Banharn's invitation turned down
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Former Democrat Party leader Chuan Leekpai has turned down an invitation from Banharn Silapa-archa, de facto leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, to join the government-initiated political reform process, and instead asked Banharn to tell the governmen
The closed-door meeting between Banharn and Chuan took place yesterday at Democrat Party headquarters. No reporters were allowed in.
Observing the discussions were several Democrat MPs including Chaiwuti Bannawat, Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, Issara Somchai and Buranaj Smutharaks.
Banharn, who has vowed to assist the government’s political reforms, was also at the Democrat headquarters on Monday to meet incumbent party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who also turned down Banharn’s invitation to join the reform council.
Following their meeting, Chuan presented Banharn with six principles of good governance, saying that if the government followed them, it would be able to set a good example. He said it would make an impact on society, as the government was “an active player”. The six principles included respecting the rule of law and using it fairly to avoid rifts in society.
“Rifts in society have occurred partly because of [the government’s] ‘selective’ conduct. For example, not taking action against the people from the same group but finding fault in others. The rift with rice and rubber farmers was unnecessary and occurred because the government took action selectively,” Chuan said.
Chuan said he had suggested the government continue negotiations with rubber farmers and should not insist on sticking to the subsidies already put forward. The government should at least listen to the protesters as they had been cultivating rubber plantations for decades.
Chuan said he had asked Banharn to tell the government to stop interfering in the work of others – especially the opposition. Chuan also gave Banharn a folder containing unspecified information.
Although reluctant to speak with the media, Banharn said he considered the meeting a success as he had received useful information, despite Chuan turning down his invitation.
