'Thai society only stable on the surface'
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Thammasat University political scientist and peace activist Chaiwat Satha-Anand gave an exclusive interview to The Nation's Khanittha Thepphajorn on national reform.
Q : THE COUNTRY’S REFORM PROCESS IS ABOUT TO GET UNDERWAY. HOWEVER, THERE ARE STILL RESTRICTIONS ON ACADEMIC OPINION. WILL SUCH RESTRICTIONS HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE REFORM?
The current situation is that Thai society seems stable on the surface but underneath it contains deep conflict.
Therefore, if there are restrictions on the expression of contrasting opinions, then the task will be even more difficult for the people who are trying to solve the conflict, because they do not know its cause.
The key to solving the country’s conflict is to allow the contrasting opinions to be heard. Restrictions will lead to similar and consensual opinions, which will not lead to a direct solution.
Q : HAS THE FOCUS BEEN MAINLY ON THE SECURITY FRONT RATHER THAN THE OVERALL PICTURE OF SOCIETY?
Yes. But my key point is that security needs to conclude the real condition of society where at the moment we are talking about 11 reform areas – each area having many conflicting opinions.
Therefore, it is important that the contrasting voices are heard, otherwise the reform may be led in a certain direction.
It is my view that the key |condition for the National Council for Peace and Order |and the government regarding the reform process as a success is to have people agree with them and be willing to go along with them.
I think the key challenge is to find channels for those who |possess contrasting views to be able to express themselves, which is necessary, because it will lead to sustainable security and development, which I believe everyone wants to see.
Q : BY LAYING OUT REFORM AREAS IN ADVANCE, WILL THAT LEAD TO RESTRICTIONS ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION?
If such a framework is wide enough, it won’t be any problem.
However, the interesting point is, do the 11 reform areas include security reform? Because it is the area that academics are interested in.
Q : HOW SHOULD THE PUBLIC TAKE PART IN THE PROCESS?
First, through the channels that the NCPO and government have provided.
And second, through other means. Because, if the reform proposal is concrete enough, I believe the National Reform Council (NRC) and government will listen.
Q : IN CONCLUSION, WILL THE NCPO HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON NATIONAL REFORM?
Because the NRC does not have an implementation task, they can only advice.
Q: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PUBLIC IN CONTRIBUTING TO SUCCESSFUL REFORM?
People need to set a target and start doing it. And we need to understand the important fact that the NCPO will not last forever.
Q : DOES THAT MEAN THAT AFTER THIS REFORM PROCESS THERE WILL BE ANOTHER ROUND OF REFORM?
The reform can’t just be done in one go. There are some areas where the progress has to continue.
What we see now is the beginning that will lead to other things.
Q : IT SEEMS THAT THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE NEW CONSTITUTION DRAFT ISN’T DEMOCRATIC. WILL THIS LEAD TO THE OUTCOME WE WANT?
I do not know. We have to wait and see what will be done. They can gain public approval by holding a referendum. I think the public needs to propose what they want and make the person in power know what the people want.
Q : WILL THE PM NEED TO BE ELECTED THROUGH THAI-STYLE DEMOCRACY?
I can’t answer that because I don’t know what Thai-style democracy is.
