PM proposes reform panel to end unrest

PM proposes reform panel to end unrest

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra announces the government's proposal for a Nationsal Reform Council on national television, Dec 25, 2013
Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra announces the government's proposal for a Nationsal Reform Council on national television, Dec 25, 2013

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra detailed a proposed panel to work on comprehensive reforms on Wednesday, with a commitment that the next government formed after the elections would translate its proposals into actions.

Anti-government protesters at the Thai-Japanese sports stadium on Wednesday, Dec 25, 2013 demand reforms before an election. (ฺBangkok Post photos)


"It is now time to develop a mechanism to push forward and mobilise national reform. I, therefore, would like to propose the establishment of a forum, a National Reform Council,"  the prime minister said in a nationally televised address.

"If parties agree, the government will establish the council by an order of the Prime Minister's Office and it will be acknowledged by the cabinet, to ensure that the process can begin immediately," she said.

The caretaker prime minister promoted the proposed council as a solution to end political divisions.

Ms Yingluck said the forum would be a "genuine council" representing all groups and the government would not pull the strings behind it.

The selection process of the council would begin with the recruitment of 2,000 representatives from various professions, who would themselves decide on a shortlist of 499.

An 11-member committee would oversee the process, including examining their qualifications, to ensure fairness and transparency.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, centre, prepares to read her National Reform Council proposal on Wednesday, Dec, 25, 2013. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

The 11-members would include the Supreme Commander or a representative, two permanent secretaries nominated among themselves, the head of the National Economic and Social Development Board, one university rector chosen by the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, the chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the head of the Federation of Thai Industries and the chairman of the Thai Bankers Association.

The other three members would be nominated by these eight members - a chairman and two experts.

The reform council would study amendments to the constitution and propose economic and social restructuring plans and ways to improve the people's participation in public administration.

It would also recommend amendment or abrogation of laws and other regulations to ensure fairness and transparency in all elections, and selection of officials for various positions to end abuse of authority, propose measures to end corruption and misconduct in state agencies and improve decentralisation of power and local government.

The reform council's proposals would be forwarded to the prime minister and disclosed to the public for transparency, she said.

The timeframe for the process would be determined by the council and its proposals will be carried out by the new government.

"There will be a stipulation that once the new cabinet assumes office the secretary-general to the cabinet must present to the prime minister and the cabinet, for their approval, the implementation of the above based on the intent and direction approved by all parties," she said.

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