Sunisa overcomes fear of loss of dignity to pen 2nd Thaksin book

I have a journalist's spirit. And I had a book. Some fans want to read my book. I always look for a chance to write a new book. In the meantime, my reporter friend knew I was affected by the consequences after writing my first book and said to me, "Haven't you found your pen?" Then I asked myself what I was doing. I was overwhelmed with sadness and fear. At the same time I suffered when I watched TV and read newspapers seeing my friends doing the job I was no longer in a position to do.

So when Thaksin said OK, he allowed me to interview him, I wanted to write the new book.

It was my desire to write the new book. So I contacted him [saying] I wanted to interview him for the second book. I contacted him many times. He did not say OK in the first place, saying he was busy.

It was a coincidence. I released the book at this time because the national book fair is held at this time each year. It has nothing to do with Thaksin's political fight.

I started from zero. I never had any privilege or shortcuts in my life. I worked hard by myself and now I am here working for the Army. I am proud. So I suffer every time people say I accept Thaksin's money.

I can make money from my book. Why do I have to trade my dignity with money from Thaksin?

Thaksin has given me enough by allowing me to interview him for my book. I would be ashamed to accept his money in addition to that.

I am a writer and my duty is to write about people in the book so that readers can find the information useful to them and the country.

Thaksin is a character in Thai politics. We should know his thinking so we can analyse trends in Thai politics. I have my duty in only passing on information to the readers. That's it. There is no hidden thing.

If I didn't believe the information in the book was useful to the country, I wouldn't have written the book. Thaksin is an active character in politics, [and] his role certainly has an effect on politics. It depends on how readers will make use of the book.

Although it was painful over the past two years, now I am stronger. It's like I walked through fire before. Now I know how hot it is and I am ready to tackle obstacles and walk through it again. I want to do my job.

I also understand myself, others and the world more. Now I have crossed the line of fear.

When I was fearful, my imagination was away and that was really awful. Now my imagination and motivation to write a book again have come back.

Serving the army is one of my pride. It's also my family's pride. I respect the army and I see the virtue of being an army officer.

Both of my jobs (as military officer and writer) support each other and I can contribute to the country through both jobs. Now I have no major assignment at the army. But if one day I will be busy working for the military, I will have to do my best for the job as it is my main job. I will have to manage time well to write, though.

I am always being posed with such questions. I personally think being red shirt or yellow shirt is not a big deal. Both groups have goodwill for the country. They might only believe in different means [to achieve it].

Some people are concerned that the country is divided into many colours, but I think they are the beauty of … it shows Thais nowadays participate in politics more.

The point is how will country have common rules that are fair to both groups. That would be a political development that strengthens democracy.

My status and my role are just a writer who writes about Thaksin. It was because I could contact him and have a chance to interview him and I pass on the story to readers. My duty is finished now. I'm not involved with [the red shirts].

Firstly, my views and angles in talking to Khun Thaksin for the first book were not wide and did not cover enough. I lacked experience last time.

For the new book I have done my homework [about] what was missing in the last book and I filled [this new information] into the new book.

I also had limited chances to interview Thaksin for the first book. Just two times. The information is less deep. This time I had a chance to follow him to places, so I have many anecdotes to write for my book.

I'm writing the book. I am not a very good writer, so the exclusiveness of the information for my book will be the selling point of my book. The person must be hard to reach and must interest all people. I believe all people in the country want to know how the person is doing.

I can't tell you much as I don't know when the book will be finished and it will take a while [yet].