Bangkok: "Chuan" encouraged the Election Commission to handle the Senate collusion case fairly and impartially, urging them not to twist wrong into right. He suggested repaying the kindness of political criminals only after their death, whether from natural causes or cholera, by attending their funeral. At the National Museum of Art, Chao Fa Road, Mr. Chuan Leekpai, Member of Parliament (List System) and former Prime Minister of the Democrat Party, presided over the opening ceremony of the National Art Exhibition and International Art Exchange: Art Exchange 2026. Organized by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, the event showcases works by National Artists, emerging artists, and international artists. It runs from August 6th to 30th, Wednesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
According to Thai News Agency, reporters said that during a keynote speech, former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai addressed social and political issues, stating that quality is essential in all matters-politics, economics, and society. Without quality, survival is difficult. "Aren't civil servants ashamed that they have to buy their way in for 500,000 or 700,000 baht just to earn tens of thousands of baht a month? Once they're in power, do they ever stop extorting money? Do you think politicians who bought votes for 100 million or 80 million baht would earn them a mere 100,000 baht a month? It wouldn't be worth it even after many years. But these people have a way out. They see politics as a business; they invest and they want a profit. That's why corruption is rampant. This vicious cycle has spread to the civil service and independent organizations."
Mr. Chuan said that the current problems within independent organizations, as we have seen, include interference in the selection of Senate members, leading to collusion cases among Senators. Now, the Election Commission is being pressured to perform its duties honestly and straightforwardly. However, he questioned whether the Election Commission would dare to do so, given that the majority of its members were appointed during this period, through selection by the current Senate, which is perceived as having come from a rigged system. He wondered if those who came from a rigged system would dare to make fair and impartial judgments. Personally, he still believes that there are good people in society; it's not all bad. He also revealed that he is currently writing a letter to the Chairman of the Election Commission to encourage him and urge him to uphold what is right, to acknowledge what is wrong and what is right.
Regarding the issue of repaying favors, Mr. Chuan said, "If we become or hold a position because of them, we should repay the favor when they die. We should attend their funeral, whether they die of natural causes or cholera. Attending the funeral is a way of repaying the favor according to tradition and custom. Don't repay it by twisting right into wrong and wrong into right, simply to keep these political thieves in power."