All parties can campaign at airbases

6 May, 2011
Source: Bangkok Post

The air force will remain impartial and give equal cooperation to all political parties that wish to campaign at airbases and barracks, air force chief Air Chief Marshall Itthaporn Subhawong said on Friday.

ACM Itthaporn said air force will not get involved in politics. Political parties are free to campaign within the rules set by the Election Commission (EC).

Asked whether it is the right time to dissolve House of Representatives as several problems still unsettled, particularly the border dispute with Cambodia, the air force chief said the prime minister might consider it is the right time, after consulting with parties.

He was confident that the armed forces were capable of dealing with the border dispute and protecting the country’s sovereignty.

He would not comment on the issue of conflict among political parties, saying he did not want to show any partiality.

Asked bout the EC’s rule prohibiting political parties from mentioning the monarchy during the election campaign, ACM Itthaporn said the high institution is highly respected by all Thais. Soldiers felt uncomfortable every time the monarchy was insulted, he added.

All political parties should refrain from dragging the high institution into politics for political gain. They should instead explain their election policies and try to win the hearts of the people, he said.

ACM Itthaporn saida House dissolution means the government gives the power back to people and, therefore, all political groups pressuring the government to comply with their demands should cease further activity until after the election.

After a new government is formed according to democratic principles, politics should move on and stick strictly to political mechanisms, he added.