Forum calls for reforms to set new standards

National reforms should lead Thailand toward reconciliation and equality that is lasting, the National Reform Council (NRC) concluded yesterday.
The NRC held a workshop under the topic of “Vision Workshop” with the goal of strengthening the community’s ability to achieve change within 20 years.
The second day of the forum held by the NRC yesterday saw NRC member Khemadhat Sukondhasingkha conclude that NRC members were concerned whether the government’s reform bid would be lasting or not — and whether it would benefit the country in the long term.
“We have concluded that the key role of this national reform should have a lasting impact for the country — promoting reconciliation by focusing on an equality among the people which must be realised — and pushing forward people’s ability to develop the country,” said Khemadhat.
He explained that a similar forum held in November last year urged the NRC to consider laying down Thailand’s position in developing the country’s role in Asean and the world.
Earlier in the forum, NRC president Thienchay Kirananada said he was determined to set a goal that this national reform would clearly set new standards for Thailand in the next 20 years.
The forum, participated by NRC members yesterday, was divided into four groups: politics, local administration, judicial and business.
One of the biggest areas needing reform was political. NRC member Panit Nitithanprapas proposed reforming the political system by preventing corruption and promoting integrity among politicians.
“Preventing corruption must start within every agency, and [corruption] cases should be speedily brought forward to courts to take action immediately. And we should strictly strengthen punishment for wrongdoers,” Panit said.
Eradicating corruption must also include the role of citizens by preparing them to be able to elect good politicians. After assuming office, politicians should be scrutinised thoroughly by [their electors], said Panit, who represented the first group.
Panit added that links between politicians and their financiers must be eradicated.
“One [major] topic [discussed] was that the country should reduce inequality and class struggle or prejudices between classes, and pay attention to the poor and to equal rights,” said the NRC member.
Panit also stressed that the community must be informed through correct information and have easy access to such information.
Representative of the third group, NRC member Seree Suwanphanont, proposed the defining of state and government agencies’ authority more clearly.
“There have been many cases where different organisations or agencies have interfered with one another, because in many cases their authorities overlap. This issue must be eliminated by defining each agency’s authority clearly,” said Seree who is also a legal expert.
Seree added that agencies such as courts and police must be reformed too, and this reform should be achieved within three months.
Another issue was people’s unequal treatment by government agencies, with many cases showing officials favouring some over others. Equality could not be achieved without equal treatment that does away with prejudice, Seree said.
NRC member Orapin Sopchokchai, also a representative of the second group, said after gathering the proposals within the group, it was clear they had focused on subjects such as reforming government structures, decentralisation, and scrutinising local administration and independent organisations.
“We would promote ‘participatory governance’ that would allow civilians to scrutinise government plans and give them more access to the state’s plans to reduce corruption and strengthen transparency of the state,” said Orapin.
Orapin was confident these plans could be achieved within three months, and the NRC could lay down better political structures for the country.
Another proposal by the second group was to scrutinise the so-called independent bodies under the constitution’s authority and the accountability of the state.
The fourth group, meanwhile, targeted business reform. Members explained that since Thailand had been a major tourism destination, with the state receiving large amounts of money from tourism each year, the tourist industry should be developed and strengthened further.
The group also voiced concerns over national resources, saying the public should get fair access to them and at lower prices.