NATION ANALYSIS
Violence and bloodshed won't solve problems
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The current political violence is a poignant reminder that Thai culture is not as peaceful and gentle as officials like to claim through government textbooks and tourist brochures. In the last two months, eight people have been killed and over 300 injured.

As conflict over the election and reform process continues, it can only be concluded that the number of casualties will rise.

In fact, a compilation of photos of the victims or participants in political violence over the past decade alone would make very disturbing viewing, and it would surely outsell all the books that idealise the "amazing Kingdom of Thailand".

Instead of simply condemning the bloodshed - which all of us should do - perhaps we should also ask ourselves why Thai society is so prone to political violence.

At least three key factors underpin this penchant for violence, and it all boils down to the way some people think.

First, is the sense of absolute self-righteousness. Thais are often taught through a conservative education system that there can only be one correct answer. Thus, if you think you are right, your opponents must therefore be wrong and misguided. Within this context, a political conflict can become a struggle between good and evil - not just a struggle between fellow human beings with different political opinions and ideologies.

Back in 1976 on the morning of October 6, it was mostly university students who were abused, killed and mutilated due to anger over a photo used by royalists, who claimed to be defending the monarchy.

Fast forward to 2010, when 99 people - mostly anti-government red shirts - were killed on the streets of Bangkok during the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration. However, most people only mourned the loss of those on their respective sides.

It was the same situation last Thursday - but in reverse - when a police officer was killed and there was an outpouring of sympathy and condolence from pro-Yingluck Shinawatra government red-shirts, while the protesters who clashed with police were mostly mute. There was only a brief mention of the police officer's death by leaders of the People's Democratic Reform Committee.

On the night of November 30 and in the early hours of December 1, five people were killed. It was not a "personal feud", one person observed to this writer on Twitter. "No," I replied.

"It's not a personal matter, but something far worse because these people were killed by strangers - just because they happened to have a different political opinion. This makes it tragic."

Tolerance of people with different political views is not possible if one believes there can only be one path that is right. Such an attitude is compounded by the ethos that the ends justify whatever means one takes - the second problematic factor.

Thus, calls for and support of a military coup - with 18 "successful coups" over the last 81 years of the Thai democratic system - are seen as acceptable for the current anti-government camp. This explains a belief in a "good coup" - like the one back in 2006.

The reality of the 2006 military intervention was that it nullified the electoral rights of millions who did not support the putsch. It was in fact a form of political violence.

Many Thais may appear to be kind and ready to avoid conflict on a superficial level, but this tendency is "unnatural" and not suited to democratic principles, because conflict is a natural part of the democratic system, which then searches for peaceful solutions.

Despite deeply rooted traditions that teach Thais to avoid conflict in daily life, many are unable to resolve political conflict peacefully through deliberation and compromise. Instead, they end up resorting to violence in an attempted to annihilate "the other side". Such zero-tolerance is reprehensible in a modern, heterogeneous society.

Nothing will change unless we first acknowledge the reality of political violence. We must acknowledge that some aspects of our culture and our thinking are not suited to a tolerant, democratic society.

Resorting to force and violence in an attempt to "solve" our political problems will not work. In fact, political violence, and the thinking which endorses it, has become a problem in itself.

-- The Nation 2013-12-29

Violence and bloodshed won't solve problems is encouraged deep within the corrupt and brainwashing propaganda system from the day that Thai people are born

1. When things are not going your way, just shoot them dead

2. If people drive to slow, you pass by them without regards to Human life.

3. When children dare to think differently, you beat their freaking brains out, until they only know fear and lost their ability to think

4. When a wife disagrees, you beat her or even shoot her dead

All of the above, if you don't have a gun or other related, you can buy one in every street corner and flea market, or ask someone in the police office OR army, IF you have connections

Political violence is not a Thai society prerogative, nor is it Thai culture. Political violence always is instigated by a few, not by many. The problem is how to identify, expose and isolate those few. The identification should not be too difficult.

This is for once a good article from The Nation.

How has Pravit Rojanaphruk stayed employed with rational fact based views such as these?

Violence written against the TV Hua Hin/Phuket/Pattaya/Sukhumvit based keyboard warriors? With these mods??

