CDC approves political fund

MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) yesterday agreed to include in the draft charter a stipulation compelling the government to set up a political development fund for civic groups. The fund's aim would be to promote political activities in society.

The fund disbursement concept is expected to be similar to the Thailand Research Fund and Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), said Choochai Supawong, chairman of the CDC sub-panel on rights and liberty issues which proposed the charter clause.

Mr Choochai said the political development fund could use the same implementation model as ThaiHealth, which he hailed as a success in creating a nationwide network for health-care promotion. The World Health Organisation has tried to replicate ThaiHealth's model in other countries, he said.

However, some CDC members have voiced concern politicians could exploit the fund.

CDC member Pisit Leeahtam warned the fund could provide a loophole for politicians to syphon off state money for their own political interests.

CDC members also discussed what would be the most appropriate way to pay for the fund.

CDC member Thitiphan Chuabunchai suggested the fund could come from donations rather than the state budget.

But Mr Pisit said political subsidies paid to civic groups could be disbursed through normal budget disbursement rather than through a special fund.

CDC member and acting justice permanent secretary Jarun Pukditanakul said the constitution should say that money for the political development fund must not come from the state alone, but could also come from assets seized from corrupt politicians or civil servants.

Bangkok Post

Wednesday April 04, 2007