Democrats question Yingluck's sincerity with political reform

The Democrat Party questioned the prime minister’s sincerity over the matter while the ruling Pheu Thai Party accused the Democrats of being narrow-minded in their alleged attempt to block the latest reform effort.

Democrat MP Ongart Klampai-boon said the opposition party decided not to join the proposed forum because it was unsure of the PM’s sincerity. It also suspected the government had promoted the idea in a bid to distract the public from other issues, such as the amnesty bill and other questionable laws proposed by government politicians.

"We don’t think this forum will lead to genuine political reform. People invited by the government to take part share the ideas of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra or are close to the government," Ongart said. "This is just an attempt to buy the rhyme. It’s just a new political farce by the government."

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the Democrats were narrow-minded for questioning the proposal. He also rejected the Democrats’ allegation that the government was using foreign dignitaries, such as former British prime minister Tony Blair and former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, as a political tool by inviting them to contribute to the reform forum.

"We want the Democrats, the group of 40 senators and other political groups that oppose this matter to focus more on the national benefit. They have too much ego and should avoid playing political games," he said.

Deputy Pheu Thai spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said it appeared the Democrats were obstructing an effort to attain national reconciliation.

However, two veteran politicians invited to join the forum yesterday expressed support for the idea, saying that reform would ensure the country’s survival.

Former PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said all parties should take part in any effort that could ensure the country’s survival. Former deputy PM Suwat Liptapanlop said he accepted Yingluck’s invitation to join the forum. He said it was a good idea for Thais to take part in an effort to find a way out of the ongoing political conflict.

Both Chavalit and Suwat served in governments led by Thaksin or viewed as his proxy.