Army chief says reconciliation talks could be accepted for consideration

[Lite Beer]

Army chief says reconciliation talks could be accepted for consideration

BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr today declined to comment on a proposal of a National Reform Council (NRC) member for the prime minister to hold talks with fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra so as to achieve the military junta's reconciliation plan.

Wanchai Sornsiri, a lawyer and member of the NRC, proposed yesterday that as reconciliation is one of the most important matters, it can be achieved only by practising it, and the person who can do this is the prime minister.

His proposal came after a redshirt leader in Udon Thani Mr Kwanchai Praipana proposed that Gen Prayut acted as a moderator by calling core members of parties in conflict to talk about reconciliation and amnesty for the people, except the leaders of the conflicting groups.

Mr Wanchai said that in order for the country to quickly achieve reconciliation, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha must make an appointment to hold talks with Thaksin.

The talks must also be attended by other people, otherwise the two men might be seen as colluding with one another, and the outcome of the talks must be revealed to the public, the NRC member said.

He called for Gen Prayut to talk to core members of the Pheu Thai and Democrat parties, as well as leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship and the People’s Democratic Reform Council.

He did not see how the conflicting parties and political groups could reconcile without Gen Prayut’s intervention.

But today the army chief declined comment saying he could not speak on behalf of a country leader.

However he said if it was a proposal, then it could be accepted for consideration.

However Gen Prayut had earlier made clear that he would never reconcile with those who had committed crimes but would like them to face judicial procedures.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/army-chief-says-reconciliation-talks-accepted-consideration

-- Thai PBS 2015-02-16

[pedro01]

<deleted> Thaksin. One man holding the country to ransom with his little red sheep.

When will they wake up?

Edited February 16, 2015 by metisdead

[Fat Haggis]

Pedro how about you let the Thais decide who should be talking!!

Odd statement anyway, does this mean that for almost a year there has been NO reconciliation undertaken by the the Junta?

[WhizBang]

No, I agree with Pedro. Thaksin should not be brought in on ANY level. The ONLY thing Thaksin deserves is a jail cell, or a bullet.

[ExPratt]

But the man holds so much influence its a case of having to if they want serious reconciliation. If you do not include him in the talks then there will be no reconciliation . You either reconcile or you don't. Not cherry pick who can and who can't

Edited February 16, 2015 by ExPratt

[pedro01]

But the man holds so much influence its a case of having to if they want serious reconciliation. If you do not include him in the talks then there will be no reconciliation . You either reconcile or you don't. Not cherry pick who can and who can't

reconcile or rule of law?

[ikke]

In fact he is the country leader.... The Army is in Charge as there is still martial law, and the PM did quit the army.

[brucec64]

But the man holds so much influence its a case of having to if they want serious reconciliation. If you do not include him in the talks then there will be no reconciliation . You either reconcile or you don't. Not cherry pick who can and who can't

reconcile or rule of law?

The biased prosecutions going on now go against the principles of rule of law, and are pushing away from reconciliation. So it is not even a question of "or", now thailand has neither.

[ExPratt]

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But the man holds so much influence its a case of having to if they want serious reconciliation. If you do not include him in the talks then there will be no reconciliation . You either reconcile or you don't. Not cherry pick who can and who can't

reconcile or rule of law?

it would depend on what Thai people want. punishment or peace

[NeverSure]

In fact he is the country leader.... The Army is in Charge as there is still martial law, and the PM did quit the army.

There are some things we aren't allowed to discuss. Please just think again...

[Thailand]

That's assuming that contact of come form or another has not been going on anyway? There are backsides to protect when military rule is eventually removed.

[Robby nz]

Seems reasonable provided Thaksin comes back to fulfill his obligations to the courts, country and the people then talks can be held, with him on the other side of a stout set of bars.

Reconciliation is not about accommodating one mans lust for power, particularly a man who has never admitted any wrongdoing regardless of the evidence.

Until he and his minions come to the table in contrition there can be no reconciliation for those they have wronged.

[ExPratt]

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Seems reasonable provided Thaksin comes back to fulfill his obligations to the courts, country and the people then talks can be held, with him on the other side of a stout set of bars.

