Thailand Reform: Separating political rhetoric from substance

[webfact]

THAI TALK
Reform: Separating political rhetoric from substance
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

Do we know how to go about "reforming" the country?

BANGKOK: -- With all the heated rhetoric among the various parties in the ongoing political conflict, one might be led to assume that we as a nation aren't quite sure what the "reform agenda" is.

That's not the case at all.

The issue isn't about whether we know where we should be headed. The question is: Do the powers-that-be and the protesters and all those on the other side really want to embark on the road to reform?

It's not a question of whether we have done enough homework to draw up a roadmap for reform. It's all about the struggle for power of the various political groups that have put rhetoric before substance, heat before light and machination before transparency.

The comprehensive report titled "Thailand's Reform Road Map: Proposals for Political Parties and Eligible Voters" submitted by the National Reform Commission headed by former Premier Anand Punyarachun and Dr Prawase Wasi is just one of numerous independent studies carried out by non-partisan academics and practitioners.

The National Reform Commission (NRC) was officially appointed by one of the previous governments amid great hopes that the political leaders were serious about moving the country forward. The report, one of the most comprehensive proposals for national reform, has since been gathering dust on a shelf at Government House.

Another major study into national reconciliation and reform was completed by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission (TRC) headed by Dr Kanit na Nakhon, first appointed by the Abhisit government and later confirmed by the Yingluck administration. After two successive governments at opposing ends of the political spectrum publicly pledged their faith in this esteemed group, there should have been serious follow-up actions based on its recommendations. Again, their proposals have at best been given lip-service by the political leaders.

Now, a coalition of seven leading private business organisations has come up with a new "Road Map for National Reform" that spells out a clear process for "sustainable betterment of the country".

For the first time, the private sector has discarded its longstanding position of avoiding commenting on political issues for fear of reprisals. Now, business leaders have proposed the launch of a national reform body before the February 2 election - through an executive decree. They want the resulting non-partisan body to propose a "reform agenda" that will become a top priority of the new government, which should be in office for no more than one year to implement the reforms.

The private sector coalition is bold in this rare call for action: The proposed body must not be under any political party or be subject to interference by politicians. The proposed rules and regulations should be acceptable to all parties, be fair and maintain a balance of power, with emphasis on eliminating corruption and unfair behaviour, while ensuring justice and equality.

If you compare the reports from the NRC and TRC with the private sector coalition's suggestions, the direction and theme are more or less the same. December 22's unprecedented turnout of protesters underlined the Thai people's determination to embark on the long-delayed and badly needed reform process.

We all know what changes must take place. It's not a question of whether elections are more or less important than reform. It boils down to how politicians on both sides can prove to the people that they are serious about reform, instead of adding fuel to the fire of divisiveness by pitting election against reform.

The issue today isn't a choice between reform and election. The public, regardless of "colour" and party affiliations, has made clear its demand for reforms to all aspects of society, including the ground rules for electoral democracy.

The issue is not whether we want reform and an election. The real question is whether politicians really want reforms which, if carried out, would put a large number of them out of the game. That's probably the main reason why the turmoil stubbornly refuses to go away.


-- The Nation 2013-12-26

[comeondoit]

that is one of the best articles i read since a long time, putting the finger into the open wound, i am disappointed by the parties not fighting for votes, they should have a fair chance to beat the shins, many do see the problem with them

[AbuBacon]

What a lot of shit. Until the good Thais come out and run for election, nothing material will change. Until then the boys in green will not be truly be under control of the executive . there used to be a research publication project and they published a book called Thailand's top 100 business families. It shows the network. The network is scared. Out of fear will set the stage for a long list of mistakes.

Sent from my Lenovo A516 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[noitom]

Thailand reform a euphemism for puffing and blustering.

[fab4]

It's all well and good talking about previous plans for reform but the the author misses the main point. Does anybody know what sutheps version of National Reform is?

Edited December 26, 2013 by fab4

[Robby nz]

It will have to happen this time for to many people and groups are coming out and insisting, it was reported elsewhere that even the hardline red supporters in the north are calling for reforms.

The two reports mentioned, and I understand there is a third, will give a great framework to start but there will probably be new issues that have arisen since these reports that need to be factored in.

Getting the right people together in a not to large group should not be that difficult either.

As long as politicians are excluded from getting there sticky fingers in the process and are forced to abide by the resulting reforms.

[Spare]

I wonder why DEM are so pro-reform and PT so against?

Is this because the current constitution is written by Thaksin for Thaksin?

