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Published on April 29, 2008

Charan Pakdithanakul, one of the nine new Constitution Court judges talks to The Nation's Sathien Viriyapanpongsa on his duties and the cases waiting for the court's decision.

You have the image of being an anti-government person. Since the day you were selected by the Senate, have you felt any resistance?

I have never shown any anti-government behaviour. I try to do everything to maintain the government's stability, righteousness and legitimacy. I hold a position where I can best contribute to the people, and never think of doing anything to oppose any government. This is the principle I have with every government. The question is: what do we have a government for? We have a government to take care of the well-being of the people and the country. At the same time they form the country's personality and status, as well as earning the people's respect and a place in the world community.

Now that they know who the Constitution Court judges are, do you think the People Power Party fears a decision to dissolve the party before the trial?

We cannot just evaluate people by their faces. We have to study them and consider them from their past behaviour. We cannot judge them from only one action. I want the public to evaluate a person overall as to whether he has caused damage to the country or has contributed to the country, what principles he follows in thinking and in doing things. Does he comply with the principles?

If we evaluate and find that a person is reliable for a particular job, we should let him do the job. Otherwise, we should not let him hold that position, irrespective of who the person is and however smart. A position in the country is not created for a person or someone's people - but for the most suitable person.

You have criticised and commented on Thaksin's regime a lot in the past. Is that why the government is questioning your role as judge?

I don't have a feeling of opposition to Thaksin's regime or any regime. But I do resist the system of "moneyism" or paying people to be corrupt, corruption in the government's work, corruption in politics. I still respect people according to Thai tradition. I have never been aggressive with anybody, but we do need to ensure a good standard for the country that it is based on quality and morality.

The Constitution Court's ruling will affect politics, won't it?

Yes. But the Constitution Court must be independent and firm in its principle, and not yield to any group of people, nor favour any side. We must stick to the law for the country's sake.

Will you take the concept of law or political science in deciding on the case?

They are the same. Their ends are the peace and well-being of the people. They are only different in rhetoric.

Do the cases related to politics need to be precise in accordance with the law, morality and the judges' tradition?

I think all of those plus straightforwardness are the most important.

Can the political parties be sure they will receive justice when the cases reach the Constitution Court?

Please be sure that the Constitution Court, the Administrative Court, the courts of justice and the military court deserve their independence as organisations of neutrality, straightforwardness, honesty and righteousness. All sectors of society must help push for that.