Supreme commander calls on two sides to talk

[Lite Beer]

Supreme commander calls on two sides to talk
The Sunday Nation January 19, 2014 1:00 am

Thanasak

BANGKOK: -- 'PDRC and govt need to think of the country, but mediator needed'

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces appealed to both sides of the political conflict yesterday to come together and seek a solution for the country, although he admitted there was difficulty finding a neutral mediator acceptable to each group.

General Thanasak Patimaprakorn said both sides in the political feud should seek a win-win solution. He said the situation was serious and Thailand was like a patient suffering from cancer that needs immediate attention.

"Both the government and the protesters may lose but the nation will gain. If they don't talk, we won't see the way," he said.

The Supreme Commander urged both sides to sacrifice for the sake of the country but acknowledged that there was no mediator to facilitate a dialogue at the moment. He suggested that any domestic group ready to play the role should volunteer.

He said Thailand should not allow foreign states to meddle in the crisis, naming the United States in particular.

Thanasak also expressed sadness over the death of one People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protester and injuries sustained by 40 others after an explosive was thrown at a march led by PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban on Banthad Thong Road.

"I am worried and do not want anyone to be hurt. If there's anything we can do together, we should."

The Armed Forces, said Thanasak, were not taking sides with any political group and he compared the colour of the armed forces as grey, with both black and white colours in it.

He said police had the main responsibility to care for the protesters' safety but the guards at various rally sites did not trust them. He said it would be best for them to work together.

Currently, Army officers work in tandem with police to ensure the safety of protesters. But soldiers were not carrying any guns in order to avoid violence, he said.

Security personnel needed to be vigilant, he said, after the deadly bomb attack on Friday. Thanasak said the good thing was that there has been no direct physical confrontation between supporters of both sides since operation "Bangkok shutdown" was launched by the PDRC on Monday.

In a related development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday proposed that the caretaker Yingluck Shinawatra administration take a softer stance and not try to arrest PDRC leaders because that could lead to the situation getting out of control.

NHRC commissioner Niran Pitakwatchara said the government would be responsible for the loss of lives and injuries to protesters and other groups. He said the government should seek to hold a dialogue instead of threatening to arrest protest leaders. This would reduce tension and violence, he said.

"What must be urgently done is to reduce the stance of wanting to arrest PDRC leaders because if such a strong stance continues, the problem would reach a dead end," Niran said.

"What's more, do not think of the protesters as the enemy of the government and speed up clarifications and dialogue in a bid to reduce violence."

Niran acknowledged that the NHRC's attempt to mediate in order to allow police to help ensure security together with the PDRC guards had failed.

-- The Nation 2014-01-19

[Publicus]

The army and military need to keep their noses clean in this civil dispute and conflict.

With the PDRC losing serious steam and the government more than willing to talk and work out a solution, the current slowdown of confrontation provides an opening to the mainstream leaders of all sides to sit, talk, moderate and find some common peaceful ground.

Abhisit needs today to clearly and publically state his support of discussions by each side while himself stepping aside.

As no Thai appears acceptable to any side or involved group, the Thais are just going to have to accept a cool head outside mediator, perhaps from Japan but certainly not from China. The United States is not acceptable because it has stated repeatedly that it supports the legitimate democratically elected government, which is a strange basis to exclude Washington, but the fact is the US is excluded.

Perhaps the Secretary General of Asean, Le Luong Minh might be someone to consider.

Edited January 18, 2014 by Publicus

[noitom]

The government has offered to hold discussions. Suthep has stated that he "won't negotiate and he won't compromise." So why is this army officer stating that the "government" should try to hold talks with the protesters. Suthep has made talks a non-starter.

[Tatsujin]

This was a warning, stop playing kids or else . . .

[NongKhaiKid]

Yesterday i received a news text from the other newspaper stating the Supreme Commander had denied he would stage a coup and would become PM.

That would be ' back to the future ' with a traditional military coup where they take power and hold onto it without bothering to hand over to a civilian administration.

Any thoughts on the possibility ?

[icommunity]

There is no reason for talk when rule of law does not apply equally to all. Talk on ?????? How to seize power with impunity? How to stage judicial coup with impunity? How to shutdown Thailand with impunity? How to force people to stop work and join protest with impunity? How to betray the behind the scene agreements? How to incite with impunity? How to lie, distort, twist, smear, mislead? The list goes on.

