BANGKOK, Dec 13 – Seven business organisations opened a public forum for the first time in an attempt to find a way out of the country’s current political crisis.
The seven organisations seeking an exit to the times of troubles for the politically-divided country include the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Tourism Council of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations, the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Thai Listed Companies Association.
Thai Chamber of Commerce vice president Vichai Assarasakorn said today’s talk resulted from the yesterday’s political reform meeting of seven private organisations with Suthep Thaugsuban, protest leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) yesterday.
Mr Vichai said today’s event is a forum for private sectors to voice their opinions and suggestions, while members of the media are also invited to join the talks.
He said a similar activity will be held several times and that recommendations on the reform will be made within this month.
Mr Vichai reiterated that the private sector is willing to link together with all concerned parties and with all forums opened for public discussion, including those to be held tomorrow and Sunday, and that of the Red Shirts, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.
He said the seven private organisations will also listen to the opinions of academics and other experts in various fields, while pledging that the forum is impartial and non-partisan.
The Chamber vice president said today’s meeting will also consider the PDRC proposal in terms of its legal possibility.
Yesterday’s talk with the anti-government movement can be considered as a good sign that concerned parties are trying to find an appropriate way out of the present apparent impasse and move the country forward.
