National probe finds desire for end to graft

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BETTER EDUCATION SYSTEM?
National probe finds desire for end to graft
Kanitha Tepjorn
The Nation

Hope for better education system also key, CDC sub-panel's consultation reveals

BANGKOK: -- A CLEAN Thailand without corruption, a better education system and a united society were the top three issues for the public that emerged regarding the country's future during a closed consultation process in 10 provinces.

The process was conducted last week before Songkran by the subcommittee for gathering public opinions and public participation of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).

The provinces were selected according to their dominant position in each region. They were Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Roi Et, Udon Thani, Surin, Chon Buri, Bangkok, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani and Songkhla.

The process of consultation was chaired by Thawilwadee Bureekul, a CDC member.

People who participated in the consultation process were randomly selected by their backgrounds, representing various sectors in society. The 1,815 people joining the sessions were community leaders, youth representatives, women's representatives and representatives of civil society.

According to the results listed by Thawilwadee, who also chairs the subcommittee for gathering public opinions and public participation, eight out of 10 representative groups saw the need for Thailand to have a better political system without corruption.

Priority should be given to public participation in scrutinising projects conducted by local administrations and tougher punishment for corrupt officials.

Moving on, seven out of 10 representative groups gave priority to education reform. Free access to education up to the undergraduate level should be realised in order to enable people of all ages to pursue their studies.

Reform of the education system should focus on improving students' analytical skills. This is not to forget the inclusion of local culture and knowledge in the national plan for education.

A united society and reconciliation among people came in third. Six of the 10 groups of representatives expressed their willingness to establish centres for reconciliation at the provincial level to facilitate dialogues among people.

Cities in the North such as Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok gave importance to issues that were more politically oriented, including a better political system that does away with corruption and allows reconciliation to take place.

Cities in the Central and Eastern regions, which included Bangkok, Suphan Buri and Chon Buri, were more focused on education. Political issues were listed as second in priority.

Northeastern provinces had diverging views on issues that should be set as the top priorities. Udon Thani gave priority to reducing social and economic disparity. Roi Et stressed clean politics. Surin viewed education as the most important issue to be tackled.

Provinces in the South that included Surat Thani and Songkhla listed the need to address social and economic disparities as their top priority.

In a separate development, Election Commission deputy secretary-general Somsak Suriyamongkol said he believed the election to be held next year would use the old method of making a cross with a pen, and not electronic voting.

He said the worry was that there would be too many spoiled ballots coming with an open list system that needed voters to write the names of candidates in Thai.

The EC had therefore proposed that the old method of making a cross be used.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/National-probe-finds-desire-for-end-to-graft-30258058.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-16

[tracker1]

Closed consultation ?

[phoenixdoglover]

A consultation process:

"conducted last week..."

"ten provinces..."

"1,815 people..."

From a logistical standpoint, this doesn't seem feasible. What kind of "process" was this?

And, the results! I had to read them carefully. So much insight. I'm sure the CDC will give them due consideration.

[toybits]

Is it REALLY Necessary to do a poll on that? Surely, these people can find something better to do. Or NOT?