Chavalit to form people's assembly
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Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh plans to come out of political retirement to spearhead a grassroots campaign for a People's Assembly that would promote public control over sovereign resources, including the airwaves.
A network of civic and media groups yesterday passed out leaflets at Parliament calling attention to Saturday’s public discussion aimed at demanding control by the people over their own destiny.
The gathering at the Army Club on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road is expected to kick-start the assembly, led by Chavalit.
Their vision is for a full-fledged democracy with the king as head of state and the people as the governors of state power and natural resources.
To ensure that people can enjoy wide access to broadcasting frequencies, the assembly will push for the issuance of operating licences to all 7,600 community radio stations as well as licences for six regional television stations.
To ensure that people have fair access to land, it pledges to grant title deeds to Buddhist temples.
To ensure that people benefit from petroleum and mineral resources, the price of petrol and fuel will be not more than Bt19 per litre and the price of gas not more than Bt9 per kilogram.
To preserve marine resources, coastal communities will be given a say in the management of the offshore oil and gas industry.
Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha Thursday dismissed speculation that the People’s Alliance for Democracy was planning a rally at the Army Club.
“I have checked and can confirm that the PAD did not request the use of the facility,” he said.
The Army’s properties would not be allowed to be used for any political activities, as the Armed Forces were duty-bound to serve the people and not get entangled in politics.
When reporters sought his views on the rumoured homecoming of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra this year, he said he was tired of being asked the same question.
“I think it’s useless to comment since Thaksin has not come back for six years,” he said, suggesting that reporters should wait until Thaksin actually returns before asking for his reaction.
