Stories tagged with government
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Government declares August 20th a public holiday
Sunday, August 19th is an important day for the citizens of Thailand. It’s the day Thais will cast their ballots to vote on the new draft of the country’s constitution. The Monday has been declared a public holiday to encourage people who may be working outside their hometown to return and cast their vote.
Due to the short notice of the announcement, banks will remain open, but all private and public organizations will be closed. The decision was made after a proposition by the Election Commission, who believe the decision will result in a higher voter turnout.
It was discussed with the Thai Bankers Association that they would also close on the 20th, but they decided that there wasn’t sufficient time to prepare for a bank holiday.
So what does this mean for visitors that find themselves in Thailand on this day? The good news is that unlike other public holidays, the sale of alcohol will still be allowed. Business catering to tourists will have the choice to remain open or not, so its unlikely to find yourself in a situation where absolutely everything is closed in major tourist centres.
Posted by: DaveB on 09 Aug 2007, 11:38 -
Community involvement in government encouraged
Following a report in Chiang Mai Citylfe, the eight northern provinces of Thailand and certain community groups are now working together with development projects from the private sector to involve communities in the process of local governments.
A preemptive protest has been sent to the governments should they decide to disapprove of the involvement of the community groups.
A public forum was held last month at Chiang Mai University between the Social Administration College, working with the Northern Private Sector Development Committee and other private organizations. The forum was titled ’Community Organization Legislation Analysis and the Way of Local Democracy Development.’
The coordinator of the Northern Private Sector Development Committee, Suriyan Tongnuaied revealed that at the meeting, community leaders voted unanimously for a proposal giving rights to community members to have their say in what local governments are working on. This will give the community more say in what legislation passes or not.
Suriyan commented further, “If the proposal is approved, people from the community will actually be involved in local politics, and will have an influence in protecting their own financial interests from local corruption, which is rife.�
Posted by: DaveB on 26 Jul 2007, 07:01