Premier is very sincere and govt is doing right: Chidchai

Former Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya, who briefly took Thaksin Shinawatra's place when the latter took a break from the PM's office in the face of mounting political pressure, defends the current government and talks about his political future in this interview with The Nation's Samatcha Hunsara.

Recent public opinion polls shows the government has failed in its performance.

I don't see it that way. I think the government has done a good job. More surveys should be conducted. I believe in polls but there are possibilities for mistakes. I must be convinced before I can believe the result.

Do you think this government will survive in the face of problems and conflicts?

I think it will survive its four-year term. This government is addressing the problems correctly. As for the conflicts, they are normal in politics; you have both admirers and haters. And I think people in the grassroots like and understand what Samak says.

The prime minister appears aggressive.

He is a senior person who presents facts to people in society.

On many occasions he has reacted strongly to respected figures in society.

To serve the country, you need to look ahead with vision. Don't be near-sighted. I'd like to reiterate that this prime minister is very sincere.

It is believed that he has been in conflict with respected figures of society.

Not true. Samak is loyal to the nation, the religion and the monarchy. He just wants the country to be in order.

Do you think the current political situation looks like that before the coup of September 2006?

Not the same. People are better informed now and they want the country to advance further. I see that our country is back to democracy now.

There are concerns that the government may interfere in the court cases facing many government figures.

I think the government respects the rules.

The People Power Party's move to seek constitutional amendment is viewed as an attempt to pave the way for banned Thai Rak Thai executives' early return to politics.

That's not true. Other TRT executives and I have never asked for it. Look at my face and see if it's bright. [Laughing] I am fine now.

 Many banned TRT executives do not accept the Constitution Tribunal's order that disbanded the party.

I respect the judgement by the minority judges in the case.

If you have an opportunity, will you make a comeback to politics?

It's a matter for the future and only God will know. [Laughing] I can't talk about this now. If the question was whether I still want to work for the country, my answer would be I prefer to do anything that would make me happy and would not harm anybody. This is to allow our country to go ahead. It's better not to bicker.

There is a view that the ongoing political uncertainties are caused by Thaksin Shinawatra's desire to make a comeback.

That's not true. He told me that he just wanted to restore his reputation and dignity. I insist that he has definitely washed his hands of politics.