FRIDAY, April 19, 2024
nationthailand

Fire up the debating machine

Fire up the debating machine

Re: “Prayut slams ‘unrealistic’ poll pledges, Bangkok Post, January 15

I fully back PM Prayut in warning voters to beware of campaign policies that are “unrealistic and impossible”, and not to listen to those who “caused damage to the country”.
To test which party’s planks are the most feasible, I suggest that Thai public TV broadcast a series of round-robin, face-to-face debates among the four parties with the most members. Each debate could centre on a key area needing reform, such as decentralisation, education, the economy, police and military, fighting corruption or promoting reconciliation. 
One debate could be on whether the Democrat Party’s plan to reform the police and military is superior to that of the Phalang Pracharat Party. The winner would be the side getting the most swing votes from the viewing audience.
Each team could have two persons, including its prime ministerial candidate who would be lead reform efforts. The moderator would be neutral and forceful, keeping participants on topic and ensuring they didn’t evade valid questions. The studio audience could include neutral academics or practitioners whom the moderator might call upon for insights. 
Let’s implement your very valid and important concern, PM Prayut.
Burin Kantabutra

nationthailand