Thailand's interim PM urged to speed up national reform

BANGKOK, August 20 (TNA) - Former secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Surin Pitsuwan has urged Thailand's interim prime minister to speed up national reform with reconciliation in the society. Surin, who is also a former Thai Democrat foreign minister, suggested on Wednesday that the interim premier be broad-minded, patient and acceptable by all parties, while being not obsessed with power and prestigious status. Surin said the incoming Thai leader should also be able to bridge differences among all sides in the society and to build conensus in solving national problems. The former ASEAN chief stressed if the interim prime minister had the qualifications and was not succumbed to power, he or she could achieve national reform and bring about national reconciliation. The ex-ASEAN chief's remarks came a day before National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members vote to select Thailand's interim prime minister on August 21. (TNA)