Maybe he will, maybe he won't. In any case, Thailand does not have a reputation of keeping its Prime Ministers for extended periods of time. Barely any ever made the full 4-year term. What we want from him is to keep things under control, at least for the duration of our Christmas holidays ..........

Dan has good points and good reasons to doubt. However, the spread is slim – Althou the dissolved PPP (found guilty of election bribe) won the parliment in the previous election, Abhisit's Democrat party won popular vote. Abhisit's career would have proven he is not only a smooth talker. Let's see the race first then we can come back and judge a horse.

He'd been in Thai politic for many years and had work his way up until today. He deserved to be Thia PM. Give him a chance!

I think Mr.Dan Rivers may be too harsh on Mr.Abhisit. I believe in his ability, though not promising in some area, a good background man like him with the good reputation of his father, sisters and the loyality he has, he will survive this crisis. Let's hope.

Dan..I've always respected you..from all the work you've done in this region and your work prior to being based in Bangkok. But from watching this interview, my respect for you has greatly diminished.

In this 'exclusive interview' with the new PM of Thailand and on the day that he is endorsed by the king, you conduct an interview which clearly show you have no respect for the PM. Your body language, expressions and language says it all. You can pose what ever questions you like including speculations about consultations with the army etc. but just remember...its an exclusive piece with the prime minister of thailand.

Give the guy a chance. What would you prefer? More of Thaksin's puppets? Ridiculous. Is that going to solve anything? No.

I'll wait to see more on Talk Asia.

Abhisit will be the best prime minister Thailand has ever have!

Despite his age, he has been involved in Thai politics for 16 years. Many Thais regarded him as the future prime minister since when he's 27. He's prepared to be a leader.

I think it's both irrelevant and condescending of you to pose the question of whether Abhisit is too posh for Thailand. I mean, what kind of prime minister do you think this country or any country deserves? Leaders of many third world countries have a western education background and it is precisely the objective of the world's prestigious institutions such as Oxford to produce future leaders to do good things for their respective countries. Abhisit is just another one of them. I agree that he deserves a chance and I hope that speculations that his government will not last long will prove to be wrong.

Well, the CNN, BBC, and other foreign journalists appear to be lining up to discredit themselves as much as they can. These are the same people who praised GWB and his wars and other illegal & murderous activities. What can you expect? Are they really so stupid, or just trying to sell their media? However, he does have one good point – Abhisit [and the Democrats] is not in touch with the farmers/poor/marginalized in Thailand.

Mr. Dan,
Would you like Thaksin to rule America after Bush?
We are like the other Americans who want "change" and new hope for a better country. No more Thaksin and his family, and his gangs sucking up our country's money! I have no trust in American journals any more; for example, CNN, News weeks, Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. They don't really study the roots of our corruption problems, which is the worst in the Thaksin area of the news. Thaksin and his gangs know that if he pays the poor, or rural people, then they will vote for them, and they did. Do you understand Mr. Dan? Please interact with more people. Talk to them, and get more information, and then you can be better journalist.

Khun Abhisit has just been endorsed by our King and has yet started work. He has just given a speech that gives the Thai people hope for unity and a better now and a better future. Give him a chance. The last Thaksin governments were using Thailand as their company as a front to give to the people and to fill their pockets.

As someone who has been a reporter based in Thailand, you seem very naïve and one-sided. What I, my family and friends see and hear is not what you report. You do not understand Thailand and the Thai people. Your reporting does not accurately portray Thailand, its people and situation. It makes me wonder if … you have a bad translator … you have bad research contacts/partners in Thailand …. you have been paid for your reporting by one of Thaksin lobbyist … etc … ?

I think your article is somewhat misleading for people not familiar with Thai system. We all can say that Mr. Bush became president without having won the election, when in fact he didn't win the popular vote but he won the electoral votes which was – and is still – the US system. In our system, thai people do not vote for PM, we vote for a house representative in our area, and all representatives in the house vote for the PM. Mr. Abhisit won that vote earlier this week, so saying that he became the PM without winning the election is fault.

And in our system, the representatives have a 4 year term. Right now, it's been only about 1 year into the current term so why should the new PM gave you a "time frame for fresh election"!

I respect different opinions, but please don't bend the facts.

Dan, i totally agreed with you on this article. Abisit himself ever won election and his party supported PAD. I hate when he said he felt bad the closure of airport earlier this month. The PAD would not go that far without his party support and military behind.

For me thailand is no longer land of smile.

I agreed with your comment.

