Future Forward unveils policies designed to change Thailand

[webfact]

Future Forward unveils policies designed to change Thailand

 

 

 

The Future Forward Party on Sunday formally unveiled a series of policies that its leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit claim will change the face of Thailand. The policies range from decentralization of the bureaucratic system and creating social equality to ending economic monopoly and military reform.

The party also vows to end compulsory military conscription which it hopes will strike a right chord with young voters who are expected to be a strong political force in the upcoming election.

 

Speaking to a gathering of hundreds of party members, Thanathorn said the 12 policies being put forward by the party are not intended to attract votes but are designed to effect major changes in all aspects.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/future-forward-unveils-policies-designed-to-change-thailand/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2018-12-17

[robblok]

Great I hope this guy has a chance and will be able to make a change. I doubt it as he still is not popular enough but at least its something different then the old politicians. IF any this guy would have my support.

[scorecard]

So FF party, please share more details of your reform of education. 

[nikmar]

"The military, he said, must detach itself from politics and to return to the barracks and all military procurements must be transparent."

 

I envisage a certain General stamping his little feet at the mention of this. 

 

[NCC1701A]

"Thanathorn said the party would put an end to monopoly by big businesses, and allow small businesses access to financial support and to strictly enforce the law to promote free competition.

Mrs Wanwipa Maison, the party’s registrar, said the party intends to build a welfare state, with free education for all, 1,200 baht/ month free allowance for children aged up to six years old, 180-day maternity leave, security for labourers and pension for retirees that will enable them to live a modest life.
Deputy party leader Lt-Gen Pongsakorn Rodchompu said the party would seek to downsize the military to about 170,000 men for the three armed forces, to reduce the number of generals from about 1,600 to just about 400 and to replace conscription with voluntary enlistment.

The military, he said, must detach itself from politics and to return to the barracks and all military procurements must be transparent.

Party secretary-general Piyabutr Sangkanokkul announced that the party would amend the current Constitution if it is in the government because the charter itself is undemocratic even though it was endorsed in a referendum.

He said that the party also intends to amend the computer crime law and to scrap the 20-year national strategy which he described as a political straight-jacket that would hinder the performance of the post-election governments."

 

don't forget to teach everybody how to drive.

[robblok]

12 minutes ago, nikmar said:

"The military, he said, must detach itself from politics and to return to the barracks and all military procurements must be transparent."

 

I envisage a certain General stamping his little feet at the mention of this. 

 

All generals will hate his reforms, would be nice if they got traction and happened. I doubt it because he won't get enough votes and we got those selected senators. So it will be real hard to change anything even if he gets more votes and the alliance with the PTP works. 

 

Of course I hope I am wrong but don't think I am.

[seajae]

basically sounds good but how are they going to pay for it, taxes will have to be introduced on all workers not just companies/govt workers. Thailand is a cash society and millions are hidden by those that deal in cash, will be interesting to see how they aim to cover the costs. The call for the armed forces to be controlled is a good one, reduction in generals is a must, ending conscription is also good, they are not needed. Would like to see a lot more of what they are proposing, for some reason the reporters seem to ignore most of it and leave everyone guessing, would be great to see a party that actually keeps the populace in mind with its policies and not just set themselves up to make a killing

[MaxLee]

Well, sorry, but the winner has already been determined ways in advance behind all this extreme smokescreen of the article number "not-to-be-named"

[GarryP]

Nice ideals, but I would like to learn more about why five senior (ish) members resigned from the party. The information on this is patchy but it seems to point towards favoritism or abuse of power within the party itself. Surely, it would be best to clear the air on this. 

[robblok]

10 minutes ago, seajae said:

basically sounds good but how are they going to pay for it, taxes will have to be introduced on all workers not just companies/govt workers. Thailand is a cash society and millions are hidden by those that deal in cash, will be interesting to see how they aim to cover the costs. The call for the armed forces to be controlled is a good one, reduction in generals is a must, ending conscription is also good, they are not needed. Would like to see a lot more of what they are proposing, for some reason the reporters seem to ignore most of it and leave everyone guessing, would be great to see a party that actually keeps the populace in mind with its policies and not just set themselves up to make a killing

I think in an other article it said they are going to cover it by reduced military spending. Though i think those pensions they are promising would be too expensive right now. I doubt it could all be covered by just reduced spending of the military. 

