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TRT no-show at university debate

Cardboard cutout stands in for Thaksin

TUL PINKAEW

Akapol Sorasuchart, of the Mahachon party, holds a cup of coffee to a life-like cutout of Thai Rak Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who did not show up for a political debate yesterday at Thammasat University. Others who turned up for the debate included Weerasak Kowsurat of Chart Thai and Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democrat party. — PATTARACHAI PEECHAPANICH
Education, health and economic concerns dominated an election debate where Thai Rak Thai failed to put in an appearance.

Democrat deputy leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Mahachon deputy leader Akapol Sorasuchart and Chart Thai deputy secretary-general Weerasak Kowsurat were treated to a question and answer session where they were graded on an applause meter as they spoke in front of a Thammasat University crowd.

Thai Rak Thai says it is opposed to face-to-face confrontations and failed to show up. A slightly diminished cardboard cutout of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra occupied his seat instead.

Mr Abhisit said his party would pursue the transfer of 35% of the central budget to local administrations.

''We thought up the scheme and we want to see it through but we must first be sure how much money each municipality will allocate to funding schools and their employees,'' he said.

Mr Abhisit said Thai Rak Thai's four-year reign has brought the country's security to an unprecedented low.

''Thai Rak Thai refuses to view the southern violence as an issue requiring social cooperation, rather than hard-core military violence. If Thai Rak Thai can't handle the job, maybe it should leave,'' said Mr Abhisit.

Mr Weerasak hammered away at the two and three digit lottery system and said too many commercials promoted it.

''People are getting deeper into debt just to satisfy the government's financial greed. Our party proposes to ban all gambling commercials that promote reckless consumerism,'' he said.

Mr Akapol, meanwhile, put forward a progressive social welfare scheme covering free health care.

People with low or no income would get free care, he said, while wage workers would be expected to pay their share. Wealthy people could choose to be covered by the state's social welfare scheme or take out insurance themselves.

Thammasat lecturer Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said Thai Rak Thai's last-minute cancellation was rude. He denied the debate was biased and an attempt to gang up on Thai Rak Thai. ''We gave all the parties the same 10 questions. We also asked every party to bring its best people. Does that mean Thai Rak Thai does not have anyone qualified enough to take up the challenge?'' he said.
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