Abhisit to join TV show on reform and reconciliation

[webfact]

MOVING REFORM FORWARD
Abhisit to join TV show on reform and reconciliation
THE NATION


Abhisit Vejjajiva

COUNCIL TO INVITE OPPOSING GROUPS TO KICK-START DISCUSSIONS

BANGKOK: -- DEMOCRAT Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday agreed to join the "Moving Reform Forward" television programme, an initiative of the junta government to lay the ground rules for the reform and reconciliation process.

In an attempt to discuss reconciliation and reform, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will invite political parties and groups - and many prominent political figures to participate in the TV programmes on Channel 5.

A source confirmed that the former premier was contacted by the military to join the programme on Monday July 13. Abhisit has already confirmed his presence.

Meanwhile, Korkaew Pikulthong, a red-shirt leader and former Pheu Thai Party MP, said that if an invitation is extended to former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, she will join the programme. He added that Yingluck was ready to fully cooperate.

However, Korkaew wondered about the degree of openness in the discussions and the exchange of ideas in such a television programme.

Secretary-general of the NCPO General Chatchalerm Chalermsukh on Tuesday said the programme would bring together former heads of government, such as Yingluck and Abhisit. Politicians from Democrat and Pheu Thai Parties will also be there, as well as chairmen of each the National Reform Council (NRC)'s panels.

So far, former energy minister Pichai Nariptapan has joined the programme and yesterday former education minister Chaturon Chaisang offered his opinions about education reform.

The programme runs weekly on public Channel 5 from 9pm-10pm.

When asked if the programme would invite students to join the discussion, the NCPO's secretary-general said he welcomed all participation in this TV programme and that students had already been invited to take part.

As for the 14 students recently released from prison after violating the NCPO's order on political gathering, Chatchalerm said the Centre for Reconciliation and Reform would attend to the case of the 14 students.

He said the country is now in a transition period, moving towards a new democratic government. He emphasised that the prime minister had no intention of staying on in power.

Noppadon Pattama, former foreign minister under then-prime minister Samak Sundaravej, expressed his concerns over the future of Thailand. He feared that after the election the country would get stuck in a political impasse. He suggested all political parties agree on a political pact, guaranteeing political order and stability after the election.

Meanwhile, Anusit Kunakorn, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), said yesterday that universities, academics and media should set up a public space for discussion, so people can voice their opinions and proposals on reform.

However, he refused to comment on the release of the 14 students who were detained for defying government regulations and staging a rally against the coup, other than saying that the justice system should be allowed to handle it.

He said he believes the students had good intentions, except their method of expressing their views was different. Hence, he said, a stage should be set up for lecturers and students to discuss and express their ideas freely. Also, he said, the NSC wants to invite the media to discuss the role it can play in the country's future.

"This is my own idea and I would like to be the one hosting it," he said.

Anusit added that since Thailand has been chaotic, even the slightest public movement could affect the stability of the country.

Maintaining social order is the government's job as is creating the right path for the country to move on, he said, adding that this did not depend on any particular group.

From the NSC's perspective, crimes stem from the violation and weak enforcement of law, he said, citing illegal fishing, human trafficking and the use of violence. Hence, he said, it was necessary to take disciplinary action and teach society to respect the law.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Abhisit-to-join-TV-show-on-reform-and-reconciliati-30264069.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-09

[Wilsonandson]

Can Thaksin and Suthep be on the show too? Seriously, a great idea to solve the divisions in Thai politics and about time we had discussions between opposite political parties. Good idea.x

[tx22cb]

As long as they restrict the broadcast to Army Channel 5, I could not care less.

Just don't televise on multiple channels and disrupt my Film/Sports channels.

[Bannum opinions]

Frequently when referencing AV in any article, they have a flattering photo as well....Just to improve image. When in fact, he is a "Red Flag walking" to a huge sector of the Thai electorate......A photo at the outset of an article such as this probably does the opposite of what the authors intended....It may be a quick press of the 'delete' button.

Given this topic, why wouldn't the authors highlight a significant political figure who is a real threat to the anti-democrats. AV is just a member of their choir. He is already reconciled. He is happier than a "pig in you-know-what" A coup was the best thing that could have happened to him, and gave him his only chance at any political enhancements...So what on earth will he offer to anything regarding reconciliation, other than maximizing the 'reconciliation' he has already received.

But maybe they know something I don't. Perhaps AV has already been 'reformed' into significance.

Regardless, the whole notion of 'reform and reconciliation' is just so much smoke......As long as the anti-democrats insist on foisting "their" constitution on the country, everything else is just a sideshow.

