Suthep to drive anti-govt attack

Suthep to drive anti-govt attack

The Democrat Party is bringing in its former secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban to step up political attacks on the government.

Suthep: Plenty of free time on his hands

The opposition says it will educate the public about the faults of the so-called "Thaksinomics" regime championed by the government.

It will campaign against the government through the party's political training school, public forums and media outlets, with Mr Suthep managing the attack from behind the scenes.

The veteran politician says he has plenty of free time on his hands, as he no longer holds any executive post in the party.

"They have set up red-shirt schools, launched red television stations and seized control of state-owned television stations. If we let this continue, it won't be good for the country," Mr Suthep told a Democrat gathering in Bangkok yesterday. He said the government was attempting to reform Thailand to create a new state.

The Democrat Party members had gathered to attend the opening of a political training school for Sathon, Yannawa and Bang Kholaem districts yesterday.

Mr Suthep said the regime led by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had twisted and exploited democracy to seize control of state power. Its next target was to assume control of the judiciary and independent agencies, he said.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the political training school was essential if the party is to fight "Thaksinocracy".

Mr Abhisit said the Pheu Thai Party was turning democracy into a mere tool to achieve its ends.

"A former prime minister once said his ideal [political system] is a one-party system with an overwhelming majority. That's not what democracy is about," he said.

The opposition leader said democracy is not limited to elections and the voice of the majority. There are other elements that go with it to prevent abuse of power.

He said the government has tried to discredit independent agencies by saying they do not come from elections.

"I am not saying elections are bad. But winning an election doesn't mean they have a licence to do wrong. What we have to do is to educate people about what democracy really is," Mr Abhisit said.

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