Pheu Thai's Offer Of Peace Should Be Welcomed

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Pheu Thai's offer of peace should be welcomed

By The Nation

Whatever its motive, the opposition's offer warrants a serious response

There was no direct government response on Friday to the Pheu Thai Party's olive branch. Instead, the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation announced a major security alert, apparently in preparation for the upcoming anniversary of the coup that ousted Thaksin Shinawatra. Thousands of close-circuit cameras will be deployed all over Bangkok, which will be divided into more than 450 security zones to be supervised by specially assigned forces. It's time for everyone to be worried again.

One half of the population may feel reassured by the large-scale security plan. The other half, however, will feel differently. The international community, meanwhile, will look at Thailand with renewed or increased anxiety. It's a damned-if-you-do damned-if-you-don't situation all over again for the Abhisit government.

But does it have to be that way? With some balancing act and rationality, the government can turn the current tricky circumstances into something positive for the country.

With the red shirts demonstrating no proven signs of renewed violence, the red alert means the government risks being deemed jumpy or even political.

Of course, there have been rumours and threats of sabotage and assassination plans and a few real bomb incidents since the May 19 bloodshed that sent hard-line red shirts back home like wounded tigers. But any security alert should also take into account how it can affect Thailand's fragile political situation and the country's international image.

Is the staggering security plan an appropriate response to the bomb incidents and sabotage and assassination rumours? The government may argue that it's better to be safe than sorry, and that it doesn't have a better choice. However, even if this is not an overreaction, the government has failed to balance it with a well-measured campaign to reach out to the other half of the country.

In other words, the government should give a serious response to the Pheu Thai Party's peace offer. While this weekend might see some initial reaction, it's imperative that this glimmer of hope must not be turned into another political game.

Mistrust has prevented true peace in this country. The Pheu Thai Party's call for peace, judging from the media's and the government's initial reaction (or lack of it), has not yet been taken seriously. The party partly has itself to blame for the failure of its straightforward statement to be accorded dynamite-font front-page headlines. But the ball is now in the government's court in any case.

The party called on all parties for an immediate end to violence, the immediate start of serious peace talks with the government and mutual forgiveness. In addition to that, the opposition camp pledged its loyalty to the monarchy and asked all sides to do the same.

The statement did sound a bit too good to be true. But at the same time it also sounded unconditional and sincere. However, the government's responsibility is not so much about questioning the Pheu Thai Party's motives as about finding and exploiting opportunities that may arise from the rivals' new approach. Doubts and mistrust have shoved our country to the brink, and there is no way we can move forward if they continue to plague everyone's mentality.

That first step has to be taken, and soon. The Pheu Thai Party is right in stating that a peace process can begin without having to wait for the results of studies or other research. If the leaders of the two camps can sit down and talk with open hearts and minds, any changes to the Constitution can come much later.

Peace won't be achieved overnight. But a window of opportunity for everyone to take a small first step of what could be a long journey seems to have been opened. Whatever it is actually up to, the Pheu Thai Party has done what it should have done: show its readiness to give dialogue a chance. The government, therefore, should do what it has to do.

-- The Nation 2010-09-05

[Robby nz]

Buranat: PM ready to negotiate with Pheu Thai to reduce political rifts

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is prepared to negotiate for an end to the rift with opposition Pheu Thai Party core leaders, according to Democrat Party Spokesperson MD Buranat Samutrak.

MD Buranat said that the negotiation process towards peace was practical and would help ease the political tension to prevent any more violence that might occur in the future. He indicated that the premier would be ready to immediately negotiate with core leaders of the opposition Pheu Thai Party after returning from his official visit to Shanghai, China.

Regarding some Pheu Thai members' disagreement to means of negotiation, MD Buranat did not deem the reaction as an obstacle, citing that past talks with the opposition party had shown that both sides had a common goal to work towards national reconciliation.

The Democrat Party spokesperson believed that the move to stop conflicts was feasible without the need for approval from relevant personnel from the Pheu Thai Party, such as Mr Jatuporn Prompan and exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

It would seem Mr Editor that they now have.

