All of a sudden, Samak has become the most captivating political figure. He may be void of ideology and a mere opportunist, but, against a backdrop of ideological and political complexities, he’s charging ahead nonchalantly. A heated debate has erupted on the Prachathai Website after a writer suggested that his rise to power was the end product of an ultra-right-wing campaign to pit Thaksin against Thailand’s beloved institution. The article and fiery comments that followed only make us think that both rightist and leftist elements are trying to push him away to the other’s side. He has become a bat – neither a bird nor a rat.

– Extracted from Tulsathit Taptim, “Waking up to a farce of the first order“, The Nation, 6 February 2008.