Thai Reconciliation Is Nice To Talk About, But Hard To Achieve

[webfact]

SIDELINES

Reconciliation is nice to talk about, but hard to achieve

By Sopon Onkgara

Amid wild rumours about possible attempts on the lives of key political and military figures, grenade attacks on vital installations and government offices, and another round of red-shirt activities, suddenly there is talk about reconciliation among the parties to the political conflict.

Nobody knows exactly which side has proposed reconciliation, for what purpose and to what end. There has been a guarded and lukewarm response from the parties concerned, possibly worrying that they might lose leverage and positioning if they seem too enthusiastic.

Even those with the highest degree of optimism have been quick to cast doubt that reconciliation will ever materialise, simply because it would require long negotiation and eventual consent from many groups.

First of all, the proposed reconciliation, no matter who initially made the offer, is between arch rivals Pheu Thai and the Democrats. If the two agree to sit down after all basic rules are set, there is the question of whether the coalition parties should also be asked to join.

The key coalition partner, Bhum Jai Thai, led de facto by Newin Chidchob, is despised by Pheu Thai, which is losing a number of MPs to the former's financial seduction, widely estimated at Bt80 million per pair. This is not a deal to buy livestock. It's an offer for MPs to switch camp. At present Bhum Jai Thai is cash rich, and a tempting offer of Bt40 million is difficult to turn down for MPs.

Prime Minister Abhisit has set a precondition that for any reconciliation talks to take place, Pheu Thai must display true intent and sincerity, and cease and desist from supporting subversive movements by the red shirts. Other Democrats simply believe that the goal is beyond reach. This condition is conceivably impossible for the red shirts to comply with because they can argue that they have nothing to do with the party, although the public knows that they are one and the same, with the leash held by Thaksin Shinawatra.

Other coalition partners are mercurial, always ready to join the winner in forming a government. They pursue no noble principles of any kind. They are true believers in the axiom that there is no honesty among thieves.

If Pheu Thai and the Democrats agree to talk, there is the question of who has real power in representing Pheu Thai. Ultimately, from their point of view, everything has to involve Thaksin, who must be the centre of all bargaining. Tentatively, General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Pheu Thai's powerless leader Yongyuth Vichaidit - neither are MPs - should head the negotiations.

Then there is another question of whether the red-shirt elements should participate in talks, because there are many groups now forming as allies just to convince Thaksin to dole out his money for expenses and self-enrichment.

Pheu Thai negotiators would have to be constantly in contact with Thaksin, in the way that red-shirt leaders had negotiations with Prime Minister Abhisit's team before the mayhem in May. This would be frustrating because conditions would change in order to get Thaksin's final approval.

Of course, Thaksin's chief demand is total amnesty on his jail term and pending criminal proceedings, and that he can come back to Thailand at any time. The Democrats cannot agree to this demand, because crimes have been committed and the due process of law must be fulfilled.

If the Democrats show even the slightest inclination to consider this point, there will be hell to play due to public outrage. The yellow shirts and those who remember what Thaksin and his cronies have done to this country will never accept such a compromise.

What's more, the red shirts will continue their effort to oust the government even while negotiations go on, claiming that they have no part in the reconciliation process. This stand will get Thaksin's blessing because double-talk and underhanded negotiations serve as a key strategy.

Last week, the red shirts warmed up with a rally in Pattaya. They intend to make another move on September 17, with a caravan from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Along the way, they want to place flowers in front of prisons, demanding the release of all "political prisoners".

What they demand is impossible to comply with. There are no political prisoners. The red shirts in detention are accused terrorists with a wide range of other serious charges hanging over them. The first show of sincerity will thus be for Pheu Thai to help stop any violent red-shirt campaigns.

So for now, with the complications and complexities based on the self-serving interests of all parties to the conflict, let's assume that the talk of reconciliation is just the pursuit of an impossible goal.

-- The Nation 2010-09-07

[yellow1red1]

deafening silence on what Sondhi has to say, will he 'allow' the talks, even?

Has someone grabbed him by the nose and told him to let the other 3 players trip each other up?

[whybother]

deafening silence on what Sondhi has to say, will he 'allow' the talks, even?

Has someone grabbed him by the nose and told him to let the other 3 players trip each other up?

