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Published on November 13, 2007

"I will not enter politics," he said, adding he had never had political aims.

Sonthi said he had no plans to hold an elected office nor to contest the senatorial race. He stopped short of ruling out the possibility of being invited to join the next government under the non-partisan quota.

"I don't know whether anyone will invite me - this is still a future issue for me to consider," he said.

Commenting on the fight against vote-buying, he said the Election Commission would take a lead role while the interim government was to assist in investigating complaints relating to campaign violations.

"I think the people understand the electoral system and will not condone vote-buying," he said.

He was not worried about whether former premier Thaksin Shinawatra would return to power because he had confidence in the people's judgement.

Speaking at a separate academic seminar organised by the National Defence College, the deputy prime minister called for parties and politicians to revamp the political culture in order to boost the public trust in politics.

"Society has a perception of politics as a soap opera - this is unacceptable because many good individuals opt to stay on the sidelines instead of serving the public," he said.

Politicians should stop smearing one another because of petty jealousy.

He said he found it ironic that major parties, including the Democrats, People Power, Chart Thai, Matchima Thipataya and Puea Pandin, were trying to sell campaign policies to voters but none of them checked whether their policies were compatible with the country's long-term strategic interests.

"Time and again, the country sees a new government having to start from scratch to map out its action plan because it has failed to review the existing strategies on economic and security issues before assuming office," he said.

He urged politicians to improve education to ensure sustainable development. Every government wanted to eradicate poverty and the best way to help the poor is through education on how to improve their livelihood and not to squander public funds to provide loans for consumption that could never be repaid.

The Nation