PM seeks to boost understanding

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said his lunch on Wednesday with Newin Chidchob, a core leader of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, aimed to boost the government's image and performance in light of public concerns his administration lacked solidarity and transparency.

The lunch surprised some key figures in Bhum Jai Thai, including Transport Minister Sophon Saram, who proposed the controversial bus-leasing project that has put a huge strain on the coalition. Reports are rife that the proposal could be scrapped.

The prime minister met Newin for a closed-door lunch at Baan Phitsanulok with Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban and PM's secretary general Niphon Prompan.

Abhisit said he explained to Newin the direction in which the government wants to run the country, as there had been criticism over some issues over a few months and he sought to reach an understanding with him. The government's approval rating had slumped because the public perceived it lacked transparency and was troubled by infighting. "We have to stop this otherwise we cannot work," he said.

After talking to Newin he felt the government could work more smoothly because he felt Newin could get a better grasp of his style of working.

"If there are any projects that we see differently, we have to discuss the with each other from the beginning and not argue in the Cabinet meeting, otherwise we'll be criticised. And such bad publicity can affect public confidence in the government."

The PM also told Newin that if Cabinet members could not perform or meet expectations, there would need to be a reshuffle.

"But now every Cabinet member understands how urgent each project is. Once Parliament approves funds for the Strong Thailand scheme, we must make sure that it gets up and running from August and September," he said.

The government would start provincial inspections this month in the Northeast, probably starting at Buri Ram, the Bhum Jai Thai Party's stronghold. But the premier denied "giving in" to Newin by going to Buri Ram first, saying the government was working for all provinces.

According to news reports, Newin has decided to remain with the coalition even if the Democrats reject the project. He reportedly told Abhisit he would not allow the bus issue to overshadow the work of the government, because as a partner he expects to remain in the coalition for a long time.

Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul denied the PM's lunch with Newin was meant to clear up misunderstandings between the Democrats and Bhum Jai Thai, but he viewed it as a consolidation of ties.

Sophon, meanwhile, voiced surprise about the lunch, but denied any knowledge that the PM asked Newin to scrap the bus-leasing proposal.

"I cannot let it collapse because I will lose face," he said.

Sophon said Newin had not called him and if the government wanted to reject the proposal, it must give reasons.

Cabinet has asked the National Economic Social and Development Board to take another 30 days to say whether the government should buy or lease 4,000 NGV buses, as proposed by Bhum Jai Thai, after failing to give a clear signal on what would be best.

Reports that the government would reject the whole deal were rife after Suthep said on Wednesday the deal would be scrapped if no decision could be made about the proposal.