Sondhi doesn't need to be told that. It's common knowledge that the other 3 players will trip each other up.

[whybother]

Reconciliation is nice to talk about, but hard to achieve

It would be nice to talk about too. Peau Thai have AGAIN backed away from talks.

Pheu Thai announces suspension of reconciliation efforts

The Pheu Thai Party announced Monday that it would suspend its plan to join the government's reconciliation until the government is sincere to push for national reconciliation.

http://www.nationmul...e-30137375.html

It reminds me of negotiations during the protests: "We want to talk to you about our demands, but we won't talk to you until you submit to all of our demands".

Edited September 7, 2010 by whybother

[yellow1red1]

deafening silence on what Sondhi has to say, will he 'allow' the talks, even?

Has someone grabbed him by the nose and told him to let the other 3 players trip each other up?

Sondhi doesn't need to be told that. It's common knowledge that the other 3 players will trip each other up.

That's not usually his style though, full sticking his nose in; example calling off the Nov elections instead of letting the govt and reds do it.

How is his war on Cambodia going?

For him to not get into the mud fight is rare. First time he kept his clothes clean with an event/issue.

Mebbe he hired a strategist!?

[whybother]

deafening silence on what Sondhi has to say, will he 'allow' the talks, even?

Has someone grabbed him by the nose and told him to let the other 3 players trip each other up?

Sondhi doesn't need to be told that. It's common knowledge that the other 3 players will trip each other up.

That's not usually his style though, full sticking his nose in; example calling off the Nov elections instead of letting the govt and reds do it.

<snip>

There were no November elections for Sondhi to do anything with. Only an offer by the government.

Sondhi objected the reds forcing the government into November elections. The reds rejected the offer anyway.

Edited September 7, 2010 by whybother

[yellow1red1]

deafening silence on what Sondhi has to say, will he 'allow' the talks, even?

Has someone grabbed him by the nose and told him to let the other 3 players trip each other up?

Sondhi doesn't need to be told that. It's common knowledge that the other 3 players will trip each other up.

That's not usually his style though, full sticking his nose in; example calling off the Nov elections instead of letting the govt and reds do it.

<snip>

There were no November elections for Sondhi to do anything with. Only an offer by the government.

Sondhi objected the reds forcing the government into November elections. The reds rejected the offer anyway.

why inform if you don't want to listen? look it up yourself, soon as Nov elections were suggested, soon as, Sondhi called for Abhisit's head, look it up yourself.

all he had to do was wait but he did NOT

[whybother]

There were no November elections for Sondhi to do anything with. Only an offer by the government.

Sondhi objected the reds forcing the government into November elections. The reds rejected the offer anyway.

why inform if you don't want to listen? look it up yourself, soon as Nov elections were suggested, soon as, Sondhi called for Abhisit's head, look it up yourself.

all he had to do was wait but he did NOT

Yes. As I said, Sondhi objected to the offer. He said Abhisit should resign (as the reds were doing). Abhisit didn't listen to him. The offer was still there until the reds rejected it.

[Buchholz]

Reconciliation is nice to talk about, but hard to achieve

It would be nice to talk about too. Peau Thai have AGAIN backed away from talks.

Pheu Thai announces suspension of reconciliation efforts

The Pheu Thai Party announced Monday that it would suspend its plan to join the government's reconciliation until the government is sincere to push for national reconciliation.

http://www.nationmul...e-30137375.html

It reminds me of negotiations during the protests: "We want to talk to you about our demands, but we won't talk to you until you submit to all of our demands".

Agreed.

It's like deja vu all over again.

- Yogi Berra

It also includes other unachievable, non-starter, preconditions such as the Red Leaders release from confinement.

This also highlights the continued disarray within the Pheu Thai Party, when Chairman Chavalit has turned down leadership of the reconciliation talks, its "powerless" Party Leader Yongyuth still floundering is not attending, and even Jatuporn has been rebuked as a participant. Does that mean Party Secretary-General Police Captain Chalerm is going to head their negotiation team? They are all squabbling like they have for months and can't even come up with an agreed upon agenda or platform. It's a hodge-podge of special interests that conflict with one another.

