ID :
43597
Sun, 02/01/2009 - 19:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/43597
The shortlink copeid
PM Abhisit hails World Economic Forum trip as success
BANGKOK, Feb 1 (TNA) - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajeva hailed his trip to the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Switzerland as a success for Thailand as he met many of the world's most influential government, business, and mass media leaders.
Back from the three-day conference, the prime minister said there are bright opportunities to restore foreign business confidence in Thailand's economy.
Prime Minister Abhisit, named an WEF 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow in 1992, spoke in a panel on 'Fresh Solutions for Food Security', with former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, and a later sessionon 'Rebooting the Global Economy.'
He described his visit as worthwhile as he met world business and political leaders, leading his mission to restore confidence among governmental and business leaders to success.
On domestic politics, Mr. Abhisit said he followed the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstration at Sanam Luang and Government House, and thanked the UDD for complying with the law, and officials who patiently dealt with the protest, without any untoward incident.
But he said his government could not to re-instate the 1997 Constitution as the UDD had demanded, as there were legal procedures to be followed.
Political reform is taking place, and legal action against the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is also underway, Mr. Abhisit said.
The UDD demonstrators dispersed after announcing their demands and posting their statement at Government House, vowing to return in 15 days if their demands are unmet, including demands to:
-- prosecute the PAD leaders, who led protesters to occupy Government House and seize two Bangkok airports last year,
-- dismiss Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, seen as a PAD supporter, and other PAD activists, who should not be eligible for government service
-- amend the Constitution as proposed by Dr. Weng Tojirakarn and the People's Committee for Reforming the 2007 Constitution, or, to re-instate the 1997 Constitution and to dissolve the House of Representatives.
Mr. Abhisit said he needed three days to answer doubts on the accused ministers, saying he would keep the public good in making his decisions regarding:.
--Deputy Minister of Interior Boonjong Wongtrairat, accused of buying favour with 100,000 baht gifts with his name cards to villagers in the northeast,.
-- Social Development and Human Security Minister Witoon Nambutr, accused of procuring rotten fish relief supplies given to flood victims,.
-- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, accused of giving out scholarships at a local election in Surat Thani, but Mr. Abhisit said the case was not yet concluded.
As for the opposition's move to impeach three Cabinet members – Democrat Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Phumjai Thai Transport Minister Sopon Zarum, and Chart Thai Pattana Deputy Transport Minister Kuakul Danchaiwijit-- for votes for the 2009 mid-year budget.
The Opposition said it is unconstitutional for Cabinet members to do so, as they may have vested interests to be financed by the budget.
Mr. Abhisit said the Constitution Court will rule whether or not they had breached the Constitution. (TNA)
Back from the three-day conference, the prime minister said there are bright opportunities to restore foreign business confidence in Thailand's economy.
Prime Minister Abhisit, named an WEF 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow in 1992, spoke in a panel on 'Fresh Solutions for Food Security', with former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, and a later sessionon 'Rebooting the Global Economy.'
He described his visit as worthwhile as he met world business and political leaders, leading his mission to restore confidence among governmental and business leaders to success.
On domestic politics, Mr. Abhisit said he followed the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstration at Sanam Luang and Government House, and thanked the UDD for complying with the law, and officials who patiently dealt with the protest, without any untoward incident.
But he said his government could not to re-instate the 1997 Constitution as the UDD had demanded, as there were legal procedures to be followed.
Political reform is taking place, and legal action against the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is also underway, Mr. Abhisit said.
The UDD demonstrators dispersed after announcing their demands and posting their statement at Government House, vowing to return in 15 days if their demands are unmet, including demands to:
-- prosecute the PAD leaders, who led protesters to occupy Government House and seize two Bangkok airports last year,
-- dismiss Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, seen as a PAD supporter, and other PAD activists, who should not be eligible for government service
-- amend the Constitution as proposed by Dr. Weng Tojirakarn and the People's Committee for Reforming the 2007 Constitution, or, to re-instate the 1997 Constitution and to dissolve the House of Representatives.
Mr. Abhisit said he needed three days to answer doubts on the accused ministers, saying he would keep the public good in making his decisions regarding:.
--Deputy Minister of Interior Boonjong Wongtrairat, accused of buying favour with 100,000 baht gifts with his name cards to villagers in the northeast,.
-- Social Development and Human Security Minister Witoon Nambutr, accused of procuring rotten fish relief supplies given to flood victims,.
-- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, accused of giving out scholarships at a local election in Surat Thani, but Mr. Abhisit said the case was not yet concluded.
As for the opposition's move to impeach three Cabinet members – Democrat Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Phumjai Thai Transport Minister Sopon Zarum, and Chart Thai Pattana Deputy Transport Minister Kuakul Danchaiwijit-- for votes for the 2009 mid-year budget.
The Opposition said it is unconstitutional for Cabinet members to do so, as they may have vested interests to be financed by the budget.
Mr. Abhisit said the Constitution Court will rule whether or not they had breached the Constitution. (TNA)
