PM urged to set up royal panel for reforms

[Lite Beer]

PM urged to set up royal panel for reforms
The Sunday Nation

A senior police officer representing the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order arrives for a meeting with protest leaders outside PTT

BANGKOK: -- Peace advocate says members should not be chosen by govt

A high-profile peace advocate has called for an independent royal committee to be established to launch the national reform process.

Mahidol University lecturer Gothom Arya urged caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to endorse the proposal and present it to His Majesty the King so the committee was recognised by law.

Speaking yesterday at an annual conference organised by King Prajadhipok's Institute, Gothom said the committee's members would not be chosen by the government and could only be removed by the courts.

Gothom is critical of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee's attempt to create an unelected "people's council" to steer the country, labelling the proposal vague.

However, he did not say how the royal committee's members would be selected.

He labelled the PDRC's demand for a neutral prime minister to be appointed as unconstitutional because the current charter required the prime minister to be an MP.

He urged the Yingluck administration to lift the emergency decree to create an environment of trust.

Various views on the current political crisis gripping the country were aired at the conference including a warning that the use the Facebook by Thais has led to more political and social divisions.

Sorasak Ngamcachonkulkid, a lecturer at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, said Facebook had become a divisive tool in the current political climate, with people quarrelling on the Internet instead of using it as a platform for exchanging constructive ideas. Sorasak urged non-political extremists on both sides to talk.

At the same time, he said the role of political extremists should be reduced in order to create a climate for negotiation. He said that extremists wanted to become "heroes" by insisting on their rigid stances.

Thammasat University political scientist Nakarin Mektrairat believed the current political impasse would end within three to four months and urged public to persevere.

Nakarin did not explain how he thought the deadlock would be resolved, but believes political violence has reached an "acceptable" level.

"People should play a part in seeking a solution and even though we don't see the way out yet, I believe we can if we persevere for three to four more months," he said.

In a related development, various medical groups supporting the PDRC met yesterday to solidify the PDRC's reform proposals. PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban said the groups came up with five reform ideas that centred on the political process, graft and corruption, decentralisation of government, social and economic inequity, and judicial reform.

Suthep reiterated that the Yingluck administration had no hope of staying in power - it was just a matter of time before the administration crumbled.

He said a transitional government running the country for 18 months would ensure that reform would take place.

The transitional prime minister, cabinet members and reform committee members would not be allowed to contest an election for two terms once the transitional government was disbanded to avoid conflict of interests.

Suthep urged business groups to help the PDRC establish a reform agenda for the business sector.

He conceded however that their apprehension to do that might be due to the uncertainty about who will win in the current conflict.

Poldej Pinpratheep, a former cabinet member under the junta-appointed Surayud Chulalont administration and a medical doctor, facilitated the meeting between the medical groups and the PDRC.

Poldej said all parties must be invited to participation in the reform process. The PDRC plans to hold its second round of reform discussions on Tuesday, insisting that its proposals will be tangible. Participants at the meeting will be divided into four groups: academics, professionals, civil servants and legal experts.

Buddhist way

King Prajadhipok's Institute will embark on a study on how to introduce Buddhist religious teachings, or dhamma, in politics and present its findings in early November, said Bowornsak Uwanno, secretary-general of the Institute.

Bowornsak said Thai democracy is in trouble because people are too materialistic. Dhamma, he said, should lead politics. The study, which will be led by a deputy secretary-general of the institute, will be divided into three areas with three questions being posed: what kind of reform is needed, how to reform and how to make the reform acceptable.

-- The Nation 2014-02-09

[rametindallas]

Not going to happen. If Dr. Thaksin cannot control it, he will have nothing to do with it. An independent royal committee will not be in his best interest so you can count on his puppet government to stall, sidetrack, or derail any such body. How can one put together a veto-proof voting block without corruption? Answer that and maybe you can get Thaksin's support.

[moonao]

Reforming the mostly post 2006 coup, military hand picked Constitutional Court and the EC should be first on the list... two of the most rotten, bias groups, they are meant to serve the law and the people, instead they serve only powerful interests.

Edited February 9, 2014 by moonao

[Valentine]

Reforming the mostly post 2006 coup, military hand picked Constitutional Court and the EC should be first on the list... two of the most rotten, bias groups, they are meant to serve the law and the people, instead they serve only powerful interests.

Unlike the DSI for example.

[focus27]

This is all too sensible... far too sensible.

And too slow.

However, one would have thought that the PTP would be more than happy to reform the constitution and government agencies so they should start their own process.

[angsta]

This idea sucks.

[Roadman]

Reforming the mostly post 2006 coup, military hand picked Constitutional Court and the EC should be first on the list... two of the most rotten, bias groups, they are meant to serve the law and the people, instead they serve only powerful interests.

