Ekanat’ claims the country must come first after sitting as a minister in the ‘Paetongtarn’ government, insists it is the best choice at this time, says he does not know if he will lose allies or not, asks for the results to be the proof, accepts criticism, declines to answer whether he talked to ‘Suthep’ before deciding, accepts the 112 case for ‘Thaksin’ because he was summoned and could not go himself.
Mr. Ekkanat Promphan, Secretary-General of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, as a new minister in the government of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, gave an interview about the criticism that he used to be a member of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) who chased out the government of Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, but returned to join the Pheu Thai Party government. He said that when he was in politics, he was happy to listen to all opinions and proved himself through his work. Today, the country’s issues must come first. He believes that people who have the same point and ideology may have different met
hods. As the Secretary-General of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, he must choose the best way to be the best way out for the country. Sometimes, it may be the only way out, which he has always insisted on, which is the ideology of protecting and maintaining the institutions that are the pillars of the country.
As for whether he will lose allies or supporters, Mr. Ekkanat said that he did not know, but he would let his work and time be the proof. ‘I am happy to listen to all opinions, whether they are insults or criticisms. Being a politician is a career that I love, and I have always adhered to the ideology of working for the country. I will work hard to make the opportunity worth it.’
When asked if many people have used harsh words to say that we are breaking our own ideology, Mr. Ekkanat said that he understands because he is standing here. In this profession, making decisions and doing things is not easy. However, he insists that he has chosen the best path at this time. The threats and challenges of the
country have changed. Now is an important time for us to cooperate.
When asked if he could work closely with Thaksin Shinawatra’s son, Ekkanat said, “I have to do it.” Today, let’s think about the country first. We can work together. We didn’t forget, we didn’t erase, but we chose.
When asked if he had discussed this matter with Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, the former leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), Mr. Ekanat said that he still talks to everyone normally. He understood that in the past he did not want to talk much, but that does not mean that he will not listen. He understood that those who criticized him had good intentions, so he had to listen and improve himself. However, he emphasized that throughout his political career, he had a position, and this time it was the same. Nothing had changed.
Regarding the news that he went to be a witness for Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, in the 112 case, what is the truth? Mr. Ekkanat said that the truth is that there was a s
ummons from the police officers. He did not go arbitrarily. If he did not go, he would have an arrest warrant. Therefore, he had to do his duty according to the law. However, if there are still doubts about this matter, he will find an opportunity to officially inform again.
When asked about the qualifications that were previously criticized, Mr. Ekkanat said that the qualifications check was not his duty, as he did not hold the position of Minister. It was considered to be in accordance with the inspection standards because his case had already been judged by the court. Therefore, he would not mention the request for an inspection. It is better to move forward with the work.
Source: Thai News Agency