Thai Society Can Achieve Reconciliation

[webfact]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

'Tolerate differences, reject violence'

Attapum Ongkulna

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Dr Chaiwat Sathaanand, a lecturer at Thammasat University's Faculty of Political Sciences, and the winner of the Sriburapha Award, believes Thai society can achieve reconciliation by embracing tolerance and shunning hatred.

Q: Thai society is obsessed with the question of whether to allow Thaksin Shinawatra to return. Should we be obsessed by this?

A: No. We cannot say that good or bad things, or any phenomena, are caused by one person. Thaksin did not fall from the sky; society gave birth to him. On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals.

Q: How can we live together despite conflicts, differences and hatred?

The differences we witness today are real, but I do not believe we live with hatred. Unity is not what we long for.

We have gone beyond that. The old reconciliation formula based upon faith in or love of something will no longer work.

The question facing Thais concerns differences. When the old formula does not work, the alternatives could bring about hatred, which is dangerous. We must find ways to prevent society from walking down the path of hatred. I propose we develop tolerance, which is an important value that can deal with problems caused by differences.

We should live with love and unity on the basis of tolerance.

For example, when a taxi blocks our way, while we do not accept this practice, we are patient and do not honk the horn or shout at the driver. Thais have that quality.

Q: Isn't that too simplistic? In reality, when one thinks others are not right, one thinks they must be got rid of.

A: That is not the reality of daily life. Actually, Thais are very patient to a certain level. There is bargaining and negotiation at all levels, but what is not normal is hatred, because that makes negotiation impossible.

Q: One solution proposed is to nullify the legal decisions of the justice system under the coup-installed government, but we disagree over this. What should be done?

We must search for solutions we all agree on. We cannot correct the past, but we can find solutions for the future.

Although it is hard to explain and make the other side feel the same way we do, we can make them understand our point of view. For instance, we explain the reasons that the Assets Examination Committee's findings are legitimate, and the other side explains the reasons they think the AEC is not legitimate. This will lead to bargaining.

Q: Would nullifying all legal cases after the September 19, 2006 coup bring reconciliation?

A: This approach is often used in countries that have experienced trauma and want to push the "reset" button - such as [Cambodia's] Khmer Rouge did in 1975. I believe pushing the button is dangerous. Thailand has not reached that point.

To reset the situation, we have to reform those institutions we believe to be the problem or to cause problems.

There are many models of reconciliation. For example, in South Africa between Nelson Mandela and [last apartheid-era president] Frederik Willem de Klerk; the latter agreed to give in conditionally. It is a model of successful reconciliation. One side admitted to committing wrong and the other side forgives and forgoes meting out punishment. In Rwanda, courts in that country could not give a verdict, but an international court did. The media was punished for causing hatred.

Thai society has a way of managing the truth. For example, in the October 6 [1976] incident, we managed the truth, but we hid it. When people discuss political reform, which is very complicated, we choose to shelve it.

Q: Will the charter-amendment issue bring about conflicts soon?

A: We must understand the objective and the process. It is dangerous to use this issue to create hatred by saying, "Are you Thai, if you do that?" Don't you over-expect that?

Q: But ultimately, issues are decided by elections - and the majority vote always dictates.

A: An election result is a decisive factor, but how do we make the minority vote acceptable? There are many ways. For instance, some countries use multiple elections or double elections.

Q: Will we achieve reconciliation?

A: There are many ways to prevent conflicts from turning violent. South Africa succeeded because they had Mandela and de Klerk as leaders. In some countries you must change the ruling system, such as Argentina. Some countries must reform their institutions, such as the justice system or the military. What's important is trust and a willingness to take risks, for instance, a hand-shake agreement between two parties. Both sides must feel secure that they will not be double-crossed.

-- The Nation 2012-03-26

[theblether]

How can there be reconciliation when Thaksin is standing across the border taunting the country at Songkran??? There will be trouble ahead.

[CalgaryII]

"On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals"

Very thoughtful and instructive.

[tlansford]

Tolerate differences, reject violence

What a novel formula. Could work

the Nation pushes all their normal hot buttons, and the doctor gives even, balanced responses... Kind of refreshing.

[hellodolly]

It sounds good but it is over looking the facts.

For instance he says Thais have patience

"For example, when a taxi blocks our way, while we do not accept this practice, we are patient and do not honk the horn or shout at the driver. Thais have that quality."

Is it a quality or just their inborn OK of it because they drive that way themselves it is a accepted way of driving for a Thai.

While he has made some good points he has made it look over simplistic.

Watch them get on the elevator and the first thing they do is press the close button.

[WackySomchai]

"On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals"

Very thoughtful and instructive.

Too bad the the fugitive's redshirt mob didn't apply this before deciding to attack hospitals, burning down buildings and killing innocent Thais.

[SICHONSTEVE]

"On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals"

Very thoughtful and instructive.

