Honest crooks

Every now and then you read something in the news about some Thai politicians that makes you want to smile and frown at the same time. When you hear a group of 111 banned politicians say they prefer corruption to reform, you just can’t help but wonder.

Thai politics is a creature of it’s own, and to hear about corrupt politicians is very normal. But to hear them come strait out and say that they do not like reform, and in particulars the honest law abiding Thais selected to draft a reform proposal, you start to wonder a bit more about things and see why many Thais believe in ghosts.

This is right up there with interviewing Osama bin Laden saying he likes to kill people for sport. It just does not fit what your mother taught you about being good.

But it does not end there, the list of honest crooks continues to include nearly everyone who favors their convicted fugitive champion Thaksin Shinawatra. So sending that wonderful message around the world is a great thought, especially to the people who may decide on Thaksin’s next entry visa…. oops!

Quoting the Nation:

Red shirts and 111 banned party executives shun reform

King Prachadhipok’s Institute is not suitable to lead the reform process and its involvement might harm rather than advance democracy, barred Thai Rak Thai Party executive Pongthep Thepkanchana said on Tuesday.

Pongthep said his group of 111 banned party executives would not participate in the reform process if invited.

He said the reform should be entrusted to the Constitution Drafting Assembly under the similar model adopted in 1997.

Red-shirt co-leader Jatuporn Phrompan said the institute-appointed panel led by Suchit Boonbongkarn had no legitimacy to spearhead the reform.

Quoting the Nation:

Govt upbeat to convince opponents of the reform process

PM’s Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey on Wednesday said he was confident that the opposition lawmakers and the red shirts would eventually agree to cooperate in bringing about the political reform.

“Given time, opponents of reform will see the reason and agree to join the reform process,” he said.

Satit was reacting to news reports that the opposition Pheu Thai Party and the red-shirt crowd refused to get involved with the Political Reform Committee chaired by Suchit Boonbongkarn and supervised by the King Prachadhipok’s Institute.

He said the institute has forwarded the framework for reform for the government’s acknowledgement.

He also denied speculation that the reform might lead to the pardon for fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin has circulated the idea of legislatiing the reconciliation law which is the basis for granting pardon for those involved in the political turmoil but this is not linked to the political reform, he said.

He added the government has no agenda about the amnesty issue at this juncture.


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