Heeding the public could solve crisis
By Wassana Nanuam
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej should listen more to the public if he wants to ease political tension between his government and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), Supreme Commander Boonsang Niampradit said yesterday. Mr Samak can play a major role in solving the problem, he said. But Gen Boonsang added that only a national leader who can ignore his ego and is willing to sacrifice self-interest for the sake of the nation could do that.
''Mr Samak should know we serve people. We have to listen to everything from them. What they say may not be totally correct, but we have to listen to them a lot,'' he said.
Gen Boonsang offered his advice to Mr Samak yesterday when asked by reporters to comment on the present political situation. One reporter asked if Mr Samak should resign, as demanded by the PAD.
''It depends whether [Mr Samak] wants to end the problem, but I don't want to comment more. It's a political issue,'' he said.
Military officers are ready to follow government orders if it wants them to help deal with the PAD rally, but the general said: ''It has to be a legitimate order, not one that tells soldiers to hurt people.''
The PAD, the powerful anti-government group which launched a campaign to expel then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006 for allegedly abusing his power, has vowed to force Mr Samak to resign.
It cites alleged irregularities under the Samak administration, including a charge that the People Power party (PPP) is a nominee of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party (TRT) and its attempts to amend the 2007 constitution are to give more protection to politicians, including Mr Thaksin.
Mr Thaksin, a TRT founder, is facing corruption charges and is awaiting trial by the Supreme Court's Crime Division for Holders of Political Positions.
Yesterday social critic Prawase Wasi suggested past prime ministers like Anand Panyarachun, Chuan Leekpai, Banharn Silpa-archa and Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh be called in to help solve the political crisis. Their seniority and charisma would be a big help if they have to negotiate with all sides.
''My request may be too much, but I do want them to start talking,'' he said.
Dr Prawase also agrees with an idea to set up a special committee under the Lower House to consider the controversial proposal to amend the charter.
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