Cheers erupted outside a conference room as the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) elected Santi Vilassakdanont to once again take the helm at Thailand's largest private sector organisation, amidst calls that the move is against FTI regulations.
FTI members vote at an ad hoc meeting on the steps of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center yesterday. PHRAKRIT JUNTAWONG
The election came after embattled FTI chairman Payungsak Chartsutthipol ordered the suspension of yesterday's meeting over the weekend. He was ousted for what was described as failing to do enough to press the government about delaying the daily minimum wage hike to 300 baht nationwide on Jan 1.
On Saturday, Mr Payungsak sent a letter to FTI members saying yesterday's committee meeting was called off due to concerns that severe disagreements would arise.
However, 182 FTI committee members attended the meeting yesterday although Mr Payungsak ordered the venue closed. The participants sat on the stairs in front of the meeting room while around 10 policemen were asked by the chairman to safeguard the area.
FTI secretary-general Sommat Khunset said Mr Payungsak's moves are against FTI regulations, as a decision to cancel or postpone a meeting is up to the committee members.
Mr Sommat said a meeting can be held if half of the 348 committee members attend, and any subject can be addressed or voted on if it is proposed by more than half of the members present. "The meeting adhered to all the FTI's rules and regulations, except the officers were ordered to go home by the chairman," said Mr Sommat.
Mr Santi will be the chairman for the rest of Mr Payungsak's remaining term that ends in March 2014.
Santi: Once again the head man
Mr Payungsak could not be reached for comment.
FTI vice-chairman in charge of legal affairs Kitti Tangchitmaneesakda said the result is unacceptable because Mr Payungsak has the authority to call off the meeting, and he did so only to prevent any internal disagreements.
Mr Kitti also noted the results of the meeting did not comply with the law, as only FTI members have the right to vote, not committee members. Otherwise the authority needs to come from the industry minister.
Some 182 committee members of the total 348 attended the meeting, and 139 proposed ousting Mr Payungsak and 70 committee heads.
They said Mr Payungsak did not take into account members' needs, especially those of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are affected the most by the wage hike.
Mr Santi, an executive with consumer product giant Saha Group, was FTI chairman for two consecutive terms during 2006 to 2010. The current honorary chairman of the FTI, Mr Santi backed Mr Payungsak when he was selected to follow him as chairman.
"The wage hike decision was made by the tripartite committee. Even the prime minister cannot revoke it," said Praphad Phodhivorakhun, the chairman of Kang Yong Electric Plc, and former FTI chairman.
"If Mr Payungsak is removed, it won't change the wage increase enactment on Jan 1," he said, adding internal conflicts have weakened the FTI's spirit in tackling issues affecting industries.
Mr Santi said he will continue with policies implemented during his previous term, and provide help for SMEs so they can compete when the Asean Economic Community is established in 2016. "There are many issues we need to discuss, and this is a time we really need to cooperate," he said.
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About the author
Writer: Nanchanok WongsamuthPosition: News Reporter
Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/27/fti-axes-payungsak/
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