Unlike the Shinawatra's, Pheu Thai, the police just to name a few who serve the Shinawatra's for example.

[slapout]

The intial attempt for forming a reform council, (which the Pm was Chaiperson, seems to have hit a brick wall) This government has no interest, intention, nor plan to have any sensible reform program, as demanded by the general public.

They want to stay in power, cover the tracks of corruption they are leaving with every day they extend their tenure, as insurance against the time they have the gravy train taken away from them. The antics of placing the 'Labor and Foreign Ministers' in charge of what amounts to as intimidation agencies, refusing to cooperate with the Election groups, the anti government groups, the courts, etc would seem to confirm that this is PTP's final attempt at "save their arse".

[Red Snake]

It's sounds like a good idea. They have to try something, anything to get the ball rolling and show they really want reforms.

[Scamper]

The Yingluck administration will never accept a reform panel that does not include those they wish to be on it. The only way such a reform panel would be acceptable over a broad spectrum of the public, is if the administration has nothing to do with the composition of the panel whatsoever. As they have no parliamentary mandate, that shouldn't be hard to digest. But any attempts to meet the Yingluck administration halfway on this is fruitless. They aren't - nor have they ever been - interested in reform.

[OMGImInPattaya]

"However, he did not say how the royal committee's members would be selected."

Well that's sorta the nub of the matter isn't it Mr. Pointy Headed Academic! Thanks for your useless advice...now go back to de-educating your students.

[Nickymaster]

Reforming the mostly post 2006 coup, military hand picked Constitutional Court and the EC should be first on the list... two of the most rotten, bias groups, they are meant to serve the law and the people, instead they serve only powerful interests.

How about the Police Force and the DSI?

[bigbamboo]

Love the suggestion of introducing Buddhist teachings into politics (and with it the implication that they currently aren't) but can you really see any Thai government that would stick to the five precepts of Buddhism...... no killing, no stealing, no screwing around, no lying and no alcohol?

No, neither can I.

[EyesWideOpen]

Love the suggestion of introducing Buddhist teachings into politics (and with it the implication that they currently aren't) but can you really see any Thai government that would stick to the five precepts of Buddhism...... no killing, no stealing, no screwing around, no lying and no alcohol?

No, neither can I.

One of the very best running jokes in Thailand. After 14 years here, think I can safely say

that the five precepts of Buddhism are not closely followed here in Thailand.....

A bit odd for a country that is 95% Buddhist.

[northernjohn]

"However, he did not say how the royal committee's members would be selected."

Well that's sorta the nub of the matter isn't it Mr. Pointy Headed Academic! Thanks for your useless advice...now go back to de-educating your students.

That is not a problem until they decide to form the commission which is a very good idea Mister pointy head.

Are you advocating leave the situation as it is. Go up face to face if you have the guts and tell the farmers you don't want to do any thing to change the situation.

This is all too sensible... far too sensible.

And too slow.

However, one would have thought that the PTP would be more than happy to reform the constitution and government agencies so they should start their own process.

The government has suggested a similar undertaking at the onset of the protests. Suthep resisted.

It will be interesting to see if this initiative gathers support, because it is a reasonable effort to deal with the morass.

The government suggested a commission chaired by Yingluck not even in the same ball park as this suggestion.

Gothom is critical of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee's attempt to create an unelected "people's council" to steer the country, labelling the proposal vague.

He is critical of the PDRC yet he seems to agree with the basic idea.

I have long been advocating the committee to be chaired by an appointee of the King. Glad to see some backing for the idea.

I do believe that there are politicians on each side of the fence who are honesty and willing to discuss and negotiate for a fair settlement that will work for all of Thailand.

[Melyn]

Reforming the mostly post 2006 coup, military hand picked Constitutional Court and the EC should be first on the list... two of the most rotten, bias groups, they are meant to serve the law and the people, instead they serve only powerful interests.

If that were the case then the PTP cheats and liars would all be locked up.

Problem is the CC has been way too lenient.

In most western civilisations the government would have been dealt with.

Your opinion therefore is burned

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Crossy]

Several posts bringing His Majesty into the frame have been removed.

I know it's going to be difficult, bearing in mind the topic title, but please remember the rules about politics and the Royal Family.

[EyesWideOpen]

Several posts bringing His Majesty into the frame have been removed.

I know it's going to be difficult, bearing in mind the topic title, but please remember the rules about politics and the Royal Family.

Then why have you run this story ???

[fab4]

Reforming the mostly post 2006 coup, military hand picked Constitutional Court and the EC should be first on the list... two of the most rotten, bias groups, they are meant to serve the law and the people, instead they serve only powerful interests.