I mean it is ridiculous, talking about 'reconciliation' when they are about to 'put the hammer down' with 'their' constitution.

One of two things will happen in a future election......The pro-democracy forces will simply opt out when faced with the daunting task of fighting a make-believe election constitutionally stacked against them, or secondly, plank #1 in their electoral platform is to turf a charter written non-inclusively by and for the anti-democrats..

An election is so phony, when many anti-democrat governing elements have been incorporated in this charter and structured with no linkage to an electorate. But self-servingly have the power to frustrate any pro-democracy Govt. from doing anything.

Edited July 9, 2015 by Bannum opinions

[oneday]

This would be nice since there has yet to be ANY reconciliation. As a matter of fact, this government has created more division and not even come close to bringing anyone together. They have systematically followed a strategy of stamping out all Red Shirt opposition so there is no one left to debate the opposing issues.

As far as reforms go, I'm not even sure what reforms to look for aside from creating a TRULY Democratic government and aggressively fighting corruption. Just those two would really show the public you are serious.

More than one year in power and there has been ZERO progress on these two issues.

[Prbkk]

Celebrity Big Brother is it?

[LannaGuy]

another show of weakness and lack of leadership

[geriatrickid]

Abhisit once again demonstrates his lust for power and lack of political acumen. If he had any integrity he would not participate. He should be staking out a position as an "honest" politician who respects the concept of democracy.

I expect some of the lower level democrats and PTP hacks to be quick to agree because they are political opportunists. Let the political parties campaign on their platforms, let the people vote for the MPs who should then have a free hand to debate political reform with everything on the table, with one exception: No amnesty for anyone. Amnesty can be dealt with away from the issue of reform and at a later date. It is too decisive an issue and would sidetrack the reform debate.

Can Thaksin and Suthep be on the show too? Seriously, a great idea to solve the divisions in Thai politics and about time we had discussions between opposite political parties. Good idea.x

NO. They would just offer political platitudes and empty gestures. More arguments and divisiveness. Thailand has had enough of them. They can talk once the issue of reform is settled.

Edited July 9, 2015 by geriatrickid

[NongKhaiKid]

Will there be soldiers on the set ready to respond if something anti- PM / coup / junta / road map etc is said. ?

[Bannum opinions]

Bottom line...This is the anti-democrats trying to show there is diversity within their own ranks, where there is none. AV is one of them and one of their cheerleaders. Why does one who is reconciled seek reconciliation?

A little like an article I read some time ago, where the author mentioned there was "fierce debate" between anti-democrats about some issue to do with 'their' constitution....Again, trying to suggest there was is diversity among themselves.

Edited July 9, 2015 by Bannum opinions

[Manbing]

Can Thaksin and Suthep be on the show too? Seriously, a great idea to solve the divisions in Thai politics and about time we had discussions between opposite political parties. Good idea.x

Thaksin is a criminal on the run. So highly doubtful.

Abhasit is a serious skilled and qualified statesman who will do well to put himself about a bit more.

Suthep?

Isn't he a monk now?

Holier than Thou

[Eric Loh]

Looks like damage control to try pacify the outcry internal and external and prevent more protests. Give them a good excuse to tell the audience that they are trying to be receptive to opinions. Not going to be effective as the public just don't have trust that they are genuine in their effort for reform and reconciliation. Their actions and words especially from their leaders just do not exult the kind of confidence that they are serious. Take the PM who continue to cast blame at every opportunity at the previous government.

[Bannum opinions]

Can Thaksin and Suthep be on the show too? Seriously, a great idea to solve the divisions in Thai politics and about time we had discussions between opposite political parties. Good idea.x

Thaksin is a criminal on the run. So highly doubtful.

Abhasit is a serious skilled and qualified statesman who will do well to put himself about a bit more.

Suthep?

Isn't he a monk now?

Holier than Thou

"Thaksin is a criminal on the run"

Such repetitive characterizations stated as fact, beget repetitive denials.

Portrayals such as that are espoused by self-serving, electorally fearful anti-democrats, their judicially veneered demonization campaign and by their "anti-Thaksin activists".

For the electoral majority, he is neither a criminal, or on the run.

Because his political enemies engineered a judicial thing against him must be seen for what it was and its' obvious motives.

Self-imposed exile and out-of-reach of his political enemies is not being on the run. Espousing such a scenario is politically-laden. As much as the anti-democrats like to repetitively use their favorite "fugitive" term, only resonates with those who take Opposition, anti-democrat folderol as gospel and identifies the political leanings of the author..

That said, there are a number of prominent Politicians from the pro-democracy side who would lend some credence to meaningful reconciliation dialogue, if that is possible. Any one of them would be hugely credible when considered over against a choir member. Mr. AV will just be in an echo chamber.

