Thais 'disgusted' by block on Supachai
by Charlotte Bevan in Bangkok
Thailand's Premier, Chuan Leekpai, has called on Thais to be patient and mature as anti-American emotions were voiced in local papers over who should get the top job at the World Trade Organisation.
The Thai candidate for the post, Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi, continues to be blocked by America, which favours Michael Moore, New Zealand's former premier.
Mr Chuan's comments came in the wake of a wave of anti-American rhetoric expressed in the press, blasting America for betraying Thailand, a traditional ally, by continuing to support Moore for the top job at the WTO.
One newspaper described America as a disgusting superpower, while political figures were quoted by the press as saying it was time to stop kow-towing to America and to review foreign relations with Washington.
After four months of wrangling over who should take the helm at the WTO, no amount of lobbying from the Thais has succeeded in altering America's support for Mr Moore, who WTO members now say has a marginal majority over Mr Supachai.
The Thai Premier, however, has urged his candidate to stay in the race and against the backdrop of the country's worst recession in decades, Mr Supachai's success has for many Thais now become a question of national pride.
But while the Thai government has criticised the WTO's selection process, Mr Chuan has also said that he will not bow to political pressure at home to retaliate against America for its failure to back his candidate.
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