November 2004 : Government’s Achievement Showcase The government opened a showcase fair of 4 years achievement, “From Past to Future: From Grassroots to Taproots”, and pledged all Thai to fold “paper birds” as a symbol of peace to be sent to the people in 3 southern provinces. The Senate agreed to amend the Election Law while the cabinet approved pay rise to the House and Senate members. From Past to Future: From Grassroots to Tabroots Thaksin administration on November 6-10 held a fair showing the government’s achievements in 4 years under the name “From Past to Future: From Grassroots to Taproots” at Muang Thong Thani’s Impact Arena. Highlights among all ministries exhibitions are the 30 Baht golden medical health care card, public housing project for the under-privileged and distribution of 1 million cows project. There were a “Grief Relief Pallor” and “Public Forum” where people’s grief were voiced and heard. It was estimated more than 850,000 people came to the fair. The 230 million Baht fair was criticized by the opposition party that the government is breaching the Election Law by using taxpayer money on campaigning and both Democrat and Mahachon Party submitted allegations to the Election Commission to investigate whether the Constitution and Election Law was breached or not. The allegation was attached by evidence that the Ministry of Agriculture used 52 million Baht in recruiting provincial people to the fair. The Election Commission ruled that the cabinet is legitimacy to organize the fair since the election date is not yet announced and still there is no election candidacy. Paper birds as the symbol of peace Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pledged all Thai people to fold paper birds to show their love and concern to the 3 southern provinces people who had lived in fear since a spate of violent attacked erupted in January. The birds are symbol of peace and in-discrimination and should be dropped from air force planes on Dec 5, His Majesty the King’s birthday. 144 academics from 19 educational institutes issued an open letter to the prime minister demanding his apology on the Tak Bai incident that caused 85 lives and reconsider policies to deal with security problems. Mr. Thaksin invited 22 academic representatives to the government house on November 14 to discuss and recommendation was made on appointment of a National Reconciliation Committee, comprises of all sectors in the society, to find solutions in solving the problems. They also gave one papar bird to the PM. The Queen on November 16th made an emotional plea for Thais to unite in bringing the southern violence to an end. Her Majesty expressed her concern and moral support over the problems. Senate revises Election Bill The Senate voted 118 to 3 with 13 abstained and 2 non-voted to revise the Election Bill of B.E. 2541. The principle amendment is on article 44 in which a period of 180 days shall replace 60 days as the timeframe prior to elections for the “poll fraud-free period”. Amendment should also be made on article 94 on number of people to raise objections on election fraud and public announcement of objections name list. A joint committee of the two houses of parliament will be appointed to scrutinize the bill. Pay rise for MPs and senators The cabinet on November 23 approved a draft royal decree on pay rise of 80 percent average for parliamentarians; MPs, senators the house and senate speakers and deputy speakers. The reason behind the increment is that the current salary is unjustified and more money would enable politicians to maintain their dignity. Moreover the pay scale was adjusted mainly in reference to the salaries of independent agency members and the amount of work involved. Though the pay rise should be effective after the next election and the current batch of parliamentarians would not enjoy the windfall but all former MPs and senators elected after the charter came into effect on Oct. 11, 1997 shall receive pensions. The draft shall be forward to the Council of State and submit for royal endorsement, by-passing the parliament, before published in the royal gazette.