We need venues where people can speak: Ekachai

[Lite Beer]

We need venues where people can speak: Ekachai
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Three things are needed to achieve national reconciliation - the prevention of more conflict, the opening up of public venues where all people can speak, and if people affected by political conflicts are able to get redress, National Reform Council (NRC) member retired General Ekachai Srivilas has said.

Ekachai, who is also director of the Office for Peace and Governance at King Prajadhipok's Institute, stressed that opening up spaces for all voices to speak and air their opinions during drafting of the new charter was crucial.

He said the new constitution must be written in a way that all sides can coexist and not written to try to defeat any political group in particular. It must give a chance for all to coexist peacefully under a new charter.

He said the NRC would try to provide forums for all people to voice their opinions. Speaking as an experienced peace advocate, Ekachai said he found that grassroots people are more receptive to coexistence and able to meet and discuss topics like the new electoral system together, unlike political leaders.

Ekachai called on the Prayut Chan-o-cha government and National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to allow politicians from all parties to meet in order to come up with possible input for drafting the new charter. He said the new charter should also try to induce cooperation between winning and losing parties instead of inducing political antagonism.

NRC member Paiboon Nititawan, who is also a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), said the charter drafters should work speedily but not hastily in considering others' ideas. He said he had proposed to the first CDC meeting to listen to views of those who have been politically affected by various protests and demonstrations. He said proposals made by the now defunct Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand created during the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration could also be considered.

In a related development, Suriyasai Katasila, a lecturer at Rangsit University's College of Social Innovation, said it's imperative for the government and the NCPO to solidly support the national reconciliation policy that is eventually adopted.

Although red shirts and the former government of Yingluck Shinawatra may be seen as a party in conflict with the current government and the NCPO, Suriyasai said reconciliation could be achieved if the government and junta demonstrate that it has no hidden agenda and does not engage in preferential treatment in pushing for reconciliation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/We-need-venues-where-people-can-speak-Ekachai-30251139.html

-- The Nation 2015-01-04

[Thai at Heart]

except social media, newspapers or books.

[The stuttering parrot]

The PTP may be in conflict with the current government?

That's an understatement!

The people democratically elected the PTP and according to Suthep he and the general conspired for months to bring them down via yet another coup.

Why wouldn't the PTP and the people feel disenfranchised by these events.

Can't see the current PM allowing allowing these forums based on his track record.

[ezzra]

In London they have Hyde park, here in Bkk they can have Som Tam park where they can speak

up and have Som Tam and kutiue at the same time...

[ChrisY1]

Actually, Thailand needs laws so people can speak.........

[DKUNPUTAF713]

+1

[WhizBang]

Speaking is one thing, but will anyone even bother to listen?

[WitawatWatawit]

Good that you are talking about it, general, but let us see you putting your money where your mouth is - fight for your idea. Lead a movement, or something, otherwise you are just hot air. The Thai people, at least the ones I know, want a real leader, not just another windbag without any courage. And you can start by calling out Prayut. Defy him face-to-face. Demand a Hyde Park setup where anything goes verbally and no one can be arrested for speaking their mind.

[yellowboat]

Completely doubt he will allow free speach and debate. He fears young people who hold up 3 fingers. That will only happen wihen he is put or steps aside.

[razer]

A venue for speaking and free speech are two different things. In Thailand, one can be arrested for saying what they think. Not only that, saying what you think in a public venue can also get you killed in Thailand.

[rickirs]

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Completely doubt he will allow free speach and debate. He fears young people who hold up 3 fingers. That will only happen wihen he is put or steps aside.

The young can be very dangerous.

[rickirs]

"Three things are needed to achieve national reconciliation"

I notice that lifting martial law ISN'T one of the things needed.

[dominique355]

Why do we need special venues, where we can speak our mind? We can't we express our opinion everywhere and anywhere?

This is a typical thought of a dictatorial mind.

[Lupatria]

Here we got another victim of a banana flying in his face

[Surasak]

I always thought free speech was a sign of true democracy, but I guess it depends on which democracy and where.

[FangFerang]

Ok. Let it ride...

[surangw]

first, practice walking on egg shells

[ksamuiguy]

Like a town meeting, a FREE ZONE", with a modarator and NO PRESS, NO CAMERAS, just People expressing thier opinions and concerns in Anonminity.

Give everyone a chance to voice thier opinion, obviously the Royal Family would be off limits.

It is possible to critisize things and people with out names and instances.

It would have to be organized and modrated to keep the crazies out.

Thai Only, we need to keep our noses out of thier internal affairs and cultural differences.

A Represenative of the Government Present to listen and hopefully learn and report back what the Thai's are concerned about.

It can not be a deabte or chaos would result.

Just a thought!