Reconciliation is not about accommodating one mans lust for power, particularly a man who has never admitted any wrongdoing regardless of the evidence.

Until he and his minions come to the table in contrition there can be no reconciliation for those they have wronged.

So its about Justice is it , So the leaders of the army and Government at the time of the murder of 90 civilian protester will also be brought to trial , Justice

[Fat Haggis]

Pedro, how would you view having to sit down and talk with insurgents who have killed 5000 people down in the South?

That's exactly what HAS to happen for any progress to be made, sometimes you have to break bread with the devil.

Thaksin also has to want this reconciliation and he MUST face the consequences, whether you or the other kook aid drinkers like it or not, Thaksin is still part of the key to the future, and it's once again up to the Thai people, not the bitter and twisted farangs, who have the final say in progress or regress!!

[ExPratt]

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Pedro, how would you view having to sit down and talk with insurgents who have killed 5000 people down in the South?

That's exactly what HAS to happen for any progress to be made, sometimes you have to break bread with the devil.

Thaksin also has to want this reconciliation and he MUST face the consequences, whether you or the other kook aid drinkers like it or not, Thaksin is still part of the key to the future, and it's once again up to the Thai people, not the bitter and twisted farangs, who have the final say in progress or regress!!

Exactly , look at Northern Ireland , McGuinness and Adams , dealing with Paisley and Trimble. Even let both sides "Terrorist" prisoners out of jail to bring peace, They have to wipe their mouth and get on with it or they will never have peace of democracy

Edited February 16, 2015 by ExPratt

[eeworldwide]

Has Thaksin made noises about wanting reconciliation?

Has time not proven that he is a man who cannot be trusted?

Going backwards is not a route to progress.

As far as I understand it Thaksin is facing jail time in Thailand- so he should be open to returning and facing the music if he wants to prove he has changed his spots.

This is all just distraction from a forward thinking and progressive movement forward.

[Mango Bob]

The General has showed no signs he want reconciliation, a lot of talk but no action. He just keep pushing the Reds back deeper in their hole waiting to jump and leap. There are also others he can talk to, does not have to be Thaksin, but most of them he has in one of his rehab camps.

[city]

In the same way the last C in C did not want any part of the 2010 crackdown...he was due to retire and did not want a bullseye on his back for his twilight years, Prayuth will one day be on gardening leave and he needs to protect his own back. Love hate despise or worship, there is no reconcilliation taking place without the big cheese at the table. Thaksin was, is and will be the 'go to man' for all western governments. Thaksin has strong support from the west and its those same governments that are criticizing the Junta.

Reluctance to smoke the peace pipe with Thaksin will only confirm the recent political witch hunt. Greater men, with differences of opinion, than those in question , have come together around the table. But like all leaders, Prayuth takes his orders from the money men.

[city]

Has Thaksin made noises about wanting reconciliation?

Has time not proven that he is a man who cannot be trusted?

Going backwards is not a route to progress.

As far as I understand it Thaksin is facing jail time in Thailand- so he should be open to returning and facing the music if he wants to prove he has changed his spots.

This is all just distraction from a forward thinking and progressive movement forward.

There is absolutely nothing forward thinking about the Junta. Its a return to the dark ages they are after

[eeworldwide]

Has Thaksin made noises about wanting reconciliation?

Has time not proven that he is a man who cannot be trusted?

Going backwards is not a route to progress.

As far as I understand it Thaksin is facing jail time in Thailand- so he should be open to returning and facing the music if he wants to prove he has changed his spots.

This is all just distraction from a forward thinking and progressive movement forward.

There is absolutely nothing forward thinking about the Junta. Its a return to the dark ages they are after

i

I works also agree with that!

[city]

Seems reasonable provided Thaksin comes back to (1)fulfill his obligations to the courts, country and the people then talks can be held, with him on the other side of a stout set of bars.

Reconciliation is not about accommodating (2)one mans lust for power, particularly a man who has never admitted any wrongdoing regardless of the evidence.

Until he and his minions come to the table in contrition there can be (3)no reconciliation for those they have wronged.

