A citizen’s response to the unity questions
The government recently sent 10 questions to each political party as a guideline for discussions on reconciliation. I went through them and tried to answer — call it a citizen’s response, if you may. 1. How can we peacefully resolve the political conflict so it will not recur before, during and after the upcoming election?
All sides must respect democratic principles. Democracy will ensure all stakeholders have a voice, while parliament is a forum where the representatives can freely debate and deliberate laws for the common good — serving majority interests while protecting minority rights.
Abuses of power by democratic leaders must be dealt with by the rule of law and the checks and balance of the legislative and judicial bodies. Protests are allowed within legal limits and do not transgress others’ rights and liberties. No closing down of government offices, airports or commercial intersections. The police and military must stringently enforce the law.
In coups d’etat, military leaders, under the pretense of having superior morality, have taken matters into their own hands. They undermined the democratic process to grab power and became a party to the conflict themselves. The entrenched interest of the present regime is a barrier to the return to democracy and reconciliation.
2. Over the past years, disparities, including landlessness and water resources management, have been cited as the root cause of social conflict. How do we reduce the disparities to lessen the conflict and build harmony in society?
We cannot make everyone equal. But we must start with respecting all individuals as equals. Isan or Bangkokians, rich or poor, white collar workers or rice farmers — all are Thais, all are humans.
Disparities can be lessened by creating equal opportunities. Education can help reduce class privilege. Governments have a role to play in levelling the field through economic development programmes which are not merely welfare handouts.
As for land ownership, property rights must be protected. Limits to large landownership through law and taxation is necessary. Water resources are common goods to be managed for communities.
3. How can we reduce risks of conflicts arising from political groups refusing to accept the judicial process and interference in law enforcement?
How can one accept the judicial
process and law enforcement, when there are blatant examples of violations of the law making front-page headlines every day and the privileged are getting away with murder? Transparent and equal treatment under the law must be institutionalised.
4. What are the suggestions to build harmony and reconciliation of conflicts from differences in society, beliefs, religion, culture, economics, education and public health?
It is more important to recognise there are differences in beliefs and way of life — religion and culture. Diversity is human nature. It is a source of creativity that leads to change and development. Harmony and reconciliation happens when one respects the other, works out differences and coexists as fellow citizens and human beings.
Economics, education and public health are matters of public policy. All Thais must be ensured access to decent education, affordable health care and equal economic opportunities in wealth creation.
5. What are the suggestions to ensure the media is not used as a tool to create
conflict?
Suppression of freedom of speech is not the answer. It will only become a powdered keg ready to blow up. In this age of social media and new communications technology, limiting access to information is virtually impossible. The best way to create immunity from fake news and hate speech is to teach people to think and reason, which is the gist of modern education. Rote learning is archaic and dangerous. Authoritarian governments always believe they can control thoughts through propaganda — a failed history one never learns from.
6. How do we utilise natural resources and protect the environment, regarding the need for energy amid protests over a power plant, etc, without causing conflict?
Those making the decision must take into account the need to preserve nature and a livable environment for the present and future generations. Governments must commit to exploring alternative energy such as solar and wind. Selfsustaining recycling system at the local and national levels is the goal. Some measures including taxation must be put
in place for fossil fuels and other nonrenewables till they are eventually faded out. Economic growth in the short term must be sacrificed, not the nature and environment, which once destroyed can never return.
7. What are your ideas on how to prevent internal conflicts being escalated to international levels effecting foreign relations such as border issues, human rights and freedom and democracy, labour and human trafficking, which will further divide the nation?
To become a responsible citizen in the international community, it is essential Thailand takes laws and rules that are based on universal principles seriously. There is no excuse of “Thainess” or our own uniqueness. Human rights must be observed, human trafficking crushed. Freedom and democracy with transparent rule of law will build the nation’s credibility — ensuring trade and investment in an open market and security of our nation with reliable allies.
8. How can we prevent corruption, so it will not become a cause of conflict?
Start with the political, bureaucratic and military leadership downwards. Let people elect and hold their elected leaders accountable. Accountability is always an issue for authoritarian governments.
9. In matters of reform, what are the suggestions regarding it to bring about reconciliation?
The question is how to make democracy take a firm root in Thai society. Civic education programmes at the grassroots level is preferable to the executive “connection” courses offered by a number of institutions. Military and police reform is essential to build professionalism and non-interference in politics.
10. What are the recommendations to bring acceptance to the 20-year National Strategic Plan? How can we reach success with a common goal?
Fostering national unity is a process, not a utopian dream by one group of people. Participation through free and open debates of all stakeholders will lead to sustainable consensus. It must not be forced upon the people.
Suranand Vejjajiva was secretary-general to the prime minister during the Yingluck Shinawatra government and is now a political analyst.