Interview with Sunisa

Sunisa in tear

Did you know Thaksin or his relatives before?

I didn't know him or his relatives before; even Khun Oke (nickname of Thaksin's son, Panthongtae) is confused why his father allowed me to interview him. I don't know the reason why he agreed to the interview.

I want to explain to opponents of Thaksin that if they read the book they will know it is not trying to make any excuse for him. It is just a pocket book that offers a view on Thaksin so that people can learn something

As an author I have to write what I hear from the source. We can't judge what is truth and what is false.

How much did you spend to do the interview?

I saved my money and paid Bt100,000 for my travel expenses to London. Including the publishing, I have spent Bt200,000. Yet, I'm not sure the book will sell well. I have published only 1,000 copies. Nobody sponsored my trip.

As a military officer, why did you dare to interview Thaksin after the junta asked the media not to report on the former premier?

I was not a reporter. I was transferred to do translation last year.

Did the interview have a hidden agenda?

I can guarantee I have no hidden agenda. I was interested in interviewing Thaksin as a journalist.

I want to tell my boss I did not intend to do wrong and did not do this for anybody. It was my dream. I know this has made my boss unhappy and that my boss sees it as inappropriate I have to apologise and accept the consequences.

If you could return to the day before the interview, would you still go to London or not?

I would continue. I did not want to cause conflict. I am an author who wanted to write about a man who is interesting to the people. The story does not mean I have to take or choose sides.

If the CNS had allowed me to interview him, I was ready, but I had no chance. Thaksin gave me a chance.

One of the most talkedabout sections of your book is Thaksin's revelation that he knows the singer Lydia and the popular singer Mai Charoenpura. Did Thaksin tell you this by himself?

I prepared a question only about Mai because it is a hot issue which people want to know about. But for Lydia, Khun Thaksin revealed that information himself.

Will you resign if the Army orders an investigation into your trip?

It depends on the commanders who judge me. I can only accept the result.