Politicians have the freedom to convey their party’s vision, but they should not label Thai politics as undemocratic, according to a member of the United Thai Nation Party (UTNP) on Sunday.
Suchart Chomklin, a member of the UTNP’s policy and strategy committee, made the remark the day after arguing with Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of the Move Forward Party in a political debate held by the Nation Group.
On Saturday, a debate titled “Path to the Future” was conducted at Pattaya City Hall. When asked why every person should vote in the May 14 election, Thanathorn stated that democracy is the only way Thailand will be able to bring itself out of problems.
“Coups should not exist in Thailand,” he stated, adding that the country does not adhere to democratic values since some lawmakers serve tyrants.
Thanathorn went on to say that a political career is honorable because politicians are elected by the people. Politicians, too, must respect the people and democracy. Suchart told the press on Sunday that Thanathorn’s remarks were insulting, noting that the present administration was elected in 2019.
He further stated that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha was chosen with the support of 253 MPs and senators.
“If Thanathorn believes Thai politics is undemocratic and politicians do not serve the people,” he says, he should not run for office.
He stated that it is the responsibility of politicians to serve the people regardless of whether their political party is part of the government coalition or the opposition. After all, all politicians are elected by the people, he argued.
“Thanathorn’s discourse may spark societal discord,” he remarked.
He went on to say that while politicians have the freedom to promote their political party’s visions in order to gain voters, they should not blame Thai politics.
“What if someone blames your school for the state of education?” he questioned, adding that no one will want to enter politics if politicians only blame each other.
Suchart stated that he was unconcerned about how this debate might influence UTNP’s popularity. “I don’t care,” he added, “because I want to defend Thai politics.”
