Village heads and Kamnans agree to return home in the afternoon : Chalerm
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Tambon leaders and village heads protesting at the Royal Plaza against a local administration have agreed to return home after meeting with Interior Minister Jarupong Ruengsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said Wednesday.
After the meeting, they now understand the position and have agreed to disperse, Chalerm said, adding they are supporters of the ruling Pheu Thai party. Chalerm did not provide further information about the discussion.
Thousands of Tambon leaders and village heads gathered at Royal Plaza in Bangkok Wednesday, opposing the local administration bill now being scrutinised by a House committee.
Traffic in the area was reportedly heavy, clogged by chartered buses and vans carrying local leaders from provinces around the country to the rally site.
District and village heads association president Yongyos Kaewkhiew earlier said that more than 300,000 of district and village chiefs and their assistants oppose the bill, which they claimed has failed to address their concerns and opinions. In particular, they are opposed to provisions in the bill stipulating that local leaders' terms end five years after being elected.
The current law allows local leaders to remain in their positions until they reach mandatory retirement at age 60.
Yongyos said the association will consider its next move after petitioning Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, a ruling Pheu Thai Party leader.
He warned that the rally might be prolonged unless the bill is withdrawn from the House. Currently, there are 7,255 district heads and 70,344 village chiefs and 298,731 assistants in 77 provinces.
