Thai government's political reform forum starts

BANGKOK, December 15 (TNA) - The government’s political reform forum opened on Sunday at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, as the country looks forward to crafting Thailand’s new political roadmap. Some 100 participants from public, private and academic sectors, including politicians and senators, attended the one-day session. Former democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban, who represents the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee, did not appear at the forum, however. The Prime Minister’s Office, Thongthong Chandrarangsu, a key coordinator, urged for agreed resolutions before the general election is held on February 2 next year. Speaking separately, Lt. Gen. Paradorn Pattanathabutr, secretary-general of National Security Council, who also appeared for the session, said he believed open discussions would help political leaders reduce tension now that the parliament had been dissolved and a new election was going to be held. (TNA)