Pheu Thai wants to avoid grounds for another dissolution

 

The thing is how we can strengthen the party under the current Constitution and organic laws, which have yet to be amended. How can we expand the party base, which is not easy under the current law? The Thai Rak Thai Party had earlier welcomed in 14 million members in a short time because we could accept new party members by just issuing temporary member cards to them. But we are not allowed to expand the base that easily and if we are not careful, we might be dissolved again. In a short span, we have been disbanded twice on grounds that are unacceptable to us.

 

It seems you still feel disillusioned by the party dissolution.

 

True. So, we are not going to do anything against the law. And in the case of activities that are not clear and open to legal interpretation, we will avoid it because we are already exhausted with the party dissolution issues. Though we can set up a new party, if we are disbanded again, it will be exhausting. In the Yongyuth case, it was a good idea that he did not attend the Cabinet meeting.

 

The party supporters may not be happy because they feel the party has taken a step back.

 

Do not think that we have stepped back, but think that we follow the law. What is not clear, we have to be sure of first. We should not do any activities that are legally ambiguous. Democracy does not mean that you can do whatever you want. Even though we believe we can do, if there is criticism, we should revise the decision. We must listen more to those with different opinions. With sound judgement, our move would be more acceptable.

 

Do you think Thakin Shinawatra’s role and influence over the party pose any problem?

 

Not at all. He is knowledgeable and has made great contribution to Thai society. Even the Pheu Thai Party accepts him and that’s why we had the slogan “Thaksin Thinks, Pheu Thai acts”. We believe in his potential and he has proven himself by solving many problems for our country.

 

What are the differences between Thaksin and Yingluck?

 

Thaksin is a straightforward and hot-headed person. He does whatever he thinks is right and may not take into account the readiness and public acceptance. PM Yingluck is more prudent and determined. Many people see her silence about her critics as her weakness but I believe it is her strength. She uses reason and not emotion. She is humble and easily accessible.

 

How do you see your rival the Democrat Party?

 

We do not look at our competition as much as we look at ourselves. We compete with ourselves and we look at our target groups, what they think of us. We have proved that we are the party that delivers and not just a lip-service one. We translate the people’s wishes into concrete policies. Though we are a relatively new party, we have won the heart of the people.

 

What could cause the collapse of the government?

 

Corruption. The PM is very strict about this. For instance, she said if any politician is found to be corrupt in the rice-pledging scheme, they must be removed. She will survive.

 

Do you think the Constitution amendment and reconciliation bills may cause the government to stumble?

 

No, the PM wants us to wait so that we have public understanding first. At one point, we will have to make a decision because we have to move on.