Meeting with Prem 'only for show'

There are some similarities. There are incidents that make people feel that the government can no longer run the country – the control of the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The longer it goes on the more troubled people are.

People are waiting to see when the PAD will make a move and call a protest and what they will oppose. First, it could be about something that affects the throne. Second, it could be the passing of legislature that would aid Thaksin Shinawatra to absolve him from his crimes or to grant amnesty to those who shoot soldiers and burn buildings.

Third, when people feel they can’t bear it any longer, they will come out on the street again. If it’s not necessary, we won’t bother anyone. [But] If the reds get away with the damage they have caused, it would set an example. If votes can be bought in Parliament, any rich person can buy [power]. If amnesty is granted, the same behaviour will be repeated.

 

On the Constitution amendment, is it really the time to do it?

We must wait and see. There may be some complications but I might be wrong if I tried to be specific. The PAD never read the situation wrongly, however. It may be tough to protest on the streets – but if we have no choice then we will.

 

Will there be as many protesters? Some say the PAD is long finished.

We believe there might be more [protesters] in fact because things are getting worse after this government came to power. Also, most recently, red-shirt lawyers petitioned the Constitution Court to see if the lese majeste law was constitutional or not. This means they want it abolished and not just amended. Nobody knows until the situation is before us. There may be situations that would invite more people to protest. There are still many people who think they’ll do whatever it takes to protect the throne. This is the indicator.

 

Sondhi Limthongkul faces a suspended sentence and may not be able to lead the protest, will this affect the PAD leaders?

It won’t have any impact. He is still the same. All five co-leaders are still well and nothing has weakened us. There may have been misunderstandings when the New Politics Party [contested the election] but everything is the same.

I am not over-estimating myself. We are cautious – that’s why we’re not saying how many will show up [if a protest is called]. It’s like soldiers who won’t consider if they are outnumbered when they have to go to battle. How else can they defend the country? Numbers aren’t always the indicators [of success].

 

But society is talking about national reconciliation. Can reds, yellows reconcile?

We must ask whom are we asked to reconcile with. We are not angry at red shirts or any other groups but we protect the country from being damaged. It’s too childish to think that we must attack those of a different political colour.

We can’t return to the pre-2006 coup situation. We can’t have reconciliation between law-breakers and law-abiders. Tell me, who is the PAD in conflict with, so that we need to reconcile? Reconciliation is only for feuding parties.

I am ready to go to court at any time for what is just. They claim that what happened after the military coup was unjust, then [they] don’t respect the judicial process.

 

What’s the PAD way for reconciliation?

Strict adherence to the laws. If a country can’t impose law, then what’s the use? What they called constructive dialogue I call dialogue that would lead to disaster [laughs]. It’s good that we are like this without reconciliation and those who did wrong pay for it.

 

How do you see the fostering of good relations between the government and the Privy Council president?

I don’t think it’s working. Songkran falls on April 13 but they went to see [Prem] on April 26. How can they do this? It’s just a PR stunt.

 

But Prem was receptive.

He did it out of courtesy as someone senior. If he didn’t welcome [Yingluck] they would criticise him anew, saying he doesn’t want reconciliation. I can attest to you however that Prem WON’T BE SWAYED because I used to be with him. He remembers and does not forget easily. Think about it, two years ago, they went to the front of his residence to hurl insults and the defamation cases [haven’t progressed] anywhere yet and they say they now respect him? It’s just about image making to mislead others, to make it appear as if General Prem is for reconciliation. And those who went there were not sincere in paying respect to him.

 

Government people say things are changing, could reconciliation be happening?

Perhaps they realised they won’t [achieve] it if they don’t change. On that same day the reds gathered to remember those killed in 2010 – and the Akhad family wouldn’t reconcile. Let me ask Thaksin this: ‘Could you take it and say ‘forget it’ if your wife or children were shot to death?’

 

So the visit to Prem was a political tool?

Definitely. The reason is clear. Even now they say they won’t kowtow to the amataya (elite).

 

Does the Pheu Thai electoral victory mean people want Thaksin?

No. It means they want money. I am not looking down and I admit that some honestly voted [for them] – but many voted because of money. Parliamentary dictatorship is not different from Hitler or Marcos.

 

So the PAD hasn’t risen above Thaksin?

I don’t look at the individual but look at what damage has been caused to the country. If I see him I will still consider him my younger brother as he called me elder brother every time. But politics is different ...