Dialogue Would Be A Waste Of Time, Yongyuth Says

[Lite Beer]

Dialogue would be a waste of time, Yongyuth says

The Nation on Sunday

Yongyuth

BANGKOK:-- There is no need for the government to hold dialogue with people who still disagree with key elements of the national reconciliation plan as it has been endorsed by Parliament, Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit said.

The idea for dialogue was proposed previously by King Prajadhipok's Institute, which submitted an academic report on national reconciliation to Parliament.

"No need to do that. It's a waste of time. Please understand first what the House of Representatives is, so we understand that we cannot let people give opinions directly.

"We don't have that much space for 60 million people. We have to depend on the system of representatives that were elected fairly. We have to listen to the voices of the representatives.

"At the same time we don't ignore the minority. The majority decides, and listens to the minority. That's it," Yongyuth said.

However, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra suggested the government would commission a committee to study the reconciliation report and look into details of various proposed measures.

At present, she had assigned the panel in charge of monitoring implementation as per the Truth for Reconciliation Committee of Thailand's proposal for the job.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit is chairman of the panel.

Responding to a question by a reporter on whether Pheu Thai Party plans to push for an amnesty bill by September, Yingluck said she was unaware of such a goal.

"In fact, we should talk about our aim to move the country forward and how to create reconciliation and find the solution together. However, we should let the study panel work and then it can propose [a study result] to the Cabinet," she said.

Asked why he said this when the idea for dialogues was proposed by KPI, Yongyuth said it was the Institute's business, not the government. KPI used government funding to conduct the research, so its report must be considered as belonging to a government agency. When it is released, it will be a matter for the public to criticise and KPI must accept that. It should not take the report back just because the report was criticised, Yongyuth told Matichon.

Yongyuth said there would be no selective conduct to help fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

"The Yingluck Shinwatra government came from votes by almost 20 million people. Would these 20 million people let the government do something just for one man?" he said, adding that he did not think the decision would cause more conflict as nobody wanted a civil war.

Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party got over 15 million party-list votes last year.

The parliamentary committee on reconciliation led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin last week presented its report, which included study results by KPI on proposals for reconciliation.

KPI also issued a statement emphasising that it proposed dialogues be held nationwide as a prolonged process to reconciliation. It threatened to take back its report if it is misused by politicians.

Meanwhile, the opposition earlier attacked government MPs, saying they selectively highlighted KPI's proposal on giving amnesty and cancelling work by the Assets Examination Committee in favour of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said it was up to the government whether to hold dialogues or issue a law on reconciliation.

He said the government was entitled to pass a law now that Parliament had agreed on the proposal and passed its work to the government. The Democrats' opposition to passing a law meant nothing, as the party would oppose whatever Pheu Thai proposed.

House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont said earlier that the parliamentary meeting on Thursday was to "acknowledge" the report from the Sonthi panel. It voted to approve the panel's comment on KPI's proposal.

After Pheu Thai MPs retracted their move to push for an amnesty law for politicians last year, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said he had finished drafting a "Reconciliation Bill" consisting of six articles but he declined to reveal any details. It is very likely that the draft includes an amnesty for politicians.

-- The Nation 2012-04-08

[CalgaryII]

"We don't have that much space for 60 million people. We have to depend on the system of representatives that were elected fairly. We have to listen to the voices of the representatives.

"At the same time we don't ignore the minority. The majority decides, and listens to the minority. That's it," Yongyuth said".

That pretty well sums it up. Even though those who are the minority try to slander such decisiveness as 'dictatorial', such opposition needs to be put in context, as the above article also noted:

The Democrats' opposition to passing a law meant nothing, as the party would oppose whatever Pheu Thai proposed.

I probably wouldn't go so far as saying it meant nothing, but to do otherwise, ya end up with a USA system of gridlock.

So lets get on with it, get this Reconciliation 'dance of the veils" over with, so they can focus on productive legislation. When all is said and done, the real perps. of the coup and R'song wont be 'reconciled' the way the electoral majority wants anyway, making all this reconciliation stuff just so much 'political hot air'. A bump on the road to the next election.

