Revealing the truth is still a vital part of achieving reconciliation, groups say

[webfact]

Revealing the truth is still a vital part of achieving reconciliation, groups say
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH
THE NATION

WENG SCEPTICAL ABOUT NEW BODY'S CHANCE OF SUCCESS, BUT ALL SAY IT IS IMPORTANT

BANGKOK: -- DESPITE attempting to promote reconciliation via the new charter, political stakeholders have voiced serious doubts about the independent body being set up for that purpose. Some said revealing truth to the public would be of equal importance in achieving that goal.

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) created a section on "national reform and promoting reconciliation" in the new charter, in which drafters resolved to set up a new independent body to promote reconciliation.

This new reconciliation body, which will last only five years after the new charter comes into force, would invite conflicting sides including political colour-coded groups at the centre of disputes to discuss the promoting of unity and reconciliation together.

But United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) or red-shirt co-leader Weng Tojira-karn said he does not see any hope that Thailand could achieve reconciliation.

"Reconciliation could be promoted once

the truth is revealed and justice has given back to the people," he said, adding that there were ways to achieve reconciliation, but the |committee trying to do this was on the wrong track from the start.

Weng explained that although he could see the sincerity of the committee's chairman Anek Laothamatas in wanting to achieve reconciliation for the country, he could not fathom how Anek or his committee could give justice to the people.

The red-shirt leader said that, judging by the work process of the committee, they will request a pardon for wrongdoers who took part in protests. But he said this was not enough to achieve unity and reconciliation in society.

"Freeing every wrongdoer from prison via a form of pardon or amnesty would not bring out the truth from their cases," the UDD leader said.

Instead, the public could perceive them [the reconciliation committee] as a decoration of the junta-government, Weng said.

When asked how the authorities could seek the truth for some people's cases, Weng said people pursuing cases and finding the truth must abide by orders of the courts.

He noted that former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then deputy Suthep Thaugsuban had "got away" with their actions when red-shirt protesters were dispersed in May 2010 - saying such an outcome was a huge injustice that |would obstruct reconciliation.

The red-shirt leader believes the pair badly mishandled the dispersal of red-shirt demonstrators in mid-2010, when at least 99 people were killed over a two-month period.

He said the dispute of this matter continued longer than it should because Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had seized power.

The UDD leader referred to a meeting of leaders of rival groups chaired by Prayut before he staged the coup in May last year, which he insists could have reduced violence in society, but he said the then army chief let the opportunity slip.

"That time was the great opportunity to discuss the conflicting issues, but Prayut seized power instead of grasping an opportunity to end the disputes," Weng said.

When asked whether if he or his fellow UDD leaders would be a part of the reconciliation committee that the charter would set up, he said the red-shirts want reconciliation to be promoted, but with one condition - truth must be revealed to the public.

Meanwhile, PDRC co-leader Tankhun Jitt-itsara, said social conflict may have dragged on too far, so there was little hope for reconciliation being achieved within five years if every side still blamed and attacked each other.

However, Tankhun said there must be a middleman to reduce the issues and try to solve the problems of inequality.

"Reconciliation is not a way to make everyone forget the problem, but the reconciliation process should start with gathering the facts on various cases," he said.

Tankhun suggested the reconciliation process should involve the public, adding that people who were not considered to be conflicting parties were the key to achieving unity in society.

"The public and people might believe that reconciliation is getting everyone to love each other, and to put all problems aside. But justice should be promoted while gathering the facts on cases," the PDRC co-leader said.

So, people should be correctly informed about social issues. A peaceful society was not one in which everyone thinks and believes the same ideology, the PDRC man said - but a democratic society that does not have violence.

He explained that according to the reconciliation committee, whether they will grant a pardon or amnesty to protesters who have done wrong, it was necessary to promote reconciliation. However, they would have to thoroughly explain the process to the public.

Tankhun said the idea of inviting conflicting parties to be a part of the reconciliation committee was a good idea, yet the leaders of these groups may not like the idea or represent "their people" as a whole.

The PDRC co-leader said the fundamental problem of these disputes emerged with a group strongly opposed to the government's policies, in particular populist policies.

"The government's policies sometimes promote inequality among its people, and inequality ignites opposing ideas from the people towards the government, which caused social disputes at the end," Tankhun said.

Therefore, Thailand Reform Institution (TRI) director Suriyasai Katasila, a former member of the People's Alliance for Democracy, urged stakeholders to put aside hope for reconciliation being achieved and just said we must act on this now.

He also voiced support on the structure of the proposed reconciliation committee - that it should have members of conflicting parties. But he said a bigger issue was whether representatives of colour-coded groups fully represent their supporters or not.

