Pongthep: 69 invited to reform forum

Pongthep: 69 invited to reform forum

Sixty-nine prominent figures have been invited to join a political reform forum initiated by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, at least 40 of whom are expected to attend the first meeting scheduled for Sunday, Aug 25.

The figures include representatives from the legislative and judicial branches of the state, opposition parties and the private and public sectors, as well as academics and members of the media, Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana said on Tuesday.

Mr Pongthep said the Aug 25 meeting will be held at the Santi Maitree building of the Government House and chaired by the prime minister. The event will not be televised live.

Reporters will be allowed to cover the opening of the event, but not the main part of the meeting, since their presence might inhibit forum attendants, he said.

Mr Pongthep said a letter of invitation has been sent to 69 people, including leaders of the Democrat Party and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Some were personally invited by himself and PM's Office Minister Varathep Rattanakorn, he said.

He added that he believed no fewer than 40 would attend the forum, although some of those invited might be engaged in other commitments.

Asked about the attendance of former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, Mr Pongthep said his invitation letter was pending coordination and had not yet been sent to him. He said he personally believed it would be very useful if Mr Anand joined the forum, given that he is highly experienced.

Asked whether the planned political forum would be called off if fewer than half of those invited turn up, Mr Pongthep said it would not be cancelled. Some might not be able to attend the first meeting on Aug 25 but may be available later, he added.

He said he believed Ms Yingluck would try to be present throughout the forum, unless something urgent came up.

Sources said political figures invited so far include Somsak Kiatsuranont, the House speaker, Nikom Wairatpanich, the Senate speaker, Banharn Silpa-archa, the Chartthaipattana Party chief adviser, Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat, former prime ministers, Kramol Thongthammachart, a former president of the Constitution Court, Meechai Ruchupan, a former Senate speaker, Chuan Leekpai, the Democrat Party chief adviser, Pichai Rattakul, the Democrat Party deputy chief adviser, Charupong Ruangsuwan, Pheu Thai Party leader, Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, Matuphum Party leader, and leaders of coalition parties.

Those invited as Senate representatives include Prasit Phosuthon of Suphan Buri, Pol Gen Kowit Pakdiphum of Ang Thong, Krit Arthitkaew of Kamphaeng Phet, and appointed senators Khamnoon Sitthisaman, Somchai Sawaengkarn, Paiboon Nititawan, and Admiral Surasak Sri-aroon.

Invited to represent academics are the rectors of Thammasart, Chulalongkorn, Ramkhamhaeng and Sripatum universities, Gothom Arya, director of the Centre for Peace Studies and Development of Mahidol University, Wuthisarn Tanchai, deputy secretary-general of the King Prajadhipok's Institute, Visanu Kreu-ngam, a former deputy prime minister, and Virabongsa Ramangkura, a former deputy prime minister.

From the private sector, those invited include Pramon Sutivong, chairman of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, Payungsak Chartsutipol, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, and Chartsiri Sophonpanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers Association.

Thida Thawornseth, chair of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), and Sondhi Limthongkul, a leading member of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) were also invited.

Thakoon Boonpan, general manager of the Matichon Plc, Suthichai Yoon, president of the Nation Multi-Media Group, and Prapa Hetrakul, managing director of Daily News newspaper, were invited to represent the mass media.

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