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Published on February 6, 2008

Banharn said he had long agreed with such policies, especially those promoted during the election campaigns.

People had been complaining about their lack of income, and populist policies usually helped pour money into the "grassroots" level, which in turn gave the economy a boost, he explained.

He also blamed the previous government's lack of populist policies for the country's economic slump.

Banharn also said he would send party representatives to listen in when the coalition alliance declares its policies in a few days.

When asked about the tourism minister's ability to bring in more revenue, Banharn said he was not worried. The Tourism Ministry is part of the Chart Thai Cabinet quota.

Meanwhile, the party has had to replace Lop Buri MP Kamol Jiraphanwanich as deputy agriculture minister with Nakhon Pathom MP Somphat Kaewwijit due to a conflict of interest.

Kamol's family had won a state concession for a quarrying and stone-crushing operation, and it might be considered a conflict of interest for him to run this business and hold a Cabinet position at the same time.

Banharn said Kamol had accepted the change, adding that ministers need time and an opportunity to prove themselves. He said he was a bit worried about the party being dissolved, but thought it had enough evidence to prove its innocence.

The Election Commission is investigating to see if the party should be dissolved after its executive Monthien Songpracha was disqualified due to electoral fraud.

Nerisa Nerykhiew

The Nation