Abhisit’s ‘special treatment’ at forum upsets other participants

A people’s forum at Rangsit University held to press issues to be adopted by various political parties turned nasty yesterday after representatives of two political parties complained that the Democrat Party leader, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, was given preferential treatment as he showed up late but was whisked to address the crowds before many of the others had done so.

As Abhisit finished speaking and began walking away from the stage, New Politics Party representative Sombat Benjasirimongkol reprimanded him from the podium in front of the thousand or so participants.

Abhisit was “taking advantage of others by not being punctual, and then leaving after speaking. If we are this farcical, we cannot solve the country’s problems,” said Sombat, party-list candidate No 5 for the New Politics Party. “Abhisit is using his privilege as prime minister to be above us. Advanced society must have principles and respect others’ rights.”