I actually had to check twice. How did the "Nation" let a good article slip in.

I guess they figured they needed a doozy to counter all the blatant propaganda they have been slinging.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

An article which everybody should read. It's amazing when you talk to Thais about politics it's always black or white ( chose different colours if you like). It's always pro or contra. But if you ask them what is the program of the. Party what does the party stands for you get no answer except personnel assumptions. I tried to find the party program of the main parties but was not successful may be somebody could put a link here.

Politics means making compromises like we do in all parts of our life in our marriage in our job but it looks like the word compromise does not exist in the Thai language.

"In fact, a compilation of photos of the victims or participants in political violence over the past decade alone would make very disturbing viewing, and it would surely outsell all the books that idealise the "amazing Kingdom of Thailand"."

You know, that's actually quite a good idea for a book. It might make people think about what they are doing. Keep it simple, a picture and a bio of who they were.

Good article by the Nation.

Political violence is not a Thai society prerogative, nor is it Thai culture. Political violence always is instigated by a few, not by many. The problem is how to identify, expose and isolate those few. The identification should not be too difficult.

I'm really not so sure about the truthfulness of your comment. Thais are world renowned for being unable to resolve conflict. They are deeply conflict avoiding (like the Japanese), but lack any of the refinement (that the Japanese have) to cleanly resolve conflicts when they do arise. What results is a monkey-like reflex toward violence when a conflict becomes too difficult.

Thais also seem to be heavily afflicted with an inability to admit error which, for example and comparison, the Japanese do not have. So, how can a conflict be resolved when everyone, by default, is undisciplined, lacks refinement and can't admit error and consequently change their position? Have you ever known a Thai to apologise, accept a new, previously conflicting idea and move on like an adult? I have not seen it very often.

I actually had to check twice. How did the "Nation" let a good article slip in.

I guess they figured they needed a doozy to counter all the blatant propaganda they have been slinging.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

This is actually a fairly typical article from this particular writer (Pravit). He's right, of course...

Gee....and not a colour slant in unbalanced sight. Very good article from the author. His colored glasses must be broken.

I actually had to check twice. How did the "Nation" let a good article slip in.

I guess they figured they needed a doozy to counter all the blatant propaganda they have been slinging.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

This is actually a fairly typical article from this particular writer (Pravit). He's right, of course...

It would be interesting to hear how he feels about working for the "Nation" or for that matter any Thai media.

Great article.

Heck, I'm for voting him in as Prime minister.

He'd be galaxies beyond any other candidate.

If only he could register.........

I actually had to check twice. How did the "Nation" let a good article slip in.

I guess they figured they needed a doozy to counter all the blatant propaganda they have been slinging.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

This is actually a fairly typical article from this particular writer (Pravit). He's right, of course...

I am aware. How does he deal with the other morons employed by The Nation?

even dead, these "peaceful" yellow thugs will try to kill you a second time without pity, you can not them see sense!

here some policeman trying to prevent that one more life to be taken away...

even dead, these "peaceful" yellow thugs will try to kill you a second time without pity, you can not them see sense!

here some policeman trying to prevent that one more life to be taken away...

Do you not see the purpose of this article? It is one that calls for an end to the type of narrow minded, one sided, self destructive type of politics you are trying to promote here. It calls for reconciliation while you try to score points. I thought you might have thought more about the pictures/videos you post after the appallingly insensitive way you used the picture you posted yesterday. Seems I was wrong.

even dead, these "peaceful" yellow thugs will try to kill you a second time without pity, you can not them see sense!

here some policeman trying to prevent that one more life to be taken away...

Do you not see the purpose of this article? It is one that calls for an end to the type of narrow minded, one sided, self destructive type of politics you are trying to promote here. It calls for reconciliation while you try to score points. I thought you might have thought more about the pictures/videos you post after that appallingly insensitive way you used the picture you posted yesterday. Seems I was wrong.

you are talking about reconcialiation with hardcore criminals? i guess its yellow sarcasm!

after bringing choas to thailand for years, you have the nerve to talk about peace?

after murdering 90 people 3 years ago and 9 this month, you just want forget it and start over like nothing did happen.

your yellow reconcialtion, you know where you can put it? put it deeply!

ps: please dont tell me what to do/ or not do, if i want to put picture and video, its my business not yours. Let people judge by themself! ...off

Political violence is not a Thai society prerogative, nor is it Thai culture. Political violence always is instigated by a few, not by many. The problem is how to identify, expose and isolate those few. The identification should not be too difficult.

