Amnesty for Thaksin? - Prasong disputes Chavalit's account of 1980s amnesty

[webfact]

AMNESTY FOR THAKSIN?

Prasong disputes Chavalit's account of 1980s amnesty

File photo: Pramote Putthaisong

BANGKOK: -- Prasong Soonsiri, once known as a "security czar", warned yesterday that white washing certain people's wrongdoings for the sake of national reconciliation could lead to an even worse political conflict.

He also disputed a claim by former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh that "unconditional amnesty" granted through prime ministerial directive No 66/2523 resulted in national reconciliation in the 1980s following deadly clashes and armed battles between leftists and rightists.

Prasong, former secretary general of the National Security Council and a staunch critic of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said the amnesty issued at that time did not cover offenders in criminal cases, such as those involved in burning state offices and killing officials.

He said the amnesty targeted students and innocent people with no communist ideology who were forced by the political situation to join the Communist Party of Thailand in its armed struggle in the forests. "These people were not considered a security threat to the country, so they were allowed to return to society and help with the country's development," Prasong said.

The order was issued in 1980 by the government of then-prime minister General Prem Tinsulanonda, offering amnesty to supporters of the Communist Party of Thailand. The policy was credited for Thailand's success in stopping the spread of communism.

Chavalit and Prasong were among the key figures behind the famous policy.

"General Chavalit is a smart person and I don't think he would forget something he took part in," Prasong said yesterday.

"He may think that by helping certain people [out of legal problems], the country will find a way out. When those people are satisfied, they will force others to reconcile with them," he said.

"I can tell you that it's a terribly bad idea. You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned.

Earlier yesterday, Chavalit postponed a press conference at which he was scheduled to clarify his amnesty push for Thaksin.

"The timing is not right," his aide General Pirat Sawamiwat said yesterday.

Pirat said Chavalit would meet the press at a later date. He said he did not know if Chavalit would come out of retirement.

"A long time has passed since Chavalit's exit from politics, but it is possible he could become active once again if the country needs him," he said.

On Monday, Chavalit circulated an open letter summarising his stand on an amnesty for Thaksin. In the letter, he said the political conflict required a political solution, adding that legal wrangling over Thaksin would add to an already complicated situation if settled in the courts.

He cited prime ministerial directive No 66/2523, which was used to bring about a resolution to the communist insurgency, as a possible model for political amnesty. He also voiced support for the repeal of the Asset Examination Committee's work targeting Thaksin for graft proceedings.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

[sparebox2]

Sanan cheque cleared.

Sonthi cheque cleared.

Prasong cheque bounce?

Chavalit still waiting for his cheque to arrive by post.

Edited March 28, 2012 by sparebox2

[CalgaryII]

"You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned".

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

[whybother]

"You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned".

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

Judge and jury by popularity?

[AleG]

It would make things much easier to understand if everyone would drop the "reconciliation" word and substitute it for what it really means, white washing Thaksin. That's all there is to it.

It wasn't about elections, because there have already been elections, it isn't about the coup because see how friendly PTP has got with Sonthi as of late, so what remains to be sorted out is giving Thaksin what he wants.

That's what's keeping the political landscape in tension, one man, one ego, no compromise.

Nobody with an gram of moral fiber in their body can tolerate the future of a whole country being held at stake for the benefit of one corrupt man.

[Bakseedaa]

"You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned".

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

What is a Thai power relationship..? Please explain..

[pipo1000]

It would make things much easier to understand if everyone would drop the "reconciliation" word and substitute it for what it really means, white washing Thaksin. That's all there is to it.

It wasn't about elections, because there have already been elections, it isn't about the coup because see how friendly PTP has got with Sonthi as of late, so what remains to be sorted out is giving Thaksin what he wants.

That's what's keeping the political landscape in tension, one man, one ego, no compromise.

Nobody with an gram of moral fiber in their body can tolerate the future of a whole country being held at stake for the benefit of one corrupt man.

Is that something similar to the One Tambon One Product campaign.

[OzMick]

Reconciliation will only be achieved when Thaksin is granted a full amnesty posthumously.

[Thai at Heart]

Reconciliation will only be achieved when Thaksin is granted a full amnesty posthumously.

