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Published on September 14, 2007

In an interview with The Nation's Yossawadee Hongthong, he speaks about his hopes and goals with the Democrats.

Yossawadee: Why did you decide to join the Democrat Party?

Kraisak: My group members and I made the decision because key Democrat members accepted our proposals that could become part of the party's policies. For instance, we believe in sustainable development, which gives priority to land reform, environmental protection and promoting justice.

Although [Democrat secretary-general] Suthep Thaugsuban had his reputation ruined by the land reform scandal [in 1995 when he was the agriculture minister], he agrees with my group to implement land reform, particularly in the Northeast.

If the Democrats focus land reform as part of their election campaign, other rival parties will surely pick this issue to attack the party. The scandal forced the Democrats to dissolve the Lower House [in 1995]. Are you prepared for that?

We can explain the reforms to the people. In cases that cause trouble to them, we have to solve it. But we have to ensure that we won't make a second mistake. We should tell them we have volunteered to help them honestly.

You don't have an image of being a northeastern man. You don't speak the local dialect. But local voters always vote for "real" local representatives in the election. Will these facts affect your campaign?

(After some thought) I've visited some northeastern cities. I can speak the local northeastern dialect a bit. But I can sing a local song. It will be a hard job for me.

I decided to lead the northeastern campaign because I want to see the region change for a better future.

The Democrat Party has announced it won't form a government if it comes second in the election.

I am willing to work in Parliament. I will be excited if I can return to Parliament with a new status. It's unbelievable that the Democrats accepted all of my proposals. So, when they responded positively, I couldn't reject the opportunity. I have to compete in the Northeast. Whether we will achieve our goals is another story. I want to help bring the most benefit to the people.

Even if you will be part of the Opposition?

It should be exciting to be the opposition. We could become more popular than the government.

Why didn't you return by joining with the group of former Chat Pattana Party members?

We are going in different directions, particularly on environmental issues. They don't see it as significant to the national development. My attitude fits well with the Democrat Party.

I won't be upset if I fail in the election, and if voters in Nakhon Ratchasima (his constituency) pick candidates of the People Power Party under Samak Sundaravej. They will finally know who is really telling the truth.