I'm really not so sure about the truthfulness of your comment. Thais are world renowned for being unable to resolve conflict. They are deeply conflict avoiding (like the Japanese), but lack any of the refinement (that the Japanese have) to cleanly resolve conflicts when they do arise. What results is a monkey-like reflex toward violence when a conflict becomes too difficult.

Thais also seem to be heavily afflicted with an inability to admit error which, for example and comparison, the Japanese do not have. So, how can a conflict be resolved when everyone, by default, is undisciplined, lacks refinement and can't admit error and consequently change their position? Have you ever known a Thai to apologise, accept a new, previously conflicting idea and move on like an adult? I have not seen it very often.

I tend to agree with you, yet have seen amazing developments in this with my Thai wife - without ever throwing cups, dishes or any other objects at each other -. Things do take time, however. The ongoing political conflict will not be solved in a short period. Consequently pursuing the bad people and exposing them and their ways to the public will work eventually.

even dead, these "peaceful" yellow thugs will try to kill you a second time without pity, you can not them see sense!

here some policeman trying to prevent that one more life to be taken away...

Do you not see the purpose of this article? It is one that calls for an end to the type of narrow minded, one sided, self destructive type of politics you are trying to promote here. It calls for reconciliation while you try to score points. I thought you might have thought more about the pictures/videos you post after that appallingly insensitive way you used the picture you posted yesterday. Seems I was wrong.

you are talking about reconcialiation with hardcore criminals? i guess its yellow sarcasm!

after bringing choas to thailand for years, you have the nerve to talk about peace?

after murdering 90 people 3 years ago and 9 this month, you just want forget it and start over like nothing did happen.

your yellow reconcialtion, you know where you can put it? put it deeply!

ps: please dont tell me what to do/ or not do, if i want to put picture and video, its my business not yours. Let people judge by themself! ...off

I'm not telling you off, I'm expressing my contempt for your manner of posting and attempt to turn every thread into your own personal crusade of BS politics. The very thing the OP is highlighting as being harmful to society as a whole.

Why would my post be removed without any reason given, just because I mention that TV members are also making violence threats again others members. Seem to fit into this topic.

Wasn't it you that was advocating Suthep be shot?

Emotional immaturity... There we go, I summed up Thai politicians and culture in two words.

"It's not a personal matter, but something far worse because these people were killed by strangers - just because they happened to have a different political opinion. This makes it tragic."

I think this sentence sums it up perfectly. Well written.

Violence and bloodshed won't solve problems

Sadly, history tells a different story all across the globe and it is possibly Thailand hasn't seen enough violence and bloodshed to be motivated to find solutions and acceptance of disagreeing with elected governments. And like much of the world, even wide scale violence and bloodshed as a deterrent only has a limited memory but certainly longer than this BS that goes on here every few years.

EricBerg, on 29 Dec 2013 - 06:47, said:

Political violence is not a Thai society prerogative, nor is it Thai culture. Political violence always is instigated by a few, not by many. The problem is how to identify, expose and isolate those few. The identification should not be too difficult.

Yes, but in Thailand they identified "those few".....issued arrest warrants.....keep threatening that they will take them in.......but they are still out there causing trouble.

And that applies to both sides, Reds or Yellows.

So, yes again, "Political violence always is instigated by a few"...........but is supported by many.

It is a phenomena of Thailand may be coming from the educational system as it not polite to criticize or even question the older the teacher the boss etc. I am very sure that the majority of the protestors on both sides are not knowing much what they are protesting for. It's so easy to manipulate people, telling Thaksin is a bad or Suthep is a criminal. But if you ask most of the people don't know what will be the target of the demonstration kicking out t,he PM and than? A elected committee will follow, and than? What will be done next? What will be the way to rule the country during this time? What will be the politically direction? How will be the international relationship? 18 month is a long time in politics specially when an appointed government should not take steps or measures which will impact the future of Thailand.

