TRT opens HQ, vows to revive privatisation

Thai Rak Thai's acting leader Chaturon Chaisaeng opened the party's new headquarters yesterday with a vow to revive ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's controversial policy of privatising state enterprises. About 100 former party executives and MPs attended the opening of offices on the first floor of the Nawasorn Building in Bang Kholaem district. The party previously occupied an entire building on New Phetchaburi road.

Mr Chaturon said the party will continue policies that had proved successful. It will give priority to restoring the economy and ensuring the country's competitiveness in the age of globalisation.

''The party's policies will be updated for Thailand's conditions in the next three to four years,'' said Mr Chaturon.

Thai Rak Thai did not want to confront any other political groups or trigger any violence, he added. The government and the Council for National Security (CNS), he said, had managed the country's economy ineffectively.

Thai Rak Thai would promote free trade and would not try to have the state running all the country's important industries as the current government and the CNS was attempting to do, Mr Chaturon said.

The party, according to Mr Chaturon, decided to relocate because it is trying to become a political institution. Party executives decided to time the move for now, while the ban on political activities remained in place, he added.

The previous costly headquarters on The headquarters on New Phetchaburi road was intended to accommodate 400 MPs, he said. Mr Chaturon also expressed confidence that Thai Rak Thai would not be dissolved by the Constitution Tribunal in the election fraud cases.

''Our key members and other members are certain that we'll be treated fairly and the party won't be dissolved. In the next general election we'll be able to wear Thai Rak Thai jackets when running for an MP's seat,'' the acting leader said.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Tuesday April 10, 2007