Thai Deputy PM Sanan Talks Peace With Sondhi

[webfact]

RECONCILIATION

Deputy PM talks peace with Sondhi

By The Nation

Just having politicians sit down at a meeting will not bring reconciliation, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday as his deputy Sanan Kachornprasart kept trying to broker peace between political rivals.

"The reconciliation should be based on an agreement as to which direction the country will go. The government has always been clear that all changes should be in accordance with law and a culture that does not promote violence. Therefore, any flaws in laws under a democracy need to be worked on," Abhisit said.

On Monday, Sanan met up with the detained red-shirt leaders, and yesterday he went to meet Sondhi Limthongkul, leader of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Abhisit said Sanan must have realised that there are some missing pieces, because he has admitted |that there's a lot left to be done. However, he said, Sanan is a veteran politician and these talks might be a good start.

"I support the reconciliation process. But please be careful about the idea of whether a national government can bring about this reconciliation. Try to look at it from the eyes of non-politicians, and ask yourself if they think that politicians are negotiating for their own profits," he said.

When asked if he had reservations about the reconciliation, the premier said he had no reason to do so and that whatever he did would be in the realms of the law and done from the stance of the country's PM.

Abhisit was speaking before heading off to the US to attend the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, after a half-an-hour-long chat, Sanan and Sondhi told the press they agreed on four principles: upholding the rule of law; upholding the monarchy; rooting out corruption; and reforming politicians.

As part of the first principle, they said that all litigation linked to the turmoil, including that involving PAD and ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, should be resolved through the judicial process. Thaksin should stop undermining the rule of law, either directly by resorting to violence or indirectly by using a political party to fix his legal predicament. Sondhi said that the PAD was determined to fight all charges but would accept the judicial decision.

As per the second principle, all activities deemed offensive to the monarchy should cease.

For the third principle, corruption can only be rooted out if politicians change because most of the graft violations stem from them. The final condition - reform of politicians - is very important because politicians are the root of all problems, Sondhi said.

As for the amnesty bill being touted by the Bhum Jai Thai Party, Sondhi said his group suspected that there was an ulterior motive behind the bill - to absolve officials involved in botched operations held to rein in protesters.

"For reconciliation, I believe these four principles are needed. With the rule of law, we saw our first victory when the court did not approve the arrest warrants [against 45 yellow-shirt protesters] over the airport closure. We will file a suit against Somyos [Phumphanmuang - assistant national police chief, chief investigator for the case]. Those who are against the monarchy should be boycotted. We agree that corruption should be rooted out so politicians don't benefit from projects worth thousands of billions of baht or |unfair reshuffles. Also politicians need to be reformed, because they cause the most problems like buying votes to survive and the political soap-opera begins every time the Parliament is dissolved," Sondhi said.

He said reconciliation was a move to save politicians' jobs, when the focus should really be on self-scrutiny. But, he said, he was willing to listen if the red shirts were serious about reconciling.

Sondhi added that Thaksin should return to face justice, and if giving him amnesty was ever discussed in Parliament, the PAD would most certainly take to the streets.

Meanwhile, Sanan said he was glad to have spent time with an old friend like Sondhi, but details for |the reconciliation had not been |discussed yet, because different |opinions had to be reviewed.

The veteran politician said brokering peace was his personal role and had nothing to do with his Chart Thai Pattana Party. Also, he said, he did not expect to be made caretaker prime minister if the Democrat Party were to be dissolved.

Sanan added that amnesty could only be granted after the court has ruled on the case. He illustrated this by recounting his own past, when he was convicted for taking part in a military coup to oust the government of Tanin Kraivixien in 1977. He was given life in prison before getting amnesty and released from jail.

-- The Nation 2010-09-23

[SomTumTiger]

I have a great idea for peace - take all the troublemakers in the kingdom - Sondhi, Thaksin, Jatuporn, Jakracrap, et al. Put them in a rocket ship, and blast them to the moon. :jap:

[junglist]

It might work but I don’t think NASA would be that happy. Maybe we could trade Viktor to get the Russian to fly them out. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 5555555

[Xangsamhua]

<BR>I have a great idea for peace - take all the troublemakers in the kingdom - Sondhi, Thaksin, Jatuporn, Jakracrap, et al. Put

them in a rocket ship, and blast them to the moon. <IMG class=bbc_emoticon alt=:jap: src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/jap.gif">

<BR>

<BR><BR>This is a serious matter, Somtum. <IMG class=bbc_emoticon alt=" Edited September 23, 2010 by Xangsamhua

[Xangsamhua]

Apologies for my previous post. Serious posting and editing issues.