Unlike the DSI for example.

The DSI cannot bring about the downfall of governments, so in the grand scheme of things they are fairly insignificant.

[Jasun]

"he did not say how the royal committee's members would be selected."

Fail

[umbanda]

In any moment the Military will show up and tell Mrs Yinluck...Reform or Coup!..and the PM knows that means......My guess?

She will resign to have more time to set her affairs in "order", before running to meet her brother...Nothing will change..the poor will lose in one way or another... like always..but at least will be order again in Thailand...and a new hope for Change...not including Suthep.

[pipkins]

In any moment the Military will show up and tell Mrs Yinluck...Reform or Coup!..and the PM knows that means......My guess?

She will resign to have more time to set her affairs in "order", before running to meet her brother...Nothing will change..the poor will lose in one way or another... like always..but at least will be order again in Thailand...and a new hope for Change...not including Suthep.

Early on, Yinkgluk was widely reported to have taunted Prayuth teling to "go on and coup then, and you can have all the problems on your desk again".

The old days and ways of the elites and army are over now, and some need to get used to it.

The problems the Government have now are mostly of the PDRC making and court meddling. Add on a major revolt and international sanctions and people who are smart enough, know the coup would fail spectaculary and quickly should they ever get it going again.

Sutheps weekend of love! Whats that about. The amount of people he attracts now, would be attracted by a market and live music in greater numbers than are there now!!

OTOP (Thanks Thaksin) attract many times the amount of people you see at Asoke.

Most are seeing now that he has to take his rally to the office areas, pull in a few on their lunch break and on the way home, suck in some shoppers and looky loos and thats it/ Failed Coup PDRC must soon go the way of Pitak Siam

Edited February 9, 2014 by pipkins

[Old Man River]

"However, he did not say how the royal committee's members would be selected."

Well that's sorta the nub of the matter isn't it Mr. Pointy Headed Academic! Thanks for your useless advice...now go back to de-educating your students.

That is not a problem until they decide to form the commission which is a very good idea Mister pointy head.

Are you advocating leave the situation as it is. Go up face to face if you have the guts and tell the farmers you don't want to do any thing to change the situation.

This is all too sensible... far too sensible.

And too slow.

However, one would have thought that the PTP would be more than happy to reform the constitution and government agencies so they should start their own process.

The government has suggested a similar undertaking at the onset of the protests. Suthep resisted.

It will be interesting to see if this initiative gathers support, because it is a reasonable effort to deal with the morass.

The government suggested a commission chaired by Yingluck not even in the same ball park as this suggestion.

Gothom is critical of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee's attempt to create an unelected "people's council" to steer the country, labelling the proposal vague.

He is critical of the PDRC yet he seems to agree with the basic idea.

I have long been advocating the committee to be chaired by an appointee of the King. Glad to see some backing for the idea.

I do believe that there are politicians on each side of the fence who are honesty and willing to discuss and negotiate for a fair settlement that will work for all of Thailand.

They exist, but legally, under the constitution, they can only talk about what they would like to see. It's a pipe dream. We went down this road a few years ago.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[LarryBird]

Here is what Thailand doesn't need: MORE LAWS! Have you ever noticed how many laws they have, yet lived in a place of such lawlessness?

The problem isn't that they don't have the right laws in place, it's in how badly everything is enforced.

Stop blaming democracy for corruption!

[Gweiloman]

This must be the only thread on TV where both sides actually agree - that reforms, while sounding nice and good, actually cannot happen due to it's impracticality and guaranteed non-acceptance one way of the other by the major players.

Which brings us back to the only possible, practical way of instituting reforms - at the ballot box. If there is indeed a genuine want for reform from the people (and not just Bangkokians but in the North, NorthEast and South), then the party that can tap into this should do very well at the polls - maybe not win outright but as part of a coalition govt.

[LevelHead]

I have a suggestion.

For FAR TOO long the academics and intellectuals and business leaders have written the laws and the constitution and it appears they do a terrible job. Its full of holes they can skip through.

So, this time, lets have a committee of non academic people, non business leaders and let them write it, perhaps it might be better, much better - but of course, if would have no loopholes deliberately put in, so would never have a chance of ever being accepted by the Elite..................

Reform ?? Don't make me laugh.

If any party puts up reform without reform of the Constitution Court and the Military - then you know for sure they are not serious about reform - and you can expect the PDRC to never have these two parties under review in their reform proposals................... guess why ?

All in my opinion of course

[bigbamboo]

I have a suggestion.

For FAR TOO long the academics and intellectuals and business leaders have written the laws and the constitution and it appears they do a terrible job. Its full of holes they can skip through.