I don't know this Dan guy. I'm in the US and don't follow news in Thailand often. I never read anything or see anything about Dan or his work. But seeing his interview and more on his article, I catch a tone that Dan is sort of insulting the new PM's capabilities and his path to become the PM.

That makes me wonder if Dan has really knows Thailand and its people, and its politics well enough, given that he covers the country story. In addition, I had a feeling as if he is defending or admiring Thaksin when he said Thaksin won election in any counts!

Dan, let me tell you something, when a guy who has billion dollars paid his way to power, won the election by buying votes, what's good does it count? A cheated election is not an election to me. It's not a democracy by intention of any constitutional law of any country. The court ruled and dissolved his party, and later dissolved his nominee party. Thaksin was also convicted on corruption, 2 years in jail. Your country (assuming from your accent) revoked his VISA. So what – if this kind of person won an election! Do you respect his wining??? Give me a break!

Abhisit came to power by the votes of the MPs. From your stand point, then, one can argue that the MPs are elected by the people. Therefore, virtually Abhisit won's the people votes too.

Dan, I know you didn't graduate from Eton or Oxford, but...at least be fair!

I really want to see you interview Thaksin. To see if you will do it at the same tone or I would see a lot of kisses.

I think you are not qualified to be a correspondent for our kingdom. Your perspective is too narrow. From your expression, it seems that you are bias and tends to favor the former traitor, Thaksin Shinawat. As a Thai, I don't think you thoroughly understand our political situation. Your arguments and your attitude are totally revealed that you are just an ordinary foreigner, not a professional correspondent for our country. I am wondering whether CNN have a better correspondent than this guy.

Anyway, I am proud of our new PM, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva. And I believe that he will be a good Prime Minister. Much better than those who are the servants of Thaksin Regime.

Dan,
As a Thai, I believe that the guy is the best available option in the parliament. Remember than the Constitution requires the PM to be a member of the parliament. His 16 years experience in politics with 4 times elected as a Member of Parliament from people in his constituent is the real prove that he has a direct “link” and understanding of his people.

Who else do we have as an option? We need a leader who can lead and unite our people through this difficult time of world economic hardship. We have given Thaksin’s people 2 chances this year. They failed. If this one does not work as well in the next few months, we can have another general election.

Personally, I believe that Aphisit will succeed. He is our best choice now.

Your comment is not that unreasonable, Dan. Although many Thais are now euphoric with this 'seemingly happy solution' for the time being, I know the new PM has the most difficult job ahead of him.

But, given the circumstances and the political crisis of the country, I would be willing to give our new PM a chance to stabilize and unite the country. Until a new election comes along, we all are thankful to have a temporary way out of the country most critical time.

You sound too suspiciuos and underestimate his capability, integrity and honesty. Why not give him a chance and support him and use a constructive comment instead?

The new President of the US is young so is Abhisit. At least he has a clean record in his political carear and not like the past government who has taken millons from the people of Thailand and got into power from vote buying.

Give him a chance to prove himself and if all the honest hard working people in Thailand will work together and support him, I am sure the country will get back on it's feet soon.

Dan... go back 2 the USA where you belong

Dan,

I think you are not a good journalist. You're supposed to report what he was telling as a fact being said not criticising and prejudging things from your own thought. Leave the latter for the Analyst to air thier view, not you, a journalist. Leave your personal opinion behind. Otherwise, it can't help but thinking that your integrity and ethic as a journalist has some problems.

Think Again! if you you want to be called a decent man in this carrer.

Like the previous comment, I too, used to like your work. But, your exclusive interview with Thailand's new Prime Minister has shown that your are not at all professional. So, you like Thaksin's corrupted policies, correct? And, what do you think is best for Thailand now, getting out of economic and political crises, or holding a new election? The previous government had the opportunity to dissolve the Parliament, and call for a new election, but they wanted the hold on to their power, so they refused. Now that they have lost the power, you want a new election. What kind of crap is this? Also, what kind of poor taste headline is this: "Too posh for Thailand?"? You have not given him the chance to run the country, and you are already judging him by his look. I'm sure nobody would like if someone said that Barak Obama would make a bad president because he is black. That certain would be very stupid. Same as yours.

Too Posh for Thailand??
From what you gave on the message, you showed your own ignorant to what the Thai people had chosen.
The Thais do not want the Primeir with corruption breed, we want a clean politician,

Please keen to stick to your bean mind, We happy to have Aphisit as our new Prime Minister.

