Thai Caretaker PM Urges Democrats To Accept Rules

UDON THANI, December 22 (TNA) – Thailand’s Caretaker prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday expressed her disappointment after learning that the major opposition Democrat Party has decided to boycott the general election scheduled to be held next February 2. Speaking to journalists before her departure from Udon Thani province for Nong Khai province bordering Laos, Miss Yingluck said it is a pity that the Democrat Party has decided not to field its candidates and contest in the upcoming general election . Miss Yingluck said she did not understand why the Democrat Party which wants to see political reform but has decided not to contest in the forthcoming general election. She said upholding rules and contesting the election could create a political reform under the Constitution and thereby enabling the country to move forward. “Several countries including the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have asked for preserving the democratic system. But (people in) this country don’t want to march forward. This’s worrisome,” said Miss Yingluck. On her earlier proposal for political parties to sign a ratification establishing a national reform council after the general election, Miss Yingluck said several sectors have displayed positive response. However, the proposal must be welcomed by everybody, especially those anti-government protesters, because this government wants to see that it is acknowledged by every concerned party so that it could be conveniently implemented, Miss Yingluck added. (TNA)