Stop self-serving amendments, Abhisit tells the government

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday called on the government to stop pushing for amendments aimed at helping banned politicians or former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He also urged the People's Alliance for Democracy to accept talks.

Meanwhile all parties should join a discussion on political reform, he said.

At the fund-raising event "Believe in Thailand, Trust in the Democrats" and in the mood of US president-elect Barack Obama's victory speech, Abhisit praised the potential of the country, especially the economic potential. Without failed politics caused by bad politicians, Thais would love each other and can live in unity, he said.

Abhisit vowed to be an honest leader and to take care of all Thais equally.

"We [Democrats] will go on in every way to restore peace to the country, to bring politics out of crisis so that the country can move on and deal with urgent problems, most importantly so that we [Thais] can have politics and a government ready to solve problems in the long run," he said during last night's event at Muang Thong Thani.

The event was held to raise funds for the party to prepare for the next election. Secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said it could raise Bt300 million. He also said the Democrats were always ready to join coalition partners and form a government.

Abhisit proposed an end to political turmoil and urged all sides to respect the democratic system and the justice system. As long as they do not mix the two systems they can regain their reputation and the trust of Thailand and its people, he said.

He said the government must stop its attempts to change the law in its own interest, including amnesty for the 111 banned former Thai Rak Thai Party executives and change to the charter itself.

Moreover, the government must expedite fair investigation into the violence on October 7. It must accept the investigation results and make those involved take responsibility. Then the Democrat Party would vote in support of the government to pass the Bt100-billion mid-year budget bill to use the money in helping people in need, he said.

"Once we join hands to solve urgent economic problems and agree to be under the law, including those holding power, we can talk about how to reform politics," he said.

"While the government wants to amend the charter, the PAD wants new politics, but the PAD's new politics must not be against the Constitution," he said.

After the cremation ceremony of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, Abhisit said the prime minister should dissolve the House to open the way for a fresh start.

Meanwhile, the PAD should stop protesting and examine the election process, he said.

All parties involved should discuss how to reform the country's politics, he said.

Among the guests were Deputy Transport Minister Varawut Silapa-archa, deputy Chart Thai Party leader Nikorn Chamnong, Banyin Tangphakorn from the Matchima Thipataya Party and former senators Pratin Santiprapop and Chirmsak Pinthong.