Thread: Thailand : PM to Decide on House Dissolution in 4 Months

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...ter-amendments

Suthep: Dissolution after amendments

• Published: 22/12/2010 at 03:32 PM
• Online news:

The House will be dissolved and a general election called after the constitution is amended, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep and Democrat Party secretary-general Thaugsuban said on Wednesday.

Mr Suthep said amendments to the charter should be completed some time next year.

There would be a general election when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's conditions were met. -- that all political conflict must end, economic issues have been addressed, and all sides must accept the election laws.

A cabinet reshuffle was not necessary at this time, he added.

The Democrat Party secretary-general said he was not worried about the opposition Puea Thai Party's plan to file a new dissolution case against the Democrats.

"Refiling the same case repeatedly is not be possible, but I wouldn't want to argue with the Puea Thai members and they can do what they want," he said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...ds-says-suthep

Dissolution is on the cards, says Suthep

Speculation of cabinet reshuffle dismissed

• Published: 23/12/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The House of Representatives is expected to be dissolved to pave the way for the next general election after the constitution has been amended next year, says Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

Mr Suthep said yesterday the constitutional amendment process and other necessary organic laws being drafted under the charter were expected to be finalised next year.

He dismissed speculation of a cabinet reshuffle which would see the Puea Pandin Party's "Three Ps" faction return to the government to shore up its majority. The "Three Ps" faction is headed by veteran politicians Phinij Jarusombat, Preecha Laohapongchana and Pairote Suwanchawee.

The faction was ousted in a reshuffle after voting against Bhumjaithai Party members, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum, in a recent no-confidence debate.
Mr Suthep said there was no need for a shake-up as all political parties were gearing up for a general election.

The deputy prime minister, who is also secretary-general of the Democrat Party, said he would ask Prime Minister and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to set up a committee to take charge of supervising the election. Activities would be organised to raise money to finance the party's election campaign.

Mr Suthep also said he welcomed the move by Suwat Liptapanlop, a key figure in the Ruam Chart Pattana Party, to put himself up as a candidate for prime minister after the next election.

The Puea Pandin and Ruam Chart Pattana parties have decided to merge to form a medium-sized party and to strengthen their campaigning in the Northeast in a bid to secure at least 40 seats in the House in the coming election.

Mr Suthep said it was good to give voters a wide choice of candidates for the premiership. They might be frustrated with the limited number of candidates from the Puea Thai Party - Mingkwan Sangsuwan and Chalerm Yubamrung - who have offered to become the next prime minister.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1038868

Political Pendulum in Full Swing

UPDATE : 23 December 2010

The emergency decree has been lifted. Some red-shirt detainees got bailed upon recommendations by the independent reform committee headed by Kanit Na Nakhon. The government held talks with red-shirt leaders about possibility to put an end to the political crisis. All these seem to be an indication of a new hope to the reconciliation process.

Core red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan seems to be less active and sees his role in the red-shirt group diminishing. Another core leader Veera Musikapong already took a backseat, while the rest are still being held in jail.

The circumstance looks most conducive for peace, and all eyes are now on the upcoming general election that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva promised would be held in April.

The situation is now in favor of the government, as the promoter of national reconciliation that Thaksin and his camps do not want happen because they will gain nothing from it.

This is regarded as another winning step of this government in the long-standing political battle. Even if the red shirts may step up their protests after the security law was revoked, they would not put any pressure on the government anymore. The anti-government group can no longer engage in disruptive activities or stage riots, since the public will not tolerate them. It is like the door on defeat has been closed for the government.

However, the government must not trip over its own feet. The government, in fact, do not have the upper hand on the next election, due to its poor performance and storms of corruption allegations on ministers. This can be supported by recent surveys which suggested that the government have failed in many areas in the eyes of the public.

The question is whether the government still dare to dissolve the House early and allow a fresh election to be held, knowing that its approval rating is on a decline. The biggest challenge for the government is that it can’t afford to let Pheu Thai Party take office, regardless of who its leader is.

Even the merger between Puea Paen Din Party of Pairoj Suvarnchawee and Ruam Chart Pattana Party of Suwat Liptapanlop will have little impact, when compared to what would happen if the Pheu Thai Party wins more than half of the House seats in the next election.

All in all, regardless of how long this government will stay in office, Thai politics will continue to be mired in the mud if justice is not served for those responsible for triggering the political crisis.

