Abhisit promises his govt would keep the military out of politics

General News - Wednesday December 19, 2007

RACE TO PARLIAMENT

Abhisit promises his govt would keep the military out of politics

Army would not be used as a political tool

MANOP THIP-OSOD & ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has given assurances that he will not use the military as a political tool if his party is elected to government.

Mr Abhisit delivered his promise while making a campaign speech at the Air Force and introduced three party candidates _ Capt Pitak Tanbuncha, Kongsak Yodmanee and Witthayen Mutamara _ in Bangkok constituency 3.

Mr Abhisit promised that if his party led the next government, it would ensure the armed forces would rise above politics. They would not be turned into a political tool to serve the politicians in power, he said.

He also pledged to boost the capabilities of the armed forces and promote locally-produced weapons.

His government would also forge better understanding between military officers and civilians, he said.

Mr Abhisit also addressed the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand last night, stressing the importance of the general election on Sunday. He said the poll would turn the country around.

The country needs a new leadership to bail it out of the economic hardship it has been suffering, Mr Abhisit said.

''This election can win back international confidence. Such confidence is a matter of urgency for this country,'' he said.

He pointed out that attention has been diverted to irrelevant issues such as the return of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the opposition more than the country's future, which will be determined by the polls.

Mr Abhisit said Mr Thaksin is not a poll candidate and therefore, he does not warrant special attention.

''This election is about choosing between myself and Mr Samak (Sundaravej) _ the leader of the People Power party (PPP).

''It will be a choice of a new leadership which can really change the country's economy for the better and unite all Thais through the democratic process,'' he said.

He supported calls for amendments to the military-backed constitution, which many say has weakened the country's political institutions.

If the Democrat party led the government, it would do away with the undemocratic provisions in the charter, Mr Abhisit said.

He also urged the National Legislative Assembly to abandon the controversial Internal Security bill, saying the assembly should take a break and wait for elected representatives to take over the duty of passing legislation.

He proposed those who will be in charge of the restructured Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) under the security bill be elected.

Mr Abhisit said he will push for the removal of proposed provisions in the bill that could violate human rights, particularly a controversial provision which gives officials involved in security operations immunity from criminal and civil accountability.

He said the Sept 19 coup should be the last.

''A coup is now the thing of the past, it does not make sense any more,'' he said.

Mr Abhisit also lashed out at PPP leader Mr Samak over his refusal to join him in a public debate on their political platforms.

Mr Samak's refusal prompted the People's Network for Elections (P-Net) to cancel its planned debate.

Mr Abhisit said it was a pity that a person who volunteered to be the government leader lacked democratic spirit.

Bangkok Post