Published on November 06, 2005

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s remark after his party’s by-election loss flies in the face of good governance, according to Uthai Pimchaichon, former adviser to Thai Rak Thai Party.

“It may well be unconstitutional; it certainly flouts good governance,” the ex-House speaker said.

Thaksin said after last week’s unexpected debacle that provinces that had voted for the ruling party would get preferential treatment in budget allotment and those that had not would have to wait.

Uthai cited His Majesty the King’s clear pronouncement that justice and impartiality were essential to good governance.

“National leaders must respond to the needs of the people, not impose their will on the people,” Uthai said, adding that the people were no fools and the country was a democracy, despite recent interference with certain independent bodies.

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