NCPO denies pressuring ex-PM over show

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday denied pressuring former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to appear on its weekly TV programme about reforms.

NCPO deputy secretary-general Chatchalerm Chalermsuk said there was a misunderstanding about guests invited on the programme.

The show, called “Dern Na Patiroob” (Driving toward Reform), was launched recently by the NCPO’S Reconciliation Centre for Reform. He said the programme’s producer intends to invite former ministers in the Yingluck and Abhisit administrations to take part on the show due to their first-hand experience of issues relevant to the reforms.

The Reconciliation Centre for Reform would have no problem with former prime ministers appearing on the show as guests, he said, noting that Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has agreed to participate in the programme, and Ms Yingluck’s contribution also would be equally welcomed.

“We didn’t pressure Ms Yingluck to come. We plan to invite former cabinet ministers [in the Yingluck and Abhisit governments] due to their experiences. But we really appreciate the fact Mr Abhisit wants to join,” he said.

Gen Chatchalerm, also the army’s chief-of-staff, said Mr Abhisit is expected to appear next week. Former education minister and an ex-Pheu Thai MP, Chaturon Chaisaeng, appeared to talk about educational issues last Wednesday.

Observers say the programme provides an additional communication channel to exchange ideas between the NCPO and the National Reform Council (NRC) to move reforms forward. It also intends to invite politicians from previous governments and former executives of state agencies to give their views on various issues.

However, ex-deputy prime minister and Pheu Thai member Surapong Tovichakchaikul said yesterday he doubted Ms Yingluck would appear on the show. The show is broadcast on the army-run TV Channel 5 and the Public Relations Department’s Channel 11 on Wednesday from 9pm to 10pm.