So, this time, lets have a committee of non academic people, non business leaders and let them write it, perhaps it might be better, much better - but of course, if would have no loopholes deliberately put in, so would never have a chance of ever being accepted by the Elite..................

Reform ?? Don't make me laugh.

If any party puts up reform without reform of the Constitution Court and the Military - then you know for sure they are not serious about reform - and you can expect the PDRC to never have these two parties under review in their reform proposals................... guess why ?

All in my opinion of course

You're probably right, just as the PTP wouldn't want to reform the Police or the DSI. Those vested interests just keep getting in the way of democracy, don't they.

[harrisou]

PM urged to set up royal panel for reforms

The Sunday Nation

A senior police officer representing the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order arrives for a meeting with protest leaders outside PTT

BANGKOK: -- Peace advocate says members should not be chosen by govt

A high-profile peace advocate has called for an independent royal committee to be established to launch the national reform process.

Mahidol University lecturer Gothom Arya urged caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to endorse the proposal and present it to His Majesty the King so the committee was recognised by law.

Speaking yesterday at an annual conference organised by King Prajadhipok's Institute, Gothom said the committee's members would not be chosen by the government and could only be removed by the courts.

Gothom is critical of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee's attempt to create an unelected "people's council" to steer the country, labelling the proposal vague.

However, he did not say how the royal committee's members would be selected.

He labelled the PDRC's demand for a neutral prime minister to be appointed as unconstitutional because the current charter required the prime minister to be an MP.

He urged the Yingluck administration to lift the emergency decree to create an environment of trust.

Various views on the current political crisis gripping the country were aired at the conference including a warning that the use the Facebook by Thais has led to more political and social divisions.

Sorasak Ngamcachonkulkid, a lecturer at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, said Facebook had become a divisive tool in the current political climate, with people quarrelling on the Internet instead of using it as a platform for exchanging constructive ideas. Sorasak urged non-political extremists on both sides to talk.

At the same time, he said the role of political extremists should be reduced in order to create a climate for negotiation. He said that extremists wanted to become "heroes" by insisting on their rigid stances.

Thammasat University political scientist Nakarin Mektrairat believed the current political impasse would end within three to four months and urged public to persevere.

Nakarin did not explain how he thought the deadlock would be resolved, but believes political violence has reached an "acceptable" level.

"People should play a part in seeking a solution and even though we don't see the way out yet, I believe we can if we persevere for three to four more months," he said.

In a related development, various medical groups supporting the PDRC met yesterday to solidify the PDRC's reform proposals. PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban said the groups came up with five reform ideas that centred on the political process, graft and corruption, decentralisation of government, social and economic inequity, and judicial reform.

Suthep reiterated that the Yingluck administration had no hope of staying in power - it was just a matter of time before the administration crumbled.

He said a transitional government running the country for 18 months would ensure that reform would take place.

The transitional prime minister, cabinet members and reform committee members would not be allowed to contest an election for two terms once the transitional government was disbanded to avoid conflict of interests.

Suthep urged business groups to help the PDRC establish a reform agenda for the business sector.

He conceded however that their apprehension to do that might be due to the uncertainty about who will win in the current conflict.

Poldej Pinpratheep, a former cabinet member under the junta-appointed Surayud Chulalont administration and a medical doctor, facilitated the meeting between the medical groups and the PDRC.

Poldej said all parties must be invited to participation in the reform process. The PDRC plans to hold its second round of reform discussions on Tuesday, insisting that its proposals will be tangible. Participants at the meeting will be divided into four groups: academics, professionals, civil servants and legal experts.

Buddhist way

King Prajadhipok's Institute will embark on a study on how to introduce Buddhist religious teachings, or dhamma, in politics and present its findings in early November, said Bowornsak Uwanno, secretary-general of the Institute.

Bowornsak said Thai democracy is in trouble because people are too materialistic. Dhamma, he said, should lead politics. The study, which will be led by a deputy secretary-general of the institute, will be divided into three areas with three questions being posed: what kind of reform is needed, how to reform and how to make the reform acceptable.

-- The Nation 2014-02-09

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Baerboxer]

"However, he did not say how the royal committee's members would be selected."

Well that's sorta the nub of the matter isn't it Mr. Pointy Headed Academic! Thanks for your useless advice...now go back to de-educating your students.

As opposed to flat headed farang who seems content to allow a Shin dictatorship to run the country as the family business,

What's your proposal then?

[siampolee]

Look at the clip as usual for a Shinwatra when her lips move she lies and does so even now, still under the dictatorship directorship of her puppet master brother.

Edited February 9, 2014 by siampolee