The opposition is only doing its job: Korn

The Yingluck Shinawatra government has important bills waiting for deliberation by Parliament when it convenes next week. Which bill do you think has the highest risk?

If the Bt2-trillion loan bill is approved, the Democrats will immediately ask the Constitutional Court for a judicial review. If the court rules it is unconstitutional, I think the government will have to resign.

The controversial Bt350-billion water-management scheme also poses a risk. The Administrative Court last month suspended the mega-project pending compulsory environmental impact assessments and public hearings before work on the design and construction begins. If they continue borrowing money, I think they will violate the law and cannot stay [in power].

 

Do you mean the government can be 

toppled by a court ruling while the Democrats can only set the ball rolling?

Yes. It is the Democrats’ duty to scrutinise and see if the government is violating laws. However, if the court rules those two bills are unconstitutional it does not mean all projects will be terminated. They can still go ahead using the annual budget as per normal or find new financial resources. Now the fiscal 2014 budget bill is under consideration, so why not have a “Plan B” and move some projects under the Bt2-trillion bill to this budget? Why is it necessary to just wait for the Bt2-trillion loan bill?

 

Apparently, court rulings will be able to end all conflicts, so why do many senior Democrats still insist on taking on the ‘Reveal the Truth’ mobile forum? What is their ultimate goal?

We use the forum to show we are in strong opposition to the former PM Thaksin Shinawatra when it comes to politics. I think the leaked audio clip [believed to be a conversation between Thaksin and Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha] clearly shows that Thaksin is doing everything for himself. He used to accuse the Abhisit [Vejjajiva] government 

of being set up in the military barracks, and now he’s turning to the military to help bring him back to the country. 

He is also reaching out to the group he called the “ammart” [elite], including [Privy Council President] General Prem [Tinsulanonda].

If Thaksin believes the military can pave the way for him to return home, then others might think that the military could help the Democrat Party oust this government as well?

I honestly don’t think we need someone to help. Everybody has their duties and responsibilities. 

I do my duty when I submit a petition to the Constitutional Court or the National Anti-Corruption Commis-sion (NACC). I am not asking for their help. 

If the court and the NACC have different views, then we will respect them, but we have the right to express our disagreement. Also, if the verdict does not match the facts, it will only add more problems for the country. 

 

Decisions made by independent agencies have been questioned as being dependent on public pressure. Are the ‘Reveal the Truth’ rallies aimed to mobilise protesters and create public pressure?

Absolutely not! We need to explain to the public what this government and Thaksin are doing. It will also help us stop Thaksin more easily. 

Do you have any plans to join forces with other anti-government groups such as V for Thailand and Thai Spring? The key leader of Thai Spring Kaewsun Atibodhi was once part of the ‘Reveal the Truth’ rally as well.

No. Kaewsun was on our stage a long time ago. Everyone can join our stage. We are not involved in his group.

 

With only 160 seats in the House, how can the Democrat Party bring down the government?

I don’t think we can. It’s not a matter of voting. Even if the court rules the Bt2-trillion loan bill is unconstitutional, I don’t think the government will show spirit [and resign]. 

Instead, they will blame others. Or they might dissolve the House, which will make an election the last resort. We are doing the job of an opposition party. If an election is called, our next step will be to win it. This is because victory will lead us to sustainable change.

 

Is the Democrat Party ready for an early election?

Our party will be at a disadvantage if an election is called soon. This is because we never have enough financial support compared to our rivals. Yet, we are ready to fight and are encouraging our candidates to be prepared for an election.