But as The PM said 'PTP should be ready to match words with actions'.

like perhaps stop their red shirt branch from holding rallies.

[Arjay]

Day late dollar short

[yellow1red1]

If the leaders of the two camps can sit down and talk with open hearts and minds

about who gets the military, who gets the police, who gets the drug trade, who gets the girl bars, who gets the investment bribes..... deformation could be achieved!

Edit; What about the 3rd side, the yellows? or the 4rth, Newin?

Edited September 5, 2010 by yellow1red1

[hyperdimension]

The party called on all parties for an immediate end to violence, the immediate start of serious peace talks with the government and mutual forgiveness.

If Pheu Thai and the UDD want forgiveness then they need to apologize and pay compensation for all damages and loss of lives that they caused. Did they ever express any remorse and say that they are sorry, and have they ever offered to pay any compensation?

[hammered]

The PTP is now a fractitious party without a leader. What is interesting about this is trying to see what faction or factions are involved in offering this. Poltical manouvers for advantage continue.

[Buchholz]

Government welcomes UDD leader in the opposition’s truce talk team

BANGKOK, 7 September 2010 (NNT) – The government agrees to be engaged in a peace talk with the opposition Pheu Thai Party in an effort towards national reconciliation, saying that it has no problem if the hard-hitting Pheu Thai MP and United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship core leader, Jatuporn Promphan, is included in the team.

Speaking of the opposition’s call for reconciliation talks, Government spokesperson Panitan Wattanayakorn said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had already acknowledged the offer. He said the premier was ready to participate in the talk as national reconciliation was one of the government’s goals it wished to achieve.

Mr Panitan stated that the government would have no rejection even if Pheu Thai included ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s representative in its negotiation team as long as they aimed for the benefit of the society.

-- NNT 2010-09-06

[Buchholz]

The PTP is now a fractious party without a leader. What is interesting about this is trying to see what faction or factions are involved in offering this. Political maneuvers for advantage continue.

They could save on chairs at the reconciliation conference at the posted meeting by just having one for Jatuporn as a representative for:

Pheu Thai MP

and

United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship

and

ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s representative

As he demonstrated earlier at the early election talks, he's quite a reasonable rep for all three. Or is perhaps the best they can do.

[rubl]

The PTP is now a fractious party without a leader. What is interesting about this is trying to see what faction or factions are involved in offering this. Political maneuvers for advantage continue.

They could save on chairs at the reconciliation conference at the posted meeting by just having one for Jatuporn as a representative for:

Pheu Thai MP

and

United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship

and

ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra�s representative

As he demonstrated earlier at the early election talks, he's quite a reasonable rep for all three. Or is perhaps the best they can do.

I agree only if you remove the reasonable or move it elsewhere in the sentence. K. Jatuporn can be a representative for all three parties/groups mentioned, but I don't think he has ever been reasonable.

PS changed quotes to italics to avoid exceeding allowed quoted text blocks.

[Buchholz]

The PTP is now a fractious party without a leader. What is interesting about this is trying to see what faction or factions are involved in offering this. Political maneuvers for advantage continue.

They could save on chairs at the reconciliation conference at the posted meeting by just having one for Jatuporn as a representative for:

Pheu Thai MP

and

United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship

and

ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra�s representative

As he demonstrated earlier at the early election talks, he's quite a reasonable rep for all three. Or is perhaps the best they can do.

I agree only if you remove the reasonable or move it elsewhere in the sentence. K. Jatuporn can be a representative for all three parties/groups mentioned, but I don't think he has ever been reasonable.

How about:

It's reasonable to presume he would serve all three anyway?

It'd be a big help if he did. With fewer attendees, the caterer could save on bringing in fewer of the 100 Pipers to the conference dining table if he did... unless Chalerm was a PTP participant, then they'd have to bring in more as he's one of the thirstier politicians.

PS changed quotes to italics to avoid exceeding allowed quoted text blocks.

Can you fix ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra�s representative

[Robby nz]

If what I read elswhere is correct PTP will take this to a meeting of their MP.s soon to try to get approval.

If that is correct it means that it isnt an iniciative of the party as such but of someone in the party.