Suriyasai questioned, for example, if red-shirt leader Jatuporn Phomphan was an appropriate representative of the reds who could they have the authority to claim what "his" people want, or if he could speak for all red shirts. And the same thing applied for the PDRC.

"There might not be only these two groups who are in conflict," he explained, suggesting factions within both groups.

Suriyasai said the new reconciliation body should have people such as political scientists and psychologists, as well as "middle-men" and members of conflicting groups.

"There should be preparations for the people involved, including youth because they would be an important aspect to reduce inequality in the future. Maybe adults are sometimes too stubborn to admit the truth that doesn't fit their opinions," he said.

And like Weng and Tankhun, he said finding the truth and inform the public about it would help promote better justice and reduce conflicts, even if finding the truth was not easy - as every side has their stories, differ from one another. So the courts should play a key role in this.

Nonetheless he voiced support for the idea to give a pardon to ordinary protesters. But he said people who led their people to lose their lives should not be included.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Revealing-the-truth-is-still-a-vital-part-of-achie-30257024.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-30

[Robby nz]

Weng is right until he and his fellow red leaders admit their part in the 2010 riots and the deaths and destruction they caused there can be no reconciliation. That he and his mates and their paymaster are such strangers to the truth will always be a handbrake to achieving unity in this country.

His blame laying statements in this report are ample proof of that.

And Dr Weng you are not going to like it one little bit when the truth finally does emerge from all the lies that you and yours have woven to cover your sins.

Who does he and his gang speak for anyway, cant be the rice farmers after the way they were treated nor those wearing red shirts who came out and protested against the amnesty bill.

Who do any of the so called leaders speak for, from what I see as I travel around the people don't follow any of these so called leaders, they are out on their own now with their few (mostly) paid followers. It is those who set themselves up as leaders of their own factions who are the ones who hold everything back for their own selfish ends.

Take away the stirrers and people are quite happy to live their lives together.

[zaphod reborn]

Wow . . . a Red-Shirt demanding that another politician speak the truth. Amazing Thailand.

"Weng said people pursuing cases and finding the truth must abide by orders of the courts."

Oh, like your puppet master who is hiding from justice in Dubai?

"He noted that former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then deputy Suthep Thaugsuban had "got away" with their actions when red-shirt protesters were dispersed in May 2010 - saying such an outcome was a huge injustice that |would obstruct reconciliation."

Excuse me Mr. Weng, aren't Abhisit and Suthep currently on trial for impeachment and using unreasonable force with respect to this claim? Are you sure, they "got away" with anything. I'll tell you what, why don't you put on some evidence that the UDD didn't engage in any violence during the 2010 uprising, or that they didn't torch Central World?

"When asked whether if he or his fellow UDD leaders would be a part of the reconciliation committee that the charter would set up, he said the red-shirts want reconciliation to be promoted, but with one condition - truth must be revealed to the public."

Maybe the UDD could start by admitting it engaged in an armed insurrection in 2010 and that dispersal by the army was justified to restore civil order? If you want fact-gathering and truth, that is the place to start.

[kotsak]

[NongKhaiKid]

The truth from anybody, in Thailand ?

[tbthailand]

Weng is right until he and his fellow red leaders admit their part in the 2010 riots and the deaths and destruction they caused there can be no reconciliation. That he and his mates and their paymaster are such strangers to the truth will always be a handbrake to achieving unity in this country.

His blame laying statements in this report are ample proof of that.

And Dr Weng you are not going to like it one little bit when the truth finally does emerge from all the lies that you and yours have woven to cover your sins.

Who does he and his gang speak for anyway, cant be the rice farmers after the way they were treated nor those wearing red shirts who came out and protested against the amnesty bill.

Who do any of the so called leaders speak for, from what I see as I travel around the people don't follow any of these so called leaders, they are out on their own now with their few (mostly) paid followers. It is those who set themselves up as leaders of their own factions who are the ones who hold everything back for their own selfish ends.

Take away the stirrers and people are quite happy to live their lives together.

over 90 people killed.

7 of them soldiers.

Over 50 people killed in the last 6 days of which only 1 soldier killed (by friendly fire)

and yet the word "military doesn't appear anywhere in your post.

Don't be so reserved, don't hold back, ... there is plenty of "truth-revealing" to go around...

[Your Thainess]

The real truth about Thailand's political malaise may not ever be revealed...in Thailand. It's not hard to find, though. I do agree that most Thai people are not prepared to handle the truth, considering all the faith they have put in certain institutions. Massive collective loss of face, were that the case.

[Strangebrew]

Truth and accountability two words not in Thai language.

[greenchair]

There will not be reconciliation.

Reconciliation has never really been a goal of either party.

The reds had most of the power.

The yellows took over and now they have ALL of the power.