1. Obligations to a military run judiciary. Under a Military government

2. 12, 000,000 voters right to democracy

3. Who have they wronged and where is your proof

p1ss and wind post ...nowt new there then

[AGareth2]

probably wants to get in close for a head shot

[MrPerfect]

If Thaksin were to make any sort of deal that resulted in ordinary Thais being denied their right to vote in a non-rigged system it would be the end of him.

[Equalizer]

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Seems reasonable provided Thaksin comes back to fulfill his obligations to the courts, country and the people then talks can be held, with him on the other side of a stout set of bars.

Reconciliation is not about accommodating one mans lust for power, particularly a man who has never admitted any wrongdoing regardless of the evidence.

Until he and his minions come to the table in contrition there can be no reconciliation for those they have wronged.

So its about Justice is it , So the leaders of the army and Government at the time of the murder of 90 civilian protester will also be brought to trial , Justice

Well said. Some people who comment on here are either thoughtless or naive in the extreme.

[rickirs]

F$&@ Thaksin. One man holding the country to ransom with his little red sheep.

When will they wake up?

It looks like the little multi-colored Thai sheep have wakened the Junta up when the Junta thought it held them hostage to its power.

Edited February 16, 2015 by rickirs

[rickirs]

Seems reasonable provided Thaksin comes back to fulfill his obligations to the courts, country and the people then talks can be held, with him on the other side of a stout set of bars.

Reconciliation is not about accommodating one mans lust for power, particularly a man who has never admitted any wrongdoing regardless of the evidence.

Until he and his minions come to the table in contrition there can be no reconciliation for those they have wronged.

Let's see the Junta retract its amnesty for the coup and place itself at the court's mercy for crimes against the sovereignty of the Thai people.

Let the man who appointed himself to prime minister reject his thirst for absolute power and retract Article 44 of the Interim Charter and reinstate the 2007 Constitution. Then maybe reconciliation can be meaningful.

Edited February 16, 2015 by rickirs

[Baerboxer]

But the man holds so much influence its a case of having to if they want serious reconciliation. If you do not include him in the talks then there will be no reconciliation . You either reconcile or you don't. Not cherry pick who can and who can't

So your in favor of a blanked amnesty - for Thaksin, his conviction, his non served sentence, his 15 outstanding criminal court cases, and any cases not yet brought such as the human rights violations the UN ICJ might get interested in again?

Why not simply say the Shins and Elites are all above the law? They and only they are the ones at loggerheads over who dominated 99% of the population and screws out all the wealth.

He's influential while his network of paid thugs and bribed lackeys holds tight.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Baerboxer

[Baerboxer]

But the man holds so much influence its a case of having to if they want serious reconciliation. If you do not include him in the talks then there will be no reconciliation . You either reconcile or you don't. Not cherry pick who can and who can't

reconcile or rule of law?

The biased prosecutions going on now go against the principles of rule of law, and are pushing away from reconciliation. So it is not even a question of "or", now thailand has neither.

"biased prosecutions" - against members of a political party that regularly refused to obey the law and warned judges they would not accept any rulings they didn't like.

No bias - all Shins and clan members innocent of everything and anything regardless of any evidence.

[Fat Haggis]

If the Army can give themselves a blanket amnesty for their actions past and present what's so difficulty to accept it that what's good for the goose is good for the gander mate ?

I don't believe in any form of amnesty and if you break the law, you face the consequences and that should be across the whole country.

Just as Thaksin is guilty, so are all these elite army club members guilty of breaking the law, if you want to enforce it, and preach about justice then stop hiding behind your own amnesty MR PM.

[pedro01]

Thaksin was running Thailand till the latest coup.

He was paying all PTP politicians an allowance and they all had to do his bidding.

He was similarly also paying the red shirt leaders.

His dumb sister was merely a puppet.

Rule of law was suspended for anyone on Thaksins side. Basically 'screw the law, we won the vote'.

That included the police turning a blind eye to murder of anti govt protestors.

In addition the civil service leaders were all being replaced by Thaksins buddies and so were major cabinet positions.

In effect, Thaksin overthrew democracy himself. Quite a coup.

So yeah, bring him back, drop all charges. What could possibly go wrong????