From Kaab Luk Kaab Dok, Thai Rath newspaper, December 23rd, 2010.
Translated and rewritten by Wacharapol Isaranont

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

Korbsak quits and sparks election speculation


By The Nation
Published on December 24, 2010








Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister's secretary-general, has tendered his resignation to prepare for the ruling Democrat Party's policy platform for the next general election, a Government House source said yesterday.


His resignation will become effective from New Year's Day, according to the source, who requested anonymity.


Another source from the Democrat-led coalition said Korbsak's departure was an indicator that the next general election was approaching.

"This is a signal that there will be a House dissolution and a new general election. Korbsak's departure at this time has political significance. It seems the prime minister is sending out some signal," said the source.

The Government House source said Korbsak was "getting ready for the next general election" and would oversee drafting of the Democrat Party's policy platform for the party's election campaign. The source also rejected speculation that Korbsak would apply to become an executive of the state-run PTT.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has not approved Korbsak's resignation but he is expected to do so this month, according to the source.

A few months ago, Korbsak confided with his close aides he was resigning as the prime minister's secretary-general.

they are going to dissolve parliament in June, maybe July

TAN_Network TAN News Network

DPM Suthep affirms PM's sec-gen Korbsak to resign after New Year to become party's election director

Suthep Admits that Kobsak is Resigning
24 December 2010

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has admitted that PM Secretary General Kobsak Sapawasu will be resigning from his post.

Rumors were rampant yesterday that Kobsak has deep conflicts with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij over the new round of populist policies to be announced by the government after the New Year.

However, Suthep has denied the rumors of conflict between the two and claim that is not the reason Kobsak is resigning.

thailandoutlook.tv

PM says Korbsak


PM says Korbsak’s resignation will be effective on January 1


วันศุกร์ ที่ 24 ธ.ค. 2553

• • 

BANGKOK, Dec 24 – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjaiva on Friday said that the resignation of Korbsak Sabhavasu, the Prime Minister's Secretary-General would be effective on January 1 and he was seeking a replacement.

He said Mr Korbsak resigned in order to work on Democrat Party's general election plan and had no conflicts with anyone.

The premier earlier kept a tight lip on the resignation report of Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister's secretary-general as he planned to give a statement on the government’s policies and progress during his two year anniversary in office.

He did not comment when asked if he had already approved Mr Korbsak's resignation.

Meanwhile, Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban admitted Mr. Korbsak was willing to tender his resignation from the post of secretary-general to the prime minister in order to oversee the general election plans of the Democrat Party.

Mr Abhisit earlier hinted that he anticipated House dissolution next year to pave the way for general elections.

Mr Korbsak's resignation will come into effect after the New Year, the deputy prime minister added, while ruling out any rift between Mr. Korbsak and the prime minister or with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.

As for the government policy statement this evening, Mr. Abhisit will address government performance during the past two years in a 40 minute speech.

He will also detail the government’s policies which have been implemented successfully. He will clarify the budget expended and the number of people who have benefited from the implementation of the government’s policies, including guarantee of farmers’ income, informal debt solution, 15-year free education, allowance for the elderly and reconciliation plan.

His speech will be followed by small group seminars with representatives of each project and a Q&A session.

The statement will be delivered at 5 pm at the lawn in front of Thai Khu Fah building in Government House compound, and will be broadcast live on Modernine TV and MCOT radio stations nationwide.(MCOT online news)

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1038922

Thaksin's Ex-wife Urged to Contest Election

UPDATE : 24 December 2010

A deputy prime minister denies any knowledge of the current whereabouts of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra despite reports on Pheu Thai Party MPs making frequent trips to visit him.

He also welcomed the possibility of Thaksin's ex-wife contesting in the next general election.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has denied any knowledge on the whereabouts of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

He insisted the government has no information about Thaksin despite reports of frequent visits by Pheu Thai MPs.

As for efforts to extradite Thaksin, Suthep said the chance of Thaksin being sent back to Thailand is slim.


According to Suthep, Thailand has not signed extradition treaties with the countries where Thaksin is currently taking refuge.

On the general election, there have been speculations that the opposition Pheu Thai Party is planning to nominate former commerce minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan to contest with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The deputy premier admitted Mingkwan is a competent, gentle and friendly individual, but the election would be more exciting if the Pheu Thai Party would field Thaksin's ex-wife Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

He also welcomed the possibility of Thaksin's ex-wife contesting in the next general election.

be a big about turn given the publicised reasons for the divorce .