Why don't you just give him a chance before making a negative criticism, Mr.Rivers

Dan...you are doing your job very well with the kind of questions you are asking. If the new PM is as good as his resume, then he shouldn't have a hard time answering your questions articulately without sweating. Tough situations test how good a person is. Keep up the good work, Mr. Rivers

Ideally, Abhisit should win an election before taking the office. But in real-world politics, it is naive to expect things to be that simple and straight. Thailand was in a state of political deadlock and it needs a pragmatic solution. The "switching of allegiance" in the parliament provides a new opportunity for the country to get out of the crisis. It is neither unconstitutional nor undemocratic. These MPs were elected by the people to do what is right for the country. Abhisit and is Democrat-led coalition deserves a chance to prove themselves to the Thai people. And so far, I think he is doing it very well with his reconciliatory gesture and effort to reach out across the partisan devide. Time will tell if he will really be a good, caring and capable leader for all.

Ideally, Abhisit should win an election before taking the office. But in real-world politics, it is naive to expect things to be that simple and straight. Thailand was in a state of political deadlock and it needs a pragmatic solution. The "switching of allegiance" in the parliament provides a new opportunity for the country to get out of the crisis. It is neither unconstitutional nor undemocratic. These MPs were elected by the people to do what is right for the country. Abhisit and his Democrat-led coalition deserve a chance to prove themselves to the Thai people. And so far, I think he is doing it very well with his reconciliatory gesture and effort to reach out across the partisan devide. Time will tell if he will really be a good, caring and capable leader for all.

Dan, I think you are under the money influence of Thaksin for a longtime.You have very little knowledge about Thailand.All of your information is come from Thaksin and his Puppet side.Wake up,please, and take out the banknotes curtain from your eyes and you will see the real Thailand .

I have the same feeling as the upper comment after I have watched your interview.You seem to be quite pessimistic with the new Thai PM and didn't give him any respect at all.

You have been working in this region for a long time and came from a very modernize country.You should know that everybody has their rights and should be respect from others.

Thailand has suffered alot from the politic turmoil and I do think who ever has been nominated as a new PM right now has a big job to do .

If you are a very open minded person ,why don't give Abhisit a chance?

Your first sentence in this article has an unsophisticated and unfair innuendo...and it would be more informative and true to say that the new prime minister is a married man with two children. He has the ability and experience to be a very good leader of the Thai government. He also has highly qualified friends such as Mr. Chuan Leekpai, a former prime minister, to help him in his efforts. I also think your use of the word 'posh' is somewhat trite and disrespectful to Mr. Abhisit and the folks who live in Thailand and that you might find some more appropriate vocabulary in your thesaurus.

Its important for journalists to ask tough questions but to do so in a respectful, neutral and cool headed way. Remember we all want the answers we are not interested in a CNN reporter trying to make a star out of himself. At CNN it seems very often the reporters are the story, not the stories and the people they cover. Dan same thing happened when you interviewed the Bali bombers. You came off way too emotional and unprofessional and actually made their case for them. You provided them them their last platform. I'm sure that was not the purpose. Please learn from this. Dont turn into FOX. You are on your way.

Really? Mr. Rivers, you have been reporting from the country for years? And this is what you can come up with? Any foreign passers by can write this article as good as you just did. This does not score very high on journalistic scale, does it? What makes your assestment on the issue suddenly becomes so sophomoric?

You left out a HUGE part on how Thaksin bought his votes from rural population and then pipeline all the government contracts and mega-project to his family and proxies. That's what a democratic system should sound like to you? Remember Mr. Rivers, Democracy is not just government by the people, there's a bigger part- and it goes like this "Government for the people" which did not seem to be high on the list when Thaksin was in the power, did it?

Common now, Mr. Rivers, since the dawn of the first Democratic society, Greece, we all had to accept the fact that Democratic selection is not the only indicator of any nation's quality of Democracy. Themistocles' being ousted from the Athens by corrupted voting was quite a testament to that notion.

I believe you know it Mr. Rivers. you did not just write a sophomoric article because you were hung over that I am certain.

Dan, are you real? Why don't you as a foreigner give him a chance? Is that your or the Thai people job to approveor disapprove? Are you journalist or judge?

Abhisit and his party is running the country after teaming up with the fascist PAD and with the backing of the military. They came to power by un-democratic means and have shown that they are willing to do whatever it takes to get to the top. So what is the difference between this party and Thaksin? The simple answer is that Abhisit, and not his party, is the symbol of Thai elites. They don't want the masses to win, they don't want the poor to have votes, all because they think they know what is best of all of us. They are Democrat only in name and if justice ever comes back to Thailand, they will not last long.

From, Thailand the land of shams.

This is a time for reconciliation and we need a PM who can unite the country. 2 previous governments had their chance but failed to do so.

