PM a spectator only at first reform forum
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PRIME MINISTER Yingluck Shinawatra will observe Sunday's political reform forum at Government House but will not make any remarks, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana.
“The prime minister intends to listen to the discussion both in the morning and afternoon sessions. But she will not chair the session,” Phongthep said.
“She will not make any remarks but will instead allow other participants to air their views fully.”
The session on Sunday would not be broadcast live and people from the media would only be allowed to take photos at the beginning of the meeting. Having the media absent would allow participants to voice their views without concern, he said.
A participant in the forum, Banharn Silapa-archa from the coalition Chart Thai Pattana Party, said yesterday the prime minister had called him over the weekend to discuss the forum. He said participants from all the sides would be allowed to air their views during the session on Sunday.
The prime minister told him the government would determine what to do next about reform after this first session, according to Banharn, who added that one such meeting was insufficient.
After Sunday, leading political opponents of the government, such as Chamlong Srimuang, Sondhi Limthongkul and Prasong Soonsiri, would be invited to join the forum, Banharn said.
In a related development, a group of 40 senators has declined a government invitation to join the forum because they do not believe the prime minister is serious and sincere about this matter, said Senator Somchai Sawangkarn, who is part of the group.