Abhisit was great yesterday when he basically said to them, "Whenever you guys get your shit together, come and talk to us."

*edited to add roll-eyes to the notion of Chalerm heading anything.

Edited September 7, 2010 by Buchholz

[clausewitz]

The key coalition partner, Bhum Jai Thai, led de facto by Newin Chidchob, is despised by Pheu Thai, which is losing a number of MPs to the former's financial seduction, widely estimated at Bt80 million per pair. This is not a deal to buy livestock. It's an offer for MPs to switch camp. At present Bhum Jai Thai is cash rich, and a tempting offer of Bt40 million is difficult to turn down for MPs.

At least they are not accused of vote buying.

Nothing wrong with buying the actual politicians- after they have been voted in under a different party: thats what I like about the Democrats and their coalition- no corruption anywhere.

[hammered]

The key coalition partner, Bhum Jai Thai, led de facto by Newin Chidchob, is despised by Pheu Thai, which is losing a number of MPs to the former's financial seduction, widely estimated at Bt80 million per pair. This is not a deal to buy livestock. It's an offer for MPs to switch camp. At present Bhum Jai Thai is cash rich, and a tempting offer of Bt40 million is difficult to turn down for MPs.

At least they are not accused of vote buying.

Nothing wrong with buying the actual politicians- after they have been voted in under a different party: thats what I like about the Democrats and their coalition- no corruption anywhere.

The irony is that Newin is using Thaksin's great suck strategy against him now. Buying MPs is an age long tradition in Thailand and isnt likely to change while those MPs can deliver constituencies. The test is who will pay most for the Isaan and Northern based safe sitting MPs. It is BJT eversus PTP in the pay up and be counted stakes.

[rubl]

It also includes other unachievable, non-starter, preconditions such as the Red Leaders release from confinement.

Sorry I just pick out one sentence, but it's the one I like to comment on.

The reason for Red Leaders release demand is probably because K. Jatuporn misses his buddies

[Buchholz]

Further disharmony within the PTP/UDD camp this afternoon with Red Siam's Somyos Plueksakasemsuk lambasting the PTP/Democrat reconciliation efforts.

He went on to reiterate the preconditions of removing the state of emergency and allowing bail for the Red "political prisoners" from jail.

[Samuian]

The "reconciliation" talk is a lot of BS, there is no genuine rift in Thai society, it's talk of those who wish to create a rift for their very won political agenda...just think since when this PR idiom is out and about, who used it first?

then you know... divided society... maybe the two political movements, Apd and udd will never reconcile, but then who cares it's only a sign of a functioning democracy... let's go on with life!

[givenall]

deafening silence on what Sondhi has to say, will he 'allow' the talks, even?

Has someone grabbed him by the nose and told him to let the other 3 players trip each other up?

Sondhi doesn't need to be told that. It's common knowledge that the other 3 players will trip each other up.

This is Thai politics as usual and no concern about the common people and the state of the countries. It will continue till someone takes a major action against oppositions, weather they are Red or Yellow. There will never be a real democracy in Thailand since too much at stakes for the Elite of all sides.

[Thai at Heart]

The key coalition partner, Bhum Jai Thai, led de facto by Newin Chidchob, is despised by Pheu Thai, which is losing a number of MPs to the former's financial seduction, widely estimated at Bt80 million per pair. This is not a deal to buy livestock. It's an offer for MPs to switch camp. At present Bhum Jai Thai is cash rich, and a tempting offer of Bt40 million is difficult to turn down for MPs.

At least they are not accused of vote buying.

Nothing wrong with buying the actual politicians- after they have been voted in under a different party: thats what I like about the Democrats and their coalition- no corruption anywhere.

So much less messy that way. They tried everything they could to break TRT/PPP (and whatever other monikers they go by) during the election straight after the coup. The Dems were given the greatest opportunity they have ever had to get a clear majority, and whammo, the oppo won.

So when all else fails, get the parliament to sit down, and then buy the MP's themselves. Of course, whilst we all sit here and tiredly trumpet, "that is how Democracy works", we all know how unsavoury the situation is in reality.

It has landed Thailand with the "least worst" option in the opinion of a bunch of guys in green. Let's wait and see what happens in the next election. It will be interesting if nothing else.

