As the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) steps up efforts to boost reconciliation, the red-shirt stronghold of Udon Thani has been targeted as a role model for the approach.
Maj Gen Sith Chansomboon, chief of the 24th Military Circle in Udon Thani, said the northeastern province would be the site of a key drive for reconciliation, and that cooperation from all sides would be sought.
He admitted it would be hard work, but said he would do his best to encourage integration among fractious groups. He did not specifically say how he would tackle the red-shirt element.
On March 1, this large red shirt rally gave support to the government, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her brother Thaksin. Coup officials hope to cool that fervour and encourage reconciliation. (Bangkok Post file photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
Maj Gen Sith said the dissolution of colour-coded political groups required two approaches. The first works from the bottom up, starting at villages, up to tambons and districts then provinces. The second is the top-down approach, which involves talks with key local leaders, known as "VIP groups".
Talks have taken place several times and will continue, Maj Gen Sith said.
"The Udon Thani model will set the stage for sustainable happiness in Thailand," Maj Gen Sith said.
Talks will be organised at village, tambon, district and provincial levels to reach out and meet people's demands, he said.
Activities will begin on Wednesday and finish by July 15, he said.
Maj Gen Sith said the VIP groups will be called for meetings and activities, which will include the phuk siao friendship ritual of tying threads to each other's wrists.
He said he was not worried about the VIP groups, as they had been brought for talks before.
He was more concerned about the reconciliation process among locals, which would require help from all sides.
Udon Thani governor Seni Chittakasem said he had discussed plans to set up a provincial reconciliation centre with Maj Gen Sith, which will be spearheaded by deputy governor Suthinan Boonmee.
The centre will boost the unity process among locals, he said.
He dismissed suggestions that Udon Thani is severely polarised, saying people have always lived together in peace there.
"We will design ways to enable key political leaders to exchange opinions and voice demands," he said.