Anan Panyarachun turns down invitation to join political reform forum

BANGKOK, 10 Sep 2013, (NNT) - Former prime minister Anan Panyarachun has turned down the government's invitation for him to join the political reform forum, citing unclear working process.

Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa, the lead driver of the political reform forum, and Chartthaipattana Party key figure Somsak Pritsanananthakul met with Mr. Anan to invite him to the political reform talks.

Although Mr. Anan declined to join the political reform forum, Mr. Banharn, himself a former prime minister, indicated that during the more than one hour of discussion, Mr. Anan had made many suggestions and remarks about political reform which would benefit the drive to find an 'exit strategy' for the nation.

Mr. Banharn is scheduled to later meet with senior national figure Prawet Wasi, People's Alliance for Democracy core figure Sonthi Limthongkul, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as well as party chief advisor Chuan Leekphai.

-- NNT 2013-09-10

Not surprised. Who wants to be associated with what may more than likely become a complete fiasco?

Not surprised. Who wants to be associated with what may more than likely become a complete fiasco?

In principle, the reform forum sounds like a good idea. I would imagine in practice though, the only things that are going to be suggested in public are those that will benefit Thaksin and his friends. Who knows, I could be wrong, but I doubt it.

In the 90's Anan was quoted as saying this of Banharn:

"It is much easier to take money under the table when you are as short as him."

Not surprised he didn't want to join this latest nonsense.

To think we had an honest, intelligent and progressive thinking PM in Thailand, but that was almost 25 years ago. A time of genuine hope and optimism as to future development. What a downhill slide it has been since then, to end up in a virtual police state with no hope of a change while the intimidation and brainwashing continue apace.

He is doing the right thing staying well away from this incendiary reform process which must result in total anarchy to succeed in whitewashing and restoring to glory the PTP's leader(wanted for crimes that are NOT political).

To think we had an honest, intelligent and progressive thinking PM in Thailand, but that was almost 25 years ago. A time of genuine hope and optimism as to future development. What a downhill slide it has been since then, to end up in a virtual police state with no hope of a change while the intimidation and brainwashing continue apace.

He is doing the right thing staying well away from this incendiary reform process which must result in total anarchy to succeed in whitewashing and restoring to glory the PTP's leader(wanted for crimes that are NOT political).

I agree, but Anand was appointed as a stopgap - he was not elected - after the usual political upheaval followed by coup, on this occasion by the murderous Suchinda. Anand proved effective but far too independent for the military's taste, and after a year he'd had enough, both of them and I suspect of Thai politics, so he resigned.

Respect to the gentleman, a beacon of probity in a sea of filth.

Banharn's wife, Jaemsai, has ordained as a nun in protest at her 80 year old husband's affair with a much younger woman and consequent 5 year old love child.

Some give him kudos for his staying power whilst others blame for bringing shame and dishonour on his wife and breaking up the family.

And he's in charge of reconciliation!!