• 
• 

Suranand is among the 111 Thai Rak Thai executives who were banned from politics for five years after the Constitution Tribunal handed down a landmark verdict dissolving the party over election fraud.

He has kept a low profile, so far, only showing up in public yesterday, long after other political groups have been overtly getting ready for the upcoming election.

In a press conference, Suranand said that Bangkok 2007 was set up to work for the public, adding that the members were successful personalities who wanted pay their debt to the country

He explained that the capital was suffering from many problems and it needed able people to help make the residents' lives better. However, he continued denying that the group had any intentions to enter the political field openly.

"We haven't talked about a political movement yet, and our group members are still undecided about joining the elections."

The former PM's office minister said he would like to see his group's ideas being put into practice, and if being a member of the parliament or a politician will help put the group's policies in practice then maybe some members may run in the polls.

He said the group's funding came from members themselves because Bangkok 2007 did not want to be in debt.

Kunthon Prachuabmoh, the leader of the group, said Bangkok 2007 had not been formed to run for the upcoming elections and was not involved with the TRT. He said that though Suranand was a minister in the Thaksin government, he could personally guarantee that Suranand had an individual standpoint. Once Suranand was even ready to leave the troubled Thaksin government, he said.

"I have known, and am familiar with him - he has visions and dares to make decisions. I asked him to advise the group and insisted that he [Suranand] never received money from anyone who works with the group."

The Bangkok 2007 has some 50 members, most of whom come from highprofile families or are wellknown businessmen such as the owner of the Baiyoke towers Panlert Baiyoke and former Bangkok deputy governor Thirachai Wutthitham.

by Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation