Bangkok: Speaker Chuan Leekpai gave a 30-minute explanation, refuting Pipat's remarks about the Prime Minister's two-term term. He warned that tying the budget to party affiliation constitutes discrimination, violates the constitution, and serves as a political lesson that should not be repeated. He emphasized that he is the Prime Minister of the entire nation, not just one province.
According to Thai News Agency, former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai held a press conference to clarify the comments made by Bhumjaithai Party leader Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who alluded to a southern province having two consecutive Prime Ministers visiting the area. Mr. Chuan urged the media to look at the current development progress in the southern region and emphasized that he was not attacking anyone. Mr. Chuan explained the facts regarding development in the southern region to the press for over 30 minutes.
Mr. Chuan stated that although the government spokesperson had clarified some points, the part referring to Trang province, where he had previously served as Prime Minister and which the public could directly interpret, had not been clearly explained. Therefore, he felt it necessary to clarify the facts himself, as the statement could affect public understanding and the political atmosphere, especially during the election campaign.
The former prime minister noted that using Government House as a venue for interviews that alluded to or compared regional development was inappropriate, as it should primarily be used for announcing government policies or achievements, rather than for political attacks or defamation.
Mr. Chuan emphasized that statements implying that people in the South would receive special funding and development benefits if they voted for a particular political party constitute "discrimination," which violates Article 27 of the Constitution, prohibiting discrimination based on political opinions. He warned that this type of politics has created division in the past and should not be repeated.
Mr. Chuan stated that during his time as Prime Minister, he was guided by the principle of being the Prime Minister of the entire nation, not just one province. Key development projects during that era were not focused solely on his hometown, but rather on developing infrastructure nationwide, including four-lane roads, transportation systems, expanding educational opportunities, establishing regional universities, and welfare policies such as elderly allowances and the school milk program, which benefited citizens in all provinces equally.
Regarding Trang province, Mr. Chuan affirmed that it has been developed similarly to other provinces. This includes improvements to infrastructure, transportation systems, railways, the airport, and important public spaces, as well as promotion of environmental protection, education, and the quality of life for its citizens. He also stated that he does not want any province to be compared to another in a way that creates the impression of favoritism towards specific areas.
The former Prime Minister further stated that national development should not focus solely on material aspects or large-scale projects, but must also prioritize human development, education, morality, and social justice. He cited examples of the state's role in providing welfare for citizens and addressing long-term structural problems.
Mr. Chuan also urged politicians of all parties to avoid using rhetoric or campaigning methods that use state funds as a political bargaining chip. He emphasized that citizens in all provinces pay taxes equally and therefore should receive fair development regardless of which political party they voted for.
Mr. Chuan said that, in principle, budget policy should not be used as a political condition or tied to the choice of any particular party. He added that throughout Thai politics, most governments, whether elected or through coups, have avoided openly declaring discriminatory practices, with the exception of the Thai Rak Thai government, which clearly showed its preference for provinces that supported the party, becoming a political lesson.
Mr. Chuan stated that such practices have been seen in the past, even with basic projects like road repairs or holding meetings in local areas, which have been used as political pressure tactics. He emphasized that these lessons have led most political parties today to avoid rhetoric along the lines of "we must prioritize choices before we can develop."
When asked further by reporters whether he personally knew Mr. Pipat, Mr. Chuan confirmed that he did know him and had met him several times, especially during air travel. However, Mr. Chuan commented that Mr. Pipat, having a business background before entering politics, might view politics similarly to business, where returns or profitability must be considered. He argued that such a mindset is inconsistent with the principles of governance.
Mr. Chuan emphasized that discrimination based on political opinions is unacceptable and a lesson Thai society has learned for over 90 years. He cited past examples of political parties employing such tactics failing to gain the trust of the people in certain regions, particularly the South, where some parties once had not a single MP.
Mr. Chuan also expressed hope that this case would serve as an important lesson for all political parties to be aware of and avoid using policies or rhetoric that border on discrimination. He emphasized that national development must be based on the principle of fairness, and people in all areas should be treated equally, regardless of whether they vote for or against any particular political party.