Low turnout as citizens answer PM’s questions

MONY CITIZENS who showed up to answer the prime minister’s four political questions agreed yesterday that corrupt politicians should be prevented from gaining power through elections.
However, only a small number of people – ranging from less than a dozen to more than several dozen – appeared at different government complaint centres around the country, including at Government House and provincial halls. 
It was the first day the government started accepting answers to the questions posed by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha late last month.
On May 26, Prayut asked citizens during his weekly national address if they thought the next election would deliver a government with good governance, and if that were not the case, what would they do. 
He also asked if it was right to have elections without taking the country’s future into consideration. 
The prime minister also asked whether politicians with bad behaviour should be allowed to re-enter politics, adding that it could lead to new conflicts.
At the Government House complaint centre, only three people were present at 10am to answer the questions in person. Meanwhile, more than 20 queued to give their answers in Nakhon Ratchasima before noon. In Nong Khai, only eight people showed up at the Damrongtham complaint centre as of 3pm yesterday. 
Most of those who appeared were retirees or middle-aged citizens. They were required to produce ID cards and 13-digit citizen identification numbers.
The Interior Ministry is seeking to collect answers from all over the country to be submitted to the prime minister.
Some respondents at complaint centres yesterday told reporters they wanted Prayut to continue serving until major reforms are completed before the next election is held.
Others said they wanted to go to the polls as soon as possible, although they did not want corrupt politicians to return and raise old problems again.
Retired civil servant Panisara Netrayon, 70, of Nakhon Ratchasima, said she wanted corrupt politicians to be prevented from running the country. “The prime minister has done things correctly. I want him to continue doing his duty,” she said.

‘This is democracy’
But a local red-shirt leader in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chakrawut Traiwallop, called on the post-coup government to be clear about what should be done to build a better future for the country. 
“I urge people who run the country to strictly follow the rules of good governance,” he said after submitting his answers.
Khon Kaen resident Sornsilp Sri-uchan, 54, said he did not want politicians with unsuitable behaviour to contest elections.
Thanachot Nakkaew, 63, of Chiang Mai, said he agreed with the idea of not allowing corrupt politicians to re-enter politics. He also praised the premier’s idea of allowing citizens to comment on certain political issues. 
“This is democracy. It’s a way to listen to the people,” he said.
However, another Chiang Mai resident, Udom Omyim, 69, said it 
 was time the prime minister stepped down. “He has been so tired already and it’s time he take a rest.” But he said he thought at least 70 per cent of citizens trusted Prayut.
Veteran politician Suthep Thaugsuban, who is viewed as a staunch supporter of Prayut, yesterday answered the four questions with a Facebook message. 
In regard to the last question, Suthep said politicians with evil behaviour must not be allowed to re-enter politics. He suggested that new organic laws that were being drafted should establish mechanisms to help to achieve that goal.