Edited July 9, 2015 by Bannum opinions

[FangFerang]

They should have a member from each of the 50 aristocrat families meet with fifty rural farmers and herders.

Then the reconciliation could really begin.

[waitforusalso]

Mark will happily participate when his army buddies are there to protect & promote him, but then will revert to his usual gutless boycotting tactics once he is faced with anything like an even playing field.

N.B. His first name on his birth certificate is Mark not Abhisit (privileged one).

[halloween]

another show of weakness and lack of leadership

Are you never satisfied? Politicians are silenced and it's nothing but oppression. when they are given the opportunity to put forward their view it's weakness.

BTW I understand your reluctance for Yingluk to speak on political matters. It should be hilarious.

[halloween]

Abhisit once again demonstrates his lust for power and lack of political acumen. If he had any integrity he would not participate. He should be staking out a position as an "honest" politician who respects the concept of democracy.

I expect some of the lower level democrats and PTP hacks to be quick to agree because they are political opportunists. Let the political parties campaign on their platforms, let the people vote for the MPs who should then have a free hand to debate political reform with everything on the table, with one exception: No amnesty for anyone. Amnesty can be dealt with away from the issue of reform and at a later date. It is too decisive an issue and would sidetrack the reform debate.

Can Thaksin and Suthep be on the show too? Seriously, a great idea to solve the divisions in Thai politics and about time we had discussions between opposite political parties. Good idea.x

NO. They would just offer political platitudes and empty gestures. More arguments and divisiveness. Thailand has had enough of them. They can talk once the issue of reform is settled.

So when Yingluk agrees to appear she will also be demonstrating "lust for power and lack of political acumen"?

Conversely, when she doesn't, it will be the opposite rather than her normal refusal to say anything without a script pre-written by her brother's advisors?

[LannaGuy]

another show of weakness and lack of leadership

Are you never satisfied? Politicians are silenced and it's nothing but oppression. when they are given the opportunity to put forward their view it's weakness.

BTW I understand your reluctance for Yingluk to speak on political matters. It should be hilarious.

The jokes on YOU this is a Military Junta 'show' and you think any self-respecting serious politician who supports freedom of speech and democracy would appear??? pathetic

[halloween]

another show of weakness and lack of leadership

Are you never satisfied? Politicians are silenced and it's nothing but oppression. when they are given the opportunity to put forward their view it's weakness.

BTW I understand your reluctance for Yingluk to speak on political matters. It should be hilarious.

The jokes on YOU this is a Military Junta 'show' and you think any self-respecting serious politician who supports freedom of speech and democracy would appear??? pathetic

Since when was Yingluk or her family champions of freedom of speech or democracy? Again you show your hypocrisy, criticising an event yet to occur because of your bias, rather than waiting to see if restrictions are applied.

[Bannum opinions]

another show of weakness and lack of leadership

Are you never satisfied? Politicians are silenced and it's nothing but oppression. when they are given the opportunity to put forward their view it's weakness.

BTW I understand your reluctance for Yingluk to speak on political matters. It should be hilarious.

The jokes on YOU this is a Military Junta 'show' and you think any self-respecting serious politician who supports freedom of speech and democracy would appear??? pathetic

Since when was Yingluk or her family champions of freedom of speech or democracy? Again you show your hypocrisy, criticising an event yet to occur because of your bias, rather than waiting to see if restrictions are applied.

"Since when was Yingluk or her family champions of freedom of speech or democracy?"

The electorate seemed to think so.

That fact remains a major stumbling block to those wanting to demonize a democratically elected former Govt.

It pits them up against the millions who elected them then, and would do so again today.

A little bit like swimming upstream.

[halloween]

"Since when was Yingluk or her family champions of freedom of speech or democracy?"

The electorate seemed to think so.

That fact remains a major stumbling block to those wanting to demonize a democratically elected former Govt.

It pits them up against the millions who elected them then, and would do so again today.

A little bit like swimming upstream.

Most Thais wouldn't know a real democracy if it walked up behind them and bit them on the arse. Which is exactly what the fake democracy they have been living in has been doing to them for years.

I notice you kept well away from freedom of speech, the subject of the thread.

[webfact]

Junta to Invite Yingluck, Abhisit for TV Discussion
By Khaosod English


Former Prime Ministers Yingluck Shinawatra and Abhisit Vejjajiva at an anti-corruption event at Lumpini Park in Bangkok, 25 September 2011.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s ruling military junta is planning to invite prominent politicians from rival factions to discuss the government’s reform plans on national television.