The principled politics of BJT, and I don't blame them, but the system. I can think of a few good phrases that could match those initials.

[asiawatcher]

Thai politics, say no more... What a bloody quagmire...

[Buchholz]

In on-again, off-again topsy-turvy world of PTT/UDD comes...

Pheu Thai Resolves to Join Reconciliation Plan

The opposition Pheu Thai Party has resolved to join the government's reconciliation plan after much internal debate.

However, they failed to designate representatives to join the reconciliation process and negotiations.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-07

[Buchholz]

Perhaps PTP should invite one of their stalwart Red employees to represent the Party at the meeting. She seems well acquainted with the fine art of negotiation, Red style.

Former Pattaya Red Shirt leader caught brandishing a gun in South Pattaya

Edited September 7, 2010 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai Party Must Reconcile Itself First

Regrettable as it was that just two days after its Deputy Leader Plodprasop Suraswadi offered a five-point plan for reconciliation, the Pheu Thai Party issued a statement on Tuesday saying that it will put a brake on the offer. The statement was read out by Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit and Secretary-General Sunee Luangwichit.

It was a total about-face from the Pheu Thai Party, considering Plodprasop's earlier firm stance.

The leader of the opposition camp declared on Tuesday that it will not make any further move or appoint negotiators.

Yongyuth disagreed with comments by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban that the Pheu Thai Party must end its support for violence and anti-monarchy movements first for the reconciliation process to begin. He denied that his party are never involved in such activities.

Instead, the Pheu Thai Party Leader said he wants to see some 'show of faith' on the part of the government and other organizations before taking any further steps.

Given its latest stance, it remains doubtful whether the Pheu Thai Party is even serious about reconciliation. If it really is, then Yongyuth should have understood why the government would question his party's motive and attempt to best meet the government's conditions.

In addition, it seems the Pheu Thai Party itself does not have a standpoint towards reconciliation yet. Why would the Pheu Thai Party have to call a meeting of its executive committee to discuss the reconciliation proposal, if Plodparasob's statement was made on behalf of the party?

The only explanation is that the Pheu Thai Party is now in total disunity. How can the party propose to reconcile with other parties, while its MPs are still at odds over its reconciliation plan.

Taken from Kom Chad Luek newspaper, page 4, September 8th, 2010

Translated and rewritten by Wacharapol Isaranont

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-08

[Buchholz]

The Pheu Thai Party and Yongyuth has had infighting over this for more than 20 months

Puea Thai Party Leader wants to step down

Puea Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit plans to step down so that his Party could be revamped and better prepared to fight back against the government.

"I've tried to resign three times already, but I was asked to hang on because of legal technicalities," Yongyuth said.

The Nation - January 19, 2009

Pheu Thai Party and Yongyuth is gonna give it another shot. Perhaps the fourth time over 2 years is the charm this time.

Pheu Thai poised for leadership change?

Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit on Thursday called an urgent meeting of his party's executive board, scheduled at 11.00 am amid intense speculation he might be stepping down.

Yongyuth has reportedly planned to tender his resignation to pave way for the election of a new party leader on September 14.

Former national police chief General Kowit Wattana is tipped to become the leader of the main opposition party.

-- The Nation 2010-09-08

[Buchholz]

Former national police chief General Kowit Wattana is tipped to become the leader of the main opposition party.

former National Police Chief, former Interior Minister in former PM Samak's Cabinet, former Deputy Prime Minister in former PM Somchai's Cabinet, Police General Kowit Wattana

[also alleged to have been a key suspect in the abduction and presumed murder of human rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2004/04/07/latest%20news/MISSING-LAWYER-Rogue-cop-offers-to-talk-96716.html

Edited September 9, 2010 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Yongyuth departs Pheu Thai

Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit on Thursday resigned his leadership with immediate effect on the ground that he wanted to pave way for party restructuring to gear for the next general election.

"Today I tender my resignation in order to ensure my party's readiness for the next poll," he said.

Yongyuth's resignation happened amid speculation that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra had applied a direct pressure on him to step down to make way for former national police chief General Kowit Wattana to get the job.

-- The Nation 2010-09-09

[whybother]

Yongyuth departs Pheu Thai

Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit on Thursday resigned his leadership with immediate effect on the ground that he wanted to pave way for party restructuring to gear for the next general election.

