General Sonthi: If We Want Peace, Just Don't Talk - That's It

[webfact]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

'If we want peace, just don't talk - that's it'

Kornchanok Raksaseri,

Nipawan Kaewrakmook

The Nation

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin's concept of "Forget the past, think about the present and create the future" might be confusing to many people.

Attempting to clarify it in an exclusive interview with The Nation, the chairman of the House committee on reconciliation said the first step is to stop talking about the past.

To take the next steps, the House committee has asked the King Prajadhipok's Institute to study the proposals recently put forth by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand, chaired by Kanit na Nakhon, and determine how to make them realities.

"Don't bring up [what happened in] the past as a topic. It's like scratching a healing wound," he said. "Don't think too much, otherwise, we'll never move on. How do we want to see our country? If we want to see it ruined, just keep scratching until it bleeds again and again. If we want peace and order so we can be proud of our Thailand, just don't talk. That's it."

Sonthi, the leader of the 2006 coup, said he has military friends who have different opinions on the May 1992 violence and last year's political turmoil. They avoid talking about politics so as not to quarrel.

"It's impossible to forget the past literally. But we must take the events of the past as lessons and use the dharma and forgiveness principles to help," he said.

Asked to clarify this idea, Sonthi said, "Don't forget that such forgiveness has happened dozens of times in Thai history, including the 66/23 policy. At that time, we forgave and forgot. Now, many people who came back from the forest are in positions of leadership and ministerial posts."

The 66/23 order, issued in 1980, allowed people who had joined the anti-government movement and fled into the forest to return to society and join in the country's development.

Sonthi said the 38 members of his House committee and their advisers, despite expressing sharply differing opinions initially, now get along well at meetings. "We first remind all to keep in mind that we want to reconcile. That makes everything better. When politics [which he defined as anything involving politicians] improve, other things will follow."

"Problems exist everywhere. We must not let this become an issue. In Parliament, it's normal that political parties have different opinions. We don't look at the different political opinions for now. Just let it go for now. With gradual adjustments, everything will fall into place eventually," he said.

Asked about calls for changes to the lese majeste law, advocates of which have urged people to speak out instead of keeping quiet, Sonthi said, "In any society, people do not always agree. But if the majority agree, the minority will gradually follow. They might harbour disagreements for some time. But if society can provide good models, things will change accordingly."

Sonthi spoke of the principle of "majority rule, minority rights."

"We must listen to the minority view that problems related to Article 112 [of the Criminal Act] exist. So we allow Article 112 to be developed and improved."

Asked whether that means amending the law, Sonthi said, "It has its own way."

When asked to give a concrete example of the means by which this might be accomplished, Sonthi said, "How can a means under study can be concrete? It is still under study."

However, he added that, "The case of 66/23 could be a very good example. We should not scratch the wound. We should not talk too much - that's not good," he said, chuckling.

Asked whether the Nitirat Group's proposal to revoke all legal consequences of the 2006 coup would affect him in any way, Sonthi said, "Like I said, do not talk about the past. The past is the past. The situation changes all the time. At the time of the coup, don't you see that people agreed? Right now, the military's popularity is very high. But if you asked people last year, many people rejected the military."

Asked if he had spoken recently with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled by the 2006 coup and is now de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Sonthi replied at once, "No, no, no." Asked whether he would ever want to talk to Thaksin, Sonthi laughed, before pausing.

"We have to think carefully: What good would come of it if I met him; what do we stand to lose if I don't?" Sonthi said, appearing to choose his words carefully.

As to whether Thaksin should be considered someone whose opinion was worth seeking out, Sonthi said, "Like I said, today we don't talk about an individual, understand?" He ended the interview there.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

[Kilgore Trout]

Don't think too much

Seems to be a common idea, both practiced and advised by the Thais.

[noitom]

Don't think too much

Seems to be a common idea, both practiced and advised by the Thais.

Yes, that's it!! Don't kniht too much. Not only don't think too much, the general rule in Thailand, but let's refer to the past only when it suits us. For example, the 66/23 order from the past in 1980. It suits the case to generally use it. So in this case, let's not keep quiet about the past and let's use it as an example. Here it's ok to refer to the past because it supports our position. But if something didn't "work" in the past, then it's pointless to keep scratching at it until we bleed and we will never have peace. Let's just not ever fix it if it's broken and if it would ruffle some feathers. Let's just ignore it and keep quiet. By golly what wisdom!! So clever. Why didn't we ever think about that before?

[ratcatcher]

Don't think too much

Seems to be a common idea, both practiced and advised by the Thais.

"Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it"

George Santayana

The good general should remember this fact.