Gen. Udomdet Sitabutr, a junta member and army chief, said the junta-appointed Center for Reconciliation and Reform (CRR) will launch a TV show featuring politicians discussing the military government's reform projects following the May 2014 coup.

According to Gen. Udomdet, the invitees will include former Prime Ministers Yingluck Shinawatra and Abhisit Vejjajiva, who are top leaders of Thailand’s two rival factions – known colloquially as the Redshirts and the Yellowshirts – that have been locked in protracted power struggle for the past decade.

"This idea is meant to open a channel for people of all groups and sides to express their opinions through correct means, so that we may use their [suggestions] to improve or amend things, if it is possible," Gen. Udomdet said. "Because many people have knowledge and experience that can be applied to the present time."

The junta has maintained a ban on all political activities over the past year, but more recently sought to allow discussion through state-sanctioned forums in order to quell criticism of it's "exclusive" reform process.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1436425033

-- Khaosod English 2015-07-09

[Bannum opinions]

"This idea is meant to open a channel for people of all groups and sides to express their opinions...."

Too little, too late.

What's with all this warm and fuzzy inclusiveness all of a sudden.

Cynicism to the extreme.....After the anti-democrats have written a constitution for and by themselves, all of a sudden they are going to be inclusive?

They must be confident they have "reformed" things to their liking, now they can pretend to be participatory.

To give AV equal billing with Ms. Y. when he can't win an election if his life depended on it, and never has, is also skewed.

Put AV in with Yingluck, Jatuporn, Natthawut and Dr. Weng.................. that could be sold as participatory and balanced reflecting electoral realities.

But never mind all that...Fohget this whole charade that comes in the wake of a warped constitutional process.

And as is normally the case when Yingluck is mentioned in any article, all their anticipated demonization stuff that follows, cannot explain away the fact she would be re-elected in a heartbeat.............Bit of a problem for her politically agenized detractors.

Edited July 9, 2015 by Bannum opinions

[Robby nz]

One wonders what input Yingluck would be able to offer, perhaps she could give some tips on growing mushrooms.

After all its not much different to how she and her party ran their Government and treated the Thai people. Keep them in the dark and feed them on bovine manure.

[Mudcrab]

Can Thaksin and Suthep be on the show too? Seriously, a great idea to solve the divisions in Thai politics and about time we had discussions between opposite political parties. Good idea.x

Thaksin is a criminal on the run. So highly doubtful.

Abhasit is a serious skilled and qualified statesman who will do well to put himself about a bit more.

Suthep?

Isn't he a monk now?

Holier than Thou

"Thaksin is a criminal on the run"

Such repetitive characterizations stated as fact, beget repetitive denials.

Portrayals such as that are espoused by self-serving, electorally fearful anti-democrats, their judicially veneered demonization campaign and by their "anti-Thaksin activists".

For the electoral majority, he is neither a criminal, or on the run.

Because his political enemies engineered a judicial thing against him must be seen for what it was and its' obvious motives.

Self-imposed exile and out-of-reach of his political enemies is not being on the run. Espousing such a scenario is politically-laden. As much as the anti-democrats like to repetitively use their favorite "fugitive" term, only resonates with those who take Opposition, anti-democrat folderol as gospel and identifies the political leanings of the author..

That said, there are a number of prominent Politicians from the pro-democracy side who would lend some credence to meaningful reconciliation dialogue, if that is possible. Any one of them would be hugely credible when considered over against a choir member. Mr. AV will just be in an echo chamber.

Wah, wah, wah...thaksin got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 'Snot fair coz all the bullies ganged up on him.

Get real - he can come back from his "self imposed exile" any time he likes but doesn't have the balls.

Your continual posting of misinformation is straight out of the brainwashing songbook. Fortunately the more intelligent Thais (and TV commentators) see this as what it is.

[Manbing]

Can Thaksin and Suthep be on the show too? Seriously, a great idea to solve the divisions in Thai politics and about time we had discussions between opposite political parties. Good idea.x

Thaksin is a criminal on the run. So highly doubtful.

Abhasit is a serious skilled and qualified statesman who will do well to put himself about a bit more.

Suthep?

Isn't he a monk now?

Holier than Thou

"Thaksin is a criminal on the run"

Such repetitive characterizations stated as fact, beget repetitive denials.

Portrayals such as that are espoused by self-serving, electorally fearful anti-democrats, their judicially veneered demonization campaign and by their "anti-Thaksin activists".

For the electoral majority, he is neither a criminal, or on the run.

Because his political enemies engineered a judicial thing against him must be seen for what it was and its' obvious motives.

