Jatuporn and Nattawut arrested

[waldroj]

So many choose to be in the far queue these days!

[lovelomsak]

This makes no sense at all. Arresting people for going out in public to a public park. Does this mean some people are not allowed to share public areas or space?

[bluegum]

Following the arrests an army spokesman "said that the two men’s planned visit to the park would not help in the ongoing attempt to clear up any doubt about the park project."

Sound like Pre-Crime arrests. Its a slippery slope to 'Thought Crime' and beyond...

[TheCruncher]

This makes no sense at all. Arresting people for going out in public to a public park. Does this mean some people are not allowed to share public areas or space?

Don't know about sharing public areas, but obviously these 2 gentlemen are not allowed to share public knowledge.

[scorecard]

This makes no sense at all. Arresting people for going out in public to a public park. Does this mean some people are not allowed to share public areas or space?

When it really means that humpty and smiley are looking to stir up trouble, and IMHO opinion that's their real intent then that's another situation.

[jonnyscot]

I think the timing of army picking them up was perfect, I'm sure deep down we can all guess that these guys weren't going there simply to enjoy the scenery,

There's far too much concern here on TV about what the Americans think or what EU think,, these other countries have just as big if not bigger issues of their own to sort out without being critical of thailand, let the good general deal with the matters the best way he can, remembering also that not everybody's perfect, but the way I see it the general is making progress for the betterment of thailand

[docshock13]

The PM the other day spoke of not playing into the hands of those who want to incite unrest. Yet the junta has done just that by making these arrests! Something it warned others not to do.

Clearly, the two UDD fellows knew exactly what they were doing--timing of the visit etc. Cheeky buggers.

Best thing the junta could have done is let them have their day at the park and let it be done.

However, itchy and scratchy have succeeded in their mission in exposing the desperation and paranoia of the current regime.

Sadly, this tete-a-tete between the UDD and the junta is not bringing reconciliation. It is only stirring up the same old prejudices and distrust on both sides of the political divide. These two forces are in a race to the bottom and clearly the Thai people deserve better than either of them.

"The PM the other day spoke of not playing into the hands of those who want to incite unrest. Yet the junta has done just that by making these arrests! Something it warned others not to do.

Couldn't agree more with the general's comment. IMHO The paymaster and his paid minions are without any doubt just waiting to stir as hard as they can and with no morals, hoping they can all get back to the feeding frenzy / the feeding trough.

"Clearly, the two UDD fellows knew exactly what they were doing--timing of the visit etc. Cheeky buggers."

Best thing the junta could have done is let them have their day at the park and let it be done."

Refer to indented comment above.

All just your opinion, I suggest many other folks would have the opposite view.

I ask you (as I have asked many times before, with no answers whatever, not one word):

- What is the goal of 'reconciliation'?

- What's your definition of reconciliation?

- What do you think should be the process, the actions, or whatever for reconciliation.

- Should all politicians from the past be 'forgiven' for their crimes and immoral actions?

And of course we see a comment in the story from kornkaew, somebody who has a very scaly past and IMHO clearly has no morals of any sort, and he's another one of the paymaster leader minions out on bail on appeal after being convicted of serious crimes.

Final question:

In your opinion should natawut, jatuporn & kornkaew all be forgiven for everything? Is that what you mean by achieving reconciliation?

I will attempt to reply to your comments and questions as succinctly as possible.

"All just your opinion, I suggest many other folks would have the opposite view."

To which I reply,yes. It is my opinion (if one is still allowed to have one even if it is dissenting). And I respect that there may be others with opinions that may differ from mine.

The goal of reconciliation is to bring two opposing parties with disparate objectives to an agreement that benefits both without causing harm to citizens, the economic well-being of the state or infringing upon the civil/human rights of those with opposing views.

My definition of reconciliation (as it pertains to the current state of affairs in Thailand) is for both sides to lay down their gloves and TRULY work together--laying the foundation for a just, peaceful and vibrant society that respects diversity in race, religion, and even political ideals for the prosperity of future generations.

To bring about true reconciliation (in your question you ask about process, actions etc.), all must be seen and treated equally under the law--regardless of rank, title, wealth or lack thereof. Laws were created to promote justice, not injustice. The problem now is that whomever holds the seat of power uses (or abuses) the law to their own ends. This is true not just of the current regime, but those past as well. Without going on a rant, I will sum up the key to reconciliation in two words: blind justice. A robust, powerful and transparent judiciary is the only way forward (IMO).

As per my comments above regarding justice, no politician or person or civil servant or activist should be forgiven for abusing their privelege to hold office, status in the local community, wealth or disregarding/breaking the laws written for ALL Thai citizens.

As to your final question: should Itchy and Scratchy and their fans be forgiven? Absolutely not if they are convicted of a crime. Nor should others who have abused their status, rank, wealth or political power. Those who have broken the law should reap the consequences as prescribed by the law. And pardoning thugs of any colour or political persuasion is NOT my idea of reconciliation.

Which brings us to 2 interesting points of law and justice under the current regime: an independent judiciary & and a representative constitution that said judiciary can work from...

The game is rigged. Hope you have marked that on your scorecard.

Edited December 1, 2015 by docshock13