The rest of it was meant to be:

For Thailand to move forward, some agreed ways of resolving the underlying problems need to be found. If reconciliation can achieve agreement from all sides to uphold the rule of law and engage in serious self-scrutiny then it would be a major step forward. However, how many politicians would really put their money where their mouth is?

On second thoughts, maybe Somtum Tiger's solution is best.

[asiawatcher]

"...Meanwhile, after a half-an-hour-long chat, Sanan and Sondhi told the press they agreed on four principles: upholding the rule of law; upholding the monarchy; rooting out corruption; and reforming politicians."

So now what? Nice words - as always - but what are YOU going to do about it??? Start with corruption - the whole country agrees with that! Monarchy is still loved and respected and the majority of people will not waiver from that. It is a no issue in real terms. Reforming politicians - what you want to retrain them? How do you dispose of ignorance and arrogance and disrespect for law and order?

Edited September 23, 2010 by asiawatcher

[yellow1red1]

Sondhi wants to uphold the rule of law - for everybody else but not him.

[hanuman1]

Monarchy is still loved and respected and the majority of people will not waiver from that. It is a no issue in real terms.

I think it is an issue in real terms. The first sentence is doubtless correct but times are slowly changing.

If this comment breaks any forum rules then please censor it out of existence ASAP.

[yellow1red1]

gang truce Council/ coming right up

back to business corruption as usual - but call it democracy - rebuild the pig trough

Thais won't know, wont care ----------- both

mark my words

Edit;;;

Abhisit... politicians are negotiating for their own profits," he said.

Sondhi ,,,, reconciliation was a move to save politicians' jobs

.....the PAD would most certainly take to the streets.

Why, exactly, in all honesty, does this terrorist gangster baby still have a hammer in his hand? TiT

　

Edited September 23, 2010 by yellow1red1

[Buchholz]

Everybody's joining the pow-wow...

Sanan welcome to meet Pheu Thai board today

Pheu Thai Party-list MP Jatuporn Promphan said yesterday that Chart Thai Pattana Party Chief Adviser Sanan Kachornprasart was welcome to meet the Pheu Thai Executive Board today.

Jatuporn said Pheu Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit and other Party executives were willing to discuss reconciliation with Sanan.

continues:

-- The Nation 2010-09-30

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai Party ready for talks on national reconciliation

BANGKOK, 30 September 2010 (NNT) — The opposition Pheu Thai Party is not opposed to talking with Deputy Prime Minister Major-General Sanan Kajornprasart as regards national reconciliation.

Pheu Thai Party Deputy Party Leader Surapong Towijakchaikun said the Party had no objection to Sanan’s meeting with its leaders to work out a plan to bring peace back to the nation although some party members disagreed with the idea.

He believed that the talks would be fruitful and able to bring about initial conclusion.

He also said it was possible that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatara, who also agreed with the peace plan, could participate in the talks through video or phone link.

Mr Surapong added that Thaksin, the Party’s policy maker, was still well-respected in the Party given he was an integral part of Pheu Thai and the Party could not do without him.

-- NNT 2010-09-30

[Buchholz]

Surapong added that Thaksin, the Party’s policy maker, was still well-respected in the Party given he was an integral part of Pheu Thai and the Party could not do without him.

say 'wha??????

and to think..... this is coming from the Pheu Thai Party Deputy Party Leader.

it's a pin-able sticky for multiple future topic responses.

[LaoPo]

"Sondhi said that the PAD was determined to fight all charges but would accept the judicial decision."

Except him, going to jail of course.

LaoPo

[Buchholz]

Sanan to hold peace talk with Pheu Thai representatives

BANGKOK, 30 September 2010 (NNT) – Chief Advisor of Chart Thai Pattana Party, Major-General Sanan Kajornprasart, has agreed to discuss national reconciliation plans with representatives from the opposition Pheu Thai Party.

Deputy House Speaker and Pheu Thai MP, Colonel Apiwan Wiriyachai, disclosed on Thursday that Major-General Sanan Pheu had confirmed his meeting with Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit to discuss the peace issue, while Pheu Thai Party Senior Adviser Gen. Chaowalit Yongchaiyuth has not yet agreed to participate in the talk.

Colonel Apiwan noted that he and the party would rather forge ahead with the reconciliation process than the acceleration of an Amnesty Bill.

-- NNT 2010-09-30

[Buchholz]

Sanan to seek meeting with Thaksin

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said Thursday that he will seek a meeting with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as part of his campaign for political reconciliation.