Self-imposed exile and out-of-reach of his political enemies is not being on the run. Espousing such a scenario is politically-laden. As much as the anti-democrats like to repetitively use their favorite "fugitive" term, only resonates with those who take Opposition, anti-democrat folderol as gospel and identifies the political leanings of the author..

That said, there are a number of prominent Politicians from the pro-democracy side who would lend some credence to meaningful reconciliation dialogue, if that is possible. Any one of them would be hugely credible when considered over against a choir member. Mr. AV will just be in an echo chamber.

Denials?

Thaksin is not a convicted criminal who has refused to attend prison in Thailand???

I think we all know he really really is.

[Robby nz]

"This idea is meant to open a channel for people of all groups and sides to express their opinions...."

Too little, too late.

What's with all this warm and fuzzy inclusiveness all of a sudden.

Cynicism to the extreme.....After the anti-democrats have written a constitution for and by themselves, all of a sudden they are going to be inclusive?

They must be confident they have "reformed" things to their liking, now they can pretend to be participatory.

To give AV equal billing with Ms. Y. when he can't win an election if his life depended on it, is also skewed.

Put AV in with Yingluck, Jatuporn, Natthawut and Dr. Weng, that could be sold as participatory and balanced reflecting electoral realities.

But never mind all that...Fohget this whole charade that comes in the wake of a warped constitutional process.

You seem to forget that in the term of the Yingluck Govt there were 4 by-elections, 3 of those were considered safe PT seats.

Only 1 was one by PT the other 3 by the Democrats including the supposedly safe PT seat of Don Muang where there was a 12% swing from PT to the Democrats.

There was also the BKK mayoral election where the great thinker said they would win even if they put up a power pole as a candidate.....They lost.

PT are not as invincible as you like to make out.

As for putting up the 3 red shirt leaders who were never elected and only introduced to parliament as list MP's as reward for the death and destruction they caused in 2010 and have never been and never will be politicians and are still working under the slogan "Thaksin thinks PT acts" which means they have no original thoughts of their own......Well perhaps they are the only names you know.

[ramrod711]

Self-imposed exile and out-of-reach of his political enemies is not being on the run. Well let's have a look at that statement. He is in Dubai, hiding from justice. With one conviction already and something like 15 additional charges pending. He lied to leave the country, remember "I'm just going to the Olympics, I'll be right back." I don't know where you come up with this crap, but lying to flee the country, is being on the run. Using Skype to encourage violence is treason, especially when you don't have the intestinal fortitude to do it in person.

[jayboy]

One wonders what input Yingluck would be able to offer, perhaps she could give some tips on growing mushrooms.

After all its not much different to how she and her party ran their Government and treated the Thai people. Keep them in the dark and feed them on bovine manure.

Presumably she has been invited because she among all leading politicians has the most legitimacy, having been given a mandate by the Thai people in a fairly conducted democratic election.I doubt whether she has a political future but even the military government understands her appeal and popularity.It is sensible to seek inclusivity.

Your mean spirited and unpleasant attitude is not representative or helpful.Fortunately those in office understand these things better than embittered foreigners.

[Bannum opinions]

"This idea is meant to open a channel for people of all groups and sides to express their opinions...."

Too little, too late.

What's with all this warm and fuzzy inclusiveness all of a sudden.

Cynicism to the extreme.....After the anti-democrats have written a constitution for and by themselves, all of a sudden they are going to be inclusive?

They must be confident they have "reformed" things to their liking, now they can pretend to be participatory.

To give AV equal billing with Ms. Y. when he can't win an election if his life depended on it, is also skewed.

Put AV in with Yingluck, Jatuporn, Natthawut and Dr. Weng, that could be sold as participatory and balanced reflecting electoral realities.

But never mind all that...Fohget this whole charade that comes in the wake of a warped constitutional process.

You seem to forget that in the term of the Yingluck Govt there were 4 by-elections, 3 of those were considered safe PT seats.

Only 1 was one by PT the other 3 by the Democrats including the supposedly safe PT seat of Don Muang where there was a 12% swing from PT to the Democrats.

There was also the BKK mayoral election where the great thinker said they would win even if they put up a power pole as a candidate.....They lost.

PT are not as invincible as you like to make out.

As for putting up the 3 red shirt leaders who were never elected and only introduced to parliament as list MP's as reward for the death and destruction they caused in 2010 and have never been and never will be politicians and are still working under the slogan "Thaksin thinks PT acts" which means they have no original thoughts of their own......Well perhaps they are the only names you know.

All that said, cancelling and avoiding elections by the anti-democrats contextualizes everything...No amount of smoke can avoid that reality and hide their fear....By their works ye shall know them.