Cabinet member warns generals against entering politics

The Cabinet has approved it in principle and it's now at the Council of State, which is inviting various agencies to express their opinion, especially the Interior Ministry and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry as well as the network of people's organisations which proposed the bill. When a conclusion is arrived at, they will have to send the matter back to the Cabinet again before approval by the National Legislative Assembly.

The Interior Ministry is still opposing the old version of the bill and both society and the Cabinet are confused. The two ways of thinking between that of the Interior Ministry and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry are different. The Interior Ministry's is about governing while the latter's is about bottom-up participation.

The Interior Ministry worries that the bill may affect its power. If it thinks it will affect its power, then in a way it will. But wouldn't it be good if citizens are smart? I think yes, and I don't think there's any problem with that. It will help the Tambon Administrative Organisations and will create deliberative democracy.

There are four or five bills which come as a package. First is the Community Council Bill. Second, the Civic Participation Bill, to provide support to civic groups. Third is the National Moral Promotion Bill, which is now with the Council of State. Fourth is the Family Institution Support Bill, and fifth is the Children and Youth Development Bill.

There are other bills, but the five, if passed, will become useful tools for society as well as the Social Development and Human Security Ministry. Most bills are proceeding smoothly, except the Community Council Bill.

Well, first it must be noted that the Cabinet has already decided about the Internal Security Bill, which is now with the Council of State for legal scrutiny. I, as a minister, would have to stand by the resolution of the Cabinet.

Personally as a minister, the voices of the people and the National Legislative Assembly should be listened to. There should be much amendment needed.

The balance of power amongst the three branches must be respected, however. When someone asks for more power, the prime minister should be the one to authorise, and check and balance mechanisms should exist. This last mechanism doesn't exist under the bill, however.

I don't think it was a trade-off. I think the prime minister wanted it too, because he came from a security background and the military. When the Cold War ended, the Internal Security Operations Command became defunct, but when the southern violence grew, along with the political situation, the government saw it as a necessity.

I do not force anyone to think like myself. So whoever wants to think and criticise me can do so. However, as for me, I try to find out what I can do to help society, and I do it. I never thought that joining the Cabinet would enable me to accomplish everything I set out to. The majority composition of this Cabinet comes from the bureaucracy and myself and Deputy Premier Paiboon Wattanasiritham are alien elements in this Cabinet.

There are many things that the majority in the Cabinet wish to do, such as promulgate the Internal Security Act and the Internal Security Operations Command, and I know that we cannot resist them. We're there to engage in strategic work for society in the long term and I would be happy if half of the 'good' bills are passed.

It's not necessary to clash with the majority within the Cabinet on any issues. We are an alien element ... And I'm not calling for people to understand me, but it's just that my position has never changed.

First, if this group of military men do enter politics then I can say for certain that they will be walking towards their own destruction. Their abilities and capabilities are much lower than junta leaders in the past. They won't last.

Another thing is that I believe that Thai politics is transforming itself from the bottom up. Both the grassroots and middle classes form strategic networks.

My year in the government will help lay the foundation for future work. I have little expectation from representative politics and will not run for office. If those 'good' laws are passed, we shall see change in two political terms.

Nothing. Ajarn Paiboon and I are not extremists who oppose the military at all cost, but neither do we praise them all the time. We're in the middle. The junta depended upon us and we also depended upon them. We can't really say who's the exploiter. I don't see them as pure evil, as if they have to become a foe forever. So we seek to limit our differences and enhance our common interests.

To oppose the Internal Security Bill is futile because we're a minority. It's futile to talk about it. I would rather let them learn that when they try to pass lousy laws, people will oppose them. Then when that happens, I may advise them to adjust it. If I oppose it, I will end up dead. My voice doesn't carry the weight of the public's.