February 7, 2008
BANGKOK - Though Thailand was praised by the European Union and the United States for its return to democracy, its cabinet is facing doubts at home over its competency.
Samak government faced widespread criticism over an "ugly" cabinet because so many inexperienced figures took top positions, according to AFP.
Trying to play down expectations that he would quickly grant Thaksin an amnesty, Samak said his government would consider the issue only when the political climate was stable.
"Samak needs breathing space to actually govern the country. This is a manoeuvre to keep the pressure away and then to create a working space and time to prove his worth," said political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University.
Besides, the leaders of anti-Thaksin street protests have already threatened to stage fresh demonstrations if the new government interferes with the court cases against Thaksin.
Analysts worry that the new cabinet will not be able to improve the economy when the coalition parties tend to be in conflict of interest.