Funny you should say this, I was with an ardent yellow the other day, and he basically said that an event such as that would be the only way for things to have any chance of calming down.

[hungryhippo]

"You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned".

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

He's talking about cabinet votes, not general elections.

[h90]

"You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned".

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

He's talking about cabinet votes, not general elections.

Cabinet votes or general elections....who buys the most votes who wins.

[lovetotravel]

Reconciliation will only be achieved when Thaksin is granted a full amnesty posthumously.

Funny you should say this, I was with an ardent yellow the other day, and he basically said that an event such as that would be the only way for things to have any chance of calming down.

Probably why you haven't seen Thaksin here in Thailand yet????

[Thai at Heart]

Reconciliation will only be achieved when Thaksin is granted a full amnesty posthumously.

Funny you should say this, I was with an ardent yellow the other day, and he basically said that an event such as that would be the only way for things to have any chance of calming down.

Probably why you haven't seen Thaksin here in Thailand yet????

Well, I would imagine he will have to watch his back very carefully if he ever does get back here.

[animatic]

"You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned".

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

Only elections, fair and free from corruption can give the country it's true intentions fo itself.

What we have now is ANYTHING BUT 'fair and free from corruption'.

[animatic]

"You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned".

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

Judge and jury by popularity?

Yes forget rule of law,

'if you can bribe enough people with trinkets you can escape your crimes.'

A non-starter in most civilized countries

Edited March 28, 2012 by animatic

[animatic]

Reconciliation will only be achieved when Thaksin is granted a full amnesty posthumously.

Funny you should say this, I was with an ardent yellow the other day, and he basically said that an event such as that would be the only way for things to have any chance of calming down.

Probably why you haven't seen Thaksin here in Thailand yet????

Well, I would imagine he will have to watch his back very carefully if he ever does get back here.

Indeed, all the paper pushing and word twisting in the world will not protect you

from those who justifiably fear you as a deadly presence in their lives.

It doesn't take a faction or even have a powerful ringleader,

it just needs to be effective and disappear into the shadows.

[Insight]

Reconciliation will only be achieved when Thaksin is granted a full amnesty posthumously.

Funny you should say this, I was with an ardent yellow the other day, and he basically said that an event such as that would be the only way for things to have any chance of calming down.

Probably why you haven't seen Thaksin here in Thailand yet????

And why Panlop is calling the shots on his return.

Anybody got that photo handly of Panlop, Seh Daeng and Thaksin? Think it was taken in Dubai, not long before the red riots and militant attacks of 2010.

[Buchholz]

Reconciliation will only be achieved when Thaksin is granted a full amnesty posthumously.

Funny you should say this, I was with an ardent yellow the other day, and he basically said that an event such as that would be the only way for things to have any chance of calming down.

Probably why you haven't seen Thaksin here in Thailand yet????

And why Panlop is calling the shots on his return.

Anybody got that photo handly of Panlop, Seh Daeng and Thaksin? Think it was taken in Dubai, not long before the red riots and militant attacks of 2010.

I'll do you two slugs more....

Panlop, Thaksin, Sae Daeng

Arisaman, Issan Rambo

,

[pimay11]

Reconciliation will only be achieved when Thaksin is granted a full amnesty posthumously.

Funny you should say this, I was with an ardent yellow the other day, and he basically said that an event such as that would be the only way for things to have any chance of calming down.

Probably why you haven't seen Thaksin here in Thailand yet????

And why Panlop is calling the shots on his return.

Anybody got that photo handly of Panlop, Seh Daeng and Thaksin? Think it was taken in Dubai, not long before the red riots and militant attacks of 2010.

Photo taken in Dubai Feb 3, 2010. Clockwise from top left: Gen Panlop Pinmanee, Thaksin, Major Gen Kattiya Sawasdiphol, Suporn Attawong, and Arisman Pongruangrong.

[scorecard]

"A long time has passed since Chavalit's exit from politics, but it is possible he could become active once again if the country needs him," he said.

On Monday, Chavalit circulated an open letter summarising his stand on an amnesty for Thaksin. In the letter, he said the political conflict required a political solution, adding that legal wrangling over Thaksin would add to an already complicated situation if settled in the courts."

