World Cup Thai political football
Bangkok Post: 11 Jun 2010
Politicians offside over CupThe government and opposition Puea Thai Party go their different ways in politics and also in the World Cup.
Everybody, including PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey, expected Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to pick England as his favourite team because he was groomed at Eton School and Oxford University.
Surprisingly, everybody was wrong. The premier said yesterday his preferred team for the tournament was Argentina. "I've changed," he told reporters at Government House.
But England need not feel left out in the political cold in Thailand. Mr Abhisit's chief political rival, Chalerm Yubamrung, is throwing his weight behind the team from England.
The chief of Puea Thai MPs said he was cheering for England because of his familiarity with two of the Premier League's most famous teams, Liverpool and Manchester United.
He said he was much happier watching soccer matches than fighting with the government because fair play was expected on the field.
"Football is better," the outspoken lawmaker said.
"It has rules and referees. In Thai politics, the government plays with 14 people on the pitch. It has 11 players plus three referees on its side."
Mr Sathit and the leader of the northeastern opposition MPs, Payap Shinawatra, have dumped their political differences to back Brazil to win the tournament. "I have gone for Brazil since I was a kid. They play with style in every match except in the one in which they lost to France," said Mr Sathit, referring to the 1998 decider when host France comfortably beat the South American football powerhouse 3-0. He predicted Brazil to face favourite Spain in the final on July 11.
Mr Payap, a younger brother of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, gives his vote of confidence to Brazil lifting the trophy this time.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/38546/politicians-offside-over-cup
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