Several hardcore red shirts have caved in to the military's request for them to cease political activities, but have cast doubts over the junta's plan to stamp out colour-coded politics.
Prominent red-shirt member Suporn Atthawong hugs his mother after being released from military detention in Nakhon Ratchasima. PRASIT TANGPRASERT
Speaking on Friday after reporting to 24th Army Circle commander Sitthi Chansomboon at Prachak Silpakhom army camp, Udon Thani red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praiphana said he would never again orchestrate red-shirt protests.
He said he will cooperate with the military and refrain from instigating public disorder and widening the political divide.
Mr Kwanchai's stance was echoed by Nisit Sinthuprai, a core red-shirt leader in Roi Et, who said he and other red shirts will suspend their political activities as requested by the junta.
However, Mr Nisit doubted whether the junta's efforts to wipe out colour-coded political groups would bear fruit, saying the division was deeply rooted in political ideology.
He said national harmony and reconciliation can be achieved only through ensuring justice and fairness, while all political groups should be able to live together and given the space to do so.
Mr Nisit was referring to one of the measures set to be implemented by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The junta plans to establish "reconciliation centres for reform", with the main centre to be operated by the NCPO and four regional centres run by the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th army regions.
Mr Nisit also noted the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, which has long campaigned against a coup, has not been defeated despite the military takeover.
"Nobody says we are defeated," he said. "We have to admit that the military has taken control, but the people are not defeated."
In Uttaradit, red-shirt leader Siriwat Jupamattha also voiced concerns about the reconciliation centre plan.
He said national reconciliation will be achieved only when economic and social gaps are closed. Divisions will only return if social justice is not delivered, he warned.
"One thing to reduce the conflict and division is [for the military] to push reforms in all areas and avoid any actions that cause injustice," Mr Siriwat said. "It must also ensure justice and fairness for the benefit of the people."
Following his release from detention on Thursday, prominent red shirt Suporn Atthawong yesterday announced he is washing his hands of politics altogether.
He said he fully understands the political situation and has decided to quit politics for good.
Mr Suporn, better known by his nickname "Rambo Isan", was released from the Suranaree Camp of the 2nd Army in Nakhon Ratchasima's Muang district on Thursday evening after spending six days in military detention.
He had earlier vowed to build up a force of 200,000 civil "warriors" to fight against the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee before the coup was launched.
A source in the Pheu Thai Party said party members will stay put and observe as the military proceeds in its bid to solve divisiveness and move the country forward.
"We are ready to stop political activities so the country can go forward and an election can take place as soon as possible," the source said.
Former Pheu Thai MP for Phrae, Worawat Ua-apinyakul, yesterday said he would wait on the sidelines until the political situation returns to normal. He called on the military to revamp the charter, saying the 2007 constitution was a key source of the political conflict.
"I want an end to divisions and national reconciliation, otherwise the country won't be able to move ahead," he said.
"Don't repeat the mistakes of the 2007 charter which triggered divisions."