 

Especially because the junta was right in pointing out the problems with healthcare its under funded and that will cost a lot of money too. So your right I wonder where they will get all the money from.

[Fex Bluse]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

creating social equality to ending economic monopoly

Such pretty words. 

 

Social equality is anethema to the very core of Thai culture. All Thais are, by definition, unequal. This is why one person always wais the other first. Won't work. 

 

Ending economic monopoly... We saw how Taksin ended up for challenging the economic status quo. Won't work. 

 

Good words. Will not work. 

[Eric Loh]

1 hour ago, NCC1701A said:

downsize the military to about 170,000 men for the three armed forces, to reduce the number of generals from about 1,600 to just about 400 and to replace conscription with voluntary enlistment.

The military, he said, must detach itself from politics and to return to the barracks and all military procurements must be transparent.

Don't think a active military strength of 170k from current 330k is a sound move. For a population like Thailand, I feel 330k is an adequate deterrent. Vietnam has 450k and Indonesia 520k. Also it will be a big ask to provide employment. The reduction in Generals is long overdue. Also clip the wings of the 2 most powerful military cliques where all previous coup generals came from. Replacing conscription with voluntary enlistment is a good idea. There are really very little commitment to serve in conscription besides being misused. Voluntary enlistment will have better motivation and commitment. More should be done to train them to be part of active-duty training and deployment and not just man servants. 

 

[robblok]

3 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Don't think a active military strength of 170k from current 330k is a sound move. For a population like Thailand, I feel 330k is an adequate deterrent. Vietnam has 450k and Indonesia 520k. Also it will be a big ask to provide employment. The reduction in Generals is long overdue. Also clip the wings of the 2 most powerful military cliques where all previous coup generals came from. Replacing conscription with voluntary enlistment is a good idea. There are really very little commitment to serve in conscription besides being misused. Voluntary enlistment will have better motivation and commitment. More should be done to train them to be part of active-duty training and deployment and not just man servants. 

 

Do you feel that Thailand will be invaded if it only has 170k soldiers by either Vietnam or Indonesia ? Why have a big army at all a smaller professional army can beat bigger armies if they need too. Personally I don't see any danger at the moment for Thailand. Maybe China in the future but if they want to invade Thailand can't stop them anyway.

[Eric Loh]

28 minutes ago, robblok said:

Do you feel that Thailand will be invaded if it only has 170k soldiers by either Vietnam or Indonesia ? Why have a big army at all a smaller professional army can beat bigger armies if they need too. Personally I don't see any danger at the moment for Thailand. Maybe China in the future but if they want to invade Thailand can't stop them anyway.

Thailand has never won any battles with Vietnam throughout history. Vietnam's total military servicemen outnumber Thailand more than 6 times.Thailand is practically militarily inferior to Vietnam. Thailand should be very worried that it could be invaded by Vietnam. They have fought numerous border battles. But at the moment, Vietnamese leadership does not seem to fight any war right now. Why China want to invade Thailand? Their soft power has already conquer Thailand. 

[robblok]

6 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Thailand has never won any battles with Vietnam throughout history. Vietnam's total military servicemen outnumber Thailand more than 6 times.Thailand is practically militarily inferior to Vietnam. Thailand should be very worried that it could be invaded by Vietnam. They have fought numerous border battles. But at the moment, Vietnamese leadership does not seem to fight any war right now. Why China want to invade Thailand? Their soft power has already conquer Thailand. 

Why would Vietnam want to invade Thailand why do you think that a large scale war would even be allowed by the world. I think the invasion and occupation of other nations is for a large part a thing of the past in the more developed world. Maybe I am just dreaming but i doubt that a war would be good for either country and could disrupt both economies so much that its just not something they would do. 

