Government's threat to media is worrying, says Buranaj

Why did you propose yourself for the post?

The country is facing a crisis with economic problems and conflicts in society. As I am trusted to be responsible for the party's communications, I intend to do my best.

What do you plan to continue from the previous Democrat spokesman and what do you want to change?

I will start my job by listening, not speaking. I plan to start by hearing opinions from groups in society, Democrat members, MPs and the media. I plan to use the media positively and to create space for participation by the media and general public. We will then propose creative ideas to society.

The government's threat to the media is worrying. A political party like the Democrats must be responsible for society. I, as its spokesman, must inform people properly, as doing so will reduce the heat in society.

How will you be able to do that?

The Democrat Party has done so for a long time. We have held more than 50 assemblies nationwide in the past two years to hear people's opinions. We have also had more than 20 round-table forums. We have used the information in forming our policies.

The Democrats have been criticised as being passive and sometimes press conferences were held by a non-spokesman to counter-attack criticism from political opponents. The media need immediate reactions. How do you plan to cope with the problem?

I have a supporting team to help me. However, I will stop adding oil to the fire when I just see the smoke. I won't counter-attack others but will inform the public reasonably. We have to stop conflicts in society.

What are your challenges?

Power holders in some political parties are using confrontation and causing conflicts in society. They dominate the media, which is unconstitutional. The challenge is how I can talk to people with reason and make them listen to me and understand. That will be difficult.

Who will be in your team? Have you selected a deputy spokesman?

Many people have offered to be in my team. We are talking but I can't tell you who they are.

Have you asked previous spokesmen for advice?

I have been in this party for 11 years. Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was in this position before. We travelled together a lot, so I know what he did. I also spent five and a half year in the spokesman's team when party executive Sathit Wongnongtoey was spokesman. And I was a director for the party's communications and public relations office when party adviser Banyat Bantadtan was party leader. So I have experience for this job.

Both you and the other candidate for the post, MP Sirichoke Sopa, are close to chief adviser Chuan Leekpai. What are your common characteristics and what helped you win this job?

Please ask the voters. It is common for the Democrats to vote to select people suitable for positions. What I can tell you is that there was no lobbying. I knew I was to be nominated two days before the election.