As the election draws near, it's more evident that any reconciliation -- as promised by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha when he staged a coup in 2014 -- isn't going to happen. Pressure groups and parties have filed complaints against one another as the political climate becomes more tense. Political campaigns have become places for disputes and even scuffles.
On March 12, four demonstrators put up signs slandering the Move Forward Party (MFP) while it was campaigning in Pathumwan district. Some signs personally attacked party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. One sign, which read "Cowardice: making use of young people for political gains", appeared to link the party with the pro-democracy movement calling for monarchy reform.
Pannika Wanich, spokeswoman for the Progressive Movement group, a reincarnation of the now-dissolved Future Forward party, talked to the demonstrators, and at least one confessed she could not read or write, so she had no idea what the messages she carried wrote. Another could barely read them. It's apparent they were hired for the job. The demonstrators left the MFP campaign shortly after.
While the MFP and Ms Pannika maturely handled such challenges, Gen Prayut -- now poster boy for the newly founded United Thai Nation Party -- did the opposite.
When the prime minister visited Ratchaburi province -- inspection trips have now become a part of his daily routine in what is being seen as poll campaigning in another name -- the other day, Gen Prayut spoke harsh words to reporters who questioned the way his security team tried to subdue a woman protester who was waiting for his motorcade in the hopes of airing her complaints to him.
Video clips showed at least six officers, men and women, charge and try to silence the 62-year-old woman who was alleged to have shouted abuse. One officer used a big umbrella to shield the operation from the media.
The woman, named Wanthana Othong -- also a former candidate for the now defunct Pheu Chart Party allied with the Pheu Thai Party -- complained of being assaulted. It's reported she will face severe charges.
Ms Wanthana disputed the allegations, saying she didn't use any profane words. What she wanted was to air her grievances about the economic downturn to the prime minister who "has never listened".
Regardless of her identity or her intentions, Gen Prayut, who is the prime minister, should have risen above the tension and acted calmly. On the contrary, he merely shrugged it off, saying: "I didn't see it, but she breached the law, didn't she?"
While at the podium, he belittled the pro-democracy movement, saying it deserves no attention. "Why do you keep doing the three-finger salute? What happened to the other two fingers? Are you people alright?" Gen Prayut said sarcastically, mocking anti-government protesters who often flash three-finger salutes.
Such harsh words and cruel jokes aren't expected of a leader who promised to return peace and unity to the nation. Instead of fostering peace, his words serve to only polarise people further.
While the PM is adamant the country no longer has severe conflicts, many beg to disagree. Gen Prayut should be aware of the public's disappointment over his empty promises regarding reconciliation.
He needs to review his words and stop polarising society. And all sides must learn restraint and avoid political messaging that could further intensify strife.