The yellows are not going to give up one inch of their ill gotten power.

The reds are not going to stop fighting for their ill gotten elected power.

Reconciliation would mean the 2 powers joining together to be a super power. That would bring about a whole new set of problems.

There was one scenario mentioned, that neither party wants. That is the amalgamation of some of the 70 smaller parties, that have sat back quietly to receive a few morsels of power. They are the groups that are known by their party name and the name of their leaders. They are not known by a colour. The reds will allow them a few lower rank places in power. This reform will allow them a few lower rank places in power. Neither will allow them any real power. both groups hogging it all to themselves.

Let some of these groups amalgamate to be a power. Let the people choose wisely to vote them in.

Apples and bananas

There will be no reconciliation.

[wabothai]

west meets east

[Robby nz]

Weng is right until he and his fellow red leaders admit their part in the 2010 riots and the deaths and destruction they caused there can be no reconciliation. That he and his mates and their paymaster are such strangers to the truth will always be a handbrake to achieving unity in this country.

His blame laying statements in this report are ample proof of that.

And Dr Weng you are not going to like it one little bit when the truth finally does emerge from all the lies that you and yours have woven to cover your sins.

Who does he and his gang speak for anyway, cant be the rice farmers after the way they were treated nor those wearing red shirts who came out and protested against the amnesty bill.

Who do any of the so called leaders speak for, from what I see as I travel around the people don't follow any of these so called leaders, they are out on their own now with their few (mostly) paid followers. It is those who set themselves up as leaders of their own factions who are the ones who hold everything back for their own selfish ends.

Take away the stirrers and people are quite happy to live their lives together.

over 90 people killed.

7 of them soldiers.

Over 50 people killed in the last 6 days of which only 1 soldier killed (by friendly fire)

and yet the word "military doesn't appear anywhere in your post.

Don't be so reserved, don't hold back, ... there is plenty of "truth-revealing" to go around...

Wengs mirror.

Exactly the attitude that proves reconciliation is not on the red agenda and it is obvious we will never get the truth from the reds or their supporters on here.

[lucky11]

Wow . . . a Red-Shirt demanding that another politician speak the truth. Amazing Thailand.

"Weng said people pursuing cases and finding the truth must abide by orders of the courts."

Oh, like your puppet master who is hiding from justice in Dubai?

"He noted that former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then deputy Suthep Thaugsuban had "got away" with their actions when red-shirt protesters were dispersed in May 2010 - saying such an outcome was a huge injustice that |would obstruct reconciliation."

Excuse me Mr. Weng, aren't Abhisit and Suthep currently on trial for impeachment and using unreasonable force with respect to this claim? Are you sure, they "got away" with anything. I'll tell you what, why don't you put on some evidence that the UDD didn't engage in any violence during the 2010 uprising, or that they didn't torch Central World?

"When asked whether if he or his fellow UDD leaders would be a part of the reconciliation committee that the charter would set up, he said the red-shirts want reconciliation to be promoted, but with one condition - truth must be revealed to the public."

Maybe the UDD could start by admitting it engaged in an armed insurrection in 2010 and that dispersal by the army was justified to restore civil order? If you want fact-gathering and truth, that is the place to start.

Nicely put, I can't believe how naive and uninformed this idiot is.

I would think that the truth is the last thing that he would want to come out, especially relating to Thaksin's past history and the rice scam debacle with Yingluck's involvement as rice committee chairperson. Now if the truth came out about PTP's past misdemeanors then reconciliation would undoubtedly be an unachievable if not impossible goal!!

[Baerboxer]

Weng is right until he and his fellow red leaders admit their part in the 2010 riots and the deaths and destruction they caused there can be no reconciliation. That he and his mates and their paymaster are such strangers to the truth will always be a handbrake to achieving unity in this country.

His blame laying statements in this report are ample proof of that.

And Dr Weng you are not going to like it one little bit when the truth finally does emerge from all the lies that you and yours have woven to cover your sins.

Who does he and his gang speak for anyway, cant be the rice farmers after the way they were treated nor those wearing red shirts who came out and protested against the amnesty bill.

Who do any of the so called leaders speak for, from what I see as I travel around the people don't follow any of these so called leaders, they are out on their own now with their few (mostly) paid followers. It is those who set themselves up as leaders of their own factions who are the ones who hold everything back for their own selfish ends.

Take away the stirrers and people are quite happy to live their lives together.

over 90 people killed.

7 of them soldiers.

Over 50 people killed in the last 6 days of which only 1 soldier killed (by friendly fire)

and yet the word "military doesn't appear anywhere in your post.

Don't be so reserved, don't hold back, ... there is plenty of "truth-revealing" to go around...

Unfortunately the red shirt appointed leader, like his other appointed colleagues is incapable of telling the truth.

Blame everyone else, lie, refuse to obey the courts and commit or support illegal acts, then complain that everyone else must take responsibility, tell the truth, obey courts and respect the law.

Are they so stupid or just arrogant? They get caught lying, breaking the law and think everyone forgets so quickly, or they can simply lie as usual.

Still, as they are led by a convicted criminal fugitive and known liar what can be expected.

[halloween]

Weng is right until he and his fellow red leaders admit their part in the 2010 riots and the deaths and destruction they caused there can be no reconciliation. That he and his mates and their paymaster are such strangers to the truth will always be a handbrake to achieving unity in this country.

His blame laying statements in this report are ample proof of that.

And Dr Weng you are not going to like it one little bit when the truth finally does emerge from all the lies that you and yours have woven to cover your sins.

Who does he and his gang speak for anyway, cant be the rice farmers after the way they were treated nor those wearing red shirts who came out and protested against the amnesty bill.

Who do any of the so called leaders speak for, from what I see as I travel around the people don't follow any of these so called leaders, they are out on their own now with their few (mostly) paid followers. It is those who set themselves up as leaders of their own factions who are the ones who hold everything back for their own selfish ends.

Take away the stirrers and people are quite happy to live their lives together.

over 90 people killed.

7 of them soldiers.

Over 50 people killed in the last 6 days of which only 1 soldier killed (by friendly fire)

and yet the word "military doesn't appear anywhere in your post.

Don't be so reserved, don't hold back, ... there is plenty of "truth-revealing" to go around...

It wasn't for lack of trying though, was it? 3 RPGs hit Dusit Thani Hotel (base for journos, but the red shirts NEVER attack journos, right?), M-79 grenades fired as well. Explosive rounds like there are used by those who don't worry about a little collateral damage. http://202.47.224.92/en/news.php?id=255305170002

And lets not forget about the RPG attack on the airport fuel tank farm. How many could that have killed, all legitimate targets - they live in BKK.

[rubl]

I guess Dr. weng already managed to forget that close to two dozen of his fellow red-shirts including a UDD co-leader voted in favour of the blanket amnesty bill and he barely managed an 'abstain'.

For a while the red TV channels even tried to suggest that 'of course' the amnesty wouldn't be for real criminals like Abhisit/Suthep. Of course the case with the ICC would be pursued.

[seajae]

talk about pot and kettle, this is one of the idiots that cheered the killing of kids last year at a red rally, yes the reds really are concerned with the truth arent they. Why is it that these buffoons try to tell people bullsh*t everytime they open their mouths, the people know the truth yet this idiot is saying the reds want the truth obviously the red truth and the real truth are two different things. Until such time as the ones that incite the violence as this idiot did are actually arrested for terrorism and jailed it will not end, yellow. red doesnt matter, anyone promoting violence needs to be stopped, not simply let off as they are now. toss them all in jail and leave them there for a very long time.

[tbthailand]

Weng is right until he and his fellow red leaders admit their part in the 2010 riots and the deaths and destruction they caused there can be no reconciliation. That he and his mates and their paymaster are such strangers to the truth will always be a handbrake to achieving unity in this country.

His blame laying statements in this report are ample proof of that.

And Dr Weng you are not going to like it one little bit when the truth finally does emerge from all the lies that you and yours have woven to cover your sins.

Who does he and his gang speak for anyway, cant be the rice farmers after the way they were treated nor those wearing red shirts who came out and protested against the amnesty bill.

Who do any of the so called leaders speak for, from what I see as I travel around the people don't follow any of these so called leaders, they are out on their own now with their few (mostly) paid followers. It is those who set themselves up as leaders of their own factions who are the ones who hold everything back for their own selfish ends.

Take away the stirrers and people are quite happy to live their lives together.

over 90 people killed.

7 of them soldiers.

Over 50 people killed in the last 6 days of which only 1 soldier killed (by friendly fire)

and yet the word "military doesn't appear anywhere in your post.

Don't be so reserved, don't hold back, ... there is plenty of "truth-revealing" to go around...

Wengs mirror.

Exactly the attitude that proves reconciliation is not on the red agenda and it is obvious we will never get the truth from the reds or their supporters on here.

same old sh!t, anti army = red supporter = dismissed.

If you think recognizing that the army killed a lot of people (all by themselves) in 2010 makes people uninterested in "reconciliation" or is an "agenda", then you have that right.

But it is what happened, and that doesn't go away. This is part of Weng's point.

The current 'PM' is not about to do any real "revealing" and it is perfectly obvious that "reconciliation" is mealy-mouthed double-speak. Does saying that make me a "red supporter with an agenda"?