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Published on November 16, 2007

Yesterday Samak characterised you as an underweight, unworthy to debate him. Do you perceive your young age and political experience as a handicap?

I believe the debate is a right of the people to access information. It is an international norm for election candidates to debate policy issues. Under Samak's logic, of ruling out a debate between two candidates with unequal experience, the United States could never organise a presidential debate between an incumbent office holder and a challenger.

In your opinion, why did Samak want to avoid you?

Possibly, he was afraid of losing control. I think he tried to cite my age and experience as a pretext to cover up his feeling of insecurity.

I have always asked the people to render their judgement if they want changes from the old-style politicking that led to abuse of power in the past five to six years. The December 23 balloting will be a chance to overcome the political turmoil.

In my view, a debate is a venue to showcase vision statements. It should not be compared to a fight or a boxing match. Politicians must demonstrate that they are ready to answer any questions.

Many see you as young and inexperienced.

I have been working with many veteran politicians, such as Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa. I don't find any problems as I accord due honour to everyone. Let's suppose I become the next prime minister, I plan to govern the country by a coalition alliance forged under a new style of leadership and not to strike a deal based on vested interests. Coalition allies are expected to agree to the Democrat Party's people agendas, such as free compulsory education and a pension scheme for the elderly. I may allocate the agriculture portfolio to Chart Thai under the condition that my coalition partner will agree to implement a shared goal of the coalition government.

Do you think coalition allies will adopt the policies designed by the Democrats?

If the people give their mandate to the Democrats to form the government, other parties have to respect the voice of the people. Should the people opt for other parties, like Chart Thai, I will heed their judgement.

Once the balloting is complete, attention seems to be focusing on the negotiations for power sharing and not the campaign platforms.

This was true in the past. Politics has changed. Recent opinion polls have indicated that the people are now interested in policy issues. The people are fed up with factional infighting and power struggles. They will vote on December 23 in order to chart their future. They are concerned about their education opportunities, the sluggish economy and the southern insurgency.

Democrat campaign posters often depict your picture with villagers. Is this because you are concerned about your image as you grew up abroad?

Am I a farang? I have always cherished Thai culture even though I spent 10 years of my life abroad. I am a shy and quiet person, hence I may appear a bit awkward whenever I meet with my constituents.

But I have been re-elected six times and stay close to the people through my extensive trips across the country.

If you are elected to lead the country, what do you expect to achieve in the first six months?

I will definitely have a government running complete with policies and a timeframe for implementation. For an urgent issue like the southern insurgency, I should have mechanisms in place to tackle the problems.

You are known to be a smooth talker. But will you manage to be a decisive leader?

I see myself as a good listener. I try to involve other people in the decision-making process. I factor in differing opinions.

When time comes to make a decision, I will not hesitate. I have proved myself decisive in critical incidents. I made many decisions when I was not in power - this is a tougher call than giving out orders from a position of power.

The Nation