Your criticism of his Eton and oxford connection is very unfair. He is also a normal family and educated man who has a strong will and determination to do good things for his country. What's wrong with that? Give the guy a chance please.

Give Abhisit a chance while majority of Thai people also want a chance to have the government they casted the vote for. Go ahead Dan.

Why too posh? Perhaps Mr Rivers' youth betrays him and he doesn't have the memory of us older folk?

Anand Panyarachun who was the Prime Minister after the last big troubles in 1992, attended Dulwich College and later read law at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with honours in 1955. Isn't that rather posh?

Interviewing journalist these days often try to adopt the hard approach, which all points toward a general lack of respect for older people and those in high office.

As for Sam, let's all wake up and stop being naive. As a farang married to a Thai for two decades, Thailand stopped being the land of smiles a very long time ago ago, about the time most stopped believing 'Khon Thai Jai Dee', all Thai people have good hearts.

Thai people needs an elected and democratic goverment not an undemocratic one. Abhisit came into power with a great help from PAD gang, the army and ...... Abhisit denied it and may be the only one who did not know about it but the whole world knows. Apposit said Thaksin was bad for Thailand, but what is going on in Thailand now is even worst than what Thaksin had done during his time. It ia an open secret that PAD gangsters got support from Domocrat. Their party members are also part of this gang, but Abhisit did not do or said anyhting about it. They had damaged the Thai economy and reputation. To be fair, may be Abhisit ahould try to find out who was really the one destroyed this country in the last 2 years. Dan, I support your view on this article eventhough some said you were on Thaksin's payroll. We need you to report the truth. Now a day people in Thailand receive only a half truth information from the Thai medias. Most of them are anti-Thaksin and afraid of some invisible power. I wonder if Abhisit will prosecute those PAD gang who shut down the airport and occupied the Govenment House by force. Dan, you should follow up the case and let the truth be revealed

Dan....

There are bad Journalists every where. Working with the world's media-big names like CNN doesn't make you better than other bad journalists.

Your's healine ... using the term 'Too Posh for Thailand' says it all what you think about Thailand and the people.

Did you hear what Apisit said in your interview many times?
Respect, respect and respect.

Next time before you interview people, write this word down at least 3 times on the papers of your questions.

I want Thaksin back because he is the real democracy hero, like Nelson Mandela and Ang Sang Suu Yi. Although many complain about Thaksin's corruption and human rights abuses, he was still a great leader. Elections is the most important part of democracy. Clean politics and protection of human rights in a country like Thailand will always be a dream. Those people who support Apisit and the Democrats are just not realistic. We will never have rule of law or clean politics in Thailand.

Thaksin come back and please make our country Republic of Thailand!

Mr. Rivers,
Who cares if Mr. Vejajjiva knew David Cameron at university or that he's friends with the current mayor of London? Your writing suggested that because of these friendships, he "suddenly" was able to become the Prime Minister of Thailand. We can argue on how insulting that suggestion is to the Thai people and the Parliamentary system Thailand has in place. I think we can all agree though that your logic is not only askewed, it's amateurish. I read that you're the lead CNN correspondent in Thailand-please bring us something more worthwhile than these too obvious, shoud be in a gossip mag rather than CNN facts.

Khun Dan,

I can’t help but have a sense of unease when I read and see your interviews with thaksin and samak, and next week’s showing of your interview with Abhisit. After having read your article which is like a ‘taster’ for the interview; I sense a bias on your part.

This bias is due to your being enamored with the persona that thaksin has cultivated. As a supposed ‘neutral’ and educated reporter, your personal opinions give much credence to, and are ‘soft’ to thaksin and his nominees. Your style of interviews and writing is a soft manipulation of the (uninformed) readers understanding of the facts on the ground.

As you know, Thailand has a parliamentary form of government where horse-trading is invariably the norm all over the world. Your innuendo that Abhisit is perhaps unqualified to be PM “without having won an election” is misleading and does not reflect the electoral premise of the Thai system of elections. Using your logic – thaksin also was not elected; then how was he fit to be PM?

Your biases give a skewed form of objectivity to your interviews and reporting. Give the guy a chance. Give Thailand a chance. We need it after the upheaval caused by the thaksin’s universal corruption while in office, and interference in Thai politics post coup

Too bad Dan didn't get into the details of PM Abhisit's inauguration speech.

It would be more interesting for Dan and his readers to compare Former PM Thaksin's promises and his actions during 2001-2006.

Example:

PM Abhisit emphasizes unity among Thais; whether s/he support him or not.

PM Thaksin during office emphasized that only those provinces that support his party will get government funds.