Send from my Mobile

Edited January 19, 2014 by icommunity

[EricBerg]

Both sides are way past the point of talking. The courts will now decide about Thai immediate future.

[englishoak]

Bring in Japan to mediate, its clear no one here will be seen as neutral, its also nowhere near as corrupt and inscrutably honourable.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

Who can solve this mess? One side refuses to negotiate (understandable as most countries policies are not to negotiate with terrorists, as their opponents 2010 attack of Bangkok could be classified as) and the other side a clan with ambitions to take over the country and who are not shy to kill their opponents trough paid thugs.

[englishoak]

Who can solve this mess? One side refuses to negotiate (understandable as most countries policies are not to negotiate with terrorists, as their opponents 2010 attack of Bangkok could be classified as) and the other side a clan with ambitions to take over the country and who are not shy to kill their opponents trough paid thugs.

By terrorists you mean urban the ones who stormed the airports and the ones sabotaging power, water, storming buildings and shooting police ? agreed.

[Spalpeen]

Every single Thai person of voting age will have their say on Feb 2nd. Let them have the final word.

[Thait Spot]

The army and military need to keep their noses clean in this civil dispute and conflict.

With the PDRC losing serious steam and the government more than willing to talk and work out a solution, the current slowdown of confrontation provides an opening to the mainstream leaders of all sides to sit, talk, moderate and find some common peaceful ground.

Abhisit needs today to clearly and publically state his support of discussions by each side while himself stepping aside.

As no Thai appears acceptable to any side or involved group, the Thais are just going to have to accept a cool head outside mediator, perhaps from Japan but certainly not from China. The United States is not acceptable because it has stated repeatedly that it supports the legitimate democratically elected government, which is a strange basis to exclude Washington, but the fact is the US is excluded.

Perhaps the Secretary General of Asean, Le Luong Minh might be someone to consider.

And what about the police!

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

Who can solve this mess? One side refuses to negotiate (understandable as most countries policies are not to negotiate with terrorists, as their opponents 2010 attack of Bangkok could be classified as) and the other side a clan with ambitions to take over the country and who are not shy to kill their opponents trough paid thugs.

By terrorists you mean urban the ones who stormed the airports and the ones sabotaging power, water, storming buildings and shooting police ? agreed.

Did that happened 2010?

[Thait Spot]

Every single Thai person of voting age will have their say on Feb 2nd. Let them have the final word.

You know that's not the case

This election is massively flawed

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[tomyummer]

You are the military. Kill both cancers.

[Jack Mountain]

There is a big Eliphant in the room here, remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=A8DeXAwhHko

English subs.

[Fookhaht]

"We can't help ourselves, but by God, any foreigner better not try either."

The general's xenophobia is quite apparent, and is sadly symptomatic of a bigger problem.

It reminds me of the scores of government schools that hire foreign English teachers as token native speakers, but then relegate them to an obscure corner of the program, not allowing them to be part of the planning, execution, or evaluation process. They are only tolerated when they just keep their mouths shut (especially about program improvement) and just do their job.

Xenophobia runs deeply just below the surface in this culture, particularly pervasive among those in top positions.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Fookhaht

[JoeThePoster]

Thanasak said the good thing was that there has been no direct physical confrontation between supporters of both sides since operation "Bangkok shutdown" was launched by the PDRC on Monday.

I must've dreamt about Friday's Chaengwattana incident.

[englishoak]

There is a big Eliphant in the room here, remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=A8DeXAwhHko

English subs.

If only it were physically possible.

[harada]

Yesterday i received a news text from the other newspaper stating the Supreme Commander had denied he would stage a coup and would become PM.

That would be ' back to the future ' with a traditional military coup where they take power and hold onto it without bothering to hand over to a civilian administration.

Any thoughts on the possibility ?

I don't think that you need to be a clairvoyant to see whats going to happen here, no negotiation, more staged violence, military coup.

[tonyPhuket]

Glad someone calls to bring two sides to talk; no matter how difficult it will be.

[moonao]

The general doesn't sound genuine to me, he never has.

I think he is stalling while they prepare for a judicial coup.