[lannarebirth]

Given the autocratic way the country was being run in 2006 , I was in favor of the coup, as all other democratic pillars that could have brought the government to account had been destroyed, That doesn't mean I wouldn't like to see Sonthi in prison for it, alomg with all other of these "political" lawbreakers. Anything worth doing is worth standing up and taking responsibility for, including leading coups. Now THAT's reconciliation.

[gl555]

It does seem a little childish, closing your eyes and hoping the bad things go away. However, seeing how far talk has gotten this country, it's actually quite a reasonable plan.

[philw]

Given the autocratic way the country was being run in 2006 , I was in favor of the coup, as all other democratic pillars that could have brought the government to account had been destroyed, That doesn't mean I wouldn't like to see Sonthi in prison for it, alomg with all other of these "political" lawbreakers. Anything worth doing is worth standing up and taking responsibility for, including leading coups. Now THAT's reconciliation.

Fully agree, well said.

Such action would make a huge and beneficial difference to the long term politics and governance of the country.

It would set all sorts of precedents and good example.

Sadly, it's unlikely to happen.

[DocN]

(clicking the heels of his red shoes) "There is no place like home....there is no place like home...there is....."

[Hyponeros]

Just forget the past, so the wrong doers are safe, the victims punished and as soon as it suits those in power they can repeat the same actions! And of course anyone who will not agree with that will be brand-marked as "not Thai"

Why even publishing such nonsense?

Edited December 13, 2011 by Hyponeros

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Don't think too much

Seems to be a common idea, both practiced and advised by the Thais.

"Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it"

George Santayana

The good general should remember this fact.

That's exactly what he's pushing for. The power of the military to push the "reset button" has been exercised what 18/19 times, (an average of once every four years!) since "democracy was established" - ha ha.

They and the elite they support see themselves as the country's "last resort" for keeping things the way they like them, and they will never give up their ability to do so whenever they see the need.

So exactly - keep forgetting the past so we can preserve our ability to keep repeating it.

In their heart of hearts they don't really believe in true democracy, and would never allow those uppity baan-awk peasants forget their proper place in the world.

So keep moving, nothing to see here, keep your head down and your mouth shut and everything will be fine.

PS I'm not claiming other so-called democracies are actually much better in this regard, but at least they give the ideals a bit more lip-service, and provide the masses with better bread & circuses.

[elgato]

It does seem a little childish, closing your eyes and hoping the bad things go away. However, seeing how far talk has gotten this country, it's actually quite a reasonable plan.

Sounds good to me. Let's move on.

[mrdjt]

In this case I think the "Good General" is spot on. He's not saying just forget the past. He's making the point that if you spend all your time arguing about the past you can't move ahead into a different future.

[dominique355]

Typical for a guy like Sonthi: Just sweep all the dirt under the rug, especially the dirt HE created with the coup.

Khun Sonthi, the only way to get peace and reconciliation is to talk, ask questions and give answers and face the consequences. Be a man!

[backtonormal]

Not what they say its what they dont say thats nearer the truth. Like the C in C of the army prior to the election. All over the airways telling the nation to vote for the good people. He knew Dems where going to get wasted and this was a last desperate plea. Maybe this statement is trying to prevent the naming and shaming of the individuals who sent heavily armed troops against mainly unarmed civilians. Why noy forget what happened last year, no more, lets get our dirty washing out high and the guilty, whatever side pay the highest price. No more cover ups by those with the ability to cover up. Under the 97 constitution the 2006 coup was illegal, let the instigators stand trial omce the constitution has been put back to the 97 version.

[tukkytuktuk]

Yes lets see these coup makers in jail along with Thaksin. Maybe they could share cells, swap stories about the good old days, Sonthi, life without Thaksin and Thaksin oroung the world in my learjet.

[mccw]

In this case I think the "Good General" is spot on. He's not saying just forget the past. He's making the point that if you spend all your time arguing about the past you can't move ahead into a different future.

+ 1

[Thai at Heart]

Did someone say something?

[elgato]

Did someone say something?

Mum's the word

[Thai at Heart]

Did someone say something?

Mum's the word

Not listening anyway...

[whybother]

Not what they say its what they dont say thats nearer the truth. Like the C in C of the army prior to the election. All over the airways telling the nation to vote for the good people. He knew Dems where going to get wasted and this was a last desperate plea. Maybe this statement is trying to prevent the naming and shaming of the individuals who sent heavily armed troops against mainly unarmed civilians. Why noy forget what happened last year, no more, lets get our dirty washing out high and the guilty, whatever side pay the highest price. No more cover ups by those with the ability to cover up.

"sent heavily armed troops against mainly unarmed civilians"

Actually, I think they were sent against the mainly armed ones.

Under the 97 constitution the 2006 coup was illegal, let the instigators stand trial omce the constitution has been put back to the 97 version.

Which part of the 2007 constitution makes coups legal?