Dan, As a Thai, I enjoyed your article so much. A mild kick in the groin to the hypocrites and semi-fascist PAD supporters who handed Abhisit his premiership. We need International reporters to help what we are unable to do from our country.

(To refresh a memory, one of Abhisit's party member (Somkiat Pongpaiboon) led the PAD to close down Suvarnabhumi Airport just less than two weeks ago. Of course, Abhisit and his master Suthep denied any linkage with PAD. Real funny)

Abhisit is just another attempt from "Elites" to maintain gap and status quo versus the rural people with THIS CLASSIC MYTH – "the poors are just undereducated and their votes can be bought cheaply ... and we know better what's good for them.. " an answer Elites think can justify all the PAD acts of terrorism and opportunistic Democrat (not) 's action. (funny to see some comments said Abhisit's a disciple to the "great Chaun Leakpai" - do you know where Thailand is?)

On the bright side, he's a good looking guy and Bangkok pro-democrat jetseters do love good looking ppl..

I am thai and i am very proud of our new pm. He has never won an election because he has never bought votes. He is articulate, very intelligent and down to earth. Unlike Obama Abisit has been in politics for 17 years, been in the opposition for most of the time iand i believe he knows how to solve the problems. He is not a biionaire who funded his own party and financed his victory. I do think Pm Abisit will be pm for onger than peope think. He is young and i believe Thaksin's worst nightmare has come true. Now we have an intelligent leader who is unblemished. Also with ex-pm Chuan Leekpai at his side he has a great mentor and also Abisit is aware of tehg problems in 1997 crisis because he was in the govt. We the thai people are for once proud to introduce this new leader of ours to the word.

A lot of Thais (inside Thailand and abroad) IN THIS ARTICLE seemed to be agitated by this article by Dan Rivers. Perhaps, it is good to have both sides of view in a particular issue.

Some asked for change, similar to what just happened in the US. I do not think they are comparable (between the US elected president) and the Thai newly APPOINTED PM) when you look at the two people's background. I was thrilled by Obama's speech, but rarely fell that with Abhisit. Only talking does nothing good to the country like what the Thai Democrat party has done in the past.

Have Thai people living abroad known how are people's lives in Thailand compared to what you have in your staying countries? If no drastic developments and changes are continuously governed by an effective, good, and sincere government (I may dream too much!), Thailand is going to stay like this and even deeper into an underdeveloped world. I think we need a PM and his/her government that did and will do something good, but not the ones who said that they would do, but did nothing. It is sad to look for one political party without any conflict of interest in this whole world.

Dan, you are my hero.

I just love the way you question the new Thai PM (and all the other Thai PMs). Apart from Eton & Oxford. This charming guy have nothing else in his resume. Technicaly this guy may also be disqualified for the MP post (hence PM post); the court is checking on his national service records.

I think you did a great job in trying to get to the bottom of things. I disagree with those saying that you are bias, instead I find you to be up-right and bold but not reckless. Finally I think, CNN you have more journalist like you.

Dan
Same as upper comments, I didn't see any respect from you to "the PM of Thailand" at all in the interview and in this article.

The nation is proud of our new PM, he is one of the most perfect leaders of our country. We want to give him a chance to lead us out of the crisis.

I've never been so disguested with those unwarranted comments bashing Dan. It just goes to show how ignorant people can be even those who may be holding a Phd. I suggest people should keep an open mind and see beyond the surface. When Thaksin was in the office, Thailand saw 6 years of prosperity and more importantly we manage to pay back IMF within less than 4 years. Without the fiscal discipline, Thailand would still be under the control and command of the IMF. Thanks to Thaksin we are out of this IMF mess. It is sad that Thaksin love the country, but country did not love him back.

Given any day, or time, PPP (FT) would win the election easily. Do not forget what Thaksin has done for the country, especially his policies to narrow the income disparity.

Come on guys, look at our reserve today, because of Thaksin we are much more prosperous than during the time when Democrat was in power.

I saw the interview and think that Dan was very rude, the way he spoke to the Thai PM. It's more like a NYPD talking to a suspect. We don't talk like that in Thailand. When in Thailand, do what the Thais do.

Dan,,, Too Posh for Thailand? so you think Thais can't have PM who graduated from Eton and Oxford? so we'll be under the American and European?i think it's show your view toward Thai people sort of disrespeatful way,, also shows your unprofessional journalist,,..
you caould put any kinda of tough questions to PM ,, but let me tell you
the bottom line,,he's Thai,clean,and He're proud to be Thai,,No one's too posh for their motherland,,

Dan – Thank you for cutting through the formalities and asking the real questions that have led to Abhisit's installation.

