Memo #8
By: Aim Sinpeng
The bomb blast in Bangkok last month underscores that few are smiling in the “Land of Smiles.” The street protests have been suppressed but recent polls indicated that at least three-quarters of Thai think the political crisis is far from over.
Is a solution in sight? The government’s proposed plan to bring about national reconciliation is a good start but can only succeed if a) the coalition government survives its term and b) genuine efforts are made to bring justice to all sides of the conflict.
Prime Minister Abhisit announced his 5-point “Road Map for National Reconciliation” just after the street protests were halted. It aims to restore law and order and heal the deep wounds felt by all sides of the conflict. Success will depend on Abhisit’s ability to keep his 5-party coalition intact. The previously shaky coalition survived a confidence vote in parliament in June and prospects for a new election were put off for at least a year.
Unfortunately, national reconciliation has been one-sided. The government has been aggressively closing in on the Red Shirts. The Reds’ alleged financiers have been blacklisted and their media outlets have been shut down. Terrorism charges have also been laid against at least 26 Red Shirt key figures, including some current MPs. The Red Shirts cry foul that such actions have never been taken against the Yellow Shirts, many of whom are supporters of the ruling Democrat Party.
Abhisit must demonstrate his genuine effort in bringing about national reconciliation by equally addressing the grievances of all sides. Identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the deaths of Red Shirt protesters during the crackdown would be a start.
Discontent with the current “order” is growing and will not dissipate unless justice is seen to be done. With the backing of his coalition partners, Abhisit should take this opportunity to disassociate his government from the Yellow Shirts and truly begin the long and tumultuous road to reconciliation.
About the Author:
Aim Sinpeng is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at The University of British Columbia and Associate of the Centre for Southeast Asian Research.
Links:
- The 5-Point Roadmap for National Reconciliation includes: 1) Upholding the monarchy, 2) Resolving fundamental problems of social injustice, 3) Enabling media’s constructive operation, 4) Establishing facts about violent incidents, 5) Establishing mutually acceptable political rules. Further details of the Roadmap
- Bridging Thailand’s Deep Divide, International Crisis Group, April 2010
Related Memos:
See our other Memos about Thailand and our special collection on Thailand 2011 Election and 2010 Conflict.