Running around for peace

 The group urges people to run around the Democracy Monument to show that the country needs a peaceful solution to the ongoing political turmoil. Leader Naree Jareonphonwiviya explains what her group is trying to achieve.

Q : Why are you using a symbolic run?

A : When the political tension heated up, our group members thought about what we should do. At first, we wanted to announce our message via television, newspaper and radio. However, we finally chose to declare our message via the run instead. Runners will be out there, carrying the banner "Let our conscience and compassion guide us through the crisis."

Q : When does the run start each day and how many days will your group do this?

A : "We started the run on October 9, with about a few dozen people joining us each day. On the first day, Gothom Arya also joined us. The run is carried out from 6pm to 8.30pm every day. It will go on indefinitely.

Q : How will the run solve the problems?

A : We intend to cool down the situation when things heat up.

Q : Why have you chosen to hold the run at the Democracy Monument?

A : It carries a symbolic meaning. There's an ongoing rally for democracy. Also, the Democracy Monument is located in the middle [of the two opposing sides]. If both camps walk towards each other, they will meet us.

Q : Anyone is welcome to join the run, right?

A : Yes, everyone is welcome, as long as they want to solve problems peacefully.

We provide space for people who are not in the conflict to show their stance. These people do not wear red or yellow.

After we run around the Democracy Monument in the evening, we talk.

Running is good because it eases stress. By running, our participants answer to their conscience by calling for an end to the violence. It is good for society, too.

Q : What was the feedback after you sent your message to the PAD, the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship and the police, by handing out "CONSCIENCE T-shirts"?

A : The feedback has been good. They agree to meet us and listen to us. Anyway, all these parties indeed speak much more than we do. It seems they want us to be listeners.

On October 15, we also called on Army chief General Anupong Paochinda to give him our "CONSCIENCE T-shirts."

To us, a coup is also a form of violence. During our talk with the Army chief, we found that he agreed with us that we must use our conscience in solving problems.

Anupong also insists there will be no coup.

Q : So, do you find the feedback satisfactory?

A : Yes. During our activities, we have found that so many parties in society want to speak, but no one listens.

Now, we plan to launch a "Volunteer Listeners" campaign. Our volunteers will go out and listen to demonstrators, their leaders and guards at the demonstrations. The campaign activity will be recorded.

Q : What questions will the volunteer listeners ask?

A : The questions will be about their expectations of society and politics. Anyway, our volunteers will mainly play the role of listener. They will not persuade, interrupt or influence those who speak to us. At least, we will get information. Although we may think differently, we can still talk.

Q : Are you worried?

A : No. We won't go there to argue. Nor will we try to change their ideas. We will go there to listen.

We believe the parties in the conflict still have something in common. At least, both wish the country well.

Q : How will listening solve the problems?

A : By listening, we should be able to calm down crowds whose emotions run high When we listen, we will understand what those who speak really want. By listening, we should be able to facilitate the negotiations that all sides in society want to achieve.