Abhisit's stance six months in office

Since you have been in power for six months, which problems between economics and politics are more difficult to solve?

For economics, it is not beyond my expectation. As I said before, economic growth will be negative until the third quarter of this year and return to be positive in the fourth quarter.

Some figures are better than feared, such as the unemployment rate, which we can halt. But we are concerned about loans and the exchange rate. All the government's projects meet their objectives.

Within the past six months we have set the direction and measures for the Thai economy in the next few years. We don't just take the country out of the crisis but also overhaul the country under the Strong Thailand economic package.

But for politics, it is beyond my expectation. The Songkran mayhem made the situation worse. But after the incident we have some stability. We are now trying to enhance reconciliation. If we can [succeed], the situation should be fine.

What grade will you give your government's performance?

I won't rate myself. The media can do a survey. I'll listen to any response. However, regarding my Democrat Party's popularity survey, it has never been as high as this before. So, I think it's positive. But it's still not good enough. I'm still not satisfied. We have to work harder.

It seems that people earlier had high expectations for your government but now they have lesser expectations …

When we first became the government, critics said we would last only three months. Some said we have a small margin of MP seats but we have passed more laws than a government with a bigger majority.

Within six months we have completed the first round of stimulus packages and some welfare benefits such as an old-age allowance and free education, which other parties have always mentioned but have never done.

I realise that people always have expectations, that's why we have to work harder. There are more big projects to come such as a new method of intervening in crop prices and the first time for a restoration of the basic structure in order to compete on the international stage.

From what you say, is it likely that your government will stay until the end of its term?

I can't answer this question. I'm willing to hold an election if, at some point, there is a consensus that an election will be a political way out. I won't cling to power or stay until the end of my term.

The only thing I want to say is I don't want to see an election while some undemocratic political groups are still obstructing real (free and fair) competition. So, I won't hold an election as long as they still block [us] from entering some areas.

People often compare the performance of your government and Thaksin's. How will you do better than Thaksin?

It's all right if they compare the first six months of the premier's and mine. But people always compare my six-month government with the five years of Thaksin's.

I took office under absolutely different conditions than his. People praised Thaksin for the early payoff of IMF debt but, in fact, the country's economy was in good condition before he became the government.

On the contrary, I took only six months to deliver many policies while he had time to do so during his six-seven years in office but never did even though they are his party's polices.

Give me two or three years more, I assure you that I will deliver more than Thaksin. I also have to fix some of his legacy, such as the [Thailand] Elite card, "We Care" housing project and the damage to the rice market.

Under his five years in power, if Thaksin was really able to solve the poverty problem, then why are there complaints that we still have a lot of poor people?

What is your urgent agenda from now to the end of this year?

Trying to restore positive economic growth. This year the figure is forecast to be negative 3-5 per cent and expected to be positive 1-2 per cent for next year. In August, we will distribute money according to the Strong Thailand package, and the last thing is restructuring the country.

Now, do you feel more or less confident in tackling the country's crises compared to your first day in office?

I have more confidence in tackling the economic crisis. But for politics, it's the same.

How is your relationship with "government manager" Suthep Thaugsuban?

We are still the same. We have been working together for a long time. (smiling) There are no problems between me and him. Sometimes, we have some different opinions. That's usual.

How do the differences get sorted out?

By the system. I'm the prime minister and he's my deputy.

Rumour has it that Suthep is out of your inner circle?

That's not true! (raises voice) I don't have inner circles. I work systematically.

Who do you consult with and trust when you're faced with problems?

It depends on the issue. I talk to Suthep about security and legal cases without keeping secrets, but not economic issues.

Some say Suthep may defect from you and the Democrat Party …

There's no such information. I have no doubt or paranoia that Suthep will do something against me. I can guarantee that he loves the party no less than anyone.

Will there be a day when he walks out from the party?

I don't see that.

How will you go after ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra? Why does the government fail to bring him back?

We try to ask for cooperation from the countries he stayed at. The problem is we don't know where he will go. We cannot chase him in time. He changes his plan everyday. And we don't have extradition agreements with some countries.

Are you haunted by Thaksin's ghost, as one of your coalition members once said - the coalition will stick together because they feel haunted by Thaksin?

I'm not scared of Thaksin, ghost or no ghost. On the contrary, I want to ask why Thaksin's supporters are worried about my visit to the North (Thaksin's political stronghold). I don't understand why they obstructed us from visiting some provinces. I'm not sure who is really scared of whom! However, I'm prepared to visit Sukhothai the next trip.

How long will this situation last?

Not long. I asked the police to use law enforcement.

Will you assign Suthep to talk with Thaksin, as they were once familiar with each other?

Suthep will no longer talk to Thaksin. Suthep used to talk to Thaksin after he dissolved the House in 2006 and Suthep learnt a lesson that he should have not talked with Thaksin.

The Democrats disagree with other parties on some proposed changes to the Constitution. What would be the resolution?

On some issues that the majority agrees is necessary, although the Democrats disagree, we might have to yield to the majority. But that must not bend principles such as amnesty for criminal cases.

Will you dissolve the House when the partial Constitution amendment is finished as an urgent task recommended by the committee [on reconciliation, political reform and constitutional amendment]?

They have set one year, haven't they? If all agree a House dissolution would solve the problem, that's okay with me.

When is an appropriate time for the Charter amendment?

The process should be ongoing. But we have to first figure out in what form we would work on.

The most important point is how to create acceptance when there is some opposition to the proposals.

It's no use if we change the Charter and conflicts erupt again. I always reminded the committee to study [issues] broadly.