Thaksin goes back to basics in heartland
His foray into the countryside follows on from such local hits as Academy Fantasia, a national talent search; Hi-So Ban Nok, or High Society in the Countryside, featuring three wealthy Thais slumming it in a rural village, and the ubiquitous Big Brother.
Flanked by popular members of his cabinet, about 40 cameras and 100 production crew members, Mr Thaksin stormed into At Samart, a carefully chosen low-income district in the province of Roi Et, pledging to listen to villagers’ grievances, and solving their problems, which include heavy debt and lack of legal title over land.
Mr Thaksin, a billionaire telecoms tycoon with a taste for fine wine, will live in a tent and eat local dishes prepared and offered by the villagers.
“I want officials to see and understand my way of thinking, analysing, and deciding, and bring that knowledge to help solve the existing problems they face in solving poverty,’’ Mr Thaksin said. “No cosmetic work can be disguised from me. I will analyse all problems with the real situation and solve it to show all people nationwide.’
Thailand’s dominant cable provider UBC, owned by the politically powerful CP Group, has deployed 40 cameras and over a hundred production staff to provide non-stop coverage.
The premier has said his efforts will serve as an example for all Thai government officials, charged with helping to battle poverty in rural areas.
But inevitably analysts say that the elaborate piece of political theatre is mainly intended to bolster Mr Thaksin’s sagging popularity and re-affirm his dedication to the cause poor rural voters, traditionally his strongest support base.
“It’s a gimmick
