NRC 'blueprint' is ready

“This blueprint will focus on three things: a genuine participatory democracy; boosting the economy and turning the country into an original design manufacturer [ODM]; and creating a civic-minded society,” NRC secretary whip Alongkorn Ponlaboot said.

“Foot-dragging has been a problem in this country for a long time,” he said, pointing out that the NRC was created to help design the country’s political, economic and social architecture.

Implementing this blueprint, however, will be the responsibility of the government and all stakeholders, Alongkorn said, adding that a set of organic laws would be handed to the legislative assembly to ensure the continuity of reform on all aspects. 

As for political reform, Alongkorn – who is also a member of NRC’s political reform committee – said the blueprint emphasises participatory democracy where people at the grassroots level would have a greater say in the selection of their representatives – be it at the House of Representative or their favourite party. This option will also give the potential candidate an opportunity to speak directly to voters and express their visions. 

According to Alongkorn, this process aims to decentralise the decision-making process within political parties as that normally belongs to a handful of people. Political parties will be encouraged to work through regional and local branches, so they have a real understanding of what is happening on the ground, he said. This way, a rapprochement between the grassroots and policy-makers can be achieved, as well as do away with the problem of disconnection between representatives and their voters. 

“This aims to create a real political institution,” Alongkorn said, adding that this will also stop political parties from being operated like a family business and turn them into a public organisation.  “Political parties will be able to put their potential candidates and policies forward in a more constructive environment,” Alongkorn added.

Also, with this people-centred approach, each and every citizen will develop a sense of civic responsibility, he added. 

As for the economy, he said corporate social responsibility would be at the core of all economic activities. The Kingdom will turn itself into a developed country in the next 17 years, and in the meantime economic activities will try to shift to and rely on the practice of ODM. 

“Also small and medium-sized businesses will be given greater access to the market,” Alongkorn emphasised. 

The NRC is taking into account problems that have been stopping Thailand from moving forward, such as corruption, economic disparity and an unreal democracy, he pointed out. And even though the NRC is reaching the end of its term, Alongkorn said a new body would be set up to carry out the task. For the time being though, he said, the NRC is working on drafting all organic laws that will accompany the blueprint.

 

 Reform in 11 areas

The blueprint that will be submitted to the Cabinet focuses on the vision for the country over the next 17 years. A report on reforms in 11 areas, ranging from politics and public administration to economics, energy and social issues, will be included. The package will also include an update on areas where reforms have taken place over the past year, including organic laws that would ensure that the reform process continues in the future. The blueprint will be revealed to the public on Thursday.