Thai prime minister brushes aside media criticism

In this December 27, 2007, file photo, Samak Sundaravej, leader of People's Power Party, speaks during a meeting at the party's headquarters in Bangkok. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej routinely harasses reporters and attempts to intimidate the media with his foul mouth, a coalition of Thai journalism groups charged Saturday May 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, FILE)

BANGKOK, Thailand—Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Sunday brushed aside criticism that he has been rude to the country's press corps, saying he has no time for the media and will not change his style.

Speaking on his television show, "Talk Samak Style," the prime minister showed no sign of letting up in his verbal attacks on the press.

He said he hoped columnists who implied he was corrupt would be ruined, adding he saw no point in joining the United Nations in celebrating World Press Freedom Day, which was marked Saturday.

"If (U.N. Secretary-General) Ban Ki-Moon wants to honor the media, it is his business," Samak said. "But I will never change my style in dealing with media."

Thai media groups used World Press Freedom Day to accuse Samak of routine harassment and intimidation.

The Organizations of Media Occupations, which represents three Thai journalism groups, said Samak's crude language, abrasive manner and reluctance to cooperate are part of an effort by his administration to discredit the media and prevent it from scrutinizing the government.

Samak, who usually espouses right-wing positions, has in the past berated the press for being a "burden on development" and complained that reporters ask "lousy" questions.

When a female Thai reporter once inquired about rumors of infighting within his party before he became prime minister, he snapped back, "Did you have sinful sex last night?"

The media groups also accused the government of using criminal defamation laws to stifle the media, and the prime minister of using state-owned media outlets to counter stories that run in the privately owned media.