Saree Ongsomwang, secretary-general of the Foundation for Consumers, yesterday said political reform was not only about constitutional amendments but was also a chance to fight economic and social strife through political means.

At a Chulalongkorn University seminar on political reform, Saree told around 200 representatives of civic groups that their involvement in the reforms was a step forward from the days when such matters were left to a few experts.

It was not the first time that groups like farmers' organisations, the Academic Network for Democracy and People's Alliance for Democracy had discussed vital political changes, but the meeting was better attended and more diverse than an event held earlier this month, Saree said.

The volunteers still had considerable work to do and it was uncertain if the authorities would accept the plans, Saree said.

Plans proposed by the working groups would be publicly presented and were expected to see further adjustment, she said.

She stressed time was short and the plans must be ready to win public support soon so they could be discussed when politicians begin to address the issues in earnest.

Delegates said the Kingdom's main problems were politicians' lack of morality and the people's poverty.

The seminar proposed an end to privatisation, changes to international free-trade agreements and the cancellation of the requirement for MPs and senators to have a degree.

They also stressed the importance of press freedom and making it easier for people to examine and impeach politicians. 

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation