Even Democrats want Thaksin acquitted

Hope to see him go on and ruin himself

Post Reporters

Some Democrats would rather see Thaksin Shinawatra hoist with his own petard, not that of the Constitutional Court.

Democrat Nipit Intarasombat said some of his colleagues wanted Mr Thaksin to be acquitted of hiding his assets, rather than tossed out of office prematurely by an unfavourable ruling.

He should have the opportunity to run the country the way he had vowed to during election campaign.

That way Thai Rak Thai could not claim their leader's achievements were left undone. The public could judge for itself whether the party deserved another term in office.

The court is expected to rule on the Thaksin case before August. If Mr Thaksin is found culpable as charged by the National Counter Corruption Commission, he would be banned from office for five years.

Mr Nipit said Thai Rak Thai would probably win another landslide victory if the court found him guilty, as the party drew sympathy votes. However, its fate was much more uncertain if Mr Thaksin carried on, because he could make a mess of things.

"The party would make another comeback as long as it remains unknown if Mr Thaksin's vote-winning speeches were just a matter of easier-said-than-done.

"Though I don't think it's easy for anyone to cure the economy's ills, the Democrats would lose even more ground if Mr Thaksin was kept from proving himself once and for all," Mr Nipit said.

House committee on political development chairman Vitoon Namboot said TRT would blame the court if their leader was found culpable.

Meanwhile, the defence spokesman said military people can join forces to boost Mr Thaksin's morale as long as they are not in the full glare of publicity.

Classmates from the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School were discussing how they could show their support ahead of his appearance before the Constitutional Court on Monday to sum up his hidden assets case.

- Mr Thaksin's decision to give his closing statement in person is welcomed by the majority of Bangkok residents, latest opinion polls show.

Out of a total of 1,407 Bangkokians questioned by the Suan Dusit Poll, 39.22% said they were "very pleased" with Mr Thaksin's decision. Another 37.26% were "pleased". Both groups wanted to hear the premier try to prove his innocence in his own words.

About 19% said they felt indifferent, while the rest said they felt his decision came too late, and that they did not want to hear his excuses. About 61% said they would stay neutral during the June 18 court hearing, 20.5% said they would support Mr Thaksin, while the rest said they would not support him.

Another survey by Bangkok University also showed that Bangkok people wanted to hear Mr Thaksin defend himself in court on Monday.

Close to 70% said they agreed with Mr Thaksin's decision to give his closing statement on Monday, while only 10% disagreed.

The rest had no comment.

The Bangkok University poll, conducted among 1,437 Bangkok residents, also asked who should succeed Mr Thaksin if the prime minister was tossed out of office.

The first three top choices were Purachai Piemsomboon (34.1%), Wan Muhamad Nor Matha (16.9%) and Sudarat Keyuraphan (15.9%).

Only 2.9% opted for Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.