Sanan was speaking during a press conference held on his occasion of visiting the Pheu Thai Party as part of the reconciliation drive.

Sanan said he has not known yet when he could travel to visit Thaksin because he has yet to visit several sides in the country, including the military, other political parties, businessmen and universities to hear their proposals on reconciliation.

-- The Nation 2010-09-30

[Buchholz]

Sanan to hold peace talk with Pheu Thai representatives

BANGKOK, 30 September 2010 (NNT) – Chief Advisor of Chart Thai Pattana Party, Major-General Sanan Kajornprasart, has agreed to discuss national reconciliation plans with representatives from the opposition Pheu Thai Party.

Deputy House Speaker and Pheu Thai MP, Colonel Apiwan Wiriyachai, disclosed on Thursday that Major-General Sanan Pheu had confirmed his meeting with Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit to discuss the peace issue, while Pheu Thai Party Senior Adviser Gen. Chaowalit Yongchaiyuth has not yet agreed to participate in the talk.

Yesterday's meeting had Sanan (second left) and Yongyuth (second right) and some goofy-looking weirdo (far right) attending:

Edited October 1, 2010 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Sanan to meet all parties for reconciliation

BANGKOK, 4 October 2010 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Major-General Sanan Kajornprasart is meeting different political groups to create reconciliation in the country, but denying having a goal to become Prime Minister.

Major-General Sanan said he would talk to all sides to come up with a solution to solve the country’s political conflicts, but was not sure if he would meet with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He suggested that reconciliation should not come with any condition. He is confident that he would get good feedback from many sides.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krue-ngam admitted he had a meeting with the Chart Thai Pattana Party Chief Advisor Banharn Silapa-archa and former House Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan in Hong Kong, but it was not on charter amendment. Mr Wissanu insisted he would not go back to politics.

At the same time, Democrat Party Spokesperson Buranat Samutarak said the party was waiting for the Pheu Thai Party to show its sincerity in reconciliation.

He added October was the best testing month. It marks many anniversaries related to politics, including student uprisings in 1973 and 1976 and the deadly suppression of the People’s Alliance for Democracy’s protest in 2008.

It is expected that many forms of violence and social disturbance will occur.

The Democrat hopes that the Pheu Thai Party will help support the country toward reconciliation.

-- NNT 2010-10-04

[Buchholz]

Sanan to Retire from Politics After Achieving Reconciliation

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart remarked that he is prepared to retire from politics once national reconciliation is achieved.

Sanan also said that he must meet with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who he claims is at the center of the conflict, even if it will cost him his job.

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart met with the Senate committee monitoring the political situation to report his national reconciliation plan. Sanan said that he is serious about starting the reconciliation process because beginning 4 or 5 years ago, Thailand has been deeply divided due to selfish politicians and ideological differences among the people.

Sanan believes that reconciliation will only take place once all sides have forgiven each other and have started to work together sincerely and unconditionally. Sanan also stressed equality.

The deputy prime minister said that he is meeting with each of the political groups to find some some middle ground that everyone can work on. He already has plans to meet with the military leaders.

Sanan also pointed out that it is necessary for him to meet with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has a crucial role in the ongoing political conflict. The deputy prime minister also said that he is prepared to resign from his office to meet with Thaksin, who is a currently a fugitive wanted by Thai authorities.

Sanan stated that once he is able to bring about reconciliation in the country, he will retire from politics. The deputy prime minister also claimed that he and the prime minister are both serious about the issue and have the same goal.

Sanan has also asked that everyone, especially the press and businesses, help promote national reconciliation.

-- Tan Network 2010-10-05

[SomTumTiger]

I still think the rocket - moon option is the best.

[Buchholz]

Sanan to Meet with New Politics Leader Today at 2 P.M.

Deputy Prime Minister Major General Sanan Kajornprasart will be meeting with Somsak Kosaisuk, the leader of the New Politics Party, today at 2 P.M. DPM Sanan says he will discuss the reconciliation efforts with the party leaders.

-- Tan Network 2010-10-19

[Buchholz]

New Politics Party agrees to Sanan's reconciliation

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said on Tuesday that New Politics Party leader Somsak Kosaisuk shared his idea on how to bring about reconciliation although they still had some differences.

Sanan said he was upbeat about fence mending, claiming he will be ready to unveil a blueprint by December.

His next meetings will be with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, ranking members of Bhum Jai Thai Party, the military leaders, heads of independent organisations and a selected group of academics, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-10-19