Edited April 7, 2012 by CalgaryII

[jonclark]

"At the same time we don't ignore the minority. The majority decides, and listens to the minority. That's it," Yongyuth said

Or in layman's terms "we've heard you now <deleted> off we're doing what we want 555."

Reconciliation at its finest.

Edited April 8, 2012 by jonclark

[Joeb]

A dictionary definition of reconcile says this

1. to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired: He was reconciled to his fate.

2. to win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable: to reconcile hostile persons.

3. to compose or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.).

4. to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent: to reconcile differing statements; to reconcile accounts.

What I am sure most people were hoping for was a combination of No. 2,3 and 4. What we get is No. 1. We've decided, you will live with it. I am not the least bit suprised as this is the way PT and their fearless leader have always worked.

[MEL1]

The healine should read: Dialogue would have been a waste of time, Yongyuth says.

Incredible sequence of statements. Too many to delve into without the time, but I did like "Yongyuth said there would be no selective conduct to help fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra." So there will be conduct to help him, it just won't be 'selective'...

mel.

[jonclark]

"We don't have that much space for 60 million people. We have to depend on the system of representatives that were elected fairly. We have to listen to the voices of the representatives.

"At the same time we don't ignore the minority. The majority decides, and listens to the minority. That's it," Yongyuth said".

That pretty well sums it up. Even though those who are the minority try to slander such decisiveness as 'dictatorial', such opposition needs to be put in context, as the above article also noted:

The Democrats' opposition to passing a law meant nothing, as the party would oppose whatever Pheu Thai proposed.

I probably wouldn't go so far as saying it meant nothing, but to do otherwise, ya end up with a USA system of gridlock.

So lets get on with it, get this Reconciliation 'dance of the veils" over with, so they can focus on productive legislation. When all is said and done, the real perps. of the coup and R'song wont be 'reconciled' the way the electoral majority wants anyway, making all this reconciliation stuff just so much 'political hot air'. A bump on the road to the next election.

And the rule of law?? Should that be ignored, because if it is then 'reconciliation' simply creates the conditions for the same scenario 5 or 10 years down the road. If this reconciliation process sends out the message that those responsible for the 'inconvenience; they have caused the country face no consequences for their actions, there is no deterrent.

So, what oh what dear Callgaryll is to stop this whole cycle from repeating itself in 5 or 10 years time if we fail with justice this time? And don;t give me that nonsense about "the majority". The majority are easily influenced.

So I agree with you lets get on with the reconciliation process and bring to justice all politicians, academics, generals, hi-so's, lo-so's and puppet masters that have dragged this country down for the last few years and give them if found guilty a punishment that acts as a deterrent so that this cycle is broken once and for all.

[AleG]

How odd that just a few months ago PTP/Thaksin supporters were saying that party was the only offering reconciliation and that it was one of the main reasons they won the elections, now, poof! Reconciliation? we don´t need no stinking reconciliation!

Basically say whatever it takes, truth, honesty, principles don´t matter, grabbing power is the only goal and screw the country.

[geriatrickid]

"At the same time we don't ignore the minority. The majority decides, and listens to the minority. That's it," Yongyuth said

Or in layman's terms "we've heard you now <deleted> off we're doing what we want 555."

Reconciliation at its finest.

Do you have a problem with parliamentary democracies, because that is how they work.

[geriatrickid]

How odd that just a few months ago PTP/Thaksin supporters were saying that party was the only offering reconciliation and that it was one of the main reasons they won the elections, now, poof! Reconciliation? we don´t need no stinking reconciliation!

Basically say whatever it takes, truth, honesty, principles don´t matter, grabbing power is the only goal and screw the country.

That is not what the PTP has said, nor is it the statement made in this article. You can believe whatever you want, but please don't attribute your opinions to the PTP.

[Joeb]

Do you have a problem with parliamentary democracies, because that is how they work.