Did anybody read what the HRH the King said in the speech on 26 April 2006 in a similar situation: quote Article 7 has two lines: whatever is not stated by the Constitution should follow traditional practices. But asking for a Royally appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is, pardon me, a mess. It is irrational. Unquote. Here the link to the speech

http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/04/27/headlines/headlines_30002592.php

Excellent article and what a lot have been trying to say here on many threads, There must be a meeting half way, there must be respect for another's option and there must be tolerance to allow it.

an eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind said Gandhi. We are at that point here, Thailand must open its eyes.

In a Buddhist country with the respect that is possible here there IS that spark for tolerance and non violence....but it must be reawakened. There needs to be one, selfless and uninterested in riches and power and all things material, one unaffected and uninterested in politics but true to the respect towards all humanity that carries the respect of all to stand up and speak out.

Thailand could and would just as India before embrace such a person.Thailand is so lost at the moment, It is sorely needed, so badly. If there was ever a time for an enlightened one to emerge for the good of the people now is that time. The people would listen and the healing would begin. In short Thailand needs a Buddhist version of a Gandhi

i hope i am still here to see that day.

,

The fascinating point put forth in this article is that much of this may stem from a rigid educational system that emphasizes that there can be only be one right answer, and that therefore any other must be clearly wrong. For many, it becomes therefore a moral issue of right versus wrong, rather than the simple expression of a difference of opinion. This is an excellent point. Why then should the author under cut his own argument with a stream of examples of intolerance from one particular side of the conflict ? Either he believes in his argument that intolerance is a universal problem, or he doesn't.

The article is decent, but the author failed to tie together his own points - a better society starts with better education. Just acknowledging the reality of political violence is good, but will not necessarily lead to solutions. It could lead to further suppression of ideas and rights in order to prevent it.

There is violence in schools, at home, on the streets, on T.V. in Thai movies, do you really expect anything better? This is a violent country with violent people, they know no other way.

"It's not a personal matter, but something far worse because these people were killed by strangers - just because they happened to have a different political opinion. This makes it tragic."

I think this sentence sums it up perfectly. Well written.

Well spotted, and go to the top of the class. And that is putting it back on the lines of Thaksins and Sae Duaengs Blacks attacks in 2010.

The anti government protesters will need to be more vigilant to violent attack from now not only police (who have already assaulted senators) on the front lines, but anti government protesters from behind. Blood will be flowing again on the 2nd with New Year out of the way. The body count will start increasing big time. Roll up play the wheeeeel...Yellow and Red, UDD and PRDC, Army and judiciary too...spin it around and watch them go...repeat continuously with your turn last time so now yours...shoot and bomb a few more...away we go...yee haaa

There is violence in schools, at home, on the streets, on T.V. in Thai movies, do you really expect anything better? This is a violent country with violent people, they know no other way.

I disagree, society must educate and lead by good example. I have seen first hand the influence and changes one can make in the home and family, it is here it has to begin. It takes but one step and then another and another, this takes time but this is how changes are made.

Thailand must realise this before things will improve and patience must be learnt. That is the real problem here the lack of patience and willpower to see it through.

Yes, I fully agree, that violence will NOT solve problems.

In a honest country with a honest system of real Democracy in which politicians actually worked for the interest of the electorate and not for their own self-interest first .... such a thing might be possible

.

But in Thailand we have the following:

• Corrupt politicians of ALL political parties are the norm.
• ALL political parties exist only to serve the self-interest of themselves and their party members.
• ALL political parties are controlled by a wealthy rich capitalist clique whose main interest is to continue their control of Thai society for the benefit of that wealthy ruling clique.
• And NO real changes to that political and economic system are allowed by that ruling clique.
• Who are willing to subvert all the laws to maintain their control

Then the ONLY way to make any meaningful changes in such a system may have to be calling attention to those inequalities in the system by (unfortunately) the use of violence to change that system.

It's like children who misbehave .... you try to reason with them .... but they won't behave,

So, eventually, they have to be disciplined until they learn to behave.

In Thailand, the politicians are acting like children .... and they won't behave like adults.

They need to be disciplined.