former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Wednesday, the ex-PM advised him to wait for a few days to get a full understanding of the extent of the pressure on him. If the pressure continued to mount, Jakrapob should step down, the source quoted Thaksin as telling him.

Meanwhile, police investigating accusations of lese majesty against Jakrapob yesterday met to discuss progress.

Assistant national police chief Lt General Wanchai Srinuannat who chaired the meeting said police translators would today submit their translation of Jakrapob's speech. However, the minister had not yet been summoned for questioning.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday Jakrapob appeared to have no remorse over

his wrongdoing even though it was clear from his speech that he was guilty.

The Democrat Party leader called on Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to be decisive about Jakrapob in order to avoid further conflict.