This whole interview is utter Cr** - he is clearly a Thaksin advocate that tries (and fails dismally) to convince us with his unrealistic and clap-trap views!!!!

[tlansford]

"On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals"

Very thoughtful and instructive.

This whole interview is utter Cr** - he is clearly a Thaksin advocate that tries (and fails dismally) to convince us with his unrealistic and clap-trap views!!!!

Wow, that is a pretty harsh statement.

I hardly expect to change your mind, and there are many academics in Thailand with an agenda (NITIRAT, anyone?) but IMO this professor is about as middle-of-the-road and realistic as you can get and still hope to make progress in Thailand.

1. he acknowledges that Thaksin & (by implication) his ascent is a product of the Thai society. Certainly you can see from your perspective the political environment, the corruption, the greed and distortions in Thai politics and see how this could be true - not to mention that Thaksin is by no means unique in the world of Thai politics.
   
   • this point he makes from both sides : supporters/detractors
     
   • he IMO rightly points out that Thaksin alone cannot be blamed for all that went wrong, nor given credit for all that went right
     
   • he does look at it from a buddhist perspective of not being attached to the individual... ok, some people will not agree with that but that is this person's perspective
     

[*]He takes on the question of conflict and hatred by pointing out the need for tolerance and avoid hatred & violence. Seems reasonable. Even possible. He rightly points out that hatred (and I would add fear) make negotiation impossible

[*]He basically rejects the leading question about nullifying the past - and

• replies saying that would be like hitting the "reset" button - which he rejects as dangerous and
  
• reinforces that by saying Thais cannot correct the past but must find solutions for the future
  

[*]Furthermore he says Thais must find solutions to the legal issues and structures of governance by finding solutions that they can agree on, but points out that it is dangerous to use issues like the charter amendment as a wedge to create more hatred.

[*]He also rejects the leading question about majority rule, clearly taking a position that those who do not vote for the majority still have a valid voice.

I find his views very realistic and based on sound thinking.

[Tanaka]

"On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals"

Very thoughtful and instructive.

You believe that this fugitive criminal who has stolen billions from the people of the country, has in fact contributed greatly to society. You are either blind or incredibly ignorant. Or both.

[tlansford]

"On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals"

Very thoughtful and instructive.

You believe that this fugitive criminal who has stolen billions from the people of the country, has in fact contributed greatly to society. You are either blind or incredibly ignorant. Or both.

very thoughtful and instructive...

by extension you must feel (or at least imply) that millions of Thai people are also blind, incredibly ignorant, or both.

But actually, the professor in the interview was making the point that for Thai people, whether they believe that he did great things or that he did terrible things, that it was not all about one person. If you read it again, what the above post pointed out as "interesting"was part of that idea...

He also made some rather good points regarding tolerance and hatred... Well worth re-reading, perhaps ?

[dominique355]

For example, when a taxi blocks our way, while we do not accept this practice, we are patient and do not honk the horn or shout at the driver. Thais have that quality.

That is one of the key problems: while some people have absolutely no respect for the law and for others, the rest is expected to shut up and tolerate this. This attidude is what allows the shameless to do their dirty business. This is true for the taxi driver breaking the traffic rules, blocking the whole traffic and it is true for politicians breaking the laws and filling their pockets. Clearly this no way to reconciliation. On the contrary, this is the way to a renewed feudalistic society where some can do what they want and the others have to shut up.

If the Red Shirts have shown us anything then it is that more and more people will no longer shut up.

People will not shut up when the politicians are abusing their power (trying to avoid prison) and they will not shut up when the mob is burning down the center of Bangkok or occupying the airport.

There will never be reconciliation with out justice, justice first.

[ianf]

For example, when a taxi blocks our way, while we do not accept this practice, we are patient and do not honk the horn or shout at the driver. Thais have that quality.

That is one of the key problems: while some people have absolutely no respect for the law and for others, the rest is expected to shut up and tolerate this. This attidude is what allows the shameless to do their dirty business. This is true for the taxi driver breaking the traffic rules, blocking the whole traffic and it is true for politicians breaking the laws and filling their pockets. Clearly this no way to reconciliation. On the contrary, this is the way to a renewed feudalistic society where some can do what they want and the others have to shut up.

If the Red Shirts have shown us anything then it is that more and more people will no longer shut up.

People will not shut up when the politicians are abusing their power (trying to avoid prison) and they will not shut up when the mob is burning down the center of Bangkok or occupying the airport.

There will never be reconciliation with out justice, justice first.

