It's wrong to accuse the EC of having double standards

But during an interview with The Nation's Budsarakham Sinlapalavan and Kornchanok Raksaseri, she insists she is sticking with fairness- and continues to use the same standards as those of previous governments.

Q: The criticism has been made that the EC was more strict [in its rulings] when the Thai Rak Thai and People Power Party were dissolved than the present. After their voting rights were revoked, Thai Rak Thai executives kept a low profile and stayed out of politics at the time. But lately some have publicly reentered political events, including the launch of the Bhum Jai Thai Party in its support of the Democrat government. Does that mean the EC has double standards?

A: The 2007 Constitution stipulates voting rights revocation and prohibits banned politicians from forming or being executives of a new party. However it does not say clearly what they can do. When Thai Rak Thai was newly dissolved, the Puea Pandin Party sent a letter to consult us whether it could appoint Somkid (Jatusripitak former Thai Rak Thai deputy leader) as an adviser. The EC replied the law did not say whether such an appointment was allowed, but the party could consider whether to make it or not. The dissolution had just taken place so nobody dared to do anything.

Q: Has the Election Commission changed its policies since a new government has taken the country's reins?

A: No. EC work is about elections which are not related to the government's policies at all. The EC uses facts and laws. It is also an organisation independent of all government agencies. We are truly independent.

Q: You warned the Pheu Thai Party lately that it could be dissolved if it appointed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra an adviser. What is the EC's stance on that case?

A: Nobody has consulted the EC if Thaksin could be appointed an adviser. This case needs legal interpretation whether an adviser is considered to hold an executive position in the party. If so, it is prohibited and the party would face a dissolution case.

Some people might think we have two standards, but we don't. The EC is investigating the Pheu Thai's complaint that Democrats joined hands with Newin Chidchob to form a government. Newin has had his rights revoked. If it is against the law, the Democrat Party must face a dissolution case too.

Q: The government also appointed some rightsrevoked politicians as advisers, why does the EC remain silent?

A: No complaint has been filed. In such a case, the EC cannot do anything. We received only a complaint against cooperation to form a government. For politicians to join the launch of the Bhum Jai Thai Party is not likely to be against the law. The laws don't say a rightsrevoked politician is a disgusting person and is banned from joining events.

Q: How do you feel about being criticised for using double standards?

A: No, I have only one standard. Sometimes we consider a case report and find a party is guilty this time, but it might be not guilty in the next case. We have to consider from the report (findings) we receive. From the reports (findings) we uncover cases both guilty and notguilty. The EC is neutral, nonpartisan. The most important [quality] in working as an EC member is patience. It is being patient to criticism. However, if people believe the EC is not working correctly, they can file a complaint with the court.

Q: What was the heaviest criticism against you, or what has hurt you most?

A: Untrue issues. To clarify the truth I had to show my important documents to reporters. I was irritated that I was accused wrongly. I wasted my time figuring out how to explain the truth, instead of using my brains for the work. I had to clarify things for people. Otherwise, they would believe what they had been told and misunderstand me. Some EC members said jokingly their faces don't feel picking [meaning: they have thick skins or are getting used to criticism which now causes them less embarrassment]. Sometimes clarifying points consumed a lot of time and before we could clarify them to people, my reputation was ruined. I wonder what karma I did so I have to pay like this.

Q: Has your life changed after becoming an EC member?

A: No. Just it's the same. But being an EC member make people know me more. I used to be able to buy things on the roadside. But I can't now as an EC member. One day I dropped by to buy something at a shop on the roadside.

Some people asked me if I was Sodsri, I said no. I did not buy the goods and immediately got back into my car. I don't know who likes me or not and I need to be more careful. But I'm glad to have come this far. Some people might say it is luck that comes with pain, as I must be criticised. But when I'm one of five EC members selected from tens of candidates, I am proud.