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Published on April 4, 2008

Do you think the government's bid to amend the Constitution will cause problems?

I have said repeatedly that this issue is part of the system. Constitutional amendment must be done via the channels allowed in the charter. The government whips have clear reasons for the changes. Those opposing the amendments have the right to do so. Finally, you will have to vote in Parliament. Some people say the government will win the vote, but the parliamentary system is guaranteed by the Constitution. That's not a problem.

Do you think opposition to the amendment plan will lead to serious confrontation?

Everyone has the right to disagree. But why must there be confrontation? Does someone want to see bloodshed? That's not necessary. Opposition can be made via the rules. You can disagree, that's okay. This will be settled in Parliament. The People Power Party wants everyone to obey the law. You should think of the country first. Don't cause more trouble.

Will the charter change affect the government's longevity?

The government's term is four years according to the Constitution. This amendment plan will not cover the change of the term's length. The government will continue after the amendment.

It is said the government should focus more on solving the economic problems. What do you think about this?

The government has worked for two months and covered all issues, including the economy. On some matters, we've done more than the administration that ran the country for almost two years.

We have not neglected the problems about the people's well-being. The charter amendment can be done in parallel with other issues.

It's a matter for MPs to deal with in Parliament. The government has the prime minister and other Cabinet members, who are doing their jobs.

We are not obsessed with this matter of charter changes.

Do you think the government has done enough to tackle economic problems?

I think we've not done enough, but it's a good beginning, and we've come the right way. Each part of society agrees with what we're doing, including business people. We're not sitting idly by. To be an elected government, you must work seriously to serve the public. Over the past two months, the government has done everything, and there has been some progress. There's still time. The constitutional amendments should be done together, and it's not wasting time for national development.

The World Bank cautioned that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's recent talk about coup threats could scare away foreign investors.

I don't think so. The economy remains healthy. The government has not faced any obstacles. A few words are unlikely to destroy our working system. Coups are not good. The past coup was even worse [than the talk about a coup].

The Nation