‪- Unofficial Translation -‬‬
Statement by H.E. the Prime Minister of Thailand
Delivered on 21 December 2013 at 14.25 hrs.

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Dear respected fellow citizens,‬
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‪Pursuant to the Royal Decree on elections which has scheduled the election date for 2 February 2014 (B.E. 2557);‬‬‬
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‪The Government would like to reaffirm its intention to protect the Constitution and the democratic system with the King as Head of State by ensuring citizens all over the country with equal rights and human dignity and for them to set the direction of  the country and jointly resolve the political crisis under a democratic framework that is acceptable internationally. At the same time, the Government is of a view consistent with various brainstorming fora that reform of the country – in the political, economic, and social dimensions – is necessary. In this regard, the Government stands ready to join in pushing for and supporting a constructive reform that would genuinely benefit all citizens of the country.‬‬‬
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‪The Government would also like to reaffirm that the reform of the country can proceed in parallel and will not conflict with the election process as per the provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. On the contrary, it is in fact necessary for the elections to move forward for the reason that, once there exists a legislative branch that represents the people, the Parliament must serve as a core mechanism to propel various reform recommendations into reality. In light of this idea, the Government is of the view that to reassure the people that after the general election on Sunday 2 February B.E. 2557 the new House of Representatives and the Cabinet would make country reform a national agenda, it has the following proposals for action:  ‬‬‬

‪‪1. Political parties fielding candidates for these elections, together with organizations and other parties concerned, will pledge that after the new House of Representatives and the Cabinet have assumed their duties, ‬‬‬‬
a “Country Reform Council” will be immediately established.‬

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‪2. The establishment of a “Country Reform Council” will comprise representatives from various professions or institutions supported by law,      all political parties, including conferences that are not underwritten by the law – such as those of university rectors of Thailand, of permanent secretaries of ministries and heads of government agencies, or other similar bodies – as well as representatives from professional groups both at the local and national levels, and all other groups with significant political perspectives, whatever groups they may be.‬‬‬

‪‪3. The Country Reform Council should serve for a term no longer than two years, its main task being to establish and propose mechanisms to undertake long-term reform of Thailand, especially political reform to ensure that future politics genuinely reflects the voice of the people. The afore-mentioned proposals by the Government are preliminary, to serve as a starting point for all sides -- political parties, political groups, academics, businesspersons and all fellow citizens -- to debate, exchange views and make recommendations to improve and make this ad hoc mechanism ‬‬‬‬
a reality as soon as possible and lead to genuine reform of the country. ‬
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‪The Government hopes that the various fora will take these proposals into consideration and come back with recommendations to the Government. ‬‬The Government is of the intention that, upon mutual agreement of all sides, the reform process shall begin at the earliest opportunity.‬

The Government would like to invite all citizens to participate in this reform of the country because it is the future of all Thais. The Government believes that if all fellow Thai citizens join hands, we will be able to resolve this political crisis and bring back peace to our nation.‬
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Sawasdee ka‬

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