A 3rd way out of the political crisis

[waerth]

I hope people see the sanity in this plan by the academics ... in my opinion this is a fare way.

 

People should respect the chosen government. The government goes and work on things that involve the national interests and stops meddling in the constitution and other self serving stuff. And Thaksin will get a fair trial.

 

It is so simple and so genial. Unfortunately no-one will accept the solution probably. But will start wearing white more often!

 

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/06/11/headlines/headlines_30075214.php

 

 

POLITICAL CONFLICT

Thaksin fair trial can ease turmoil

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

Published on June 11, 2008

 

Academics plea for everyone to stay calm

 

 

More than 200 academics at 32 universities yesterday said former premier Thaksin Shinawatra deserved to be tried fairly in court without government interference.

 

The ousted leader was charged with abusing his power over a Bangkok land deal, a case that is pending in court.

 

Thaksin also faces charges in 15 other pending cases.

 

The call for Thaksin's trial is one of four suggestions made to resolve a prolonged political conflict and avoid clashes between rival groups.

 

The academics, the latest in a growing number of people calling for a "third way out" of the deadlock, also urged all parties to refrain from violence and avoid worsening the climate of mistrust.

 

In addition, the government's attempt to rewrite the Constitution should be deferred.

 

Instead it should set up a special committee that could ensure the public will have a role in the deciding on the amendments.

 

"Conflicts in the democratic system must be addressed purely by democratic means. Otherwise our society will end up going further backwards," part of the one-page statement issued at Thammasat University said yesterday.

 

"All parties must then respect the democratic process and rule and the government must consider the national interest."

 

No mention was made about whether the group would oppose a military coup if one were staged.

 

Parinya Thewanaruemitkul, a law lecturer at Thammasat University, said the group only supported democratic and non-violent means of resolving the conflict.

 

Jaet Thonawanik, a Siam University law lecturer, said: "If one sees the coup as a violent option, then it should be included [in the statement]."

 

He said in the days to come, more groups and people are expected to come out to give their support to some form of alternative solution to the current stand-off.

 

"There will be 10 or 100 groups coming out to show themselves [in support of a third way out]."

 

The third way, made famous by the wearing of white last week, came under heavy attack from the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy and its supporters.

 

Vipa Daomanee, one of the signatories from Thammasat University said the academic group made no mention about the fear of a possible coup.

 

Vipa said she made a proposal to have the phrase included but it was later dropped.

[Hardy641]

Fully agree. A possible way out of the current dreadlock. Unfortunately I also think it wonâ??t happen, because even, if the government would accept it just lacks of ability. This government has been selected for one and only purpose: To ensure a whitewash of its sponsor and secret leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, and to provide the way for his return into politics.

 

Nothing else they are capable of. What policies can you expect from a long retired 72 year rightwing bully boy who lately starred as TV cook, a medical doctor in charge of the finance portfolio, a lawyer heading foreign affairs, a brother in law responsible for the much needed education reform and of course Mr. diehard Chalerm as interior minister â?? just to name guys in charge of the key portfolios. Worse that these jokers are supported by dozens of wives, fathers, siblings or other relatives of the 111 banned senior TRT executives without the smallest experience in politics and let alone running a country.

 

Below article suggests that the upcoming months will be rather turbulent.

 

Unions mull civil disobedience and may join PAD push, halt power, water supplies

 

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Jun2008_news01.php

 

[khunsanuk]

Hi,

 

"made famous by the wearing of white last week"

 

It is getting harder and harder to dress without making a political statement.

 

On a serious note though, I hope they can resolve this peacefully (and quickly!).

 

Sanuk!

 

[Faustian]

Hardy, nice summation. The unions thing could get interesting.

[waerth]

That will only make Samak less likely to budge .... He will see it as an evilplot by communists.

 

Buddha save this country please ...

 

Waerth

[Hardy641]

Thailand indeed would/could need some divine help to get out of the current messâ?¦

 

I not always agree with the article about the political situation in Thailand in the latest Economist. The last paragraph, however, sums up the situation nicely especially the last sentence.

 

After the 2006 coup the army and its allies in the bureaucracy ran the country dismally, and Thailand's economy is now among the region's slowest-growing. Even so, both sides in the conflict are talking up the chances of another coupâ??which would be the country's 19th since the absolute monarchy came to an end in 1932. Even if it does not go that far, prolonged political strife risks doing further economic damage. Instead of regaining its reputation as an admired, fast-developing tiger, Thailand risks becoming one of those perennially unstable, tragi-comic countries, such as the Philippines, which the outside world overlooks.

 

 

Whole article:

http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11454958&CFID=8690859&CFTOKEN=83778855

[Flashermac]

Don't ask the Buddha for help. As he was dying, he told his followers: 'Don't pray to me because I won't hear you. I'm not a god.' Of course, don't tell that to the average Thai.