With money and a name and a family pedigree of military complicity, you are talking to the face of a comprehensive military takeover of Thailand because his only electoral hope is to provide a smiling face to destroy whatever Thailand's suffering populace has enjoyed.

In fact, his dapper manner is notable only for the fact of the military power lust which it belies.

It was a hostile interview and how I wish Dan was similarily aggressive about "massive corruption" charges when he interviewed Thaksin.

Why don't the likes of CNN and BCC do us some favours by investigating why Thaksin was kicked out of England. They may be surprised by what they find and probably they will find the answer why Abhisit had to rise to power this controversial way.

Give me Abhisit over that crook any day. Sick and tired of "he won election", "he's popular with the poor" etc. Thaksin mixed up election mandate and staying above the law and how Dan bought this is beyond me. And don't give me one-man-one-vote nonsense. America invaded Iraq against the will of the world. It ignored the "democratic" institution like the UN and proceeded to launch the war by itself. What does Dan call that? World's biggest dictatorial behaviour?

Come on , CNN. We expect better, not cheap hypocrisy that men like Thaksin can exploit and weaken democracy from within.

Mr. Rivers

I’m a Thai people, I truly love my country and I’m totally disagree that our PM, Abhisit, is too posh for Thailand. To my opinion, he’s a type of PM that is suitable for Thailand.

I wonder-you don’t really realize positive reaction/respond from many sectors, both private and public, to have Abhisit as our PM or the fact isn’t a matter to you at all and you’ll write just what you want.

I hate this sentence “Abhisit has copied many of Thaksin’s populist policies, aimed at winning over the rural poor” When I listened to what he said, I don’t have negative feeling that he’ll copy the populist policies but I just feel good that he won’t cut off the projects beneficial for grass root people but he will be managing them in effective ways (e.g. prevent corruptions, provide sustainable growth to community). I wonder why we’ve got the different message-or I don’t clearly understand Thai language like you do.

I think your article shows disrespectful to Khun Abhisit and Thai people,like me.

As a Thai citizen who has a right in this country, I give him a chance and will give him a hand for what I can do.

For you, may be you should reconsider your thoughts and attitudes. And if you don’t have a heart for our country, it would be unfair for us to have you as a correspondent for Thailand.

I imagine that many Thai viewers are just not used to the idea of a journalist being able to ask direct questions to a Prime Minister. Certainly PM Samak could be relied on to "hit back" with insults when asked anything that he didn't like or didn't want to answer. By UK standards (e.g. Jeremy Paxman on BBC), this really was very a gentle interview – much as I have come to expect from CNN journalists.

In the west, it used to be the case (about 60 years ago) that an interviewer would not ask ask any probing or difficult questions – and it was more like "So, Sir....... is there anything more you would care to tell our viewers". Times have changed elsewhere and I (respectfully) suggest that the Thai people need to recognise that they will not have true and accountable democracy until they also recognise that politicians must be held to account before their people.

It is fortunate that Khun Abhisit is so fluent in English – it will enable him to connect much better with the world outside Thailand than his predecessors. But, that same fluency (and I would also say his more relaxed "style") brings with it the expectation that he can and will stand up to direct questions. I saw no disrespect from Dan Rivers – only a journalist taking the opportunity (for what seems to be the first time) to have a real conversation in English with a Thai PM.

I really think it's sad to see so many comments here that carry on the thinking that, if you're raising questions about "my guy" you must automatically be for the "other side" – Thaksin/TRT/PPP/PTP etc. It is not CNN's business to be for or against any "side"; if you see them do it, then shout as loud as you can – and I will join you.

Somebody mentioned Dan's interview with the Bali bombers. In all honesty, it's difficult to think of any journalist being able to keep emotion out of that kind of encounter – but that's very different from interviewing a capable, west-experienced politician like Khun Abhisit.

Finally, none of what I have said above is intended in any way to insult or disrespect Thai people. I came to live here just over two years ago and I knew, liked and admired the country and its people well before that. I am a guest here and feel privileged to be here.

Dear Mr. Rivers,

Starting from your subject "Too posh for Thailand"?, you are implying Thailand is still much in a 3rd world, where a posh and highly educated prime minister, who went to Eton and Oxford, doesn't belong?

As a Thai, I think our country needs a kind of person like Mr. Abhisit to help the country step out of the dark, where the grassroots are still blinded by money power and mostly uneducated.

You're right Mr. Abhisit has no experience in the 'real world' but seriously, how would he gain experiences if no one gave him opportunities to try out for himself? There's first time for everyone, don't you think?