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30145142.html


Korbsak to oversee Democrat campaign after New Year's

Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister's secretarygeneral, will quit his government post on New Year's Day so he can oversee the Democrat Party's election campaign, his boss Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday.

Abhisit, who is the party's leader, said he did not believe that Korbsak's departure would have any negative impact on the government's performance during the last year of its term.

"There's no problem. The people involved have already talked about this," he said.

The Nation

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...oins-poll-team

Korbsak resigns, joins poll team

• Published: 25/12/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Key members of the Democrat Party are trying to downplay the resignation of Korbsak Sabhavasu as secretary-general to the prime minister, denying it was due to internal conflicts.


Korbsak: Will help raise election funds

Prime Minister and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday Mr Korbsak's resignation would take effect on Jan1.

Mr Abhisit said the secretary-general would help the party prepare for the next general election, and insisted Mr Korbsak's resignation would not affect the government's work.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, the Democrats' secretary-general, said Mr Korbsak would contribute to the party's election campaign committee.

Mr Suthep will head the committee and Mr Korbsak will supervise the election fundraising activities.

Mr Suthep denied Mr Korbsak had quit his post because of a conflict with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij over the Pracha Wiwat (People's Agenda) programme designed to grant taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers and vendors easier access to credit from state banks.

Mr Korbsak yesterday denied any conflict with Mr Korn, saying he resigned to become the director of the Democrat Party's election campaign.

"If we do not prepare for the election now, we may have problems because several major parties are preparing for the next election," he said. Mr Suthep confirmed a general election would be held next year.

He did not give an exact date but said it would happen when the national economy had improved, public order was restored and the constitutional amendment was finalised.

PM's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaibul also denied a report that Mr Korbsak was upset because the prime minister had not given him anything to do.

He said Mr Abhisit kept Mr Korbsak occupied with work and insisted the secretary-general remained on speaking terms with Mr Korn.

Prompong Nopparit, spokesman of the opposition Puea Thai Party, expressed sympathy for Mr Korbsak. He said key Democrats and government whips did not recognise Mr Korbsak's efforts.

Anchalee expected to succeed Korbsak
วันเสาร์ ที่ 25 ธ.ค. 2553



BANGKOK, Dec 25 -- Anchalee Vanich Theppabutr, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, is expected to succeed Korbsak Sabhavasu after the latter resigns from his post as secretary-general to the prime minister, which is to become effective from New Year’s Day, according to Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri on Saturday.

Mr Trairong said he expected Mrs Anchalee to take over the post because she has sufficient experience and understands the nature of the job very well.

Mr Korbsak, meanwhile, said via a video on YouTube video-sharing website that he would submit his resignation to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva next Tuesday which would become effective January 1 so that he could devote his full time to preparing the strategy for the ruling Democrat Party for the next general election, expected to be held next year.

So far no one in the Democrat Party has done this job and preparations for the strategic plan would take “not less than six months,” said Mr Korbsak.

He said that without sound preparation the Democrat Party might not be able to win the election.

“I want to reconfirm that this planned resignation isn’t a result of any internal conflict within the government,” said Mr Korbsak.

“Regarding the matter with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij over the ‘Pracha Wiwat’ policy, I’ve already spoken to and reached an agreement with the minister," Mr Korbsak said.

‘Pracha Wiwat’ policy is designed to narrow the income disparity between the rich and poor.

Mr Korn also dismissed reports of his displeasure over the government’s work, saying that differences of opinion were a normal thing but they were not enough reason to force anyone to quit his post.

mcot.net

Originally Posted by Mid

Anchalee Vanich Theppabutr,

https://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asi...ters-four.html (Abhisit insists on non-existence of “gangsters of four” in Democrat party)

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2010...-30145206.html

Party in election mode: PM

By Jeerapong Prasertpolkrang
Naya Jittanon
The Nation on Sunday



Abhisit to name Anchalee as his new secretary-general; Pheu Thai MPs going to Dubai to meet Thaksin

Anchalee Vanich Tephabutra is tipped to become the new secretary-general of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva who said yesterday that the government is now preparing for the next polls.

