Thai party reps agree sweeping reforms are required at Nation Group debate

Veerayooth Kanchoochat of the Move Forward Party agreed, but said Thailand should demonstrate firmness on specific issues globally.

They joined representatives of four other political parties for the first and only English-language debate before the May 14 election.

Phue Thai, which is leading in the polls by a massive margin, skipped the debate.

It was sponsored by Nation Group, the National Institute of Development Administration, and the Asia News Network, of which The Nation is a member.

Varawut Silpa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, Kiat Sittheeamorn a representative of the Democrat Party, Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala a representative of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, and Thidarat Yingcharoen of the Thai Sang Thai Party also attended the debate.

They agreed that Thailand needs to implement reforms in order to thrive at a time when uncertainty is rising globally and a new set of economic and geopolitical challenges is rising.

They also agreed that the May 14 election will result in a peaceful transfer of power, though some party representatives admitted the process could be messy.

The debate drew diplomats, foreign correspondents and voters for a discussion that focused on three key themes: political stability, foreign affairs, and economic reform.

 

Political Stability

The election will see another peaceful transition of power in Thailand and reconfirm that the country's decade’s long struggle to establish democracy was not in vain.

A key question for foreign nationals in the audience was whether the election would result in the political security required for the next government to implement its campaign pledges.

Most – but not all – panellists said yes.

Varawut of Chart Thai Pattana reiterated that his party will work with the party that wins the most votes, saying this will be best for the country.

The party that wins the most votes represents the voice of the people, and all political parties must accept this fact, Varawut said.

Voranai, the representative of the Chart Pattana Kla Party, said political stability in Thailand may differ from global stability. It depends on which party wins, he explained.

Still, he advised voters to decide based on their principles, saying that people are free to exercise their right to vote.

Thai Sang Thai’s Thidarat was sceptical that the election would produce political stability.

Three factors need to be considered, Thidarat said. These are parties jockeying to form coalitions, the margin of victory, and how the rule of law is applied. The latter was an allusion to political parties being dissolved by the courts.

Thirachai of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party was ambiguous, saying Thailand needs both strength and stability.

The current prime minister – General Prayut Chan-o-cha – cannot achieve this, he said.

Deputy prime minister General Prawit Wongsuwan of the Palang Pracharath party is the best option to ensure stability in Thailand, Thirachai said.

Barely 2% of Thai voters agree with Thirachai, according to opinion polls.

Move Forward’s Veerayooth said Thailand is falling short in terms of fundamental democratic ideals. The country requires more fresh faces and new energy to implement the changes required to achieve genuine stability, Veerayooth said.

The Democrat Party’s Kiat said Thailand is one of the most stable countries in the world.

As the oldest political party in Thailand, it has witnessed the country's political upheavals and he believes the political process will keep Thailand moving forward.

Every country must chart its own path to democracy, and Thailand is still exploring its own, he said.

 

Foreign affairs
Thailand can play a bigger role globally in humanitarian issues, humanitarian aid, and environmental protection, panellists said.

Thailand must announce its positions clearly and concisely, they said.

Varawut, Thidarat, Thirachai, and Kiat said the next government should develop foreign policies that prioritise the nation's and the people's interests.

By prioritising the welfare of Thai people, the government will know exactly what stance it should take on international issues, they said.

All panellists agreed to continue making new international trade and investment agreements. Kiat said new partnerships should provide mutual benefit for both Thailand and its counterparts.

Voranai of Chart Pattana Kla stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, in order to increase Thailand’s bargaining power on the global stage, citing Asean's wealth of natural resources, people, culture, and trading routes.

 

Economic reform
Thailand requires major reforms for its economy to continue growing over the next several decades. Redesting bureaucracy is the most critical step, panellists agreed.

Voranai of the Chart Pattana Kla party said Thailand’s labyrinth of bureaucracy fuels corruption. Entrepreneurs must visit six separate departments to get a licence to start a business, he said.

To save time, they pay bribes, he said, saying the alternative is to wait one year for approval to start a business.

Varawut of Chart Thai Pattana called for “DDT” reform: deregulation, degitisation, and technology. DDT will eliminate opportunities for corruption and increase government efficiency, he said.

He also called for the promotion of the green economy as a new economic growth engine.

The Democrat’s Kiat said Thailand is strong enough to compete with other countries, but is not moving fast enough to keep up with emerging trends.

To be a bigger player in the global supply chain, Thailand needs governmental and tax reforms as well as more investment in research and investment, he said.

Thidarat of Thai Sang Thai agreed, saying Thailand should begin with its strengths: food and agriculture, tourism, and healthcare.

Move Forward’s Veerayooth argued for a more democratic economy. A revamp of regulations is required so that small and medium-sized enterprises can access funding and resources to grow.

This can prevent the wealthy elite from monopolising the country, Veerayooth said, adding that Thailand has to establish a level playing field for everyone to prosper.

Thirachai of the Palang Pracharath Party supports more bilateral free-trade agreements to open new markets and opportunities. But he was cautious about multilateral trade agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Thirachai’s advice was supported by Varawut of Chart Thai Pattana who said Thailand must be well-prepared before joining any trade group so that the conditions will be beneficial rather than detrimental.

The panellists also discussed issues such as digital access, youth political rights, and Myanmar.

The government already has policies to support free internet access and provides some necessary digital devices for education.

Everyone agreed that the political process should encourage youth participation, and a platform, such as a youth council, could be set up to accomplish this goal. They opposed, however, a suggestion that the voting age should be lowered to 15.

Responding to concerns about crimes against humanity in Myanmar, panellists said Thailand is ready to assist with humanitarian aid but any action beyond that must be discussed with other Asean members.