He usually has no problems responding to the toughest political questions posed by the most probing reporters. But PM Abhisit Vejjajiva seemed to have to do a lot of verbal juggling when he was asked a very simple, direct question:

"If you have to appoint an acting police chief simply because he has to go down south to do some work, wouldn't it be necessary to name an acting prime minister if you should take a trip to the provinces next time?" a veteran reporter on the Government House beat asked him.

Abhisit tried not to appear hesitant although he was obviously caught off-guard.

"It depends on whether I can still perform the tasks of the prime minister when I take a trip out of town...." was the neither-here-nor-there answer from the prime minister.

Of course, he might have been tempted to reply: "But my name isn't Patcharawat..." But that would have attracted many more embarrassing questions.

Police Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the national police chief, was in China for a few days. An acting police chief, Police Gen Vichien Poteposri, was named in his place. Then, he flew back to Bangkok unexpectedly on Aug 8 (ahead of the earlier scheduled Aug 15 date). The "acting police chief" was suddenly rendered unnecessary. But then, he was immediately due to go the South for an official mission. The premier said an acting police chief would have to be put in his place again. 

That's why the premier was bombarded with a load of awkward questions.