SAPM Talk Ep.2 “Seri there to go” Continue or Stop Here? In the Current Thai Political Equation
As Thai politics enters its final stages before the election, SAP Talk Ep. 2, by SAP News, had the opportunity to speak with “Tu” Pol. Gen. Seripisut Temiyaves, leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, on the topic of “Seri there to go” Continue or Stop Here? In the Current Thai Political Equation” will the Seri Ruam Thai Party choose to cooperate or play the game independently, defying the power struggles to prove its own political style?
Are there any special activities you’ve been doing in the run-up?
I’ve been exercising since I was a child. I’ve run my whole life. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized. That’s why my body isn’t the same as before. Now, when I exercise, I go from running to walking, but I’m still strong and confident enough to reassure the public that I can work comfortably without problems.
Are you still sticking to your slogan, “Liberty is for Action”?
Absolutely. Because I’ve been action-oriented since I was a child, even fighting to suppress communist insurgents, for which I received a medal of bravery in my early twenties—all because of my fighting spirit. When I started working as a police officer, I continued to take action. I've dealt with many influential figures, such as my former superiors, because they lacked fairness. I've also dealt with corrupt politicians.
Why do you revere Guan Yu as a spiritual guide?
Guan Yu is a figure of loyalty and courage. I must admire good people. How could I admire Cao Cao, who was a troublemaker? Respecting Guan Yu also serves as an example for us.
Is there a difference in difficulty between working in politics and working as a police officer?
There is a huge difference. When I was the Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, I spent almost 40 years in service, fighting within the bureaucratic system for a long time. Being a police officer is within a system with rules, but working in politics has no rules. Politics is all about self-interest. I have a long-standing reputation and honor; I couldn't possibly cheat like others. During elections, I was at a disadvantage because others spoke for their money. And there are many poor Thai people today, and vote buying is increasing significantly. In the past, vote buying cost around 300 baht. Nowadays, it costs 4,000-5,000 baht. The public receives that much money, but the person elected as an MP receives a huge sum. Therefore, we must elect good people to govern the country. My party's policies are all for the people.
Why did you want to work in politics after retiring from civil service?
It's not that I'll die at 65; I don't know when I'll die. But right now, my body is strong, and my intellect and experience are even greater. After retiring 16 years ago, I'm even smarter than when I was a police officer. As a police officer, I knew a lot about politics—handling cases and fighting battles—but I didn't know anything about politics. As a police officer, I never spent a single baht buying rank or position. Furthermore, I once ran for Bangkok governor, but I didn't win because my party only had me as a candidate, unlike other parties with many members spread out to campaign. Even so, in 2019, I became an MP and worked diligently in politics because my party's ideology is diligence, frugality, honesty, sacrifice, self-reliance, and cooperation for the people. “If I were to die tomorrow…” "And if the country improves, I'll go for it."
How does politics differ from the past to the present?
In the past, there was vote buying. If you ask if it's different, I think it's still the same, but worse. For example, major political parties with closely matched votes have to spend a lot of money buying votes. If I had a position of authority, I would want to take action against vote buying. But now, all we can do is focus on getting the Seri Ruam Thai Party to win as many votes as possible.
In the final stretch before the election, if the Seri Ruam Thai Party doesn't meet expectations, will you be worried?
I'm not worried in the final stretch, but we can't do what other parties do. For example, large rallies with huge turnout. So I want to ask whatThe Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) is doing. The election results set spending limits for candidates and parties. For each large rally that is publicized, the people who come to listen don't just come for free; they pay 200-300 baht. And with hundreds of thousands of people attending, how much money must that cost? Not to mention the cost of setting up the stage. I think it probably exceeds the set spending limits. So I want to ask, what is The ECT doing that they aren't prosecuting anyone?“Our party’s policies are for the benefit of all citizens, whether it’s public pensions, disability allowances, or student loan debt forgiveness. We don’t have any policies for personal gain within the party. Therefore, we will do our duty to the best of our ability. The election results are another matter, because we cannot change the minds of the people in the nation.”
There has been discussion on social media about the possibility of a merger between the Seri Ruam Thai Party and the Economic Party to address corruption ?
I am the leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, but looking at the nominations on the party list, General Rangsi Kitiyanasap, the party leader, is ranked 10th. If the Economic Party doesn’t get at least 10 party-list MPs, General Rangsi won’t be included. If that happens, the Economic Party will have General Rangsi’s shadow behind it, just like other major parties. If I talk to General Rangsi, can he make the decision? But I can decide for the Seri Ruam Thai Party. My party name is Seri Ruam Thai.” "Seri was the one who united Thailand to achieve prosperity, but whether it ends up being united with others or being united itself, that's probably not going to work."
Currently, Thai politics is like a Three Kingdoms scenario. Which political parties will form a coalition government?
From the polls I've seen, it's as expected—a Three Kingdoms-like political situation. Most of the poll results are predictions for the three major political parties, but there are still many people who haven't exercised their right to vote. However, if I become prime minister, it won't be like others. I will look for knowledgeable and capable people to work for me, because the country isn't a training ground; we need competent individuals. After the royal appointment, the prime minister, ministers, civil servants, and the people of Thailand must work together with a shared ideology, not just the Cabinet.
Regarding forming a coalition government, would it be possible to work with the People's Party? During campaigning, I met Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, or Ice, a candidate on the People's Party's party list, but we didn't speak or greet each other, leading to criticism on social media ?
We are very ideological, so we didn't work together. The question is, if we were to form a coalition government with anyone, we could work with anyone. But it depends on whether the political party we partner with is satisfied with us. If they are, then there's no problem.
Will I retire from politics in the future?
I will definitely retire; it depends on the timing. But if the people choose me this time and I get to work, I will show them that I can govern the country and benefit the people.
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