Ombudsmen conference a triumph despite doubts

By KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN 
THE SUNDAY NATION

 

 

BANGKOK:-- DESPITE the claims of some critics that Thailand has been isolated by the international community since the 2014 military coup, the country recently hosted a highly praised conference of ombudsmen from all over the world.

 

The 11th World Conference of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), held in Bangkok from November 13-19, drew more than 180 ombudsmen from more than 60 IOI member countries, under the theme “Evolution of Ombudsman”.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/politics/30300919

 

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-11-27

The article reads like it was written by now retired 1980s Pravda journalist(s) keen to make a few bob to supplement their pensions.

Note the piece is all about the hosting of the conference and not the conference itself - Now why might that be?

Edited November 26, 20169 yr by baboon

Thai ombudsmen had empirical evidence to prove their credentials and were free of the junta's influence !

" Free Of The Junta's Influence ' ?    

The only thing here remotely free of the junta's influence is the Buddhist hierarchy .

 

And contradict yourself why don't you...

 

"IOI president Walters, the ombudsman for Namibia in southwest Africa, confirmed to The Nation that there had been some opposition concerning the suitability of Bangkok hosting the conference." 

Another spin doctor if it was not a success would they do a "do over" of the conference. Around round of caviar and wine please. 

Considering the way the previous government totally ignored the ombudsman when he requested an explanation for Thaksin's passport it is questionable whether a country that disrespects the office should host the conference. Of course it is a different government and they haven't been handing out passports to fugitives, but still.

8 hours ago, rooster59 said:

highly praised conference of ombudsmen from all over the world.

“Some IOI members from Europe were uncomfortable about the current political situation in Thailand. They expressed concerns over the selection of the independent agencies’ position-holders, including the Ombudsman, questioning the transparency. Especially as I [ Thailand’s Chief Ombudsman, General Viddhavat Rajatanun] a military officer myself, they were concerned whether I was chosen based on my merits, Viddhavat said."

Hardly a unanimous, ringing acolade.

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

“Some IOI members from Europe were uncomfortable about the current political situation in Thailand. They expressed concerns over the selection of the independent agencies’ position-holders, including the Ombudsman, questioning the transparency. Especially as I [ Thailand’s Chief Ombudsman, General Viddhavat Rajatanun] a military officer myself, they were concerned whether I was chosen based on my merits, Viddhavat said."

Hardly a unanimous, ringing acolade.

So the Minister of Justice is a general, and the Ombudsman us also a general. I guess they must get along well with each other!  :)

16 hours ago, candide said:

So the Minister of Justice is a general, and the Ombudsman us also a general. I guess they must get along well with each other!  :)

 

I will call you Cleopatra, as you are "the queen of denial".