"Yes. We're entering the election mode," said the premier, adding that Korbsak Sabhavasu, the outgoing PM's secretary-general, would focus on the next polls after leaving his current post in January.

According to Abhisit, Anchalee, currently the PM's deputy secretary-general, would likely be appointed after the New Year's holidays.

When asked about his latest approval rating as polled by King Prajadhipok Institute, the premier admitted that he is not yet as popular as Thaksin Shinawatra when the latter was at his peak - largely because he had just worked for two years while the ex-premier was most popular in 2004 when he had already worked for three years.

However, Abhisit said he is now ready to contest in the next polls against the opposition Pheu Thai party's candidate for the premiership.

On the "Pracha Wiwat" policy whose details will be announced on January 7, Abhisit said the government's new populist measures are not just short-term solutions to attract votes as criticised by some academics.

Once the details are made public, the people will have a better understanding and see the big picture on how changes would also occur at the structural level.

For examples, workers in the informal economy such as street-side vendors, motorcycle taxis and taxicab drivers will be able to join the social security system by paying just a small contribution while the government will also contribute to the fund on their behalf.

One of the proposals is for these workers to pay Bt50 each per month while the government pays another Bt50 per month so that the workers are entitled to a wage compensation when they are sick and cannot work.

On electricity charges, the government has said those who use 90 units or less per month should be subsidised by higher tariffs paid by bigger households, commercial and industrial users.

This change would be long-term, according to Abhisit.

Meanwhile, Korbsak, the outgoing PM's secretary-general, denied that he had decided to quit the current post because of a conflict with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.

Korbsak said it's not unusual to have disagreement on certain issues but that's not serious enough for him to resign.

In a separate development, at least a dozen Pheu Thai Party MPs are heading to Dubai to meet Thaksin.

Pheu Thai secretary-general Suphon Fongngam said yesterday a group of 10 MPs would leave Thailand this evening while other MPs representing each part of the country would go to see Thaksin later.

Suphon denied that the MPs would be discussing with Thaksin on who the new party leader should be. He said it was their tradition to visit Thaksin for the New Year season's greetings.

Suphon said the party MPs were split on whether it is time to choose a new party leader. Some want the party to announce its candidate for the premier's post while others believe there is still more time.

Nong Bua Lam Phu MP Chaiya Promma said the MPs from different factions would discuss with Thaksin about the political situation and the party's preparation for the election as many MPs agreed the party currently lacks a clear direction.

Some MPs still want to promote Thaksin, the party founder, and highlight him as the leader in exile, but others wanted to show that the party is an institution and others can succeed Thaksin as the new leader, he said.

The issue of Pheu Thai's new party leader came hot on the heels of reports that Abhisit would soon dissolve the House and call fresh polls.

Reacting to speculation that Thaksin's sister Yingluck might be the candidate for party leader, Abhisit said his party was ready to compete in the election.

ON the RECORD

'It's a thankless task, but I'll do it'
NATTAYA CHETCHOTIROS
27/12/2010

The resignation of Korbsak Sabhavasu as the prime minister's secretary-general marks the beginning of the ruling Democrat Party's preparations in readiness for the next general election in the middle of next year.

The party's new election director explains his vision of securing Abhisit Vejjajiva's return as prime minister after the next poll.


Korbsak: Didn’t have to fight for the job

Why are you in such a hurry to quit the PM's secretary-general post when the election is still a long way away?

Preparing the Democrat Party for the next general election is a huge, important undertaking. We need plenty of time to lay down our strategies, which I took part in doing for the 2007 election.

At the time we needed six months to prepare and we gained 150 seats.

If I remain the PM's secretary-general, I'm afraid I would not have enough time to make preparations.

He can only help outside of office hours and at weekends.

That's why I have to go first.

Is there no one else for the election director job? Or is it because no one is willing to take it?

Yes, it's a job no one wants.

I don't have to fight for it.

It's the kind of task that even when it's accomplished no one will give you praise.

But I do believe that with my experience and qualifications,

I am the right fit for the job.

I used to serve as a Nakhon Ratchasima MP with the now-defunct Chart Thai Party, having worked closely with the late party leader Gen Chatichai Choonhavan and party executive Korn Dabbaransi.

I learned first-hand how it felt to work as an MP in Isan.

I tasted defeat in an election in Bangkok.

I know enough about the nuts and bolts of elections and I am also skilled in strategy planning.

