THAI RATH EDITORIAL: The Somchai administration faces another crucial test today, when parliament begins its three-day debate on government policy.
The debate, which involves members of both Houses, is an important democratic exercise. Through the debate the Thai public will learn how taxpayers' money will be spent for national development.
Under the constitution, the government must be held accountable by members of parliament in its disbursement of the national budget. The government cannot spend taxpayers' money willy-nilly. Budget expenditure must be subject to parliamentary scrutiny to ensure transparency.
Government policy is like a compass that will help keep the ship of state on the right course. Like the ship's captain, the prime minister must navigate the country through the current global financial crisis. He must also find a peaceful way out of the prolonged confrontation with the Peoples Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose members are occupying Government House.
All eyes will also be on the second round of political reform. A recent four-party meeting agreed to set up a new constitutional drafting committee to amend the current charter.
We support any amendment that will help improve our democratic system. But the constitution itself is not a panacea that will cure all political ills. People who exercise political power must also respect the charter and play by the rules for the sake of the country and the people.
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