Reconcile through inclusion, not exclusion

As former British PM Tony Blair noted “Reconciliation can happen when political policies are transparent and truly benefit the people”.

Prayut believes that dissent is dangerous to society and must be suppressed, but there are many ways to solve a problem, many routes to a mountain summit. What is important is that society seriously and unemotionally considers opposing views in solving common problems and synergises the strengths of various groups, thus getting buy-in from all in achieving an overarching goal and proving that if we work as a team, 2 + 2 can equal 5.

The most effective way to consider various schools of thought is to have their proponents speak out unemotionally, keeping on-topic, and, working together, seek to benefit all concerned. As Pericles noted, “Instead of looking on discussion as a stumbling block in the way of action, we think it an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all,” or as Thomas Jefferson proclaimed, “For God's sake, let us freely hear both sides!”

Universities should play a key role in such reconciliation, for they are trained to discuss all sides calmly and without bias. For example, the Institute of Security and International Studies, Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University, often has prominent speakers from opposing sides discuss topics of mutual interest. Such programs should be encouraged and broadcast, so that ordinary citizens can become educated on the issues of the day, and support solutions reached.

For starters, we all want a police force that is clean and effective. Thus, universities and rajabhats nationwide could have public seminars updating the Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn Commission recommendations for police reform, eg, so that they are more community-oriented, problem-focused, and autonomous, for consideration by charter drafters and NLA. Such widespread discussions would help provide the political will that Prayut badly needs to thoroughly reform such a powerful force.

Let’s help Prayut fulfils his pledge, by welcoming all views on issues of the day.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok