The government hosted international experts at a forum yesterday to share ideas related to reform, but kept the public out.
The Foreign Ministry said the forum aimed to examine ideas to "build true democracy" in the country. However, it closed the doors to public and media participation.
The seminar entitled "On the Path to Reform" was conducted yesterday by the ministry and the Secretariat of the House of Representatives.
It sought to review practical experiences and lessons from foreign experts from several countries, including Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the United States.
Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn told the seminar that Thailand was building a true and strong democracy.
"Thailand remains fully committed to democracy but true democracy must be more than just holding an election," he said. "It must be based on good governance, accountability, rules of law, and respect for human rights."
Gen Tanasak said reform will be among the key instruments to bring sustainable democracy to the country.
Results from the closed-door seminar would be forwarded to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and National Reform Council. Another seminar will be held early next year.
"The website 'Thailandconnection.com' will be opened for Thais living overseas. If they want to provide ideas about reform, this is one of the channels," Gen Tanasak said.
NLA president Pornpeth Wichitcholachai said the ideas from foreign experts would benefit the country's reform since the world community has been monitoring the situation in Thailand.
"It doesn't mean that we will take all ideas from them but we will source international practices in terms of justice, equality and rule of law," Mr Pornpetch said.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said nine experts in specific areas, including political reform, local administration, and public administration, participated in the seminar.
"Among the foreign experts, the experts from Japan and South Korea provided ideas as they are from the countries which have strong democratic characteristics. Some of them shared ideas in conflict management and reconciliation," Mr Sek said.
International Parliamentary Union secretary-general Martin Chungong said he considered the seminar as a "great moment in Thailand's history" in paving the way for sustainable democracy.
"Reform is difficult since it includes mentality, a way of working and living. It will be positive only if people in a particular country can speak their minds and their voice can be heard without fear," he said.
However, Mr Chungong pleaded for Thais to not give up on reforming the country and encouraged Thai children also to take part in the nationwide political transition.
"Look up to those three countries − Tunisia, Egypt and Myanmar − that have undergone a long and dynamic process to build a constitutional parliament and frame the constitution during this century,'' he said.
National Reform Council vice-president Borwornsak Uwanno said change was challenging as Thailand is in a post-coup period but the government must proceed with participation from people.