Thread: Big political parties, PDRC steer clear of reform council

Pheu Thai, Democrats and small groups unlikely to nominate NRC candidates

The country's two largest political parties, as well as the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), will likely not nominate anyone from their organisations as candidates for the junta-selected National Reform Council (NRC).

Politicians from the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties, as well as the smaller Rak Prathet Thai Party said yesterday the possibility was very slim for their parties to join.

The process for nomination starts on August 9.

Ekanat Promphan, spokesperson of the PDRC, said while there has been no discussion amongst PDRC leaders about the matter, his personal view is that the PDRC need not send anyone to join the reform council as it wasn't the PDRC's objective.

Ekanat said the PDRC had been demanding reforms and would support the council by giving advice and believed that junta leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha was sincere in pushing for reform. He said the PDRC would also keep a close eye on the process. Ekanat added that it was the right of some academics who had taken part in PDRC activities to join the NRC if nominated.

He also warned that it may be premature for some politicians to become members of the reform council as allowed by the junta's order No 119, as it may lead to politicians pushing for reforms that benefit them. Even if they are chosen, the number of politicians within the NRC should be limited so they can be controlled.

More here: Big political parties, PDRC steer clear of reform council - The Nation

Originally Posted by misskit

the PDRC need not send anyone to join the reform council as it wasn't the PDRC's objective.

Erm, excuse me? Oh yeh, right- that was just their objective for public consumption.

Most of the 'candidates' from the big political parties will not be eligible anyway (the 3 years ruling).