Reconciliation process too slow, with no results, says poll
Most Thais think that the junta’s attempts at reconciliation have proceeded too slowly with no tangible outcomes yet to be seen, according to a Suan Dusit Poll released on Saturday.
Of 1,019 people surveyed nationwide, almost 74 per cent thought that the junta’s efforts have yet to bear fruit and that political figures remain in conflict.
Only 26 per cent of survey respondents thought that the government-established reconciliation committee was following the junta’s so-called roadmap.
The poll, titled “People’s attitude on reconciliation building”, was conducted from July 24-28 with a nationwide sample of the population asked their opinions on the government’s progress in reconciling political factions.
Since January, the military has positioned itself as a non-partisan middleman, asking political blocs for opinions on drafting an “agreement of truth”.
The agreement is expected to be published soon amid rising political temperatures involving some Pheu Thai figures.
While political blocs are expected to nod to the agreement, it is not known yet to what extent they will be bound by it.
The poll said that 71 per cent of surveyed people expected the reconciliation effort to unify the country, while 60 per cent admitted that it was hard work but it should be continued.
Fifty-eight per cent thought that the junta government should allow every side to participate in the procedure.
Asked what agreements should be prioritised, almost 72 per cent emphasised moral principles, followed by around 70 per cent who stressed the rule of law.
Almost 69 per cent, meanwhile, wanted all sides to build an atmosphere of unity.
Asked how reconciliation could be accomplished, more than 78 per cent thought that all sides should be more open-minded toward each other.
Almost 67 per cent said that legal measures should be applied fairly to all sides, and about 64 per cent said that everyone had to put emphasis on public benefits.
