Chuan consults former post-coup PM Surayud about reconciliation panel
Even though the pro-democracy protesters have rejected the government’s decision to set up a reconciliation committee, Parliament President Chuan Leekpai is going ahead with its creation.
Interestingly, Chuan’s first step towards establishing this panel is to hold a meeting with Privy Councillor Surayud Chulanont, who became prime minister after the 2006 military coup ousted Thaksin Shinawatra’s government.
During his time as premier, Surayud had formally apologised for atrocities committed in the South of Thailand while he was Army chief, particularly the Tak Bai massacre. However, he denied he had anything to do with the 1992 Bloody May crackdown.
It is widely believed that without Chuan, there would be no Surayud. While Chuan was prime minister between 1997 and 2001, Surayud was made Army commander.
As Army chief, Surayud made a name for himself by overseeing a successful operation of rescuing more than 100 hostages from a hospital in Ratchaburi province that had been captured by armed Karen rebels.
However, Surayud’s power was restrained during Thaksin’s regime, when he was given the loftier, but much less influential post of Army supreme commander. It is believed that this move marked the end of Thaksin’s government.
Surayud, known for his conservative beliefs, is well respected among other similarly old-school military top brass including Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Chuan, meanwhile, said he will be meeting with lots of influential personalities, adding that the topic of monarchy reform will remain untouched.