Pheu Thai's Olive Branch In Doubt

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Pheu Thai's olive branch in doubt

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

People now may doubt whether the national reconciliation plan floated by Pheu Thai deputy leader Plodprasop Suraswadi last Friday will ever come true.

Is the real leader of the Pheu Thai Party really sincere in wanting to achieve recon-ciliation, or does the party just want to boost its popularity?

On the surface, it looked somewhat serious, as the proposal came out when there were reports that fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wanted to give up, as he was dog-tired and wanted to find a way out.

There were other reports to support the thinking that the plan could really materialise. A Pheu Thai source said the process of reconciliation began after the clash between red-shirt protesters and the military at the Khok Wua Intersection resulted in 25 deaths. It was started by some UN academics and several foreign ambassadors acting as mediators in inviting representatives of interested par-ties, including Pheu Thai, Democrats and the military, to join in a discussion.

Another report said there were talks between former PM's secretary-general Niphon Promphan and Thaksin's youngest sister Yingluck. Other reports said General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who phoned Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda to wish him a happy birthday, was told he should not betray the country.

However, doubts linger. "We [Pheu Thai members] know a little how the plan emerged. We don't give much to Plodprasop's words. We're afraid Thaksin will grab at all proposals, as his popularity is in decline," the source said.

The reconciliation proposal was most definitely welcomed by all parties, includ?ing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Thaksin, as no one dared reject the idea. But it seems they wanted support and no one took it seriously. So, we'll have to wait to see is how sincere they are in making the plan come true.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban did not seem to believe in Plodprasop's proposal, especially when he heard the names of Chavalit and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan as the designated representatives for Pheu Thai on the reconciliation committee.

And now it seems the process will drag out, as Suthep said reconciliation should be the government's responsibility. That means the Democrats will set up a committee of all concerned agencies and there could be a long way to go.

Other questions remain unanswered. Is the government sincere about reconcili?ation? Many believe reconciliation would be really possible if the government let Thaksin return to his motherland. Is the government be willing to let him come back? Can the government ensure that disturbances or protests from anti-gov?ernment protesters will never take place again? Can they control everything?

On the contrary, the government does not seem to want to achieve reconcilia?tion but instead is girding for battle, with appointments of its trusted people to key positions in the Armed forces and police.

The government cannot be sure that the situation will calm down, as there have been several bomb attacks in Bangkok. There have been five bomb attacks since the red shirts' dispersal as well as speculation about assassination attempts on high-ranking public figures.

Apparently, no one can trust anyone. So it came as no surprise that veteran politician and former PM Banharn Silapa-Archa said yesterday that reconciliation was a pipe dream.

"I've always said such reconciliation is not possible, not in this lifetime. I cannot say either if reconciliation can really occur. Reconciliation needs the applica?tion of [the principles of] the former leader of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. If they study those, reconciliation can hap?pen. Unless all sides compromise, how can they reconcile? It's too hard," Banharn said.

In Thai politics, that may be true.

-- The Nation 2010-09-08

[whybother]

People now may doubt whether the national reconciliation plan floated by Pheu Thai deputy leader Plodprasop Suraswadi last Friday will ever come true.

May??

Every offer they have ever put forward has either been rescinded or had ridiculous demands attached to it within minutes of it coming out.

Even offers from the Democrats that were accepted had the acceptance quickly withdrawn or, after acceptance, had additional demands added by Peau Thai.

[brahmburgers]

I challenge anyone to list even ONE political proposal that Pheu Thai's officials have put forward which fits all 3 of the following criteria:

>>>> Is good for the Thailand and/or the Thai people

>>>> Which is not tainted by entrenched politics relating to Thaksin and his family

>>>> Which is not entwined with self-enrichment.

[ianf]

I challenge anyone to list even ONE political proposal that Pheu Thai's officials have put forward which fits all 3 of the following criteria:

>>>> Is good for the Thailand and/or the Thai people

>>>> Which is not tainted by entrenched politics relating to Thaksin and his family

>>>> Which is not entwined with self-enrichment.

When I read the statements of these politicians, including Thaksin. I just winder why they seem so unintelligent and plain stupid. Most of them come over as ranting fools and idiots.

[virtualtraveller]

Reconciliation, as these politicians see it, is figuring out a deal where their asses are covered and a compromise is formed to bring Thaksin home. I don't see how reconciliation is going to happen without fudging the law to let Thaksin walk free. Never mind the money, he'll be given 'opportunities' to make lots more. The crucial details would be the checks and balances to ensure that Thaksin doesn't seize proxy power and start a process of retribution, and that the coup generals are guaranteed protection. Only then will the Red Shirts stop holding this country ransom, and the military stop meddling to keep them at bay.

So, ultimately the fabric of the nation is the loser, since Thailand once again compromises on law and order to suit dodgy individuals who are powerful enough to disrupt the entire country for their own gain.

Reconcile the ethics and principles of politicians first before you think about reconciling the country, it's the poor morals of our leaders that need an audit.

[Piengrudee]

Hidden behind Pheu Thai's olive branch is a ticking time bomb in disguise.

[astral]

Do they have olive trees in Thailand to provide the branches?

[jayjay0]

The very idea of Thaksin being allowed to return without serving out his sentence allowing reconciliation to happen is ridiculous.

There will always be a group of dissidents it makes no difference what you do. You please one group and another one springs up. Reconciliation should be to do the most good possible for all parts of society. Leave the red shirts to there own beliefs and concentrate on Thailand as a whole and the problem will disappear.

Entirely to much effort to appease Thaksin and his followers. Appease them and another group will rise up. Ignore there rant and take what is good out of there talk.

Reconciliation is not appeasing dissidents. Reconciliation means bring all together under one roof. Give equal opportunity for health and education to all no matter what party they support or where they live. Give all a equal voice in there government. To do this we must start. To just talk and point fingers will never accomplish anything. It will take a great deal of time but it must be started first. Now is the time.

Just my two cents worth.

[jayjay0]

The very idea of Thaksin being allowed to return without serving out his sentence allows reconciliation to happen is ridiculous.

There will always be a group of dissidents it makes no difference what you do. You please one group and another one springs up. Reconciliation should be to do the most good possible for all parts of society. Leave the red shirts to there own beliefs and concentrate on Thailand as a whole and the problem will disappear.

Entirely to much effort to appease Thaksin and his followers. Appease them and another group will rise up. Ignore there rant and take what is good out of there talk.

Reconciliation is not appeasing dissidents. Reconciliation means bring all together under one roof. Give equal opportunity for health and education to all no matter what party they support or where they live. Give all a equal voice in there government. To do this we must start. To just talk and point fingers will never accomplish anything. It will take a great deal of time but it must be started first. Now is the time.

Just my two cents worth.

[rubl]

The very idea of Thaksin being allowed to return without serving out his sentence allows reconciliation to happen is ridiculous.

There will always be a group of dissidents it makes no difference what you do. You please one group and another one springs up. Reconciliation should be to do the most good possible for all parts of society. Leave the red shirts to there own beliefs and concentrate on Thailand as a whole and the problem will disappear.

Entirely to much effort to appease Thaksin and his followers. Appease them and another group will rise up. Ignore there rant and take what is good out of there talk.

Reconciliation is not appeasing dissidents. Reconciliation means bring all together under one roof. Give equal opportunity for health and education to all no matter what party they support or where they live. Give all a equal voice in there government. To do this we must start. To just talk and point fingers will never accomplish anything. It will take a great deal of time but it must be started first. Now is the time.

Just my two cents worth.

Agree with contents. Still with larger size and two times it's almost a dime's worth