Thirty-four political parties yesterday voiced support for the Feb 2 general election and agreed national reform should proceed after the poll.
The government held its second national reform forum at the Royal Thai Air Force headquarters yesterday.
Representatives from 34 parties attended the meeting including Pheu Thai, Chart Pattana, Chartthaipattana and Phalang Chon. The Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties did not take part.
Speaking after the meeting, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanchana said the majority concluded the Feb 2 poll must go ahead as planned, and all parties supported the political reform process.
They agreed that after the poll, the new government's priority will be to support reforms, which would take about one year. Then the government would dissolve the House for another general election, Mr Phongthep said.
Chartthaipattana leader Wannarat Charnnukul told the meeting the poll and the reforms should be done in sequence.
He said various organisations should be involved in the reform process and a national reform assembly should be established, comprising 200 representatives selected from various professions. The reform assembly will outline reform issues while constitutional amendments must be put to a referendum, Mr Wannarat said.
Pokin Polakul, a key Pheu Thai figure, said the next government should aim to achieve political, economic and social reforms. It should also strive to uphold the rule of law, foster unity, ease political conflict and get rid of corruption.
Legislation should be passed to ensure reform measures are implemented, Mr Pokin said, adding parties should sign a pact to ensure the poll proceeds ahead of reforms.