1. Chavalit is the epitome of what's wrong with Thai politics, he's already done lots of damage. Please stay home.

2. Chavalot said: "political conflict required a political solution, adding that legal wrangling over Thaksin would add to an already complicated situation if settled in the courts."

His comments, above, just emphasize that his priorities are politicians and their leeches and hangers on and their pockets, and nothing more, and do not include what is best for Thailand and all Thais to go forward. He shows clearly that he believes respect for the law is not important / the law should be pushed aside for cronies (who are as corrupt as hell).

I recall when he was PM and the 1997 crash happened. His answer was 'we'll open lots of Thai restaurants all over the world and send the profits home to Thailand and that will fix everything'.

Never mind that the total profits from such a venture would be very very tiny compared to earnings from value added exports etc.

Never mind that restaurants need to be managed carefully to ensure they do make any profit.

Never mind that this would provide no jobs at home, possibly the most important issue to be addressed when there is a deep economic downturn.

Please stay home.

Edited March 28, 2012 by scorecard

[Skywalker69]

It would make things much easier to understand if everyone would drop the "reconciliation" word and substitute it for what it really means, white washing Thaksin. That's all there is to it.

It wasn't about elections, because there have already been elections, it isn't about the coup because see how friendly PTP has got with Sonthi as of late, so what remains to be sorted out is giving Thaksin what he wants.

That's what's keeping the political landscape in tension, one man, one ego, no compromise.

Nobody with an gram of moral fiber in their body can tolerate the future of a whole country being held at stake for the benefit of one corrupt man.

Post of the day!!

Thank you AleG.

[dominique355]

"You cannot force reconciliation; it must come from willingness. If you use majority votes to force decisions, the violence will never end," Prasong warned".

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

Only elections, fair and free from corruption can give the country it's true intentions fo itself.

What we have now is ANYTHING BUT 'fair and free from corruption'.

Fair elections alone will not be enough but a good start. We also need politicians who are not corrupt and are willing to serve people and who are able to respect minorities as well.

The greatest problem in this country, however, is in my view the total lack of law enforcement.

No law enforcement, no justice. No justice, no freedom. No freedom, no peace.

[bigbamboo]

Both of the above posts pretty much cut to the chase. Reconciliation is about compromise so perhaps if the two parties could meet half way and a deal was done was done whereby Thaksin had his sentence cut to one year with the possibility of a royal pardon later he could then be free to return to Thailand and in time Thai politics too.

Law enforcement has always been a huge problem in Thailand but with a rehabilitated Thaksin having his sister as PM and his ex brother in law as Chief of Police there might be a way.

Just trying to stay positive!

Edited March 28, 2012 by bigbamboo

[mca]

For some reason Thailand's first attempt at jumping on the Korean boy band gravy train didn't exactly get off to a flying start.......

[Buchholz]

Reconciliation is about compromise so perhaps if the two parties could meet half way and a deal was done was done whereby Thaksin had his sentence cut to one year with the possibility of a royal pardon later he could then be free to return to Thailand and in time Thai politics too.

He faces the death penalty. To "meet half way" does not equate to a one year sentence.

That's not compromise.

.

Edited March 28, 2012 by Buchholz

[letitbe]

Judge and jury by popularity?

Yes forget rule of law,

'if you can bribe enough people with trinkets you can escape your crimes.'

A non-starter in most civilized countries

are you so sure MF global and rest

[SouthernMan3]

Does anyone here think that tacky even feels remotely safe coming here ?

[freebyrd]

Chavalit smart? How short memory's of certain individuals are!

In 1997 when he was the PM, he was questioned as to how he would solve the economic crisis he helped create. His answer? Promote Thai boxing and open more Thai restaurants abroad! This after he reportedly told Thaksin days before he let the Baht float to send his money abroad and bring it back when the SH1Tango hit the fan. The baht, you may remember, went from B25 to the US$ to B60 very quickly. Thankfully Chuan Leekpai was still around then to step in and clean up the mess. Mr C and Mr T are still scratching each other's backs it seems.

Again,thankfully, I dont live in TL anymore and have the relative luxury of not having this sort of thing in my face every day. Good luck to those of you that do!