In an exclusive and broad interview that covers his relationship with former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Thai royal family, international relations and his plans should his new People's Power Party win the December 23 elections, veteran politician Samak Sundaravej also defends his role in the October 1976 student massacre and reveals plans for his first two actions should he become prime minister. Number one: Bring back the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai party members through an amnesty and number two, change the constitution.
Full Story: Asia Times Online
Thoughts: Thaksin's lapdog here has a few good points but does Thailand really need a 72 year old right wing, xenophobic, old school politician running it? The country needs to open up and go forwards now, fresh blood, new ideas and a new generation is needed.
Interview: Samak on politics and Thaksin
Interview: Samak on politics and Thaksin
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
An interesting article, I think the reason that an old politician like this is being considered is summed up by this statement in the introduction:
Samak is also one of the few politicians in the country with the stature to lock horns with Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, whom certain PPP members have accused of masterminding last year's military intervention beyond his role as a chief royal advisor.
Samak is also one of the few politicians in the country with the stature to lock horns with Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, whom certain PPP members have accused of masterminding last year's military intervention beyond his role as a chief royal advisor.