Banharn vows to keep pushing all sides
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Insists participation of leading political figures necessary for national reforms
CHART THAI Pattana chief adviser Banharn Silapa-archa has pledged to continue trying to encourage the Democrats to join the government-initiated reform process.
“If there are tangible proposals for the working groups on reform in the future, I will embark on another round of pushing to get all sides involved,” he said.
Banharn was speaking at the “Forward Thailand’s Reforms, Together Develop Democracy and Nation” meeting yesterday, which was chaired by Deputy PM Phongthep Thepkanjana.
Leading participants included Banharn, PM’s Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn, veteran politician Suwat Liptapanlop and former Democrat leader Bhichai Rattakul. Political Development Council chairman Thirapat Serirangsan and Federation of Thai Industries chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol were also present.
Varathep said the meeting focused on the structure of the reform process designed to encourage public participation. The morning session addressed economic issues and the afternoon one tackled social issues. The next meeting, scheduled for tomorrowWednesday, will cover political issues.
The findings of the three working groups in their respective fields will be presented at the main meeting chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at a later date.
Some leaders remain wary
At yesterday’s meeting, Banharn talked about his efforts to involve leading figures to push reform forward. He went on to say that former PM Anand Panyarachun had not turned down his invitation, but had reserved his right to join reform once some tangible progress is visible.
Anand has some reservations at this juncture because he does not agree with the government’s moves to push for amnesty and charter change.
Social critic Prawase Wasi, meanwhile, said he would cooperate with the push for reform if it actually gets implemented. He went on to say that at present he was focusing on building a social network to support reform rather than work with the government.
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he would not take part in reforms because he objected to the amnesty and charter-amendment bills.
PM’s Office permanent secretary Tongthong Chandransu said the working groups on reform had reviewed the previous recommendations churned out by key panels over the past few years, adding that the review would try to chart the best option on achieving reforms.
Previous recommendations include those made by the Reform Assembly led by Prawase, the National Reform Council led by Anand, the Truth for Reconciliation Commission led by Kanit Na Nakorn as well as reports from King Prajadhipok’s Institute.
Commenting on economic issues, Payungsak called for a revamp of laws related to granting state concession in order pave a path for the Asean Economic Community.
Banharn also attended a meeting with the council’s sub-committee on economic issues yesterday. While the meeting was taking place, the People’s Movement for a Just Society (P-Move) gathered outside Government House demanding measures to resolve economic disparity in the country.
