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Published on February 11, 2008

Anusorn Tamajai, dean of Rangsit University's Faculty of Economics and board member of the Pridi Banomyong Institute, one of the candidates for the only elected Senate seat in Bangkok allowed under the 2006 charter, talks to The Nation's Pravit Rojanaphruk.

Why are you running for an elected Senate seat when you have to compete with much more popular figures such as Rosana Tositrakul?

To run is to express a willingness to serve the public. Secondly, this is an important juncture for the country. I want to contribute something, as teaching and being a business executive can't contribute as much. It takes students 10 or 15 years to come of age and I see many crises confronting our society. Politics is deeply divided. The economy and other social problems are mounting.

 I should be able to do much if elected to scrutinise legislatures and help make politics transparent. I don't care if the odds against me are high. I will try my best. I have never run before and I am surely at a disadvantage as I'm not supported by any political party. But senators must be neutral.

 

You didn't apply for a selected senator quota. What do you think about virtually half the Senate being appointed?

I think that's undemocratic, although it allows those not wanting to run in the election to serve the people. In a democratic system, representatives of the people must be elected. It's simply undemocratic.

 

What do you think about Chulalongkorn University political scientist Giles Ungparkorn's recent criticism that many applications for a selected Senate from the people's movement reflects a new low in the movement?

It tells us that the people's movement is still weak in terms of principle. They should be clear about it and not fall into the temptation of wanting to be selected as a senator. Otherwise, genuine democracy cannot be realised.

 If they could abandon the principle by citing the people's interest, then they can eventually cite anything. This is not a good sign.

Why should Bangkokians vote for you?

I think I have well-rounded qualifications. That is, I'm both an academic and a professional executive. I have experience in many lines of work. I had the courage to oppose the September 19 coup, which resulted in the loss of two executive positions at private corporations that cost hundreds of thousands of baht in terms of salaries. I'm confident in my own honesty and integrity and I am without scandal. I think senators must be willing to stand for what is right.

 I'm a compromiser and not a confronter, but principle and justice must come first.

 

Why didn't you run for the Lower House?

I'm not running as an MP because I do not want to become a politician, although I had a chance to be able to work for both the Democrats and the People Power Party. I do not see any party as a genuine mass party or progressive party.

 

Do you think the new government will interfere with the Senate?

Lessons from the past have taught us that this is not beneficial for the country. But if such a thing occurs, I will be the first to stand up and oppose it.

The Nation