Thaksin's NZ gaffe

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a diplomatic faux pas at a state lunch at New Zealand's parliament when he effectively endorsed the re-election of that country's prime minister, local media reported yesterday.

The New Zealand Herald said Thaksin "raised eyebrows" among parliamentarians and put a smile on Labor leader Helen Clark's face when he noted that she was "marching towards a third term".

Thaksin also wished her all the best, the newspaper said.

It is considered bad political manners for foreign leaders to endorse or criticise their counterparts, it said.

Don Brash, leader of New Zealand's opposition National Party, looked uncomfortable at the less-than-subtle endorsement, the Herald said.

Thaksin held a private meeting with Brash, which is customary for visiting leaders in case the opposition wins the next election.

The Thai leader is no stranger to diplomatic blunders.

During his visit to Beijing early last year, he openly welcomed Hu Jintao as the next leader and told him that his appointment as Chinese president was more important than the head of the Communist Party.

Traditionally, such an ap-pointment is considered a state secret in China until the party officially announces it - which it had not.

--The Nation 2004-07-09

...Foot-in-mouth disease spreads to NZ & China...

Opens his mouth to change feet.