Cautious start by Democrats' new spokesman

Some might be surprised that in the past two weeks, since Buranaj - or Dr Top - was elected new spokesman for the Democrat Party, he has not represented the party in a press conference. He has only introduced himself and talked to the media about working in the position.

Meanwhile, Thepthai, who always speaks to the media on political issues, acts like a spokesman. Importantly, the assistant secretarygeneral is always prompted to comment on issues or counterattack criticism.

With a friendly and outgoing nature, Buranaj has been quite active for the position of shadow deputy public health minister. After the December 23 general election last year, Buranaj, who lost in the poll, visited people involved and appeared more often at press conferences on publichealth issues - including compulsory licensing.

Moreover, Buranaj is not new to spokesman work. He spent more than five years in the spokesmen's team when party executive Sathit Wongnongtoey was the Democrats' spokesman. He was a director of the party's communications and public relations office when Banyat Bantadtan was party leader.

Buranaj says he is now in a preparatory period while waiting for the Election Commission to approve him for the position. He has vowed to bring a new standard to the political party's spokesman position, saying he would stop the war of words among politicians. He said he would start his work by listening to others before speaking.

It could be that because the spokesman position came to him unexpectedly and he has plans for such a big change, it has taken him so long in preparation. But with swift daily changes in Thai politics, he had better hurry to show his ability in being considered the voice of the Democrats.

Better the devil you know?

The name of Parnpree BahiddhaNukara, an adviser to Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, recently emerged every time there was news about a Cabinet reshuffle. His name always faded from the list as well.

The reason could be that he lacks a group of MPs for support.

Again this time his name appears in the position of commerce minister, a field he is good in. Alas, it is likely that he will refuse the post.

When the position appeared to be proposed to former public health minister Chaiya Sasomsap, he was suggested as Chaiya's deputy. Parnpree might have decided that he prefers to continue his current job to starting a new relationship with a new boss.

Kornchanok@nationgroup.com