Therefor it could still be vetoed by the upcoming meeting and disolve into another puff of PTP bull dust.

Lets hope it is genuine and leads to less confrontation of all sorts.

[Buchholz]

If what I read elsewhere is correct PTP will take this to a meeting of their MP.s soon to try to get approval.

It's been approved by the financier:

Thaksin supports reconciliation: Noppadon claims

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra supports the Pheu Thai Party's decision to join the efforts to create political reconciliation in the country, his legal advisor, Noppadon Pattama, claimed Monday.

But Thaksin wants all political groups and movements to join the efforts to create long-term reconciliation for the sake of the country.

Thaksin does not want the Pheu Thai to reconcile with the Democrat just to help the Democrat Party-led coalition government complete its term, Noppadon said.

He said Thaksin want the reconciliation efforts to be carried out based on justice, mercy and democratic principles.

He said Thaksin did not harbor personal grudge against anyone and was not bent on taking revenge as alleged by his opponents.

-- The Nation 2010-09-06

[Buchholz]

Looks like maybe Jatuporn is going to miss out, but, then again, he needs 3 principals, and that's a lot for someone with none:

Pheu Thai Party's Chief Adviser, General Chawalit Yongjaiyuth

Today, Pheu Thai Party Deputy Leader Plodprasop Surasawadee announced that the party has not yet selected the party representatives who will take part in talks with the government to discuss Pheu Thai Party's five-point reconciliation proposal.

Plodprasop also denied speculation that the party might be represented by the Party's Chief Adviser, General Chawalit Yongjaiyuth, Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit, or MP and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan.

Plodprasob said that the talks must be based on three principals for it to be successful.

The first is that all sides must be sincere in participating in the talks. Secondly, both parties must trust each other. Lastly, both sides must stop fueling the political dispute.

The Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party also insisted that the talks are not aimed at pressuring the government to calling for a new general election and says that the party is sincere in wanting to solve the ongoing political rift.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-06

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai Party's five-point reconciliation proposal.

Any one familiar with what the five are?

[rubl]

Pheu Thai Party's five-point reconciliation proposal.

Any one familiar with what the five are?

Found somewhere:

1. It is now time for all parties in conflict to hold talks and exchange opinions in a peaceful manner.

2. The Puea Thai Party believes peace, unity and the state of being a nation will return if all sides forgive one another and agree to peaceful co-existence and uphold equality and justice.

3. The Puea Thai Party wants people of all groups to avoid and refrain from any form of violence.

4. The party is firm in its loyalty to Their Majesties the King and Queen.

5. Puea Thai hopes its stand would help the government and those responsible for security feel relieved and begin a reconciliation process right away, without wasting any more time.

Edited September 6, 2010 by rubl

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai Party's five-point reconciliation proposal.

Any one familiar with what the five are?

Found somewhere:

1. It is now time for all parties in conflict to hold talks and exchange opinions in a peaceful manner.

2. The Puea Thai Party believes peace, unity and the state of being a nation will return if all sides forgive one another and agree to peaceful co-existence and uphold equality and justice.

3. The Puea Thai Party wants people of all groups to avoid and refrain from any form of violence.

4. The party is firm in its loyalty to Their Majesties the King and Queen.

5. Puea Thai hopes its stand would help the government and those responsible for security feel relieved and begin a reconciliation process right away, without wasting any more time.

Thank you for that.

2. Does "forgive" mean amnesty for the convicted?

4. Does that mean it is disowning and expelling those in the Red groups that aren't?

[rubl]

Pheu Thai Party's five-point reconciliation proposal.

Any one familiar with what the five are?

Found somewhere:

1. It is now time for all parties in conflict to hold talks and exchange opinions in a peaceful manner.

2. The Puea Thai Party believes peace, unity and the state of being a nation will return if all sides forgive one another and agree to peaceful co-existence and uphold equality and justice.

3. The Puea Thai Party wants people of all groups to avoid and refrain from any form of violence.

4. The party is firm in its loyalty to Their Majesties the King and Queen.

5. Puea Thai hopes its stand would help the government and those responsible for security feel relieved and begin a reconciliation process right away, without wasting any more time.