Edited December 13, 2011 by whybother

[FarangKyAy]

Whybother, he must be referring to the 2007 Constititution providing an amnesty for the coup-makers (Article 299). Besides, contrary to the 1997 Constitution that clearly stipulate that Military coup are illegal the 2007 Constitution doesn't state that.

[whybother]

Whybother, he must be referring to the 2007 Constititution providing an amnesty for the coup-makers (Article 299). Besides, contrary to the 1997 Constitution that clearly stipulate that Military coup are illegal the 2007 Constitution doesn't state that.

Article 299 isn't about amnesty. (although wiki refer's to it.) I thought the interim constitution gave them amnesty.

But anyway, the coup leaders have amnesty. The constitution does not make any future coups legal. That will be down to the future coup leaders giving themselves amnesty.

[phiphidon]

Whybother, he must be referring to the 2007 Constititution providing an amnesty for the coup-makers (Article 299). Besides, contrary to the 1997 Constitution that clearly stipulate that Military coup are illegal the 2007 Constitution doesn't state that.

Article 299 isn't about amnesty. (although wiki refer's to it.) I thought the interim constitution gave them amnesty.

But anyway, the coup leaders have amnesty. The constitution does not make any future coups legal. That will be down to the future coup leaders giving themselves amnesty.

If they have another coup and don't change the constitution surely they will be covered by the same "amnesty". That surely is the point of people talking about amending the 2007 constitution or even getting rid of it because there is no disincentive from having another coup. You have another coup, nobody gets jailed for it, what's to stop them? Of course Sonthi wants to forget about the past!

[looping]

I totally supported the coup and felt that there was a collective sigh of relief across Bangkok that we had been saved from something very evil.

It seemed like a desperate act of a few good men, anyone familiar with Cambodian politics could see where we'd be at now if the coup hadn't happened.

Democracy simply doesn't work in Thailand because the voters don't understand the concept and the politicians (ok, most of them), abuse the voting system.

If the democratic process was more transparent, coupled with HUGE penalties for corrupt politicians (after all, their decisions affect millions of people), then democracy would have a chance.

Otherwise let's just get back on the merry go round with a big face saving Thai smile

[whybother]

Whybother, he must be referring to the 2007 Constititution providing an amnesty for the coup-makers (Article 299). Besides, contrary to the 1997 Constitution that clearly stipulate that Military coup are illegal the 2007 Constitution doesn't state that.

Article 299 isn't about amnesty. (although wiki refer's to it.) I thought the interim constitution gave them amnesty.

But anyway, the coup leaders have amnesty. The constitution does not make any future coups legal. That will be down to the future coup leaders giving themselves amnesty.

If they have another coup and don't change the constitution surely they will be covered by the same "amnesty". That surely is the point of people talking about amending the 2007 constitution or even getting rid of it because there is no disincentive from having another coup. You have another coup, nobody gets jailed for it, what's to stop them? Of course Sonthi wants to forget about the past!

"surely"? I doubt very much that the clause that supposedly gives the 2006 coup leaders amnesty would also apply to future coups. Find me the actual article that would give coup makers amnesty and I'll have more of an idea. But really, it's irrelevant, because any future coup makers would just put their own relevant clause if there wasn't one already.

Having said that, if there is such a clause, why throw out the entire constitution for that one clause? Just remove the clause!

[sparebox2]

What's stopping him from talking to Thaksin before the 2006 coup?

[looping]

What's stopping him from talking to Thaksin before the 2006 coup?

Thaksin. Oh, and a time machine

[phiphidon]

"surely"? I doubt very much that the clause that supposedly gives the 2006 coup leaders amnesty would also apply to future coups. Find me the actual article that would give coup makers amnesty and I'll have more of an idea. But really, it's irrelevant, because any future coup makers would just put their own relevant clause if there wasn't one already.

Having said that, if there is such a clause, why throw out the entire constitution for that one clause? Just remove the clause!

Section 37 of the 2006 Interim constitution is the offending clause and Yes, it does give amnesty for future coups. I cannot find an english translation of the 2007 constitution. However seeing as the 2006 Interim constitution specified the T's and C's of the drafting of the permanent constitution, and that the Junta had complete control of this process, I find it extremely hard to believe that they left out Section 36 of the 2007 permanent constitution, otherwise they would lose their get out of jail free clause for any future coups. No self respecting Junta General is going to give that power up so easily.

CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND

(INTERIM),

B.E. 2549 (2006)

Section 37. All acts performed on account of the Acts of the

seizure and control of State governing power on 191h Council for

September B.E. 2549 (2006) of the Chairperson of the Council Democratic Refom are

for Democratic Reform, including all acts of persons incidental

Discharged to such performance or of persons entrusted by the from offenses

Chairperson or the Council for Democratic Reform or of and , persons ordered by persons entrusted by the Chairperson or liabilities

the Council for Democratic Reform whereby such acts have been done for the benefit of the above mentioned performance;

irrespective of their legislative, executive or judicial force as well as punishments and other official administrative acts and

irrespective of whether those acts have been done as a principal, abettor, agent provocateur or commission agent and

whether those acts have been done on, before or after the aforesaid date, if those acts are offenses under the laws, the

persons who commit those acts shall be entirely discharged from such offenses and liabilities.

http://www.senate.go.th/pdf/const.pdf

The "aforesaid date" referred to is the date of the coup, 19th September 2006.

Your second question - If you read my post again you'll see that I mentioned either the ammendment of the 2007 constitution or it's scrapping.

[whybother]

Section 37 of the 2006 Interim constitution is the offending clause and Yes, it does give amnesty for future coups. I cannot find an english translation of the 2007 constitution. However seeing as the 2006 Interim constitution specified the T's and C's of the drafting of the permanent constitution, and that the Junta had complete control of this process, I find it extremely hard to believe that they left out Section 36 of the 2007 permanent constitution, otherwise they would lose their get out of jail free clause for any future coups. No self respecting Junta General is going to give that power up so easily.

CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND

(INTERIM),

B.E. 2549 (2006)

Section 37. All acts performed on account of the Acts of the seizure and control of State governing power on 191h Council for September B.E. 2549 (2006) of the Chairperson of the Council Democratic Refom are for Democratic Reform, including all acts of persons incidental Discharged to such performance or of persons entrusted by the from offenses Chairperson or the Council for Democratic Reform or of and , persons ordered by persons entrusted by the Chairperson or liabilities the Council for Democratic Reform whereby such acts have been done for the benefit of the above mentioned performance; irrespective of their legislative, executive or judicial force as well as punishments and other official administrative acts and irrespective of whether those acts have been done as a principal, abettor, agent provocateur or commission agent and whether those acts have been done on, before or after the aforesaid date, if those acts are offenses under the laws, the persons who commit those acts shall be entirely discharged from such offenses and liabilities.

http://www.senate.go.th/pdf/const.pdf

The "aforesaid date" referred to is the date of the coup, 19th September 2006.

Your second question - If you read my post again you'll see that I mentioned either the ammendment of the 2007 constitution or it's scrapping.

Come on. You know that the "after" refers to the 2006 coup and the events of the coup "after" September 19, and does not refer to future coups.

"All acts performed on account of the Acts of the seizure and control of State governing power on 19th September B.E. 2549 (2006) ... whether those acts have been done on, before or after the aforesaid date"

The clause in the 2007 Constitution is Article 309 which basically says "everything in the 2006 Interim constitution is lawful".

[phiphidon]

Section 37 of the 2006 Interim constitution is the offending clause and Yes, it does give amnesty for future coups. I cannot find an english translation of the 2007 constitution. However seeing as the 2006 Interim constitution specified the T's and C's of the drafting of the permanent constitution, and that the Junta had complete control of this process, I find it extremely hard to believe that they left out Section 36 of the 2007 permanent constitution, otherwise they would lose their get out of jail free clause for any future coups. No self respecting Junta General is going to give that power up so easily.

CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND

(INTERIM),

B.E. 2549 (2006)

Section 37. All acts performed on account of the Acts of the seizure and control of State governing power on 191h Council for September B.E. 2549 (2006) of the Chairperson of the Council Democratic Refom are for Democratic Reform, including all acts of persons incidental Discharged to such performance or of persons entrusted by the from offenses Chairperson or the Council for Democratic Reform or of and , persons ordered by persons entrusted by the Chairperson or liabilities the Council for Democratic Reform whereby such acts have been done for the benefit of the above mentioned performance; irrespective of their legislative, executive or judicial force as well as punishments and other official administrative acts and irrespective of whether those acts have been done as a principal, abettor, agent provocateur or commission agent and whether those acts have been done on, before or after the aforesaid date, if those acts are offenses under the laws, the persons who commit those acts shall be entirely discharged from such offenses and liabilities.

http://www.senate.go.th/pdf/const.pdf

The "aforesaid date" referred to is the date of the coup, 19th September 2006.

Your second question - If you read my post again you'll see that I mentioned either the ammendment of the 2007 constitution or it's scrapping.

Come on. You know that the "after" refers to the 2006 coup and the events of the coup "after" September 19, and does not refer to future coups.

"All acts performed on account of the Acts of the seizure and control of State governing power on 19th September B.E. 2549 (2006) ... whether those acts have been done on, before or after the aforesaid date"

The clause in the 2007 Constitution is Article 309 which basically says "everything in the 2006 Interim constitution is lawful".

Well no doubt we'll find out how the Junta interprets Section 37 when the next Coup occurs.