Prominent academic Thirayuth Boonmee has thrown his support behind the "whistle revolution" but says protesters need key institutional powers behind them to bring about real change.
Academic Thirayuth Boonmee offers his perspective on the ‘‘whistle revolution’’ at the Thai Journalists Association yesterday. CHANAT KATANYU
A mass gathering of people breeds a collective force. However, the public must be assured that the "whistle revolution" or the people's revolution can make the country more democratic, the social critic said at the Thai Journalists Association yesterday.
"I can confidently say that the people can achieve revolution," he said.
He said a mass force was created by people wanting to overhaul the country's political system, not just a regime change.
The whistle revolution refers to a collaboration largely between the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand, the Dharma Army and opponents of the amnesty bill. They have come together under the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)'s umbrella.
The creation of the PDRC kindles hope that true national reform is attainable, he said.
Mr Thirayuth said the acts of civil disobedience carried out by the anti-government protesters were neither an act of disrespect towards the majority of voters nor treason.
The protesters, he said, exercised their rights and duty, which they deemed necessary, to topple tyranny.
However, Mr Thirayuth acknowledged the PDRC's stand in invoking Sections 3 and 7 of the charter _ to make way for a people's council and an interim government _ has caused unease among many over constitutional interpretation and its proposed application.
He said he supports the people's revolution. It is unprecedented that a call has been made for a people's council to change the constitution.
Before Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved the House on Monday, PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban demanded the government transfer administration of the country to his so-called people's council.
He also insisted the council would amend the charter for the benefit of the country and the people.
Mr Thirayuth said public discontent has become so powerful the people are now able to bargain with the political powers-that-be.
If such power could be sustained, it would make for a strong anti-graft monitoring movement, the academic added.
For the whistle revolution to succeed, people must have confidence that the changes promised by the PDRC can make the country more democratic, that there will be greater rights and freedoms and that the so-called Thaksinomics system, which the movement says is responsible for entrenched corruption, is rooted out.
The people's revolution must also win the support of key institutional powers in the country, he said.
It must be recognised by the monarch, the armed forces, the police and other civil servants, as well as the private sector and the wider public.
To gain their trust and support, Mr Thirayuth suggested the PDRC shows it has the political will to carry through its aims, especially with regard to combating corruption.
It should also state clearly how it intends to preserve and enhance the rights and freedoms of the people. As well as also showing commitment to a free economy and the fair distribution of wealth and power.
Since the PDRC could play a decisive role in setting the direction of the country, it should be wary of the danger of rushing people into accepting its decisions. Mr Thirayuth said.
People should be allowed time to think and familiarise themselves with ideas proposed by the committee.
The PDRC also needs people with respectability and calibre on its side. They should be from business groups, technocrats, social figures, grassroots people and intellectuals in the provinces. Mr Thirayuth warned PDRC leaders not to put too much pressure on themselves or the protesters.
He said rallies could be held every two weeks or 10 days to give the PDRC time to figure out how to expand the movement.