Putting virtue first
I believe it is true that the Thai people seek compromise but in their politics a lasting compromise has been hard to achieve for the past 20 years.
It might be easier to find a lasting compromise promoting the flourishing of Thailand if virtue is put first and power second. The Caux Round Table for Moral Capitalism, which I coordinate, has suggested in its ethical principles for government a road map for putting virtue first.
The ideal is that of holding powers in trust. Powerful Institutions and individuals should use their powers for the benefit of those who depend on them for better lives. Such institutions and individuals should not use their public power as their personal prerogative, free to impose their will and selfish preferences on others under their influence.
Public power is not to be owned like private property. Power and authority that is public is a special case where personal interest must be subordinated to duty. Public power is a form of stewardship or service. It is not a tool to be used for personal advantage.
Thus through stewardship does virtue put restraints on power.
In the American constitution the preamble sets forth the stewardship responsibilities of our federal government. The constitution is really only a deed of trust conveying authority to certain offices and those who hold them as stewards of a trust to: "form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity".
In Thailand today it might make great sense for community leaders to discuss a preamble to a constitution, to put virtue first and the allocation of power second.
Given Thailand's unique culture and history a preamble to a constitution might look something like this:
1. The kingdom of Thailand shall be a righteous nation (thammachart).
2. The Principles of Righteousness are: dana (charity), sila (morality), pariccaga (altruism), ajjava (honesty), maddava (gentleness), tapa (self controlling), akkodha (non-anger), avihimsa (non-violence), khanti (forbearance), avirodhana (uprightness).
3. The monarchy, government and all units thereof, the armed forces and civil society (persons, enterprises, non-profit organisations, religious institutions, schools, political parties, etc) shall exercise their rights and powers under a duty to execute faithfully the Principles of Righteousness. The Supreme Patriarch or the Chief Brahmin may from time to time provide guidance for the application of such Principles.
4. The wellbeing of the kingdom of Thailand and its people shall be advanced and secured by decisions which are reasonable, moderate, achieve self-reliance, and which are intentionally grounded on knowledge and integrity.
5. The powers and authority bestowed by this constitution are only held in trust to serve the best interests of the kingdom and its citizens. The exercise of any power or authority bestowed by this constitution contrary to the terms thereof or in excess of trust responsibilities shall be null and void.
6. To protect the kingdom and its citizens, special powers may be exercised with the consent of the monarchy, the prime minister, and the Supreme Court after consultation with parliamentary leaders.
Often it is easier to find compromise when common principles can be agreed upon. Then the give and take over implementation can proceed more effectively once a common good has been visualised by all.
Stephen B YoungGlobal Executive Director Caux Round Table for Moral Capitalism