Was it not because you had a conflict with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij over the Pracha Wiwat policy that you resigned?

No, we have nothing against each other.

If the finance minister had done something I don't agree with, I would say it straight to him.

You have decided to resign as deputy prime minister and then quit as the PM's secretary-general, which seems easy. Do you want to prove that you actually do not cling on to anything?

When I resigned as deputy prime minister, some said it was related to corruption.

When I quit as secretary-general this time, some said it was because of a conflict with Mr Korn.

Actually, I resigned because I want to build the Democrat Party into an even greater party.

There is no need for me to hang on to the seat until the last minute.

When do you think the prime minister will dissolve the House of Representatives?

I think April should be the most suitable time.

We may also have to consider if the opposition party will table a motion to censure the government when parliament reconvenes in February.

If they make a quick move, so do we ... but if they are slow to table the motion, we may have to get an edge first and call a dissolution of the House.

If the House is dissolved in the latter part of the next year, how will this put the government at a disadvantage?

A late general election will do the government no good.

The government will face mounting pressure from all directions.

Apart from Mr Abhisit, who else among the Democrats has what it takes to be prime minister?

No one at the moment.

Many are trying to put themselves up as alternatives, but I think they should do more to gain recognition in the party.

You are confident that the Democrats will win the next general election, even though some feel Mr Abhisit may not be the best prime minister. Is that so?

I am quite confident.

That's why I don't want the election to be delayed until the latter part of the year.

I believe Mr Abhisit is the best and most reliable prime minister at the moment.

bangkokpost.com

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1038938

PM Urges Thaksin to Move in Line with Rules

UPDATE : 27 December 2010

The prime minister has admitted that the government is unable to do anything with fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been going in and out of Dubai since Thailand has no extradition pact with the UAE.

However, he hopes Thaksin will live within the country's rules and regulations.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva commented on members of the Pheu Thai party’s plan to visit fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai in the the United Arab Emirates.

Abhisit admitted that the government knows that Thaksin has been going in and out Dubai periodically but said that Thailand and the Dubai government do not have an extradition treaty.


The PM went on to say that the Thai Foreign Ministry has been keeping a close eye on Thaksin’s movements overseas.

Abhisit added that the Dubai government has also insisted that it will not allow Thaksin to use the UAE as a base for his political activities.

Adding that he hopes that Thaksin makes his political movements through the parliamentary system as he previously said he would.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1038953



PM: Dissolution Will Ease Political Tension

UPDATE : 27 December 2010

The prime minister has again reiterated his intention to dissolve the House next year.

The premier believes that the next general election will ease some tension in the ongoing political conflict and has denied any government interference in court procedures regarding the red-shirt cases.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told a reporter via his weekly television program that he did not expect his administration to be in power this long due to the ongoing crisis.

Though he did go on to say that he will not finish out his term and that he is preparing to dissolve the House some time next year.

Abhisit says that the election will give the people an opportunity to vote for who they want to be the country's lawmakers and belives that the move will ease tensions regarding the current political conflict.


The prime minister also pleaded with the public to hold political rallies and protests within the law now that the state of emergency has been lifted in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

When asked whether the government interfered with any court procedures in the cases against red-shirt protesters, the prime minister denied the claims, saying that neither the government nor the Cabinet did such thing.

Abhist added that all of the red-shirt cases are at the court's discretion and that bail requests will be granted by the Rights and Liberties Protection Department based on the severity of the charges against the jailed red-shirt protesters.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Adding that he hopes that Thaksin makes his political movements through the parliamentary system as he previously said he would.

Just as his own party has always done?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...house-in-april

PM denies reports of a dissolution

• Published: 27/12/2010 at 03:12 PM
• Online news:

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday denied reports that he had decided to dissolve the House of Representatives in April and call a general election.

Mr Abhisit denied he had ever said there would be a House dissolution in April.

Asked what he would do if after the House reconvenes next month the opposition files a motion for a censure debate, Mr Abhisit said if this happens the government would not be allowed by law to dissolve the House.

The prime minister has said many times the government will not complete its term in office, which ends in December, but has never mentioned when he will call the election.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday denied reports that he had decided to dissolve the House of Representatives in April and call a general election.

