THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Anek: heed the lessons of the 1980s

Anek: heed the lessons of the 1980s

Political Reform Committee chairman Anek Laothamatas spoke on Tuesday of the suggestion that key political parties might cooperate after the election, pointing this has suggested signs of reconciliation, but it might be easier said than done.

Anek downplayed the idea, saying both Pheu Thai and Democrats had their own political bases, so in order to work together, they would have to first convince their followers and win their support. 
The idea of political parties working together to prevent the military taking an active role in politics needs delicates contemplation, Anek said. The new charter, he added, had clearly stated that the selection of the senate would come from the junta, so it was impossible for them not to be involved.
During Gen Prem Tinsulanonda’s term as Prime Minister in the 1980s, Thailand was under quasi democracy and his government did not have its own party, said Anek.
What it did was administer the country based on a mixture of civilians and military personnel, he said. It was also open to scrutiny, so Anek urged all contemporary parties to dwell on that. Most importantly, he said, it should be up to the people who they chose as their leader.

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