Reform forum urges dialogues, participation from all Thai sectors

BANGKOK, June 11 (TNA) - Thailand's army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has been urged to allow all parties to take part in national reconciliation and reform processes, through dialogues. Former Thai foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai made the suggestion at a reform forum, the sixth of its kind, held in Bangkok on Wednesday, stressing that ideological differences in the nation were long-standing and all conflicting parties should not, thus, be left out in national reconciliation and reform processes. A former permanent secretary for justice and advisor to the prime minister, Kittipong Kittayarak, acknowledged that there had not been a friendly atmosphere for conflicting parties to talk to one another, proposing that forgiveness in some areas to create the positive atmosphere, while there should be punishment on unforgivable issues. Kittipong also proposed that the NCPO not become another conflicting party and focus on working out solutions. Permanent Secretary for Interior Wiboon Sanguanpong said that his ministry will explain the NCPO's intentions to local people and gather public opinions to facilitate the subsequent formulation of national reconciliation initiatives. Apart from the three key figures, those gathering at Wednesday's forum include representatives of more than 70 professional and civil organizations who exchanged national reform ideas. (TNA)