Justice, but at what price?

EDITORIAL

Published: 31 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

It is no secret that Thailand has been stuck in a protracted colour-coded political conflict for more than six years without any sign of when this conflict will ever be resolved or eased. It is also no secret that all attempts at national reconciliation have become bogged down simply because the opposing key players in the conflict are unable to sit together at the same table to resolve their differences in a mature and reasonable manner without pointing accusatory fingers at one another.

The political quagmire which Thailand has created for itself has sapped the country's ability to move forward both politically and economically.

Ask any foreign investor about what their main concern is about investing or doing business in Thailand, and the most common answer is political instability as a result of the long-standing conflict.

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Doza
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Discussion 12 : 01 Feb 2013 at 05.0212
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The "fight-to-death" philosophy should never be an option for Thailand. Neither civil war wherein Thais kill Thais. When war and killing begins it never stops easily and ceasefire never lasts. The more enduring practical approach Thai-style is: Reconciliation for Peace-Harmony-Unity!

It is more satisfying.
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DONHUAN
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Discussion 11 : 31 Jan 2013 at 23.1811
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The current issue to grant amnesty to political prisoners, irrespective of any crimes committed or not, is but a ‘Red Herring’. The pertinent issue is whether the other opposing group is able / willing to grant political amnesty to one main player, Thaksin, in order to achieve real reconciliation, otherwise this political impasse will continue until some major events over-take this problem. Should we take the easy route to compromise by absolving everyone involved in the conflict through an amnesty bill as proposed by the Nitirat’s group or the principled way based on legal encumbrances, accountabilities and the rules of law?
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gregr
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Discussion 10 : 31 Jan 2013 at 21.0510
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"If you ask any foreign investor what concerns them most about investing in Thailand?"

The main concern isn't the political instability, that is secondary. It's the unfair immigration and ownership laws. Foreign companies have to form an illegal corporate entity just to do business in Thailand.

THAT IS THE MAIN CONCERN!

Get rid of these unfair policies and you'll get more foreign business. It'd odd that even the news media hasn't a clue about this.
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Birdie
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Discussion 9 : 31 Jan 2013 at 18.469
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Whatever way to achieve reconciliation, first and foremost Thaksin Shinawatra must complete his 2 year jail term!
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peterl
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Discussion 8 : 31 Jan 2013 at 18.248
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On the face of it, Abhisit's response to the Nitirat proposals as reported here, is the best one on the table. The Pheu Thai government should spell out its policy if reconciliation really is its number one priority.
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tamsin
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Discussion 7 : 31 Jan 2013 at 13.167
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@Bertkok. Not sure what you mean that Thailand lost it's smile in 1997? The financial crises certainly made Thailand lose it's smile, Taksin, if that is the man/party 'was too strong' to whom you refer, wasn't elected until some years later. And yes, he did polarise society, after another couple of years of tenure, they all thought he was wonderful (except for the amart) at first.

I'm no fan of either camp, but at least the majority of rural Thais woke up to the fact they had been ignored for years. Learning process.
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Doza
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Discussion 6 : 31 Jan 2013 at 11.196
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Disc 4 is the protoype of the problem. If half agrees with your thoughts but the other half is against? Stalemate! Thailand cannot afford to lose more time and opportunity. Something constructive has to be done.
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Doza
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Discussion 5 : 31 Jan 2013 at 10.595
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A very thought-provoking article. Intriguing ideas for the present stalemate. Indeed, "justice" in Thailand is "subjective." The other side is wrong when the other is in authority. The military can step over legalities through power and revised laws. Punishments can be substituted with settlements and financial remunerations. Thus, I agree: A solution could be (not eliminate) to make justice subsidiary to peace and harmony and unity.
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facts_only
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Discussion 4 : 31 Jan 2013 at 09.254
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"In contrast to the government's half-hearted response to the group's proposal, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was willing to discuss the amnesty issue..." - above article

"[Abhisit] urged the government to show its goodwill by withdrawing the four coalition-sponsored draft bills on reconciliation. If the bills were to be dropped, this would give a fresh start to frame the amnesty debate..." - TN, January 31, 2013
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felixqui
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Discussion 3 : 31 Jan 2013 at 07.093
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A little honesty would help on both sides, although that is often seriously criminal under Thai law.

Those who resolutely oppose any amnesty must, to be rational, to be consistent and to be just, be pushing equally resolutely for the last few sets of coup makers to also be brought to book for overthrowing Thai governments.

Is this happening, or are the anti-amnesty forces guilty of a glaring double standard, perhaps guilty of the massive hypocrisy of calling for yet another coup?
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Justice, but at what price? | Bangkok Post: opinion