The first of a three-part interview was broadcast yesterday.

Are you uneasy with the increased security at Government House after the discovery of explosives, [in a car near the premier's residence that was allegedly part of a plot to assassinate him]?

Yes, I feel uneasy. Normally, I'm the simple type; I like to be casual. Now, I have to follow the rules set by the security detail. If the government leader is attacked, it's not good for the country.

Have your private schedules, like eating out or playing golf, been affected?

The destinations are constantly changed to make it harder for an attack. My security detail told me that I could go golfing but the place must be changed. Last time, I went to Amata City [golf course], where I had never been before.

After work you often go straight home. What do you do after work?

Sometimes I attend social functions, but not often. I have to read to prepare for next-day meetings. I worked very hard and fast in the first year [in office]. My method is think, read and plan. In the first term I read four books in a month. When I had time before going to bed, I could finish one book of 200 to 300 pages in five hours. I didn't read every line. While reading, I tried to figure out what the author wanted to tell the reader. In the past, knowledge was power but today you must also have information and expertise. We must adapt all the time to keep pace with the world.

How do you relax? Do you know songs that youths listen to? When do you listen to this kind of music?

When I am with my children, I listen to the songs they like. Once I asked my daughter what a "J-Lo" was, and she said it referred to [American singer] Jennifer Lopez. I learned something new! I have to take care of people of all levels, so I have to understand them. I have to be able to speak their languages.

When do you spend time with your children?

I watch TV with them and during commercial breaks, I talk with them about their studies... otherwise I have no time to talk with them.

How has Thailand changed over the past five years [the time Thaksin has been in office]?

It's changed a lot. I want Thai people to look back to the time when we had [an economic] crisis. At that time I came in [to serve as premier]. Our country's major problem is a weak foundation. We must fix our foundation, or we won't be able to grow healthily. We have to build up the rural economy and solve the poverty problem at the same time. The poor are the foundation of the country. If they are weak, so is the country. Things have changed now. The poor have access to capital, information and sources of knowledge.

What changes that have occurred in Thailand over the past four years are you most proud of?

I'm proud to have served the country. It's certain that my decisions sometimes affected the interests and feelings of some people. I'm proud to serve His Majesty the King and work for him during the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne. I found out that we shouldn't spend so much time on work that we don't have any time left for society. The next prime minister should remember this. Prime ministers can be changed.