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Published on December 15, 2007

Lobby groups should look at the big picture before deciding which party to vote for instead of only considering their own narrow interests, media reform campaigner Supinya Klangnarong and anti-FTA campaigner Jacques-chai Chomthongdi said yesterday.

"They should strike a balance between the issue at the heart of the group and a political party's civil-rights stance, which should be the basis for [making a decision]," Supinya said.

One shortcoming in society is that many of these groups, who wish to advance their own agenda for what they hope will be for the betterment of society, are nuclearised into their own world of campaigning and lobbying, she said.

On the other hand, many political parties promote contradictory policies such as supporting sufficiency economy and the privatisation of state enterprises at the same time, she said.

Moreover, some parties may not be sincere enough to carry out policies promised to lobby groups and NGOs if they are elected, she added.

As for the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, Supinya, its secretary-general, said the organisation had not taken a group stance and was now

busy trying to stop the junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly from passing more controversial bills deemed by her as detrimental to society.

"These bills will commit future administrations. Bills such as the Internal Security Bill will affect civil rights, while another one on broadcast media is really repressive," Supinya said.

Jacques-chai, a key member of the FTA Watch group, said his group did not just care about each political party's policy on free-trade agreements but also on the Internal Security Bill and other issues concerning natural resources.

"I want them to look at the larger picture," he said.

The People's Power Party is the most worrisome, however, as it is the only major party to refuse to commit itself to many issues advanced by non-governmental organisations and civil society, he said.

Although the Matchima Thipataya Party seems to have the clearest stance against FTAs and has vowed to undo them, he is likely not going to vote for the party in view of its merits as a whole.

Society appears to still be trapped in the politics of pro-or anti-Thaksin Shinawatra, the ousted premier, he said.

"Whether you're for or against Thaksin, as long as you merely vote for them and wait for them to patronise you, it won't lead to any change and it doesn't really answer the question [of political reform].

"The issue isn't about whether you're for or against Thaksin. People should come out and fight for their rights," he said.

His group has also stressed people's participation, Jacques-chai added.

Pravit Rojanaphruk

 The Nation