[noitom]

Yesterday i received a news text from the other newspaper stating the Supreme Commander had denied he would stage a coup and would become PM.

That would be ' back to the future ' with a traditional military coup where they take power and hold onto it without bothering to hand over to a civilian administration.

Any thoughts on the possibility ?

Good.

[Cricketnut]

"We can't help ourselves, but by God, any foreigner better not try either."The general's xenophobia is quite apparent, and is sadly symptomatic of a bigger problem.It reminds me of the scores of government schools that hire foreign English teachers as token native speakers, but then relegate them to an obscure corner of the program, not allowing them to be part of the planning, execution, or evaluation process. They are only tolerated when they just keep their mouths shut (especially about program improvement) and just do their job. Xenophobia runs deeply just below the surface in this culture, particularly pervasive among those in top positions.

Very accurate summation indeed. Working at Rajamangala University for 3 years. I was often asked to present ideas on BE programs, best practice, formulation of English curriculum and then the Dean would thank me very much.... Until Thailand can start taking responsibility for their actions and except losing face and seeing that it is only human to make mistakes and or receive any kind of foreign assistance, this will unfortunately hold them back as a nation. The middle road must be found by all.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Cricketnut]

Every single Thai person of voting age will have their say on Feb 2nd. Let them have the final word.

You know that's not the case

This election is massively flawed

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

All people are flawed all governments are flawed so all elections anywhere in the world are flawed. Let's start getting used to BEING flawed. The sooner the better. Let the Thai people have their say. We are but guests in this land even if one has been granted resident status.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[fab4]

Every single Thai person of voting age will have their say on Feb 2nd. Let them have the final word.

You know that's not the case

This election is massively flawed

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

OK, I'll fall for it. How is the Election massively flawed? Please don't tell me it's because some of the southern provinces do not have candidates registered.

[Cricketnut]

Yesterday i received a news text from the other newspaper stating the Supreme Commander had denied he would stage a coup and would become PM.

That would be ' back to the future ' with a traditional military coup where they take power and hold onto it without bothering to hand over to a civilian administration.

Any thoughts on the possibility ?

I don't think that you need to be a clairvoyant to see whats going to happen here, no negotiation, more staged violence, military coup.

Now that a special someone has spoken to the commander there is no chance. If I'm wrong I will turn into a vegan!

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[patjem]

The general doesn't sound genuine to me, he never has.

I think he is stalling while they prepare for a judicial coup.

Agree, but I won't be calling it a judicial coup.... It's amazing that people get away with so much in Thailand, and it is well overdue.

[RubbaJohnny]

"We can't help ourselves, but by God, any foreigner better not try either."The general's xenophobia is quite apparent, and is sadly symptomatic of a bigger problem.It reminds me of the scores of government schools that hire foreign English teachers as token native speakers, but then relegate them to an obscure corner of the program, not allowing them to be part of the planning, execution, or evaluation process. They are only tolerated when they just keep their mouths shut (especially about program improvement) and just do their job. Xenophobia runs deeply just below the surface in this culture, particularly pervasive among those in top positions.

Very accurate summation indeed. Working at Rajamangala University for 3 years. I was often asked to present ideas on BE programs, best practice, formulation of English curriculum and then the Dean would thank me very much.... Until Thailand can start taking responsibility for their actions and except losing face and seeing that it is only human to make mistakes and or receive any kind of foreign assistance, this will unfortunately hold them back as a nation. The middle road must be found by all.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Perhaps your orthography or ideas were unACCEPTable

Many foreigners have misconceptions about the Thai educational system.They somehow hope it is to develop critical thinking,logic and challenging exisiting ideas as in the west.

If the status quo wanted an articulate well educated Isan they would encourage different systems.

[Scamper]

The stance of the NHRC is correct. This administration seems bent on taking as hard a line as possible. They should stop and look at the people on the streets - who are the Thai people - and ask themselves how they can protect them from the continuous mini-army vigilante attacks. The administration is supposed to protect its own people, not look the other way when atrocities are committed. The army has been consistent with the balance of their argument. Unfortunately, the ones who are entrusted with the weapons and the responsibility to protect the people is the police. And the police by their actions have shown themselves woefully unworthy of that responsibility.