PAGE-ONE COMMENT
National reform is the only way out for the Kingdom

BANGKOK: -- The time is ripe for all parties - protesters, politicians and the general public - to realise that only an election and commitment to reform will bring this political impasse to a democratic end and prevent a reoccurrence of political chaos.

Since the election, which is scheduled for February 2, will be organised after an uprising it would only end the impasse under a new term designed to specifically address political differences. This requires understanding by all parties that the government, formed as a result of this election, will principally aim its focus on national reform.

We urge all political parties to formally ratify this commitment and let the public know the principal objective of the "reform government". Both the interim government and protesters must agree upon this.

Hence, we call for a national reform council to be set up immediately and in order to ensure public acceptance, its members can be nominated and screened by private and public organisations, educational institutes and social groups.

We urge this reform council to first focus on the political arena and then find ways to neutralise economic and social differences, considering the cause of social division and the upheaval. We are convinced that only a mutually agreed-upon reform agenda, to be implemented by the "reform government", would tackle the differences at the root and strengthen Thailand politically, economically and socially.

We acknowledge the power of the people, as demonstrated by followers of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), in addressing the country's political malaise and holding unethical politicians accountable for their unacceptable behaviour. The protesters have won immense praise and they have accomplished their journey.

They should also acknowledge that there are questions about the constitutionality of the proposed "People's Council", which explains why at least six countries in the past three days have expressed their concern about the political situation and democratic development in Bangkok.

To uphold the Constitution and restore Thailand's image in the global community, the rule of law needs to be reinstated. Every Thai must go to the ballot with the knowledge that a reform process is underway to tackle the differences, and with conviction that reform will bring equality and fairness to all.


-- The Nation 2013-12-12

Sounds good to me

The problems occur when the government breaks the rules and nothing is done to punish them so that must be corrected.

The constitution should also be frozen

Release any remaining red shirt underlings in jail

Disband all colour coded groups

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The PTP governments idea of reforming was to change the constitution and laws to remove checks and balances to give them dictatorial rule. They also dealt with corruption, unethical politicians and political violence by attempting a blanket amnesty. All their agenda was for the benefit of one criminal, they have never condemned these actions or repented why would they now?

The Thaksin political and terrorist organisation isn't interested in unity it is the root cause of disunity, they don't play well with others so they must be removed from the playground.

Here here. "The rule of law needs to be reinstated." There in lies the rub. Which comes first the chicken or the egg? Thailand seems up against it. It may require an entire cultural evolution first.

National reform Colonialism is the only way out for the Kingdom.

Accountability, plain and simple.

National reform Colonialism is the only way out for the Kingdom.

Yeah, like colonialism never screwed up any countries! Lets see, South Africa, Ireland, India, Malaysia and on and on and on.....

National reform Colonialism is the only way out for the Kingdom.

Yeah, like colonialism never screwed up any countries! Lets see, South Africa, Ireland, India, Malaysia and on and on and on.....

America, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar - not doing so bad?

Maybe more than colonialism screwed the others.

Malaysia ? Hmmm - compares well to Thailand I think?

"To uphold the Constitution"

yes...but which version of the Constitution do we actually feel like upholding this week?

All their agenda was for the benefit of one criminal, they have never condemned these actions or repented why would they now? The Thaksin political and terrorist organisation isn't interested in unity it is the root cause of disunity, they don't play well with others so they must be removed from the playground.

Where these fools, believing in some yellow party BS, come from? The corruption worsened a lot 2006-2008, during the yellow rule. There is no difference between red or yellow movements in the upper echelons, both leaderships are crooked to the core.