Bangkok: Chaw Suwanphachai, in a heated exchange with Supachai Jaisamut, has clarified that Abhisit Vejjajiva never mentioned the Bhumjaithai Party by name, referring to him instead as "a cow with a broken back." Chaw accused Supachai of cowardice and distortion for insinuating that Abhisit's comments were a boycott of the party, warning that such misinterpretations could threaten democracy.
According to Thai News Agency, Chaw Meekhuad, a former deputy spokesperson for the Democrat Party, took to Facebook to challenge Supachai Jaisamut's remarks. Supachai had criticized Abhisit Vejjajiva over concerns about political parties potentially influencing the Senate and appointing individuals to oversight bodies, which could undermine the system of checks and balances.
Chaw stated that Abhisit did not specifically name the Bhumjaithai Party in his comments. Instead, Abhisit referenced "political parties seizing control of the Senate," a statement that the Bhumjaithai Party's legal team interpreted as an accusation against them. Chaw described this interpretation as akin to "a cow with a broken back."
He further explained that Abhisit's inquiry was not about court rulings on guilt but about whether the current system, where the Senate plays a role in selecting members for independent organizations amid suspicions of political influence, provides adequate safeguards against the takeover of oversight mechanisms. Chaw criticized Supachai for not addressing this issue directly and deflecting it to past events in 2006 and 2014, emphasizing that maintaining democracy involves more than just elections; it requires scrutiny and independence in governance.
Chaw also responded to Supachai's assertion that the Democrat Party's decision not to field candidates in the 2006 and 2014 elections led to coups, calling it "distorted logic." He argued that while Supachai claims he cannot directly link the boycotts to the coups, he misleads the public by suggesting so. Chaw insisted that a comprehensive understanding of history requires considering the crises of trust, corruption allegations, and questioned oversight mechanisms that preceded those decisions.
Chaw concluded by reinforcing that the constitution prohibits using rights or freedoms to overthrow the government and that accusations of such actions must be legally proven. He emphasized that society must question actions that erode democratic principles, as democracy encompasses the rule of law, separation of powers, checks and balances, and accountability. Chaw affirmed Prime Minister Abhisit's stance, stating that remaining silent could be detrimental to democracy's survival.