The myth that free speech, democracy would help reconcile Thais

While it is obviously “democratic” to allow debate in any referendum, I cannot understand how this would help to bring about reconciliation in Thailand. The British referendum is a tedious shouting match between self-serving politicians whose only purpose is to trash their opponents. The American presidential circus-contest equally is an excuse for character assassination and often-nauseating sound bites. Nobody believes for a second that these proceedings have anything to do with political peace.

In Thailand before the 2014 coup there was a similar outpouring of hatred in street demonstrations and on blatantly partisan radio stations. This is not to mention the mass murder of civilians in Bangkok, a phenomenon that has not spread to the UK and the US, which is a key difference. Political divisions are not in some mysterious way healed by shouting loudly. Sadly, the quest for reconciliation in Thai politics today is a pipe dream that hides behind the truism that we have all the free speech money can buy.

Referendums are about winning and losing. By all means, reinstate the megaphones in Thailand. But be prepared to live with the consequences.

Barry Kenyon