ASEAN urged for improved democratic practice

BANGKOK, December 13 (TNA) - Governments and people of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been urged for improved democratic practices to address problems related to "democratic flaws" in the region. Several Thai academics made the call in Bangkok on Thursday, the second day of a three-day seminar organized by Krirk University, as part of the private university's 60th anniversary celebrations this year. The academics pointed out that the "democratic flaws" have caused by an immaturity for democracy of people and the lack of public assembly laws. However, the academics acknowledged the Legatum Prosperity Index has shown that Thailand is a leading ASEAN member country being keen to promote good governance. The panelists include Dr. Somkiat Onwimon, a former Thai senator who is now Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Thammasat University, and leading political science lecturers namely Thanet Arpornsuwan and Sukhum Nuansakul. (TNA)