That he went to the better academic institutions than you did doesn't mean you have to go for Mr. Thaksin, who's sentenced to a 2-year jail term but avoided it, Mr. Rivers.

I understand your scepticism towards Mr. Abhisit but let's not look down on him...at least not for now, will you?

Why are so many people critical of Dan Rivers when he's just doing his job? I think his manner was civil enough. It looked like he was just attempting to draw Abhisit out and say what's really on his mind, rather than getting away with the usual platitudes. In Thailand, when we admire someone, it seems they can do no wrong, and when we despise someone, they can do no right. Is this a built-in condition of the Thai psyche that everything must be in black and white? Just because a journalist is giving Abhisit a hard time (and he'll be surrounded with sycophants soon enough) doesn't mean he favors Thaksin. Come on, people. Grow up.

Well yes, khun Abhisit does have a bit of a posh background. But then we also had billionaire PM (you know who) and he wasn't labelled 'Too rich for Thailand', was he ?

Anyway, you're right about one thing : in the longer term khun Abhisit needs to win an election to secure his mandate. But for now, the majority of Thais are fed up with the crisis and need some breathing space; hopefully he will now use his powers wisely.

"He only managed to get to there after he courted his former political enemies. They mysteriously switched sides and the fresh faced 44-year-old Abhisit suddenly was catapulted on to the world stage, without ever having won an election."

After I go through this article, especially the above sentences, I found the writer, based in Bangkok : ) , is TOO POSH TO BE A JOURNALIST!!!.
Why? The fact is that Abhisit's served as a (elected) member of Thai parliament for 16 yrs and as Thai opposition leader for 3 yrs. Don't you know, Man!!!???

Dan, I would have to agree that you were seemingly trying to steer P.M. Abhisit into negative light with this interview. While I don't side with either party, I am sympethize with P.M. Abhisit for making the mistake of stepping into a world-televised death trap.

Regarding your affiliations, I don't think that you are necessarily "in the back pocket" of Thaksin like some have mentioned here, but I do see the emotional grounding for making such accusations against you, Dan.

All the xenophobic commentators here make me sad as a Thai. Dan Rivers is doing a good job by asking tough questions that the Thai media and the naive Thai public is afraid to ask because they know the answer all too well. People are too mesmerized by the "dream" of an Oxford graduate running the country that they are able to forget the ugly horsetrading that had to take place. The truth remains, though, that Abhisit's rise to power was anything but clean and noble.

He may be the best choice for the circumstances, but the lunacy in these comment boards is utterly unbelievable. Listen to yourself calling a journalist who actually dares to ask tough questions as "rude", "paid by Thaksin", and "go home to America". How about you actually bring up real discussion, debate, and evidence? No wonder our country still remains a 3rd world nation filled with emotionally immature idiots.

He is our country hope for this moment. I think that with a sophisticated background. he can be a good leader. Let do your best job Abhisit. we are on your side.

So Dan, you say that Khun Abhisit is out of touch with the people at the grassroots...I think you will find that Thaksin was only in touch with how to suck the life out of the ordinary Thai people. What Thailand needs right now is a Prime Minister is has a clean track record and someone who understands not only the situation in Thailand but has experienced life outside of Thailand to take Thailand forward. Khun Abhisit is very well-educated, has nearly 2 decades of political experience behind him, he's in touch with reality in Thailand and abroad. GIVE HIM A CHANCE. Thais no longer want to be ruled by the old political godfathers who are "kob nai kala" – I'm sure someone of your capability can find out what this means.

What many of the Thais who are critical of Dan need to reflect on is that while it may be true that many in the west do not understand Thailand, it is equally true that many Thais do not really understand the west.

I am sure that most Thais do not understand that many in the west will inevitably have a low opinion of a country that is unable to keep its international airports open. Although its probably unfair to apply the cliche "international basket case", many might feel that the events of the last few weeks came pretty close.

The international media (American if you must) is correct to be sceptical of Thailand's new PM and his government until they demonstrate that they can actually run the country, keep the aiports open and enfoce the rule of law.

Dan, great job. This is not North Korea where the the questions and answers were all scripted before the interview to make the leader looks smarter than God. In Thai culture, people do not dare to question their senior or elderly. This resulted in lots of corruptions by the senior government officers, because junior officers cannot voice out. It is about time that Thai people hear the truth, not just what their leaders want them to hear.

I confirm my opinion here again, Dan. Your interviewing is OK; getting straight, (that's alway the case for western journalist) but your criticising is not decent. You just can't be the interviewer/reporter while being the analyst at the same time.

