Business group coalition urge reform body by decree

Business group coalition urge reform body by decree

Seven private-sector organisations are calling for immediate political reform and a "reform organisation" to be established.

Representatives from seven private-sector organisations call for immediate political reform. KOSOL NAKACHOL

They want the government to issue an executive decree setting up the reform body.

The body would have one year to complete the changes, which would be legally binding on the next government.

The organisations are the Board of Trade of Thailand, Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Bankers Association, Tourism Council of Thailand, Stock Exchange of Thailand, Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations and the Thai Listed Companies Association.

In a joint statement yesterday, the seven organisations urged all parties to participate in the reform process.

They asked politicians to wake up to the damage being done to the country, and to turn to negotiations to help Thailand emerge from the political crisis.

The organisations earlier held a forum urging the caretaker government to issue an executive decree on national reform.

Any newly-elected government must commit to supporting the reforms proposed by the reform organisation within one year of its appointment.

In the meantime the government must administer the country in a way that prevents any harm to its development, they said.

The group offered to act as mediator and host forums for various parties to find solutions to the political deadlock.

They said there is a tendency for Thai political conflicts to expand indefinitely.

The conflict shows no signs of abating, so finding a solution is urgent.

Having listened to all sides in the dispute, a common agreement on urgent reform is needed, they said.

Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman, Issara Vongkusolkij, said reform must be carried out immediately and before the election.

The reform organisation must be politically-neutral and it must work towards the national agenda.

It must be acceptable to all and include a transparent election system for the selection of people who will work in independent organisations.

A balance of power must be established between members of parliament, independent agencies and other political institutions.

Reform must also eradicate corruption within the bureaucracy and the private sector.

Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is urging young people to take part in developing policies which affect them.

On her Facebook page, Ms Yingluck said it is important for youth to engage in working out policies aimed at their development.

She said all suggestions will be formulated into a policy by the Pheu Thai New Generation Institute. "All your voices are important. We are willing and open to push youth-related policy," she said.

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