Prayut rules himself out of unity talks

Prayut rules himself out of unity talks

PM says he has no need to reconcile

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha shows a bunch of lamyai after a cabinet meeting held in Chiang Mai's Fang district on Tuesday. By coincidence, plans were announced to export lamyai and longan to New Zealand and Australia after irradiation at a Bangkok plant. (Post Today photo)
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha shows a bunch of lamyai after a cabinet meeting held in Chiang Mai's Fang district on Tuesday. By coincidence, plans were announced to export lamyai and longan to New Zealand and Australia after irradiation at a Bangkok plant. (Post Today photo)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha reiterated Tuesday that he will not hold talks with any particular person or group to achieve national reconciliation, emphasising that judicial proceedings are unrelated to reconciliation.

Speaking to reporters, Gen Prayut said he is a state official who cannot become party to the reconciliation process. What he can do is carry out his duties in the state administration to help resolve Thailand's problems, he explained.

"Why do I have to reconcile with anyone, as I am not their enemy?" Gen Prayut asked, insisting that all Thais are responsible for reconciliation.

The premier said he has taken control of power and wants to resolve remaining problems using legal mechanisms, since the main issues resulted from individuals breaking the law.

"Attempts to violate the law had several motives, and some claimed that they did it for democracy. So, what are the consequences? If democracy had gone well, the problem would no longer exist, and I would not have stepped in," he said.

"Everyone can contribute ideas about how to achieve reconciliation, but do not create conflict, chaos or drag me in," he said.

National Reform Council member Wanchai Sornsiri proposed on Sunday that Gen Prayut meet ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and moderate talks between conflicting political parties and groups.

The Pheu Thai Party's former lawmaker Worachai Hema has complained that his party is under pressure and facing a political witch-hunt.

Gen Prayut said the legal proceedings against Pheu Thai members were not political persecution and those involved need to prove their innocence in court. 

"If you claim that the law hurts or hunts you, I ask whether you committed a wrongdoing. The legal process starts from a complaint, and then is followed by an investigation if the case is accepted. If you did nothing wrong, nothing can hurt you," the prime minister said.

Gen Prayut also urged those who face charges to accept the court's decisions. "If an advantageous ruling is justice but a disadvantageous one is injustice, that is not the correct thinking," he said. 

Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda insisted the government is not in a position to seek solutions since it is not one of the parties to the conflict. Gen Anupong said the government stepped in to stop the political conflict and allow the country to progress normally.

"In terms of conflict, the government is working to promote understanding while the roadmap and reforms are ongoing," Gen Anupong said.

Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat said Tuesday that reconciliation can only happen with sincerity and resolve from all sides, while considering the interests of the majority. It is not necessary for Gen Prayut and Thaksin to talk to start the reconciliation process, he said.

"The government must be the centre of the process where all groups participate to achieve the national goal. Granting an amnesty could be part of the reconciliation, since some people face legal charges and jail terms that are politically linked," he said.

Mr Somchai also voiced support for the Constitution Drafting Committee's proposal for a national reconciliation committee, saying Thailand has been divided for years and powerful figures need to initiate the peace process.

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