Man! you've been around for quite sometime already. Why so silly !!!

Wanted to watch the interview but when I checked it seems it does not air until 24th Dec so what are people going on about? I assume no one has seen the interview yet?

For heaven's sake, "interviewer" and "analyst" are roles. It is quite acceptable and indeed desireable for someone like Dan to act in the role of "interviewer" when conducting an interview and the role of "analyst" when writing a blog. In fact most blogs are an eclectic mixture of analysis and opinion!

This is western-style thinking and as I say in my comment above many Thais do not understand it.

One thing wrong, Mr.Mango Lover. A clip of the interview was once posted along with his blog. You didn't find it, or perhaps they took it out.

So like you say many Thais don't understand it. But that doesn't mean, either, what your western-style thinking is always correct here in Thailand.

Yeah! 'Interview' and 'Analyst' are roles but it must be separate. If you want to share your own idea, do not yourself interview but rather compile things from many other sources, otherwise you tend to be biased. That's what we call Analyst's role.

I hope this will enlighten your thought and open your mind, more or less.

Thanks for the tip Thai People I searched a bit harder, found the interview and watched it twice.

First, I must point out that Dan is not an American but was obviously born in the same country as your new prime minister. Maybe they even went to the same school? Yeah I know, Asians all look the same to us.

Secondly, all of Dan's statements would be followed by a question mark if written down – except where he summarised a question that had obviously been asked off-camera. Asking questions is what an interviewer does! Analysis is normally presented as a series of logical arguments ending in a conclusion.

In my opinion Abhisit responded to some pretty tough questions really well. In the west, we view that as a positive performance! Most western polititians would probably be quite pleased with the interview if they had given it.

Thirdly, I would go somewhat further than Thai People and say that western style thinking is actually rarely correct in Thailand. My point was that Thai style thinking does not serve Thais very well once they leave the comfort of Thailand. For example, "explaining the situation" and reassuring everyone that "things are back to normal" may work in Thailand but I don't think it is going to convince people overseas to forget the airport closures in a hurry. In fact, many westeners see it as a rather futile attempt to convince them that black is in fact white.

Finally, I would like to offer my best wishes to your new prime minister. I really hope he suceeds and doesn't disappoint. Thais have deserved better leaders for such a long time now.

I agree with you, Dan. We need a real democracy in Thailand.

... I felt similar to others, as I watched CNN’s Dan Rivers’ interview with Prime Minister Abhisit. He was speaking to a western audience, where modernity, critical thinking and a certain idea of individualism and “democracy” has a firm hold. Many of the people I live among would not appreciate this base of western individualism when their own welfare system is the extended family; where their community is glued by traditional practices that begin with the chanting of monks at 5 a.m. each morning; where people eek out a humble living each day as street sellers, taxi drivers and in the emerging professions; and where their neighbours’ concerns are their concerns.

I feel I am living in a society in tenuous transition. Dan, as a member of the international media, has a responsibility to inform himself of a very different starting point when he begins his interviews. Despite the advent of tourism, electricity and western materialism over the past 40 years, much of the enlightened thinking about government and individual rights that underpins European thinking has not begun to be conceived by the majority here. In many ways, the very feudal thinking that glues the community and keeps traditional hierarchies intact remains ripe for corruption by the few.

... I believe Prime Minister Abhisit, given the opportunity can show the people a better way. The Thai Buddhist qualities of tolerance for all beliefs, is indeed rare among countries and religions of the world. It allows a unique “global thinking” that can exist in harmony with the Thai peoples’ own traditions and beliefs.

The world would do well to recognise and help preserve this quality.

he is the worst PM Thailand ever had!!!! HE called Thaksin bad things but in the meantime he himself did nothing to show the people that he 's really better than Thaksin at all, not to mention that he also copied Thaksin's populist policies which he's always against!!! People should not give him a chance to rule because he also support the fact[ion] that divided Thailand deeply which is the evil-PAD! And not to mention again that he did not come from an election [as] he should. Why? Because he clearly knew that he will never be able to win or defeat the PPP. This is the true fact of Abhisit, so now he is the PM that came from the support of the PAD, the military, the rich and the monarchy. I strongly believe that instead of healing the country, this man will even deepen the fracture in this country!!!!

I hate PAD as much as I hate Abhisit!!
By him coming to power is only to confirm [to] Thai society and the people that Thailand will never be changed[,] that Thailand will still be ruled by the elites. The election has no meaning in this place because this is the land that the rich (elites) can do anything, the rich can do no wrong!

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RICH, FOR THE RICH AND BY THE RICH