SUPREME ADMINISTRATIVE COURT JUDGES SWORN IN

King : Justice key to survival

His Majesty the King yesterday called on a new batch of Supreme Administrative Court judges to uphold justice so as to preserve peace in the country. In his address to the new high court judges gathered at Dusit Palace yesterday, the King said the public today was putting greater hope and trust in the judiciary than ever before. So, the judges must keep their oath that they would work in his name and strive to preserve democracy.

The country would survive only under the rule of law, said the King, adding that if the judges do not uphold goodness and work for the public interest, the corrupted and wrongdoers would go unpunished. The country would not be able to survive in such an environment.

''You have made an oath to work in my name, and that is very important to me personally'' said the King. ''If you do your duties right, I will gain face. If you make mistakes, I will be damaged. I hope you will give your very best.''

He also warned the judges that high public expectations would make their tasks even more difficult. Therefore, they must keep their honesty and stay focused.

In his speech to high court judges last year, the King suggested that the judiciary use legal means to get the nation out of the political morass at the time. That speech led to the court ruling that nullified the April 2 general election.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Tuesday April 10, 2007