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Published on August 16, 2007

Members of Bangkok 2007 were successful personalities who wanted to repay their debt to the country as well as to work for the good of the public, Suranand told a press conference,

Suranand was among 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 since then and made his first public appearance yesterday.

Suranand explained that Bangkok was besieged with many problems and in need of capable people to better the lives of residents. He said that Bangkok 2007 had no plans as yet 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," he said.

The former PM's Office minister said he would like to see his group's ideas realised, and that if by being a member of Parliament or a politician could help turn the group's policies into reality, then maybe some members may run in the elections.

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

Kunthon Prachuabmoh, formerly of the Mahachon Party and now leader of Bangkok 2007, said the group was not formed for the purpose of participating in the upcoming elections.

"We are also not involved with Thai Rak Thai," he said.

He said that although Suranand was a minister in the Thaksin administration, he would vouch for Suranand's impartiality and as an individual would point out that Suranand was at one time even ready to leave the troubled Thaksin government, he said.

"I have known, and am familiar with Suranand - he has vision and dares to make decisions. I asked him to advise the group and insisted that he [Suranand] does not accept money from anyone who works with the group."

Bangkok 2007 has about 50 members, most of whom come from high-profile families or are well-known businessmen, such as Panlert Baiyoke, owner of the Baiyoke towers, and former Bangkok deputy governor Thirachai Wutthitham.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, when asked to comment on the group's launch, said he was pleased by the group's intention to help the city administration solve Bangkok's problems.

However, he said that Bangkok 2007 should be apolitical and stay above the political fray.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation