Political reform council likely to be formed soon

The council’s recommendations to reform the political system will be carried out by the government, said the Pheu Thai source.

“If it is necessary to amend any laws, including the Constitution, the government will do it.”

The government will invite the stakeholders, consisting of politicians from opposing parties as well as respected people in political circles, to discuss how to bridge the political divide, the source said. 

Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of PM Yingluck, agrees with her idea for political reform, viewing it as the last chance to find a solution to end the political conflict, according to his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama.

“I believe the first forum [for all parties to] join and talk together will start by the end of August,” Noppadon said. He said the Democrats should make no conditions before the talks, such as withdrawal of an amnesty bill. Last Friday, Yingluck in a TV address called on all groups involved in politics to join a reform council to end conflict. 

Yingluck yesterday called on the opposition not to set conditions on joining the reform council, which would make it difficult to function. “This is not government work. We need to come together to solve the problem for our children and grandchildren. I hope to get cooperation,” she said.

Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said there was no purpose in talking about reform while the government was still pushing for an amnesty law, which was the cause of a new round of disputes. Abhisit also called on the prime minister to become part of the reform council herself.

Earlier yesterday, Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai said Yingluck would not be part of the council.

After ex-PM Banharn Silapa-archa agreed to join the council on Saturday, more dignitaries were approached by the government yesterday. They included former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, former House Speaker Uthai Pimchaichon, and former Senate Speaker Ukrit Mongkolnavin.

Ukrit proposed that the government set up a “council of seniors”, consisting of former premiers, such as Prem Tinsulanonda and Dhanin Kraivixien, to advise the government.

Meanwhile, a group of 40 senators yesterday refused to join the council unless the government first withdrew the amnesty and reconciliation bills from parliamentary deliberation. 

Senator Somchai Sawangkarn said Yingluck should first study the solutions proposed by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission.