Civil war likely unless political factions cease sowing hatred
Written by Writer on Monday, October 27th, 2008
Civil war likely unless political factions cease sowing hatred
PAD won’t say if new House protest planned
SIRIKUL BUNNAG and MANOP THIP-OSOD
The continuing political turmoil could escalate into civil war if the pro- and anti-government camps do not stop stirring up conflict and hatred in society, university scholars have warned.
Prajak Kongkirati, a political science lecturer of Thammasat University, yesterday called on the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and its rivals, the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and a group led by former national police chief Salang Bunnag, to stop mobilising for a fight.
While it was not wrong to have different political viewpoints, “they should not act in an extreme manner by arousing people’s [hatred] sentiments and ignoring reason,” said Mr Prajak, who represents the Santi Prachatham network - a coalition of academics and social activists.
The network yesterday kicked off its Three Stops Campaign - a fresh attempt to prevent the political confrontation from escalating to a civil war - urging all groups to stop stirring up people’s emotions.
Their move comes as the pro- and anti-government groups give no indication of a willingness to hold talks to solve their conflict.
The PAD continues to occupy Government House as its base to put pressure on the government, which it claims acts on behalf of former prime minster Thaksin Shinawatra.
Their action continues to irritate the pro-government UDD and Pol Gen Salang’s group, who say they plan to surround Government House to force the PAD out. They have not said when they plan to do it.
The PAD responded by building up walls of tyres to keep them out.
Thanet Apornsuwan, of Thammasat University’s faculty of liberal arts, said these confrontational attitudes would prevent political reform taking root.
“Although each group pushes for their own versions of ‘new politics’, they would not be widely welcomed in the currently divided society,” he said.
Economics lecturer Apichart Satitniramai, also of Thammasat, said the conflict was likely to erupt into civil war as leaders of each group kept stirring up hatred against their rivals.
This climate of enmity and fear had driven people to using weapons and other violent measures to protect themselves, he said.
Chai Pattana Foundation secretary-general Sumet Tantivejakul also urged all parties to stop solving conflicts with violence. “No success comes from [the use of] violence,” said Mr Sumet, who oversees His Majesty the King’s development projects.
He was delivering a speech at an assembly of non-violence advocates organised by the King Prajadhipok’s Institute and the Thai Journalists Association.
Speaking at the same forum, legal expert Borwornsak Uwanno, a former cabinet secretary-general in the Thaksin administration, said violence was preventable if the majority of people would come out to show their support for a peaceful solution.
PAD key leader Chamlong Srimuang refused to say if the alliance plans any action when parliament convenes again tomorrow.
PAD core leaders would have to discuss the matter before making any decision, he said. If they agreed to rally at parliament, it would be peaceful and without weapons.
The group gathered in front of parliament on Oct 7 in a bid to block the Somchai Wongsawat government from delivering its policy statement.
The blockade ended in tragedy when a police crackdown led to two deaths and over 400 people injured.
The PAD yesterday agreed to clear areas near Royal Plaza occupied by its makeshift stage and tents to allow the military to rehearse the parade of the Royal Guards.
Areas from Misakawan intersection on Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue to the office of the National Counter Corruption Commission on Phitsanulok road would be cleared every Sunday for the rehearsals, Maj-Gen Chamlong said.
UDD key leader Somyos Prueksakasemsuk said the group would hold a rally again on Thursday and Friday.
It plans to gather at the Democracy Monument on Friday at 8pm.
Bangkok Post
Monday October 27, 2008