I recently read an interview with the 'CEO' of Chiang Mai: himself a billionnaire and close friend of the Shinawatra family. Suddenly I understood what all this is really about. The CEO boasted how under this government billions of Baht are now being poured into Chiang Mai - investment that was not forthcoming under the Democrat regime. Of course one cannot make allegations of corruption without any evidence and I would not do so here. However, I am intrigued by the CEO's boast of how he made 1.9 billion last year and how his fortunes will continue to improve. It is not inconceivable that the three Chinese-Thai families that control Chiang Mai are aware of the this new investment, how this will create a new 58km ring road from Hang Dong to Mae Rim (and other projects) and no doubt they are also aware of the increase in land values due to this investment. We have see that along the other ring roads around Chiang Mai (built during the Thaksin administration) vast new housing estates (moo bahns) have sprung up, further increasing the land values. I am also aware that the CEO, the Shinawatras et al invest in land and buildings so this new Government investment in Chiang Mai may well be of considerable interest ........... My many posts about the ex-prime minister and current fugitive explores his interest in politics and how this may possibly be linked to personal wealth creation and personal power. The CEO, in his interview unwittingly appeared to support my view. I think the Democrats were aware of how things work in Chiang Mai and therby declined these levels of investment in the City, preferring instead to invest in health, education and so on where the Nation's cash could be more appropriately used in supporting those that need it most. Just a thought.

Edited March 27, 2012 by ianf

[bigbamboo]

Thailand makes an absolute monarchy sound attractive.

[ianf]

Thailand makes an absolute monarchy sound attractive.

Absolutely right. The King of Thailand is a truly wonderful and remarkable individual who genuinely cares about the people in his realm. He also dispenses sound advice and develops projects that work and benefit the people. Non of this is for self-aggrandisement. Many people in Thailand and those in positions of power could learn valuable lessons from the King. I absolutely love him.

[hellodolly]

"On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals"

Very thoughtful and instructive.

You believe that this fugitive criminal who has stolen billions from the people of the country, has in fact contributed greatly to society. You are either blind or incredibly ignorant. Or both.

very thoughtful and instructive...

by extension you must feel (or at least imply) that millions of Thai people are also blind, incredibly ignorant, or both.

But actually, the professor in the interview was making the point that for Thai people, whether they believe that he did great things or that he did terrible things, that it was not all about one person. If you read it again, what the above post pointed out as "interesting"was part of that idea...

He also made some rather good points regarding tolerance and hatred... Well worth re-reading, perhaps ?

Jeez this hurts but take Tanaka out of this discussion and you two are right on the money.

Not only was Thaksin a creation of the Thai people but he happened along at the right time. The world was on a roll and Technology was becoming a big thing.

[tlansford]

"On the other hand, if we believe that he contributed greatly to society, we must understand that Thaksin is not a god, but appeared during a transitional period in Thailand. If we understand this, we will not be attached to individuals"

Very thoughtful and instructive.

You believe that this fugitive criminal who has stolen billions from the people of the country, has in fact contributed greatly to society. You are either blind or incredibly ignorant. Or both.

very thoughtful and instructive...

by extension you must feel (or at least imply) that millions of Thai people are also blind, incredibly ignorant, or both.

But actually, the professor in the interview was making the point that for Thai people, whether they believe that he did great things or that he did terrible things, that it was not all about one person. If you read it again, what the above post pointed out as "interesting"was part of that idea...

He also made some rather good points regarding tolerance and hatred... Well worth re-reading, perhaps ?

Jeez this hurts but take Tanaka out of this discussion and you two are right on the money.

Not only was Thaksin a creation of the Thai people but he happened along at the right time. The world was on a roll and Technology was becoming a big thing.

now, don't be hurt

Besides, it's the professor doing the talking....

[bigbamboo]

The sad thing for Thailand is that if Thaksin had only been honest he could have been a great leader.

Edited March 28, 2012 by bigbamboo

[janetrizzo]

Obviously making statements of obvious statements...

Thailand is Thailand. Take it or leave it...enjoy spicy food? You're in the right location.

[hellodolly]

Tlansford

Jeez this hurts but take Tanaka out of this discussion and you two are right on the money.

Not only was Thaksin a creation of the Thai people but he happened along at the right time. The world was on a roll and Technology was becoming a big thing.

now, don't be hurt

Besides, it's the professor doing the talking....

Ya but it was intelligent and for the betterment of all of Thailand. Not just for Thaksin.

That is so unlike Calgaryll. You on the other hand do see gray instead of all black and white.

And yes I do see a lot of gray in Thaksins history but now all I see is black. I even backed the red shirts until they mad it obvious peace was not part of their agenda. Their agenda was my way or the high way. As witnessed by their reneging on mediated terms. But it didn't take me that long to see through them.

[animatic]

But not as long as the politicians are running things

[tlansford]

But not as long as the politicians are running things

From a practical viewpoint, ...

What are the other options, if not the politicians?

[CalgaryII]

But not as long as the politicians are running things

From a practical viewpoint, ...

What are the other options, if not the politicians?

Hey, that gets to the heart of the matter!

Can't wait for the answer.

Edited March 29, 2012 by CalgaryII

[pastitche]

But not as long as the politicians are running things

From a practical viewpoint, ...

What are the other options, if not the politicians?

Thaivisa's Olympians with their Delphic wisdom and/or tablets of stone from Mt Sinai