[TallPalm]

I wonder why DEM are so pro-reform and PT so against?

Is this because the current constitution is written by Thaksin for Thaksin?

Yingluck has said that she isn't against reform but she correctly insists that everything should be done according to current law and that means abiding by the Royal Decree (Order from the King himself) that the elections be held on the 2nd February. The Democrats are attempting to make her slip up by refusing to particpate in the elections. Either she delays the elections and goes against the King or she holds the elections on the 2nd and inadvertently instigates massive civil unrest encouraged by Suthep, quite possibly leading to military intervention and a coup. Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't.

Edited December 26, 2013 by bigbadbarnsy

[scorecard]

It will have to happen this time for to many people and groups are coming out and insisting, it was reported elsewhere that even the hardline red supporters in the north are calling for reforms.

The two reports mentioned, and I understand there is a third, will give a great framework to start but there will probably be new issues that have arisen since these reports that need to be factored in.

Getting the right people together in a not to large group should not be that difficult either.

As long as politicians are excluded from getting there sticky fingers in the process and are forced to abide by the resulting reforms.

Quote:

"As long as politicians are excluded from getting there sticky fingers in the process and are forced to abide by the resulting reforms."

IMHO this is a very crucial / critical factor.

Suthichai Yoon eluded to the same point. Suthep has eluded to the same point.

Put it another way - until the dinosaurs and the professional leeches are pushed out of the picture, the intelligent and capable Thais who are sincere,

honest and could Thailand forward quickly with gains for all Thais won't get involved.

Why? Very simple answer, right now they don't want to be associated with the leeches, incapable fools, family dynasties etc., who are pulling Thailand down and raping Thailand, and with no conscience or morals.

I hope that a new party might eventually appear out of Suthep's followers. There are plenty of folks in his camp who are capable and sincere, and honest.

[scorecard]

I wonder why DEM are so pro-reform and PT so against?

Is this because the current constitution is written by Thaksin for Thaksin?

Yingluck has said that she isn't against reform but she correctly insists that everything should be done according to current law and that means abiding by the Royal Decree (Order from the King himself) that the elections be held on the 2nd February. The Democrats are attempting to make her slip up by refusing to particpate in the elections. Either she delays the elections and goes against the King or she holds the elections on the 2nd and inadvertently instigates massive civil unrest encouraged by Suthep, quite possibly leading to military intervention and a coup. Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't.

Perhaps true, however she readily agreed to take on this sham role (puppet / clone, whatever) so she can thank both herself and the paymaster for being in this damned if you do / damned if you don't situation.

[Yunla]

adding fuel to the fire of divisiveness by pitting election against reform.

I liked the OP, this being the most salient line. Numbers of votes and who you are related to etc. is completely irrelevant if the post-election system encourages free debate and consensus-based policymaking, prevents policy domination especially by vested interests from rearing their ugly heads and wasting valuable Govt worktime. What this OP doesn't say really is that the reforms are possible within the current framework, would take very short time really, if the will were actually there. As things stand, dark-forces etc. I fear we are heading for more streetlevel carnage and mayhem and soforth, with problems stretching out for decades, over what could solved in a few months of sincere debate between genuinely democratic people. I pray that I am wrong, every day.

Edited December 26, 2013 by Yunla

[tomacht8]

This is a good article and describes well why not many reforms have been implemented in the past. In summary, we have the situation that corrupt politicians do not want reforms against corruption, because then would be many many out of game.

The whole country is riddled with corruption for decades. The political and administrative system has many loopholes, police, laws and courts are unfair, bad people, etc.

The belief that you can solve all these problems with a one-time reform is naive.

Reforms, change, and improvements must be an ongoing process. That is to learn from mistakes and then turn off this. But that's not thai mentality, to lead a critical discussion of their own mistakes and to speak openly about. Also the hierarchical thinking blocked constructive solutions. A teacher can write on the board 2 +2 = 5 and there will be no objection in class. Loss of face; impossible.

Since they can not solve all problems at once, they should first carry out only 3 measures, implement and rigorously apply:

It does not matter who wins the election or who has the majority.

1. Normalized budget distribution

- The state budget ( or clearly defined parts) must be divided by provinces, taking into account how many people living in each tschang wat.
So the minority do not go out empty-handed.

It can not be that 51% get all and 49% get nothing.

The implementation would be relatively easy. So all members of parliament could contribute/plan to a common budget. This plan would then be published in detail so that everyone can see across the country where the funds are going and how state money is used.

Transparency down to every tschang wat, village and mu ban.

