THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Prayut urged to suspend energy reform

Prayut urged to suspend energy reform

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha was urged yesterday to suspend ongoing energy reform by the Energy Ministry because there was still some conflicts over the direction it should take, a National Reform Council (NRC) member said yesterday.

If PM Prayut really [is sincere about] national reform he should order the Energy Ministry to halt its energy reform process, otherwise it shows the premier does not care about the importance of the NRC,” said newly appointed NRC member Rosana Tositrakul.

Rosana, who is a member on energy reform, said Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee had neglected the NRC’s plans. The Energy Ministry conducted several energy reform studies but did not come to any conclusions.
She suggested a referendum be held on national reforms, especially those issues causing discord. 
Secretary-General of House of Representatives Charae Panpruang, who is also working as NRC secretary, yesterday expected the first NRC meeting to be held on October 21, which will primarily focus on choosing the council’s president and vice president.
The NRC members are scheduled to report at Parliament from today until October 15 
Responding to a report that he might be selected as president, NRC member Chai Chidchob, who is also a former House speaker, said it was up to the council. 
“All NRC members are skilful and I have to report myself to Parliament first. I cannot say anything much at this time,” said Chai.
Meanwhile, former People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) spokesman Akanat Promphan believed the appointed NRC would lead to a better country.
“The 250 NRC members are capable of reforming the country, and the constitution is also the key to this reformation,” said Akanat.
He said there would be no movement on the streets by the PDRC, but there would be communities set up by the PDRC working alongside and within the NRC’s framework.
The community’s work would be focused on country reform and suggesting ideas to the NRC, he said.
He said it was a good opportunity for people to forward their ideas as the constitution might not cover everything – and all agencies should support the NRC.
“Every agency – and the people – should look forward to the election and the previous disputes should be solved within the legal system,” he said.
Akanat was not concerned about some PDRC members who were appointed to the NRC, citing that the PDRC’s objective was for a better country through reformation and it was not strange for these people to be appointed as NRC members. Akanat also expressed his gratitude and support for Prime Minister Prayut’s determination for the country’s reform.
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