Public platform needed for all sides to air views: TRCT
In a bid to quell political violence, the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand has suggested that a public platform be created for both sides to air their views.
“The public platform, accessible by all sides, would allow the exchange of differing ideas without people resorting to violence,” TRCT member Kittipong Kittayarak said yesterday.
He said the assault against Worachet Pakeerut, leader of the Nitirat group of law lecturers who are pushing for amendment of the lese majeste law, was a serious incident caused by political divisiveness and volatility.
Kittipong said all sides should ensure that their supporters are tolerant and do not resort to violent means to settle their differences. He said the 200910 political disturbances had driven a deeper wedge into society as rival camps tried to fault one another over myriad issues, including charter amendments, enforcement of the lese majeste law and the link between amnesty and reconciliation.
The TRCT will map out a blueprint for the public platform so all sides can settle their differences through dialogue, he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday tried to allay concerns that certain political groups were trying to fuel political violence via the attack against Worachet.
“The attackers hit Worachet because of a personal grudge,” he said.
He also dismissed there being links between the incident and a public meeting organised yesterday in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park by opponents of charter change.
