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Published on October 13, 2007

Government figures yesterday passed on a message obviously intended for lawmaker Prasong Soonsiri, telling him to stop criticising Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and focus instead on the year-end general election.

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said people were getting tired of the dispute between the National Legislative Assembly and the administration.

"It's of no use to the public. Now people are looking forward to the election," he said.

The friction should have dissipated after allegations by NLA members during Wednesday's debate were answered by Cabinet members, he said.

Prasong should rein in his ego to prevent trouble for the country, he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyaratglin said the parties concerned should not try to disrupt the resumption of democratic rule and the planned general election. "The censure of the government is over and now it's time to move ahead for the elections," he said.

Sonthi said he would wait for an opportune moment to reconcile the rift between Prasong and Surayud.

"It will be easier to talk when the weather improves," he said.

He dismissed concern about a political accident delaying the polls, saying the vote would take place on December 23, as scheduled.

Meanwhile, Prasong said yesterday his criticism of the prime minister in this week's censure debate was done without any personal grudge or aspiration to be premier.

"I will answer the question only when asked by those empowered to appoint me to the position of prime minister," he quipped wryly to reporters.

Prasong, who chaired the Constitution Drafting Committee, also conceded that Wednesday's debate on the PM's land holding in Nakhon Ratchasima happened because he and his allies from the anti-Thaksin campaign were disappointed by the government's "indifference" at uprooting the legacy of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"For months many people had to camp out and risk their lives leading to a change in government and the interim government came to power by their sacrifices. Hence, I say people who put you in power can also destroy you," he said.

He said he was disappointed that Surayud refused to rebut charges raised during the debate.

"I still view Surayud as encroaching on the forest reserve at Khao Yai Thieng because he did not have direct answers to any questions."

He said he remained a friend to Surayud because of their past ties, even though he did not want to elevate himself to be an equal of a prime minister.

Surayud should be reminded he should not turn friends into enemies, he said in reference to strained ties between the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy.

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said he rebutted every charge relating the plot, on Surayud's behalf. He reminded lawmakers not to politicise the issue for ulterior motives. "The debate was about ethical issues and lawmakers should not exploit the legislative floor for a political game."

The Nation