The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has kicked off its search for a new chairman amid sentiments that the new head will resolve internal conflicts but not bring any changes to Thailand’s largest private group.
Supporters carry signs showing their support for the two candidates vying for the post of FTI chairman, vice-chairmen Visit Limprana and Supant Mongkolsuthree. On April 8, committee members will elect the new chairman. Pattarachai Preechapanich
A total of 348 committee members were selected on Monday to elect the new chairman, which is a race between vice-chairmen Visit Limprana and Supant Mongkolsuthree.
But Teerawut Prakaysantisuk, Mr Visit’s legal adviser, threatened to file a complaint with the Central Administrative Court on electoral fraud by Mr Supant’s supporters.
As the FTI is considered a state agency, matters related to the elections need to be submitted to the Central Administrative Court, he said.
Although the subcommittee dismissed the claims of fraud, five out of 12 committee members responsible for the voting process walked out during vote counting, as they claimed the process was not transparent.
Wanchai Khansuwan, one of the subcommittee members, said all the documents should be re-examined first before the official results are announced.
A total of 2,645 FTI members were present at the election on Monday. The committee members will elect the new chairman on April 8.
The FTI is divided into two camps, with one supporting current chairman Payungsak Chartsutthipol, a former executive of Siam Cement Group.
At the joint conference late Monday, Mr Supant, who will likely be the new chairman, given the results of the election, said the two sides should reconcile.
“I want us to reconcile so it will send a message to those in politics [that they should reconcile too],” he said.
Mr Visit, meanwhile, said his team would support the activities of Mr Supant’s side.
“I have a motto that I joined the race but not to cause divisions in the organisation,” Mr Visit said.
But outsiders remain sceptical about whether or not reconciliation will be brought about.
Pornsil Patchrintanakul, vice-chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), said the new chairman must be free from political intervention.
“The new chairman must not be the slave of politics and must dare to speak about what is right,” Mr Pornsil told the Bangkok Post in a telephone interview.
So far, the FTI has not focused on academics, resulting in comments provided to media outlets not considered seriously by the government.
Unlike the FTI, TCC leaders are elected through a tradition Mr Pornsil calls a “whispering system”, where senior members seek advice from a few members on who should be the chairperson.
The candidate is then approached and asked whether he or she wants to be the chair.
Former FTI secretary-general Kiatphong Noichaiboon agreed with Mr Pornsil, saying the FTI must be free from political intervention, while Ninnart Chaithirapinyo, honorary chairman of the FTI’s automotive industry club, said he hopes the FTI will change from being divided to an organisation working in harmony.
“Both sides have promised to work together, so the loser should not leave,” said Mr Ninnart, also vice-chairman of Toyota Motor Thailand Co.
“The industrial sector plays an important role in moving forward the country’s gross domestic product, and nothing will be gained if the two sides continue to fight.”
A source familiar with the issue expressed concern that any political interference in the organisation would lead to a break down in the organisation and create a bad image in the eyes of the government.
“This problem was caused by Mr Payungsak, who was used as a tool by a cabinet member,” said the source, who is a former FTI member.
Mr Payungsak yesterday said the new chairman must work with small and large businesses alike and represent the interests of all FTI members.
He must exercise corporate social responsibility, adhere to the principles of good governance and be free from corruption.
Mr Payungsak has been criticiced for his failure to assist SMEs.