Economist warns of adverse impact on economy from political conflict

Anusorn Tamajai, the director of the Economic and Business Research Centre for Reform at Rangsit University’s Institute of Economics, on Saturday (February 22) commented about the dissolution of Future Forward and invited people to participate in a debate on Sunday.
He said that the case which led to the Constitutional Court ruling to dissolve Future Forward showed that Thailand’s semi-democracy is being interrupted by anti-democracy elite.
"Thailand had dissolved many political parties in various cases, while members whose political rights have been revoked did not receive any compensation," he said.
He explained that most democratic countries did not dissolve political parties because they were institutions of citizens that maintained the stability of the country’s democracy.
"The anti-democracy elite's attempt to maintain its authority shows that this country does not have the rule of law," he said.
"This has caused a heavy impact on the economy and will cause more impact in the future, especially on investment."
He further explained that if the law was against the basic principles and might cause violent conflict, it was the duty of citizens to amend the law because it concerned the citizens.
"The Constitution, laws, regulations, and independent organisations arose from the coup d'etat, so the legal form has been always questioned in terms of justice," he said.
"If the Constitutional Court is able to rule based on justice and treats all parties equally, the conflict will be resolved. But if it is not, the dissolution of political parties and the revocation of political rights will occur continuously, resulting in conflict in society."
Anusorn said that he supported all new-generation politicians, and also encouraged Future Forward executives and members to help improve society and strengthen democracy in Thailand.
“If we are patient, our dream to see real democracy, openness of mind in society and improved people’s life quality would become true,” he said.
“The mission this day is to campaign for a constitutional amendment, run by the Constitution Drafting Council that is tied to people,” he added. “This country should be reformed in all dimensions through the power of people, with all might, sweat and tears.”
Anusorn asked people to join on Sunday (February 23) a debate at Royal Rattanakosin Hotel in Bangkok on "Public Proposal towards Constitutional Amendment Commission and Thailand Road Map".
February 23 was the day the National Peace Keeping Council staged a coup in 1991, or 29 years ago.
“This movement to draft a new Constitution 2020, by the Constitution Drafting Assembly, would help prevent another coup d’état in Thailand, as well as help improve inequality in society,” Anusorn said.