Pro-Thaksin campaign gets backing

Civic group defends Sem's sign-up drive

Ampa Santimetanedol

A civic group stepped out yesterday in defence of Sem Pringpuangkaew who is spearheading a sign-up campaign to keep Thaksin Shinawatra in the premiership.

Panthipa Watcharobol, of the Association of Thais For Thais, praised the 90-year-old as she handed over a bundle of signed replies from people who wanted Mr Thaksin to stay on.

Dr Sem, she said, acted in good faith and for the sake of the country.

Ms Panthipa said the campaign was an expression of public opinion, not a means of applying pressure on the Constitutional Court as it weighs up hidden asset charges against Mr Thaksin.

"Don't consider this as pressure. It is people's opinions, and it doesn't mean the court should find him innocent."She said the association was acting out of concern for the premiership, not for Mr Thaksin as an individual.

Constitutional changes might be considered, she said.

"We aren't speaking for Mr Thaksin, but the prime minister post. If it is so easy to remove the prime minister, we can't feel secure," she said.

Among those backing the campaign are pro-democracy activist Sant Hathirat and reform advocate Prawase Wasi.

Dr Sem said the campaign was a duty he was performing for his country. "I don't know if he is a good man or not. I want to give him a chance. If he can do it, it'll be good for the country. If he can't, it can't be helped.

"But I will regret it if I do nothing at all," said Dr Sem, a former public health minister.

He urged supporters to return their responses so he could send them on to the parliament president.

"Don't let an old man work alone. Young people should step out now for the country's sake," he said.

Most people want Mr Thaksin to address the court in closing remarks set for June 18, an opinion poll suggests.

Some 88% of 1,593 people questioned by Suan Dusit Poll said Mr Thaksin should clarify matters and stand up for himself. About 5% said he should not address the court as it would affect his image as prime minister. The rest did not know enough to decide.

Mr Thaksin will know the day before whether he can appear before the Constitutional Court to deliver a closing statement in his false assets declaration case on June 18.

He said he would have to seek advice from his legal team first.

The decision, he said, was unrelated to his overseas travel itinerary. He is planning to visit Asean member countries, the US and some European countries.

"I don't want the people to look only at me. They should look to the future to see what they can do for the country and our children. Don't worry about my future," he said.