Democrats, Pheu Thai wary of new|panel for peace
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DEMOCRAT Party secretary general Juti Krairiksh suggested yesterday that the government should study reports of reconciliation panels appointed by previous governments.
Juti was responding to a move by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to appoint a special committee to boost peaceful society and resolve conflicts.
Juti suggested that the committee must find out the root cause and what prompted irreconcilable disputes in society. He criticised the government’s method of inviting both sides of political rivals to meet at the table, saying often it was not attacking the root of the problem.
“Reconciliation comes from a heart that forgives and forgets the past – not from law enforcement or social measures,” he said.
“The government might not be able to yield to demands from everyone because of legal restrictions.”
The Pheu Thai Party also opposed the move by the NLA but suggested that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha resort to Article 44 to bring about reconciliation and amnesty.
Juti said he disagreed with giving amnesty to rally leaders who masterminded the burning down of the country and he believed Thais disapproved of amnesty to those who committed corruption.
“The wound is already dried up, why should we try to break open old wounds?” he said.
Juti suggested that the NLA’s special panel look into the reports by the National Reconciliation Commission, chaired by former-prime minister Anand Panyarachun and the Truth for Reconciliation Commission by Kanit na Nakorn.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday refused to speak in detail about a |/8reconciliation and peace promotion committee designed by the NLA.
“It’s not time to talk about it [the committee] now,” Prayut said during his weekly press briefing.
Government Spokesperson Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd admitted that the premier mentioned the committee during the meeting but refused to elaborate.
“I can only say it would be better if there was discussion before taking any action,” Sansern said.
“Let us be reminded that we’re now still working together as the five rivers of power,” he added, referring to the Cabinet, the NLA, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC), and the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA).
Asked if PM’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuwattana had said on Monday the government would support and cooperate with the NLA, the spokesperson replied “We’re not opposing it. It would just be better with discussion beforehand.”
