Lessons from past political strife in Thailand should be heeded to prepare solutions to the current political tension, a seminar which marked the 22nd anniversary of the Black May massacre was told.
Speaking at the seminar at Thammasat University on Saturday, Chulalongkorn University’s law lecturer Vitit Muntarbhorn said many valuable lessons were learned from the aftermath of Black May, when the military attacked unarmed protesters in May 1992, killing 52.
In the Black May incident, House speaker Arthit Urairat nominated Anand Panyarachun to be the interim prime minister after then prime minister Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon resigned following bloody political violence.
Speaking about the events of 1992, Mr Vitit said no public call was made for the coup to be staged, the political turmoil did not affect people’s electoral rights, and the public recognised the prime minister must come from election.
The constitution written in its aftermath promoted public participation in decision-making, and independent bodies were set up to foster the balance of power.
Mr Vitit, who also served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur and human rights adviser with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said the current strife raises important issues. He said the army must stay put and not stage a coup. Every political party must contest the election and respect voters' rights.
An amnesty should be offered under a bill, rather than executive decree, which should not include crimes with harsh punishment.
Public participation must be strengthened, and independent agencies must have means to ensure a balance of power.
People’s right to expression should be encouraged, but not limit others' rights.
Government policies should have merit and fairness, and the national leadership must adhere to the international rule of law.
A broad view was needed on whether reform was needed before an election. Lessons of the past should be learned.
Amnesty International Thailand chairman Somchai Homlaor said Thailand must prepare for protracted political strife. He said the democratic process can solve the conflict and public participation is needed without international interference.
Giving the example of South Korea, Mr Somchai said the country had fought against dictatorship for years and many who called for democracy lost their lives. That prompted South Korea to attach importance to democracy and realise the danger of dictatorship.
The country later succeeded in coming to terms with its past and set out to do what is right. Wrongdoers of the past were brought to justice, he said.