I understand a parliamentary democracy and for common laws and acts it is absolutely correct that the majority in parliament has the final say. On the issue of reconciliation, particularly after the things that have happened in Thailand over the last few years, there should be more of an understanding and agreement between the parties. In this case they have taken a study, the creators of which have said is incomplete and could lead to more and serious social unrest, and jammed it through the system. Then had a senior representative of the party tell people, in essence, if yuo don't like it, tough. If that is your idea of how a proper functioning parlimentary democracy is supposed to work then I am sure that you and Calgaryll will be quite happy with anything that happens over the next year.

Edited April 8, 2012 by Joeb

[siampolee]

The master has spoken, the masses and their opinions are not to be considered.

The paymaster must be returned so as to be able to continue building his and his family's and their brown nosing acolytes thiefdom fiefdom.

P.T.P. democracy.

[h90]

Could I be wrong, but is he confusing retaliation with reconciliation?

[anterian]

In politics there is no such thing as black and white, a democracy will contain elements of dictatorship and totalitarianism, take the UK for example. Politicians always assume that they know best, and that their electoral mandate gives them the right to act accordingly. This is clear from the antics of Obama, Cameron, Putin and many others. The PT leadership is simply following this long established pattern, just as the Dems did previously. The main advantage of a democracy is that every 4 years the public gets a chance to change the pattern if dissatisfied. In Thailand the army kept destroying this semblance of democracy.

[bhakta]

Surely pretty much everyone knows that people are not elected on the basis of their character, moral fiber, experience, sincerity, or existing qualifications. Just ask me wife. Whoever comes by and pays the most, gets the votes. It is government for sale or rent.

[JohnAllan]

A typical Thai politician: the electorate is nothing more than voting fodder. Also typical of a Thai politician: Yongyuth completely misses the irony of his comments, particularly in regard to minorities and majorities. Or he hopes everyone else does!

There is an old saying, Yongyuth, that you can fool some of the people all of the time; you can fool all of the people some of the time; but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. You have evidently misinterpreted it.

And for the record: taxpayers' money funded the KPI report. Taxpayers who, for the greater part, probably did not vote for PT.

Edited April 8, 2012 by JohnAllan

[khunken]

Another Brick in the Wall:

We don't need no reconcilliation.......

[OzMick]

Responding to a question by a reporter on whether Pheu Thai Party plans to push for an amnesty bill by September, Yingluck said a load of old cobblers, which in no possible way equated to the simple "Yes" or "No" answer required.

[retarius]

How odd that just a few months ago PTP/Thaksin supporters were saying that party was the only offering reconciliation and that it was one of the main reasons they won the elections, now, poof! Reconciliation? we don´t need no stinking reconciliation!

Basically say whatever it takes, truth, honesty, principles don´t matter, grabbing power is the only goal and screw the country.

And the alternative? The democrats are so so different aren't they...totally morally focused...truth is all that matters to them...power is so totally unimportant to their way of thinking that they refuse to lie even to win elections...they just hold coups instead....wait, there's a pig flying across the night shy, dressed as Abhisit

[rubl]

"BANGKOK:-- There is no need for the government to hold dialogue with people who still disagree with key elements of the national reconciliation plan as it has been endorsed by Parliament, Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit said."

A few weeks ago I had a discussion with another member on when to argue about proposals. Seems this proposal is decided, no need to further argue. All can go home now, watch television. Just saw our PM, even in uniform with black stripe on her arm still cute.

Edited April 8, 2012 by rubl

[metisdead]

An overly derogatory post regarding the PM has been removed as well as a reply.

[yoshiwara]

'Yongyuth said there would be no selective conduct to help fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.'

So does that mean that all convicted money launderers will be set free under the reconciliation proposals?

[volk666]

A dictionary definition of reconcile says this

1. to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired: He was reconciled to his fate.

2. to win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable: to reconcile hostile persons.

3. to compose or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.).

4. to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent: to reconcile differing statements; to reconcile accounts.

What I am sure most people were hoping for was a combination of No. 2,3 and 4. What we get is No. 1. We've decided, you will live with it. I am not the least bit suprised as this is the way PT and their fearless leader have always worked.

