Proposal for dialogue with Thaksin just a bad joke

The recent proposal, by a member of the National Reform Council, is the latest in a series of similar suggestions made after the previous coup in September, 2006, and then again after the political unrest in 2010.

The proponents of such a move seem convinced that the fugitive telecoms tycoon has been at the centre of the conflict over the past decade. For them, an accord with Thaksin could restore peace in Thailand.

Is the assumption that Thaksin is the root cause of all the problems correct? Will an agreement with him really bring about reconciliation?

It is true that Thaksin is part of the conflict. At least he is an inspiration for a group of people – and he is often suspected of being behind many political moves by those people. Also, he is believed to be pulling the strings behind Pheu Thai, the political party that was previously in power.

However, it may not be completely correct to blame Thaksin alone for the political conflict. Critics accuse him of inciting his followers to vent their discontent on the streets. But, in fact, other groups are also unhappy with what is viewed as social inequity, such as the unfair allocation of natural resources. In addition, many people feel they are restricted of their|basic rights to vote or express their opinions.

Some of those people use Thaksin as an inspiration for their protests while others distance themselves from him due to their “contrasting ideologies” with him.

Many previous followers are now frustrated that Thaksin has not taken a stance publicly about the latest coup, although he previously portrayed himself as a champion of democracy. Many are uncomfortable with the Shinawatra family for their failure to fight back earlier. A counterattack from the family only came after former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was impeached by the National Legislative Assembly. As a result, many people viewed that the Shinawatras and their people were just fighting for themselves.

Many Thais believe that the Thaksin-backed political group, when it was in power, had cosied up to certain elites in order to remain in power. The group failed to do what should have been done when it had the opportunity and finally it was betrayed repeatedly.

Even if there was talk between Thaksin and the people in power, and eventually an agreement was reached, those who are not involved with both sides might still be dissatisfied. Many of their problems would remain unsolved.

An important question is whether Thaksin wants to have such talks. He should have learned some lessons from the past. In fact, he does not have many cards left to play. If he really takes part in such talks, he would be heavily disadvantaged, which is not something a good negotiator should opt for.

As for Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, he should be well aware of his current status. Participating in such talks with Thaksin would not be a good choice for him.

The latest proposal for talks between Thaksin and Prayut is, therefore, just a bad joke by some people who believe Thaksin is the centre of everything.