[scorecard]

3 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

"Thanathorn said the party would put an end to monopoly by big businesses, and allow small businesses access to financial support and to strictly enforce the law to promote free competition.

Mrs Wanwipa Maison, the party’s registrar, said the party intends to build a welfare state, with free education for all, 1,200 baht/ month free allowance for children aged up to six years old, 180-day maternity leave, security for labourers and pension for retirees that will enable them to live a modest life.
Deputy party leader Lt-Gen Pongsakorn Rodchompu said the party would seek to downsize the military to about 170,000 men for the three armed forces, to reduce the number of generals from about 1,600 to just about 400 and to replace conscription with voluntary enlistment.

The military, he said, must detach itself from politics and to return to the barracks and all military procurements must be transparent.

Party secretary-general Piyabutr Sangkanokkul announced that the party would amend the current Constitution if it is in the government because the charter itself is undemocratic even though it was endorsed in a referendum.

He said that the party also intends to amend the computer crime law and to scrap the 20-year national strategy which he described as a political straight-jacket that would hinder the performance of the post-election governments."

 

don't forget to teach everybody how to drive.

 No mention of education reform?

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, seajae said:

basically sounds good but how are they going to pay for it, taxes will have to be introduced on all workers not just companies/govt workers. Thailand is a cash society and millions are hidden by those that deal in cash, will be interesting to see how they aim to cover the costs. The call for the armed forces to be controlled is a good one, reduction in generals is a must, ending conscription is also good, they are not needed. Would like to see a lot more of what they are proposing, for some reason the reporters seem to ignore most of it and leave everyone guessing, would be great to see a party that actually keeps the populace in mind with its policies and not just set themselves up to make a killing

 

Many aspects of the military needs big change and quickly, no doubt.

 

However I put big changes in education just ahead in terms of priority.

 

IMHO until students are encouraged to discuss and debate in the class room they are not ready to fully understand the need for many changes. 

[Mavideol]

3 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

"Thanathorn said the party would put an end to monopoly by big businesses, and allow small businesses access to financial support and to strictly enforce the law to promote free competition.

Mrs Wanwipa Maison, the party’s registrar, said the party intends to build a welfare state, with free education for all, 1,200 baht/ month free allowance for children aged up to six years old, 180-day maternity leave, security for labourers and pension for retirees that will enable them to live a modest life.
Deputy party leader Lt-Gen Pongsakorn Rodchompu said the party would seek to downsize the military to about 170,000 men for the three armed forces, to reduce the number of generals from about 1,600 to just about 400 and to replace conscription with voluntary enlistment.

The military, he said, must detach itself from politics and to return to the barracks and all military procurements must be transparent.

Party secretary-general Piyabutr Sangkanokkul announced that the party would amend the current Constitution if it is in the government because the charter itself is undemocratic even though it was endorsed in a referendum.

He said that the party also intends to amend the computer crime law and to scrap the 20-year national strategy which he described as a political straight-jacket that would hinder the performance of the post-election governments."

 

don't forget to teach everybody how to drive.

the problem may be ..... Deputy party leader Lt-Gen Pongsakorn Rodchompu .... isn't he a military

[Cadbury]

3 hours ago, nikmar said:

"The military, he said, must detach itself from politics and to return to the barracks and all military procurements must be transparent."

 

I envisage a certain General stamping his little feet at the mention of this. 

 

But Wassanu has warned him he is not to say anything with reference to the election campaign in his neutral capacity as PM. This must be real tongue biting stuff for him but that is the price he has to pay for not putting his name forward as a candidate.

He said nothing when Chaturon Chaisang launched into him about his lack of maturity and the junta's low achievement. But now Thanathorn is having a go and calling for military reform while accusing the junta of creating social inequality.

Surely a verbal fist shaking explosion can't be far away. Self-esteem will not permit him to be used as a punching bag by non-junta political leaders.

[JoePai]

4 hours ago, scorecard said:

So FF party, please share more details of your reform of education. 