Indeed , that was Korbsak

Originally Posted by Mid

I think April should be the most suitable time.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...-never-give-in

ON the RECORD

'I'll be real - but I'll never give in'

• Published: 28/12/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban says he is a "realistic" man when it comes to elections. In an interview with Bangkok Post reporters Pradit Ruangdit and Manop Thip-osod, the Democrat Party secretary-general said he had set his sights on retaining the party's 170 seats in the House and would not hand over the remaining seats to other parties without a good fight.

Suthep: Determined to retain 170 seats

As the party's secretary-general, are you ready for the general election?

Speaking in the capacity of a housekeeper, a fund raiser and an election director, I can say the party is not ready for the polls. But I am not worried. By the time the prime minister announces an election date, I will be ready.

I don't know when the polls will be called. It depends on the political situation and the economic well-being. There is also a charter review element. The process should take five to six months to complete and that should give me time to prepare.

So, the party is gearing up for an election?

It is. I will ask the party leader to sign an order appointing the party election committee to prepare for the next election. I'm calling a party meeting today. We will ring the bell and head for the polls. MPs will be informed of their tasks. They will go to their constituencies, recruit supporters, organise meetings and seminars, and rally their supporters for the polls.

Can you tell us about the feedback the party has received over the past two years?

From what I hear from the MPs who helped in [last month's] by-election campaigns, the people are content with the government policy, especially the crop price guarantee schemes. Let's say the farmers are happy and they are the majority.

The government's economic policy is aimed at individuals - 2,000-baht cash allocations, elderly allowances, free water and power supplies. People have more money; money saved is money earned. I think people are happy with what the government has done so far. The labour sector may disagree, though.

The northeastern region remains a weak point for the party. Any plan to improve or will you just hand it to the coalition Bhumjaithai Party? I intend to field candidates in every constituency, but campaign intensity may vary. Our morale has been boosted following the by-election in Khon Kaen. The vote jumped from 7,000 [in the past election] to 30,000 [last month] despite a 10-day campaign.

I plan to hold a workshop for party candidates and coach them how to woo votes, conduct door-to-door campaigns and deliver speeches. Newcomers will have a tough time. The party will concentrate on urban areas or where people are politically active.

Any chance the party will secure a majority in the House from the next polls?

My job is to retain the 170 seats we have. I don't daydream about the others. If I can win 50 to 60 more seats, that is good enough. Our relationship with our coalition partners is superb. If we are lucky, we may form a coalition.

So you are assuming no party will win enough seats to form a single party government?

I don't think any party will have enough votes to form a single-party government. There will be another coalition government.

People say the Democrats are under the military's wing. What do you say about that?

That's definitely not true. People know what is going on. I was the person who coordinated with other parties in forming the coalition. I talked to every sector and told them our goals. The military never gave directions or laid down policy. We have the freedom to do our job. The military and the government share the same goals - a peaceful and orderly society and a strong [monarchy] institution.

What is your assessment of the political situation next year?

The country has lost a number of opportunities due to extreme political volatility. The red shirt protests took place at the expense of national development and the tourism industry. They should know by now that violence is not the way. Security authorities and I think the red shirt protests will remain within the scope of the law. But we are not taking chances. We have the internal security law and the rule of emergency decree ready to be invoked to handle the situation. But we will try our best to avoid using the emergency rule.

People can be assured that the government and authorities concerned will keep monitoring the situation. I believe the Internal Security Operations Command will be up to the task. The overall situation should improve.

What are the lessons learned from the handling of the red shirt protests? Are you confident in our security forces?

We have learned a lesson. We avoided using weapons and breaking up protests, but the protests escalated. The Situation Monitoring Centre is doing its job. If needs be, authorities will have to take control of the situation before things get out of hand. The government will try to minimise conditions which may lead to new protests.

What is troubling you most when it comes to security issues?

I think society has learned a thing or two from what happened. But it is very much up to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. If he decides to return to power through the parliamentary system and prepares for elections, violence will be avoided. Some may go rogue, though. But if he wants to contest elections and instigate chaos at the same time, it is quite worrisome.

If Khun Thaksin doesn't cause troubles, we'll see elections. I hope he keeps his conscience clear and stays put.

What is your New Year wish?

I wish that peace remains. No violence. No chaos. Everyone is getting to play by the rules and when the election is over, we have a government that everyone accepts. We cannot afford to waste any more time on political violence. It is time for the country to move forward.