Ex-Thai PM urges govt to promote national reconciliation

BANGKOK, January 1 (TNA) - Urging the government to help solve the political conflict prevailing in the country as a New Year gift for the Thai people, Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the main opposition Democrat Party, says political and economic cruxes would continue in 2013. External economic problems might impact Thailand’s growth and the people’s livelihood in 2013, he said, adding that high oil prices coupled with government-sponsored populist programmes including rice pledging scheme and an increase in daily minimum wage to 300 baht in 70 remaining provinces in the country which would become effective on New Year’s Day needed to be addressed by government. Mr. Abhisit, a former prime minister, said the best gift which the government could offer to the people was ways in restoring reconciliation in the country by not helping fugitive, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been living a life in exile overseas. He also said the controversial rice pledging programme as well as plans by the government to amend the 2007 constitution and a draft bill on reconciliation could create violence street protests this year as people could no longer tolerate these issues. On a no-confidence debate against the government, held in the parliament during last November 25-27, Mr. Abhisit said his party was satisfied to a certain level because the opposition was able to disclose some irregularities allegedly practiced by the government to the public. He said his party would continue to inform the people on how the country was affected by the government’s works. (TNA)