I am not sure people who oppose Thaksin will accept the amnesty. What forms of protest they will explore this time is unknown but I seriously doubt they will "accept and resign" without a fight.

PTP needs to publish a new dictionary with a new meaning of "reconciliation".

The majority vote is not a miracle, it can't force other people to feel differently just as you can't vote for the Sun to rise in the West or for hungry people with empty stomachs to feel stuffed.

[thaicbr]

calgory... one word.. referendum. that's how these things are done.

[rubl]

'Yongyuth said there would be no selective conduct to help fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.'

So does that mean that all convicted money launderers will be set free under the reconciliation proposals?

Probably not, just that there is no need to be selective because this is about k. Thaksin only. The rest is totally unimportant.

[jonclark]

"At the same time we don't ignore the minority. The majority decides, and listens to the minority. That's it," Yongyuth said

Or in layman's terms "we've heard you now <deleted> off we're doing what we want 555."

Reconciliation at its finest.

Do you have a problem with parliamentary democracies, because that is how they work.

GK I understand how parliamentary democracies work. But reconciliation isn't determined in parliament. Parliament attempts to create the conditions for reconciliation. Reconciliation is determined by the people outside of the four walls of parliament. If large sections of the people outside of parliament feel they have been excluded, not listened to or just plain ignored. Everything which happens inside parliament will be a waste of time and futile as the issues of the people,( not red shirts, yellows) the Thai people ( a group of ethnically, politically and socially diverse people) have not been included, their issues not addressed, their grievances with the past unanswered.

If they are excluded how can they be reconciled?? They are still angry, fearful, distrusting, victims of injustice etc. etc.

So when Yonguth says we don't need to talk, I ask how can the Thai people be unified when even their leaders refuse to listen to them??

[Ricardo]

And the alternative? The democrats are so so different aren't they...totally morally focused...truth is all that matters to them...power is so totally unimportant to their way of thinking that they refuse to lie even to win elections...they just hold coups instead....wait, there's a pig flying across the night shy, dressed as Abhisit

When is the last time the Dems held a coup, rather than followed normal parliamentary-procedure, I thought it was the military who used to run coups in Thailand ?

[dominique355]

"At the same time we don't ignore the minority. The majority decides, and listens to the minority. That's it," Yongyuth said

Or in layman's terms "we've heard you now <deleted> off we're doing what we want 555."

Reconciliation at its finest.

Do you have a problem with parliamentary democracies, because that is how they work.

This is not about how a law is made, this is about "reconciliation", in the meaning 2 and 3 as so well put by Joeb. But it's not surprising that the Thakisinista don't understand the difference. They have always believed that a parliamentary majority gives them absolute power, even the power to destroy the essence of democracy like separation of power, independence of justice and respect of minorities and they have lived according to these believes.

This whole puppet theatre called "reconciliation" is anyway only a slightly concealed process to bring amnesty to the big Zampano. And for this,indeed, the people's input.

The great awakening will come once the puppetmaster comes back to Thailand and the sh*** hits the fan. That will be good fun.

Reconciliation? The joke of the year!

[billd766]

"At the same time we don't ignore the minority. The majority decides, and listens to the minority. That's it," Yongyuth said

Or in layman's terms "we've heard you now <deleted> off we're doing what we want 555."

Reconciliation at its finest.

Do you have a problem with parliamentary democracies, because that is how they work.

This is not about how a law is made, this is about "reconciliation", in the meaning 2 and 3 as so well put by Joeb. But it's not surprising that the Thakisinista don't understand the difference. They have always believed that a parliamentary majority gives them absolute power, even the power to destroy the essence of democracy like separation of power, independence of justice and respect of minorities and they have lived according to these believes.

This whole puppet theatre called "reconciliation" is anyway only a slightly concealed process to bring amnesty to the big Zampano. And for this,indeed, the people's input.

The great awakening will come once the puppetmaster comes back to Thailand and the sh*** hits the fan. That will be good fun.

Reconciliation? The joke of the year!

I agree with most of what you say but after the sh*** hits the fan it will be anything BUT fun.