Thank you for that.

2. Does "forgive" mean amnesty for the convicted?

4. Does that mean it is disowning and expelling those in the Red groups that aren't?

I think even amongst their own MP's there is no agreement on what this means. Basicly PTP staff is sitting next to the telephone to wait for the governments call, but no one called yet (I read somewhere).

The government road-map could be used if the PTP really wants to participate. Most is still a framework in need of input.

[Robby nz]

They said before the election for the vacent seat that they wanted amnasty for everyone, Thaksin, red leaders and yellow leaders.

[hammered]

I see they have susepnded their offer as the dont like it being said that they have supported violence. A bit hard to deny really. Aint going to get any reconcilliation while parties cant even admit their own past mistakes. That is where reconcilliation starts for all sides.

This is looking like the usual political game. Some analysts in Thai have seen this as an attempt to stop defections to BJT by hanging out the obvious chance of a Dem+PTP national reconcialliation government leaving BJT in opposition, which makes BJT not so appealing for defectors. However, that this has openly come up in Thai media probably meant the gambit if this was what it was was actually dead already. Driving a wedge between the Newin-Suthep axis is not going to be that easy.

Anyway a start for reconcioalliation would be aparty admitting to its mistakes and apologising for them. Think we may be waiting a while for that.

[rubl]

I see they have susepnded their offer as the dont like it being said that they have supported violence. A bit hard to deny really. Aint going to get any reconcilliation while parties cant even admit their own past mistakes. That is where reconcilliation starts for all sides.

This is looking like the usual political game. Some analysts in Thai have seen this as an attempt to stop defections to BJT by hanging out the obvious chance of a Dem+PTP national reconcialliation government leaving BJT in opposition, which makes BJT not so appealing for defectors. However, that this has openly come up in Thai media probably meant the gambit if this was what it was was actually dead already. Driving a wedge between the Newin-Suthep axis is not going to be that easy.

Anyway a start for reconcioalliation would be aparty admitting to its mistakes and apologising for them. Think we may be waiting a while for that.

Maybe the PT hadn't expected PM Abhisit to speak from Shanghai on Sunday and broadcast on TV and radio that the proposal was welcome news. Now today we had K. Abhisit waiting to be contacted and PT sitting next to the phone. If they were sincere they'd have contacted the PM to arrange first talks.

[animatic]

hammered' timestamp='1283759520' post='3865187'

The PTP is now a fractious party without a leader. What is interesting about this is trying to see what faction or factions are involved in offering this. Political maneuvers for advantage continue.

They could save on chairs at the reconciliation conference at the posted meeting by just having one for Jatuporn as a representative for:

Pheu Thai MP

and

United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship

and

ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's representative

As he demonstrated earlier at the early election talks, he's quite a reasonable rep for all three. Or is perhaps the best they can do.

And noting his blackberry inspired veto of the 1st negotiations last winter,

he seems to be the one in all three chairs at once anyway.

[Buchholz]

Looks like maybe Jatuporn is going to miss out, but, then again, he needs 3 principals, and that's a lot for someone with none:

Plodprasop also denied speculation that the party might be represented by the Party's Chief Adviser, General Chawalit Yongjaiyuth, Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit, or MP and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan.

The jilted non-representative Jatuporn is now setting down pre-conditions before the reconciliation talks can be held:

Accounting for 91 deaths before reconciliation: Thai anti-government leader

BANGKOK, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The government should take responsibility for the deaths during the red-shirt protests before considering the opposition Puea Thai Party's reconciliation plan, said Jatuporn Prompan, a Puea Thai MP and co-leader of the red- shirts movement, on Monday. "The red-shirts and I will not act as an obstacle for the Party's peace talk plan, but that cannot be a reason for the government to ignore the fact that 91 people have been killed," Jatuporn said, adding that he is ready to follow his party's five-point reconciliation plan proposed Thursday.

