BANGKOK, Aug 20 – Surin Pitsuwan, former secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has urged Thailand’s new interim prime minister to speed up national reform to achieve national reconciliation.
Mr Surin’s remarks came a day before the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is scheduled to vote to appoint the country’s new prime minister.
The former ASEAN chief said the new premier should be broad-minded, patient and tolerant, and must not be obsessed by power and avarice.
He said the new leader must also be able to bridge differences from all sides of society and build consensus in solving national problems.
The former ASEAN chief said if the new premier can avoid the attraction of power and complete national reform within one to one-and-a-half years, he will be able to bring about national reconciliation.
