Govt should heed Blair's words on democracy

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 05, 2013
Govt should heed Blair's words on democracy

Re: "Former British premier says Thailand must not give up on reconciliation", Opinion, September 5.

Thais’ misunderstanding of majority rule is obvious and highlighted in Tony Blair’s speech. He emphasised that democracy is not based on majority rule but on “how the majority relates to the minority”. It is not “winner takes all” and “domination by one party”. There should be “shared space” for the minority. In his interview with your correspondent Veenarat Laohapakakul, he cited a system of fairness that prevails in British politics in checking parliamentary dictatorship. Both the current Thai government and opposition party have behaved dictatorially many times.
Yes, for unity, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra needs to give up the amnesty draft covering her brother, in recognition of the minority’s feeling.
Songdej Praditsmanont
Bangkok