REFORM
Social Network targets 'selfless' reform in Thai society
Sasithorn Ongdee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With the purpose of "selfless" reform in Thailand, a group of like-minded people from 185 various professions yesterday created "The Social Network for Thailand Reform."

The Network’s mission was set to focus on long-term reform in the country, said Secretary Poldej Pinprateep, former Social Development and Human Security deputy minister.

"Thailand stands amidst a crisis, while our society is plagued with political cronyism and corruption, injustice and a media that is neither free nor fair. The government’s use of divisive propaganda has resulted in a total loss of confidence in our institutions of governance," said Poldej.

He said that comprehensive reform, which would be focusing on all segments of Thai society, was urgently called for, including a legal framework to combat cronyism and institutionalized corruption; political and governance reform; judicial reform; economic reform to prevent monopoly; the promotion of good corporate governance and equitable division of wealth and much-needed social reform.

More than 50 members showed up at a press conference in Bangkok, representing the sectors of media, business, farmers and local community, artists, state-owned enterprises and government.

Members then took the stage and freely shared their experiences on why they wanted to join the network to help push reform in the country.

Poldej said that the Network was formulated to work as a horizontal format, not an organisation. They were also not supported by any state agency. "We have not received any budget from the government. We use our own money for any of our workforces or activities," he insisted.

For the next step, the Network secretary said the group would expand the network into the provinces, starting at Korat, Chaing Mai and Had Yai on January 31. He added that the society might require thousands or even hundreds of thousands of "watchdogs" from several units, in the fight against corruption.

"We do not focus our discussions on whether reform or an election should happen first. We’re not going to wait for the election or when new government will come. We will proceed with activities regarding reform," said Poldej.

Among the 185 members who have joined the Network,were some illustrious professionals, including MR Pridiyadhon, the former governer of the Bank of Thailand, Thawatchai Yongkittikul, Secretary-General of the Thai Bankers Association, Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham, a board member of the Thailand Stock Exchange, Rapee Sagarik, former Dean of Kasetsart University, and economist Wirathai Santipraphop.


-- The Nation 2014-01-29

Interesting. Good initiative. I wish them luck and hope they understand the pure evil they will be fighting and the risk to themselves as a result.

urgently called for, including a legal framework to combat cronyism and institutionalized corruption; political and governance reform; judicial reform; economic reform to prevent monopoly; the promotion of good corporate governance and equitable division of wealth and much-needed social reform.

I will wait for hell to freeze over before the great and the good of Thailand do anything that might effect themselves personally?

Monopoly?, judicial review? Equitable division of wealth?

Where is Ferrari boy recently?

Interesting. Good initiative. I wish them luck and hope they understand the pure evil they will be fighting and the risk to themselves as a result.

They should be careful they don't get shut down as well...

It's a noble cause. Thailand should start with some prime examples of abuse of law and crime with impunity by the rich, elite establishment. The bigger the fortune, status, and rank, the bigger the crime that can be bought out of punishment. How can Thailand expect to "reform" if hit and run cop killers are not arrested and not indicted? And even dropped from any news?

Forward with reform and leave the politicians out of it.

There are some that have a clue on how to reform and go forward, but in general this very small minority will have little affect on Thai culture. It's Thai culture that keeps this society in the dark ages.

"Forward with reform and leave the politicians out of it."

Yes, leave them out of it while in the creative process. When they have a complete list of suggestions they are to hand over them to the politicians. After that it can hopefully come something good out of it.

The important thing here is to keep it in a democratic way.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Introduce "accountability" to Thai society and enforce this concept according to existing Thai laws. That should solve most of the problems in Thai society.

Accountability is the opposite of 'keeping face' though and this is one of the largest problems facing Thailand. In a land where you can never tell anybody they are wrong, this leads to loss of face and guns being used to save face. This needs to change somehow first. Even telling some <deleted> in 7-11 not to try and queue jump is met with anger and hate !

Good idea...only one problem: neither of the 2 big opponents in this fight wants REAL reforms!

Case closed!

Thai society without "selfies"? I fear it's too late to go back.

The Network’s mission was set to focus on long-term reform in the country, said Secretary Poldej Pinprateep, former Social Development and Human Security deputy minister.

Poldej Pinprateep

2007-03-07 Deputy Minister of Social Development and Human Security

2008-06-08 Member of the Board of Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS)

2010-07-09 Member of Prawes’ Assembly for National Reform