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10/11/09
Bangkok Post

The government should call a general election as soon as possible now that it believes its popularity rating is high, Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said in an interview with foreign media on Tuesday.

"In fact, I want the government to dissolve the House of Representatives today or tomorrow, since its popularity rating is how so high. This should be done now before major problems occur and become more difficult to solve," he said.

Asked to elaborate on the ''major problems'', Gen Chavalit said the government already has problems with the economy and poverty.

When asked about his readiness to take on the leadership of the Puea Thai Party, Gen Chavalit said his prime objective inreturning to politics was to solve the country's problems - particularly relations with neighbouring countries, conflict among people in society, and southern unrest.

Gen Chavalit was non-committal when asked if he would later take the Puea Thai leadership.

"I have returned for wanting to solve problems. Initially I planned to be a party member only and did not think of becoming a party executive. But, with support from people in the party, I am glad to accept it. However, I do not think I would be party leader or prime minister. My real intention is to work on solving the problems for only one year or one and a half years," Gen Chavalit said.

On the appointment of Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Gen Chavalit said this happened because the two are friends. He said he envied Thaksin for having such a good friend.

He had not talked to Thaksin and therefore did not know how long the former Thai prime minister would remain in Cambodia.

On the possibility of Thaksin being extradited, the former prime minister said he had not studied the relevant laws in detail.

Gen Chavalit, however, cited a case in which Thailand turned down Cambodia's request to extradite Sok Yoeun, who was wanted for the alleged attempted assassination of Hun Sen in 1998.