"Today I tender my resignation in order to ensure my party's readiness for the next poll," he said.

Yongyuth's resignation happened amid speculation that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra had applied a direct pressure on him to step down to make way for former national police chief General Kowit Wattana to get the job.

That can't be correct. Thaksin isn't involved in Thai politics is he?

[Buchholz]

Yongyuth Vichaidit resigns from Puea Thai Party leadership

BANGKOK, Sept 9 - The leader of the opposition Puea Thai Party Yongyuth Vichaidit on Thursday resigned from his post, and the party's general meeting will discuss selecting a new leader next week.

Former permanent secretary for interior Yongyuth announced his resignation after attending a party meeting in the morning, but said he will continue working with the party.

Mr Yongyuth said that now the Puea Thai Party is becoming stronger due to having a growing number of members and MPs, saying that it is time to restructure the party to cope with the upcoming election which is likely to held within a year.

The outgoing party leader claimed he has applied his knowledge to run the party for a certain period of time and that now the party needs a suitable person and new executives to lead the election management.

Mr Yongyuth said the general meeting of the party on September 14 will vote for a the new leader and executives, saying he does not yet know who will be selected.

The party leader said he does not know if his resignation is to pave the way for Pol Gen Kowit Wattana to resume the post.

Gen Kowit was the former police chief who played a role in the September 2006 coup to topple Thaksin Shinawatra government. He was later appointed interior minister in Samak administration.

Following reports that his resignation was pressured by ousted prime minister Thaksin, Mr Yongyuth urged the public not to link his decision to the deposed premier.

"Don't link my resignation to Mr Thaksin. If the ex-premier did order that, I would have been upset," said Mr Yongyuth.

Mr Yongyuth was the co-founder of the Puea Thai Party and became party leader in December 2008. The Puea Thai Party was formed to replace the now-defunct People Power Party which was dissolved by the Constitution Court on grounds of fraud in the 2007 general election.

Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan said on Thursday that the name of the new party leader should be clearer on Monday, and he is not sure if the former police chief will be the one.

Mr Jatuporn added that the party's general meeting will consider selection of the new leader and that he accepts the party's decision.

-- TNA 2010-09-09

Edited September 9, 2010 by Buchholz

[rubl]

Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan said on Thursday that the name of the new Party Leader should be clearer on Monday, and he is not sure if the former police chief will be the one.

Mr Jatuporn added that the Party's general meeting will consider selection of the new leader and that he accepts the party's decision.

Wonder when he will change his mind. Yes, I accept. But first ...

Like Glenn Beck who had a teaparty, K. Jatuporn has a tape.

[Buchholz]

Mr Yongyuth said that now the Puea Thai Party is becoming stronger due to having a growing number of members and MPs

Reality check. The Party is becoming weaker due to having a shrinking number of MP's.

Mr Yongyuth was the co-founder of the Puea Thai Party and became Party Leader in December 2008.

And as has been pointed in earlier posts, he has attempted to shed the title ever since, but no one in Puea Thai Party has ever wanted it and so he's been stuck with it ever since.

Edited September 9, 2010 by Buchholz

[SomTumTiger]

I love Puea Thai - its like having the Marx Brothers and the Three Stooges all rolled into one giant idiot sandwich!

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai Leader Resigns

Yongyuth Wichaidit has resigned as opposition Pheu Thai Party Leader, citing the necessity to restructure the party's executive board in preparation for the next general election.

Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit today held a press conference to announce his resignation.

He said he tendered his resignation to allow restructuring of the party's executive board in order to ensure readiness for the next general election.

Yongyuth said after more than a year on the job, he felt that the party has been well consolidated.

He further said it was an appropriate time for him to allow a new person who is more capable in this field to take the helm of the party.

He noted since the next election was expected in about a year, it was necessary for the party to be restructured to be more prepared for the race.

Asked about a report that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wanted Police General Kowit Wattana, former national police chief and ex-interior minister, to take over the Pheu Thai leadership, Yongyuth stated he had not heard about that.

Yongyuth added the selection of the party's new executive board members will be made at its general assembly next Tuesday.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-09