Time govt gave peace a chance

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Published: 11/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

The national reconciliation plan proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is a good start for all, but whether it materialises largely depends on whether the government can find those responsible for the killing of 91 people during the red shirt protests in April and May.

The Justice Ministry's Department of Special Investigation admits it is having difficulty completing the investigation into the deaths and finding the guilty parties. Red shirt supporters and relatives of the dead as well as human rights activists have demanded the DSI expedite the probe for fear that the government may feel the need to interfere and let the offenders off the hook.

Even though the red shirt protests subsided after the bloody crackdown by the authorities on May 19, the security situation remains a concern in some parts of the country, especially in Bangkok and in those provinces that support former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

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About the author

: Writer: Anucha Charoenpo; Position: Reporter

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Your comments

Guido F. Gebauer

Discussion 3 : 11/09/2010 at 07:01 PM3
"...whether it materialises largely depends on whether the government can find those responsible for the killing of 91 people during the red shirt protests in April and May."

Well, should the government find itself? I am sure they know where they are.After all, they are brutal but not mad.
yes

Discussion 2 : 11/09/2010 at 08:47 AM2
I am in full agreement with Discussion 1. Well expressed ! I am becoming increasingly impatient with BP editorials, because they almost invariably put the onus on the government. From where I sit, the governement has bent over backwards, whereas Jataporn and Puea Thai writhe and sit on their hands. There is a bully consciousness in this behavior, and it has nothing to do with the welfare of the Thai people.
Greg B

Discussion 1 : 11/09/2010 at 04:40 AM1
Revoking the emergency decree when their are still dangerous terrorists out there with the intention of spilling blood to further their cause would be suicidal. If risking further innocent deaths is what is required to "further the cause of reconciliation", then the cause is not one that deserves to be addressed.

The emergency decree is not harming any of us, except possibly those with nefarious intentions. In fact, this article has exactly reversed the supposed cause and effect. The best way to get the emergency decree revoked, if that is indeed the aim, is to get on with the process of reconciliation and undermine support for the terrorists.

The government and the military are doing the best they can for all of us in very difficult circumstances. We need to lend them our support and trust their judgement right now. If reconciliation is indeed possible, it needs to start now, without further preconditions.

Time govt gave peace a chance | Bangkok Post: news