Must be good in every village, that everyone knows or can read about, how much money the pu jai gets in hand each year. Thus, each voter would have the ability to take a control function.

2. Transparency + public budget control

Like for all future budgeting processes they make it compulsory for all future governments, that

- the use of money for project proposals are accurately represented in detail and coherent on the last baht.

- the use of money for project proposals is described in detail for all people publicly documented and visible

- Public monthly or quarterly reports on Finance and project progresses.

- Public invitation for project proposals and at least three competitive compare offers.

- Project completion reports including all expenses with receipts.

- a strong supervisory committee composed of members is formed by all parties,

to control the entire investment process without disabilities and time delay restrictions.

The results of the process and progress checks are presented to the parliament.

The members of the supervisory body should rotate so that corruption is impossible or more difficult.

3. Law

- abolition of any immunity

- lifetime banishment of condemning politicians and civil servants

- change of the bail system, that is, if in the first instance convicted goes to appeal, he must resign from all his offices for this time.

- Faster Judicial clarification, that is, Court date with judgment within 60 days

These changes are then from a reference date for all.

The remaining 25,000 cases of corruption are processed in parallel.

If convicted, then he / she is out (suspended or life ban).

When public funds are used, then the public has the right to see what the representatives of the people plan to do with the money and how it was used.

It must be prevented that a country can be completely plundered by a few unethical people just because they are currently in power.

Edited December 26, 2013 by tomacht8

[tingtongteesood]

The most sane topic we have had here in 2 months or so. I agree completely. Reform must be undertaken. Elections in the current climate will lead to trouble whoever wins. If the Shin regime would just step down AND all professional MP's and leeches and hangers on would get out the way and take a break and let some new blood have a chance to do what is right for the country with no vested interests, cronyism or nepotism, let them get on with it, things would probably turn out a lot better.

[Scamper]

Best article. Summarizes perfectly the situation. No need further be said.

[xminator]

The first reform needed is a fully elected senate.

(of course Suthep and his backers most certainly do not want that)

The second reform needed is taking away the immunity to the coup leaders and backers of 2006, the one they made a new constitution for in 2007.

(Another reform that Suthep and his "people" will object to)

The third reform needed is better protection of media built into the constitution.

(Suthep himself showed how far he could bend the rules when he was in power)

The fourth reform needed is harsh penalties to MP's that resign during their election period.

The fifth reform needed is a clear set of rules on how to change the constitution. A normal procedure is to have the proposal to change commited during one 4-year period, and the vote for that change during the next 4-year period. This way controversial changes will be part of the election period. Another way could be to demand 2/3-majority, or have a rule that says if 1/4 of parliament demands it the change have to be voted for in a public poll / referendum.

[Rancid]

Reform is a pressing and important issue, however the stakeholders are yet to agree. The main sticking point seems to be that every group only wants reform that will help them get theiir snouts into the Treasury longer whilst keeping the other groups out. As the Treasury offers billions for the looting this is an important issue.

PT want elections as they will probably win. Dems don't like elections as they usually lose. New punters here are axiuosly awaiting a new deal that creates freedom and a true democratic system, ignoring that such thing no longer exist even in their own home fascist countries. The old hands know that no such thing is even remotely possible, just have a few beers and wait and see how the latest elite power play will turn out.

For me it is nice to be watching this time from abroad, I rarely even tune in, as I am occupied having to water the basil and lemongrass plants in the backyard. However as I will return eventually I sincerly hope that something stable can evolve, it won't be pretty or even remotely honest or better, but hopefully peaceful.

[mudscrubber]

The most sane topic we have had here in 2 months or so. I agree completely. Reform must be undertaken. Elections in the current climate will lead to trouble whoever wins. If the Shin regime would just step down AND all professional MP's and leeches and hangers on would get out the way and take a break and let some new blood have a chance to do what is right for the country with no vested interests, cronyism or nepotism, let them get on with it, things would probably turn out a lot better.

Are you sure you actually read this article? It points out the when the PDC held power it had these reports and did nothing about them. Now that they are out of power, all of a sudden, reform has become an urgent issue. A case could be made for the blatant hypocrisy of this party. Don't see how the case against it could be, though..

[KarenBravo]

When over 70% of people in a recent poll said that they did not mind corruption as long as it benefited them; really; what hope is there for genuine reforms that are acted on and not just on paper?

There has to be a sea change in attitude in this country and that has to start with a proper education system.

[sawadee1947]

well, actually it is exactly what yingluck proposes out of need to act, this time in the right way. Congrats Yingluck