Few ex-generals successful in politics, PM warns

The PM was responding to a question regarding a comment by Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Prasong Soonsiri that there were no true friends or permanent foes in politics.

But Surayud said Council for National Security chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin had the right to enter politics after retiring.

"It's his personal affair and he has the right after he is free from military duty," Surayud said.

"It will be his own decision and the outcome will depend on the people."

Surayud declined to comment on whether it would be appropriate or not for Sonthi to enter politics now. He said the junta leader would have to make that decision himself.

Surayud said any decision by Sonthi on whether to enter politics would have nothing to do with the referendum on the draft constitution. People would understand it was personal.

Reports on the possibility of Sonthi entering politics after his retirement in September have been in the news recently, but the CNS chief has said he still has a few months to think about his decision.

Sonthi said he had not spread any rumours about entering politics to test people's reactions before making a final decision.

Meanwhile, a source in the Cabinet who is close to Sonthi and asked not to be named said Sonthi is studying related laws. He was worried about legal issues as he will still be CNS chief after he retires from the Army.

Khajit Tappananon, a former executive of One-Two-Go Airlines and former Lions Clubs International president, said he was preparing to set up a new party, but he would rather not say anything about its policies before the Council for Democratic Reform's announcement prohibiting party registration is lifted.

Khajit is being criticised for his party, Rak Chat, being a vehicle for coup leader and Army chief Sonthi to enter politics.

He said he was close to Sonthi but has not talked to Sonthi or invited him to join the party. It is up to Sonthi to decide.

Moreover, he would have to talk with Sonthi to determine if their political goals were in line with each other's, Khajit said. If they have different goals, they can't work together.

 He said Sonthi still has some obligations to the country. When he is free and if he wants to enter politics, he must remove his uniform, Khajit said.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, meanwhile, said he had not asked Sonthi to join the party.

"If General Sonthi enters politics and follows the rules, that's fine. Prolonging power is not as terrifying as destroying democracy. For example, issuing security laws is more worrying," he said.

Matchima Group leader Somsak Thepsuthin said his group was not a political base for military officers who planned to enter politics. He had never talked to Sonthi or CNS secretary-general Winai Phattiyakul. Military officers who were members of his group only included those who had retired from the services, not those currently serving.

President of the People's Network for Elections in Thailand (P-Net) Saiyud Kerdphol, said Sonthi should avoid politics after retirement so he can live life peacefully.

He said if sonthi plans to enter politics, he might abuse his power by appointing his cronies before retiring. Doing so would hurt the Army and military institutions.

Saiyud said Sonthi should give a firm answer on whether he intends to enter politics.