Political reform council likely to be formed soon: Pheu Thai

[webfact]

Political reform council likely to be formed soon
Hataikarn Treesuwan,
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A political reform council is likely to be formed after the stakeholders meet by the end of this month to discuss and outline what its goals are, according to a key Pheu Thai leader.

The council's recommendations to reform the political system will be carried out by the government, said the Pheu Thai source.

"If it is necessary to amend any laws, including the Constitution, the government will do it."

The government will invite the stakeholders, consisting of politicians from opposing parties as well as respected people in political circles, to discuss how to bridge the political divide, the source said.

Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of PM Yingluck, agrees with her idea for political reform, viewing it as the last chance to find a solution to end the political conflict, according to his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama.

"I believe the first forum [for all parties to] join and talk together will start by the end of August," Noppadon said. He said the Democrats should make no conditions before the talks, such as withdrawal of an amnesty bill. Last Friday, Yingluck in a TV address called on all groups involved in politics to join a reform council to end conflict.

Yingluck yesterday called on the opposition not to set conditions on joining the reform council, which would make it difficult to function. "This is not government work. We need to come together to solve the problem for our children and grandchildren. I hope to get cooperation," she said.

Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said there was no purpose in talking about reform while the government was still pushing for an amnesty law, which was the cause of a new round of disputes. Abhisit also called on the prime minister to become part of the reform council herself.

Earlier yesterday, Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai said Yingluck would not be part of the council.

After ex-PM Banharn Silapa-Archa agreed to join the council on Saturday, more dignitaries were approached by the government yesterday. They included former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, former House Speaker Uthai Pimchaichon, and former Senate Speaker Ukrit Mongkolnavin.

Ukrit proposed that the government set up a "council of seniors", consisting of former premiers, such as Prem Tinsulanonda and Dhanin Kraivixien, to advise the government.

Meanwhile, a group of 40 senators yesterday refused to join the council unless the government first withdrew the amnesty and reconciliation bills from parliamentary deliberation.

Senator Somchai Sawangkarn said Yingluck should first study the solutions proposed by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission.


-- The Nation 2013-08-06

[tomross46]

Political reform. Illinois stile, one term in office, one term in jail.

[NongKhaiKid]

Just who is going to form the membership as all opposition parties have declined to take part if any proposed amnesty bill goes ahead ?

I'm sure this will be formed no matter what with picked members and it will be a success

[OzMick]

Well here's 2 subjects that WON'T be touched - getting rid of the party list system that allows the rich to buy an MP seat, and allowing MPs to be prosecuted for their criminal acts while still in office.

Edited August 6, 2013 by OzMick

[arthurboy]

I see the usual suspects have been mooted to join this charade.

The very same people who - when in charge or in a position of influence over the years - engaged in feudalistic, self-serving politics and did absolutely nothing for the country.

And before you think that some of the names mentioned have been 'good' for the country, dig a little deeper into the past.

It makes you wonder why the government would want these people involved.

I already know the answer.

[theblether]

Oh come on, it would save a lot of aggravation if PT reformed it. The new rules are,

TS is prime minister for life, and he nominates which family member will be his successor.

It's a good system, it's led to political stability in North Korea hasn't it.

[Pib]

"If it is necessary to amend any laws, including the Constitution, the government will do it."

Absolute genius...I bet nobody else knew that.

The government will invite the stakeholders, consisting of politicians from opposing parties as well as respected people in political circles, to discuss how to bridge the political divide, the source said.

Might also want to invite some common folks which comprise 99% of the population.

Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of PM Yingluck, agrees with her idea for political reform, viewing it as the last chance to find a solution to end the political conflict, according to his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama.

Really Khun Thaksin just views it as a chance to strengthen his political power and influence.

[IMA_FARANG]

Reconciliation and political reform could be easily accomplished if:

A certain convicted criminal now residing in Dubai could

1. Renounce his Thai citizenship.

2. Agree to voluntarily take no further part in any Thai election politics.

3. Remain in Dubai permanently.

But, of course, that will never happen.

[drdoom6996]

"Political reform council likely to be formed soon: Pheu Thai".

As with everything else PTP has not done they will unlikely form this council for the benefit of the Thai people. Maybe it's just another "White Lie" to make sure the people are comforted and discomfort will not happen, or whatever the goof ball said at the time. Or maybe just another headline to show that they might think about actually doing something!

[Baerboxer]

Oh come on, it would save a lot of aggravation if PT reformed it. The new rules are,

TS is prime minister for life, and he nominates which family member will be his successor.

It's a good system, it's led to political stability in North Korea hasn't it.

Many a true word spoken in jest Blether.

"If it is necessary to amend any laws, including the Constitution, the government will do it."

But, they won't want to abide by the rules on referendums to change the constitution - might loose those.

What's the betting TS is back soon, whitewashed and formally in control, changing laws to suit himself and make sure it almost impossible to get him out. He's learned a lot from his previous experience. Didn't get the military on board last time. The grip this time is wider, and tightening now,

Yep North Korea and Zimbabwe - the ruling elite and their cronies have fantastic wealth, complete power and are untouchable. Everyone else screwed.

[khunken]

I'm afraid that PT will only be talking to themselves & the red shirts with the odd old bat like Banharn & Chavalit thrown in for 'good' measure.

They know full well what they have to do to get any opponents interested. Unfortunately the main block to political reform is the instigator of this charade.

[zydeco]

Somewhere, I heard the maxim: the tastier the indigenous cuisine, the lousier the government.

[monkeycountry]

"We need to come together to solve the problem for our children and grandchildren. I hope to get cooperation," she said."

It is a bit ironic that Ms. Yingluck claims to worry about the future of our kids and grandkids while at the same time taking out a 2+ trillion Baht loan on their behalf

[Markaew]

"We need to come together to solve the problem for our children and grandchildren. I hope to get cooperation," she said."

It is a bit ironic that Ms. Yingluck claims to worry about the future of our kids and grandkids while at the same time taking out a 2+ trillion Baht loan on their behalf

Everywhere, all politicians like to reference children and grandchildren. It makes the hollow with no souls sound credible.