Does not really matter what their reform is - anything is better than the present lashup

 

[Eric Loh]

FFP must have some powerful people behind the party to make this strong anti military stance before election campaigning is allowed and risk party dissolution. They now is a very big threat to the ambition of Prayut. Champagne at the ready to pop, 

[Lodestone]

Any attempt at such actual military downsizing would simply result in another coup in the "interests of national security." That is, if claiming violation of 20 year roadmap proved insufficient. 

[Oziex1]

Perhaps the best we can hope for is the minor parties will be an irritating thorn in the side of the Junta and cause some anxiety amongst the Generals.

[BobBKK]

They are the hope of Thailand but the election is set-up.

[KhunFred]

Sounds like a future fugitive PM. The most dangerous thing a politician can do here is try to "equalize" society in any way. Thais are subject to a kind of "Buddhist fatalism", which says they are less fortunate because of bad karma and hope for better in the "next life". Not so different from any kind of fundamentalism.

[observer90210]

Some ideas for the honorable members of the organisation :

 

- stop the 90 day reporting

 

- make a simple retirement visa available from all western nation Consulates, valid for 6 months after checking the funds and with no need for the retiree to go back to any immigration office in Thailand during his 6 month sojourn.

 

- ban the requirement for the re-entry permit. people with a visa should be free to move, they are not cattle or prisonners pleae. Treat your foreign guests - retirees with a bit more of respect at your immigration offices.

 

- crack down on the taxi cheats refusing the meter

 

- make the Thai Bhat a more realistic rate say 1 US$ = 38 THB

 

- stop the dual pricing

 

- make national campaigns that encourage tourism with something like  "welcome foreigner"  (instead of the usual "outlaw foreigner" "ban x ray farang outlaw etc etc")

 

- ban and deport the drunk tatooed tourists/foreigners who get agressive and drunk in public and cause brawls

 

- make an anonynous hotline where foreigners can make an immediate complain against any corrupt police/immigration/DLT official and follow up and investigate the compaints. Conductmake sting operations with foreigners used as snitches( that should be easy to find), to trap corrupt police or other officials. Jail and dismiss the rotten apples on the spot. (

 

Then perhaps the country may start to get back on it's feet.... Ok let us dream, it's Christmas after all ????

[sammieuk1]

Gun and watch removal may win the votes ????

[Eligius]

1 hour ago, Lodestone said:

Any attempt at such actual military downsizing would simply result in another coup in the "interests of national security." That is, if claiming violation of 20 year roadmap proved insufficient. 

This is exactly what I was thinking, Lodestone: if I were a Thai, I would certainly vote for Thanathorn and his party and hope that one day they can wrest power from the illegitimate ones and give it to the Thai people. BUT if Thanathorn and his party came to power, the military would simply overthrow him. Simple as that. What could he do? Nothing. The same as all the previous governments here that were overthrown by coups. They could do nothing against the mighty military (and their backers).

 

Only if the Thai people said NO once and for all to the military-industrial complex here - then Thanathorn and his party could continue to govern. But the Thais have proven over decades that they have not got it in them (in sufficient numbers) to do what needs to be done.

 

So Thanathorn's laudable political and social vision - will remain just that: a pipe dream.

 

[Artisi]

7 hours ago, robblok said:

Do you feel that Thailand will be invaded if it only has 170k soldiers by either Vietnam or Indonesia ? Why have a big army at all a smaller professional army can beat bigger armies if they need too. Personally I don't see any danger at the moment for Thailand. Maybe China in the future but if they want to invade Thailand can't stop them anyway.

China doesn't need any troops to invade, it will just happen quietly by general business practices while the Thais are busy napping after lunch each day, and not forgetting the majority of major businesses are old Chinese family anyway. 

[Pedrogaz]

Sounds like a great platform....ending conscription would be a massive boon for younger poor people wanting to start a career. Also ending all these monopolies that remind one of feudal Britain could help to introduce some price competition that Thailand desperately needs. Again this would be a boon to poorer people. 

We need a party dedicated to reducing the gap in both income and wealth between the elite and the 75% poor at the bottom of the heap.