Govt not 'sincere" over reform : Pheu Thai

They questioned the institute's neutrality and accused the government of trying to buy time over the matter.

Opposition MP Jatuporn Phrompan, who is also a co-leader of the anti-government red-shirt movement, said the institute-appointed panel to be led by Sujit Bunbongkarn had no legitimacy to spearhead reforms.

Even though the panel plans to have the red shirts involved in drafting the reform blueprint, its invitation would not be accepted, Jatuporn said.

The politician accused the government of "buying time", because it was not sincere about bringing on real political reform. He said he remained suspicious of the institute because some of its members were linked to the junta government after the 2006 coup.

Surapong Tovichakchaikul, another Pheu Thai MP, said he too doubted the KPI's neutrality and believed the government was using this to buy time.

Pongthep Thepkanchana, a former executive of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, said yesterday that the KPI was not a suitable body to lead the reform process and its involvement might harm rather than advance democracy. The banned politician said his group of 111 banned party executives would not participate in the reform process if they were asked.

He said reform should be entrusted to the Constitution Drafting Assembly under the model that was adopted in 1997.

Banharn Silpa-archa, a former prime minister and ex-leader of the disbanded Chart Thai Party, said he was not convinced the committee would be independent or able enough to bring about political reform.

He said there was no need for such a panel anyway, because he believes some provisions in the Constitution were responsible for the ongoing political problems.

The veteran politician said he had due respect for the panel's members, but deems its mission of studying political problems in Thailand little more than a waste of time.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday dismissed allegations that the government was buying time by assigning KPI to conduct the study.

He said the goal was to restore peace and bring about proper political reforms, adding that he had spoken to some Pheu Thai MPs, who agreed with the government's reform effforts.

Gothom Arya, chairman of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council, said it appeared there would be more government representatives in the reform committee.

Meanwhile, People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader Somkiart Pongpaiboon said the yellow shirts were still undecided about whether they should participate in the reform process.

PAD's five leaders have yet to form an opinion about the matter, he said, and would likely need time to assess the government's sincerity in bringing about reform before they make a final decision.