BANGKOK – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced today the suspension of all major government activities, including post appointments, budget decisions, foreign state visits, prosecution of arrested red shirt leaders, and 3G licensing until the paternity scandal involving actor-singer Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsub reaches a satisfactory conclusion.
“This is not the time for any kind of announcements that might distract the nation’s focus from truly crucial matters,” he said. “Right now we must set aside political differences and unite behind our burning need to know whether Film does the right thing for his baby mama.”
Since the announcement earlier this week that Thai-Swiss actress Rungnapa “Annie” Brook had claimed that Rattapoom was the father of her love child, and subsequent denials by Rattapoom that he and Rungnapa were ever in a serious relationship, the nation has ground to a halt while awaiting further developments in this matter. All Thai media have stopped covering stories unrelated to the couple, with the exception of royal news at 8pm every evening. The government has declined to officially comment on the case, despite popular pressure on Abhisit to officially take Rungnapa’s side and demand Rattapoom accept responsibility for the baby and offer to marry the poor girl.
Leadership of the opposition Pheu Thai party reportedly remains divided on whether to demand Rattapoom take a paternity test, while New Politics Party leader Somsak Kosaisuk has denounced Rattapoom’s behavior as “un-Thai.”
