UN body ‘would only advise on Thai politics if asked’
THE UNITED NATIONS Development Programme (UNDP) has the capacity to assist the Thai government to strengthen political organs, including parties, as well as advise on general election arrangements, but would only do so if asked, its representative said ye
Martin Hart-Hansen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative said the agency has a clear mandate to focus its work on development and be politically neutral, although it has realised that Thailand is now in a transition and needs reforms in several areas, including politics.
The UNDP, he said, has been working in politics-based academic matters, including elections, in some other countries, but considering the current situation of Thailand that might be premature here.
“It’s not that we wouldn’t do it, but it’s not kind of work we do here in Thailand at the moment,” said Hart-Hansen.
“Development of political |parties is ... very political.”
Hart-Hansen said the agency had been working in Thailand for decades, through various changes of government, because of its clear mandate on development.
But due to the political situation at present, the agency would assess and analyse the situation before determining which projects it should initiate.
The UN body’s office in New York would help assess its work, given the organisation’s credibility and reputation, Hart-Hansen said.
Stuck in the middle
At present, he said, the UNDP is working on the government policies including anti-corruption measures but it would not meddle in politically-charged issues, preferring to concentrate on academic-based work or improvements to laws.
The agency has also been working on a five-year development plan in line with Thailand’s new 12th social and economic development plan, although it would steer clear of the political elements, he said.
Hart-Hansen said the agency is aiming to increase more of its work on social impact-based innovation. It has also been focusing on improving the lives of people on the ground, and other major development issues including climate change and water management
“Thailand is now a middle-income country, but it will face challenges such as inequality and the increases of in such a gap. These are the challenges that Thailand has to deal with.”
“It’s stuck in the middle-income state, and to get out of this state ... it needs a dramatic change, where social innovation is seen as a crucial tool,” said Hart-Hansen.
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