Moreover, he said the anti-government red-shirts is not asking for amnesty as alleged by Democrat spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks. The reconciliation will happen only if the red-shirts get justice and equality. But if the government has no respect for the opposition, as it did in the past, and refuses to be responsible for the casualties during the anti-government rally in April and May, there should not be any reconciliation, he said. "Reconciliation does not mean that the opposition begs the government for help. Reconciliation will happen only if both sides are sincere to reconcile," said Jatuporn.

Continues:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-09/06/c_13481227.htm

Xinhua - September 6, 2010

[whybother]

<snip>

Accounting for 91 deaths before reconciliation: Thai anti-government leader

BANGKOK, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The government should take responsibility for the deaths during the red-shirt protests before considering the opposition Puea Thai Party's reconciliation plan, said Jatuporn Prompan, a Puea Thai MP and co-leader of the red- shirts movement, on Monday. "The red-shirts and I will not act as an obstacle for the Party's peace talk plan, but that cannot be a reason for the government to ignore the fact that 91 people have been killed," Jatuporn said, adding that he is ready to follow his party's five-point reconciliation plan proposed Thursday.

Moreover, he said the anti-government red-shirts is not asking for amnesty as alleged by Democrat spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks. The reconciliation will happen only if the red-shirts get justice and equality. But if the government has no respect for the opposition, as it did in the past, and refuses to be responsible for the casualties during the anti-government rally in April and May, there should not be any reconciliation, he said. "Reconciliation does not mean that the opposition begs the government for help. Reconciliation will happen only if both sides are sincere to reconcile," said Jatuporn.

<snip>

They won't act as an obstacle, but demand that the government take responsibility for the deaths. How about the red shirts take responsibility for some of the deaths and for burning down Bangkok.

I'm glad they are not asking for amnesty and want the red shirts to get justice. The sooner they get their justice the better.

[rubl]

Nothing really changes it seems. PT comes with proposal, PM Abhisit publicly accepts and says come lets talk about it. Following some PT MP's get nervous and their own proposal needs further internal discussion first. Next K. Jatuporn says to follow his party's resolution as long as neither side takes advantage of the other (whatever that really means). And finally K. Jatuporn comes with the condition that they should take responsability for the 91 people who died before they can consider the PT proposal.

Does this sound logical ? Does this sound like the PT proposal was really serious, out of a feeling for reconciliation ? Do pigs fly ?

Edited September 6, 2010 by rubl

[rubl]

Forgot one thing.

K. Jatuporn conveniently forgets that all his and other UDD leader's speeches sowing hatred against the government, indoctrination their followers were one (and probably a major one) cause of the violence. months of indoctrination on the red stage and PTV, we will fight to our last drop of blood, etc. etc. Wonder who should take responsability of the 91 death.

[chantorn]

Unlike Mark, there is no sincerity on the PT side.

Just scoring political points I suppose.

[rubl]

Unlike Mark, there is no sincerity on the PT side.

Just scoring political points I suppose.

I will probably regret saying this, but I'm not in the mood for meaningless or frivolous remarks. Please come back tomorrow.

[Buchholz]

More pre-conditions?

The movement's leaders have set themselves a specific goal—the release of opposition activists arrested in the aftermath of May's demonstrations.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703713504575475202881102046.html

[rubl]

More pre-conditions?

The movement's leaders have set themselves a specific goal�the release of opposition activists arrested in the aftermath of May's demonstrations.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703713504575475202881102046.html

It is interesting to read that for the planned protest for the 17th this month they want to lay red roses at the prison the UDD leaders are in, and have other events commemorating the 91 dead.

What about those few hundred still being held upcountry being almost totally forgotten by anyone including their red comrades ? Are they not important enough? Only the UDD leaders important, those who said 'till our last drop of blood' and surrendered while they supporters were dying, bleeding, suffering? Words start to fail me

Edited September 6, 2010 by rubl

[philw]

More pre-conditions?

The movement's leaders have set themselves a specific goal—the release of opposition activists arrested in the aftermath of May's demonstrations.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703713504575475202881102046.html

Why not ?

They have a voice.

It's a good article and for the first time I've seen gives an attendance figure. 4,000.

Not a small demo in the circumstances.

Thank you for posting the link.