Streetwise: Abhisit finally has something to smile about

That is understandable, as Abhisit has been besieged by a number of problems.

In terms of politics, the Democratic Alliance against Democracy (DAAD), more widely known to the press and public as the red shirts, have threatened to block Thailand's hosting of the Asean Summit. They apparently want to emulate the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), also known as the yellow shirts.

Regarding economics, people from all walks of life have been complaining of hardship amid the global crisis and demanding government assistance. This must be difficult, given the limited funds available. As prime minister, Abhisit must also appear central to all of the ministers, who want to convince the voters of their own worthiness.

Governments of other countries are also scrambling for money to help their citizens as the crisis begins eating deeply into everyone's pockets. In Hong Kong, middle-class victims of the economic slump are seeking help from a charity food bank for the poor.

The Saint James Settlement Food Bank said the number of people asking for assistance had doubled in the past three months. It gives out milk powder and food aid to needy families in Hong Kong, where only limited government welfare support is available.

Like the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the territory's Hang Seng Index dropped more than 50 per cent last year, enough to send many onto the streets.

The good news for Abhisit is that this crisis differs from 1997. Back then, the middle class was the most affected, with banks and finance companies shut down, forcing many business-owners to fail. This time around, the first to go are the lower-level workers.

But the bad news is Abhisit suffers from allegations he stole the premiership from others with a little help from the PAD. Indeed, that sounds convincing, given the appointments of several PAD members to help the government and absence of charges against the PAD, which seized both of Bangkok's airports and caused huge damage to the economy.

More bad news is that unlike in 1997, it may now be more difficult for affected workers to return home and farm like before, given limited land resources and low prices for agricultural commodities. If another lightning bolt should strike, such as government funds not reaching the people as promised, they could express their grievance by joining the DAAD in toppling the Abhisit government.

So it is no surprise our premier smiles less and less these days. But hopefully, he still manages to sleep soundly.