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Published on February 1, 2008

Outgoing Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont yesterday bade farewell to senior bureaucrats, saying if he could turn back the clock, he would not have become prime minister because the job demands such great responsibility.

"I have never wanted to work in politics. But since it was necessary, I had to do it, I had to accept the job with uneasiness. If I could turn the time back, I would not become PM. I do not want to feel distressed,'' he said.

Surayud looked relieved and relaxed in a farewell function that was simple but touching. Representing the corps of civil servants, Lord Chamber-lain Keokhwan Vajarodaya presented a bouquet of flowers to the outgoing prime minister and thanked him for serving the country at a critical time.

"Having worked for more than a year in office, I thank everyone for your invaluable advice and constructive opinions to assist me to decide on numerous key issues," he said.

Asked what he thought the public and the country had gained from his administration, Surayud said it would take time to produce prudent evaluation and reflection from the media.

"We can bring our country back on to the democratic path without unrest,'' he said.

Asked if it was possible that he might have to return as PM if political revenge created turmoil and violence again, Surayud was vehemently against the idea.

"I will leave and not return. I do not believe our society should be vengeful. I have learnt the lessons from my very own family. I have lost family members. So solve problems with peaceful means."

Asked if he thought the "brotherly" telephone conversation between General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was a good sign, Surayud said he did not know in detail what they talked about.  "It should be a good signal if they can talk,'' he said.

Asked about the happiest time during his premiership, Surayud said that would be when he was able to get a good night's sleep. The most difficult time was when he had to create an understanding with Thais and leaders of foreign countries.

"I had to muster all my thoughts and concentration to speak the least but get the message across. I also had to build public confidence so that I could lead the country back on a democratic track,'' he said.

Surayud said he had nothing special to suggest to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and he had nothing to hide if Samak wanted to ask him anything.

The Nation