Thaksin damage 'self-inflicted'

Nobody but himself to blame, says Suvit

Mongkol Bangprapa

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra cannot blame anyone but himself if his hidden assets trial turns out badly, says a democracy activist.

Suvit Watnoo, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, said Mr Thaksin had inflicted on himself a political wound by not appointing a lawyer to take care of his business finances as required by Article 209 of the constitution.

The Constitutional Court is hearing the National Counter Corruption Commission's case that Mr Thaksin, owner of the country's biggest telecoms conglomerate, intended to hide ownership of shares worth billions of baht in other people's names.

He did not report share transfers made to domestic staff and relatives in his assets statement when he left office as deputy prime minister in the Chavalit Yongchaiyudh government in December 1997.

Mr Suvit said the constitution meant to keep good people in the political system and drive away crooks.

"The new system was designed to work with transparency and efficiency and no one can have the privilege of dodging scrutiny," he said.

A ruling against Mr Thaksin did not mean that the monitoring system had flaws, he said.

Mr Thaksin would lose his job and be barred from political office for five years if the court agrees with the graft agency that he tried to hide his assets.

Mr Thaksin will deliver a closing statement before the judges tomorrow.

Mr Suvit said Mr Thaksin should accept defeat with grace, if that was the case, because that would show his willingness to play by constitutional rules.

Even if he was not the prime minister, Mr Thaksin could serve the country in his capacity as Thai Rak Thai leader, Mr Suvit said.

Combating the economic slump, corruption, drugs and poverty was a mission for the entire nation, not a particular person.

Mr Suvit said he believed some groups meant well in gathering support for Mr Thaksin while some had "hidden purposes".

He said respected citizens such as Sem Pringpuangkaew wanted Mr Thaksin to stay in power because they believed his policies would yield good results.

Mr Suvit, however, suspected the Police Association's sign-up campaign was politically motivated given that Pol Lt-Gen Suwan Suwanwecho, the campaign leader, is an adviser to the prime minister.

The "yellow flag" campaign led by businessman Wasant Potipimpanond seeking a one-year delay in the court's decision was intended to put pressure on judges, he said.

Campaign for Popular Democracy chairman Pibhop Dhongchai said Mr Thaksin had already shown poise when he decided to appear before the court himself.

Mr Pibhop said parties must put policies above individuals. He called on Thais to strictly adhere to principles for the sake of political development.

"If we can stop believing in white knights, Thai politics and Thai people will grow," he said.

Mr Pibhop, however, said Mr Thaksin deserved some praise.

Mr Thaksin said repeatedly he believed in the court and that he would not use growing support outside the court for his own gain.

Suriyasai Katasila, the civic group's deputy secretary-general, said Mr Thaksin should not spend his 20 minutes at court begging for public sympathy but use his time wisely in clearing himself of the allegation.