Missing Field Marshal Sarit and Professor Sanya, I am

Though encountering immeasurable pressure, they, in their full capacity, brought the country out of various crises and made Thailand one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia.

Unfortunately, 2008 was the year Thailand had to suffer due to the malpractices of Thais as well as the world economic downturn, about which there is no need for me to mention again in this column. However, the reason I mentioned this misfortune is because it made me think of the four venerable persons.

MR Kukrit, a philosopher whose integrity was widely respected by all politicians, was a real mastermind. Had he been alive at this time, he would definitely have been able to get to the bottom of the present political chaos and find a better way out.

Professor Puey, an economic pillar, was also thought of highly by economists. Had he been alive at the present time, he would have drawn out the country's economic brain powers to help Thailand tackle the world economic downturn and thus maintain the confidence of the Thai public.

The recent political conflicts and the consequent chaos that has prolonged for almost all of last year and is still going on made me think very much of Field Marshal Sarit and Prof Sanya.

I still remember my childhood days when conflagrations happened every now and then, and hooligans caused civil outrages threatening the lives and properties of Bangkokians. Field Marshal Sarit, with his strong personality and full intention to improve the situation for the benefit of the public, quickly brought the disorder to a standstill.

Though his toughness may upset those who claim to be politically left wing, he successfully brought about political and economic stability as well as peace to the country.

People could live their lives decently and go about their usual business. At that time, then, foreign investment started to come to Thailand. If the current law enforcement officials and the authorities for internal security would have the same determination to bring peace and swiftly take strict legal action as implemented by the Field Marshal, the unrest would not have been prolonged and spread out. I am well aware that the recent unrest involved so much complexity that the authorities for internal security became reluctant to take strict legal action.

However, if they composedly focused upon the well-being of the public and the country as a whole, though the decision might not be politically popular at the time, aversion would turn to admiration when the bliss came. Some might argue that the present laws do not allow them to exercise their right to take action as much as in the Field Marshal Sarit era. Is it an excuse to avoid responsibilities? The current laws and regulations do allow the law enforcement authorities to control the situation as much as those of other countries in similar circumstances. I strongly believe that it all depends on the courage and determination to protect the peace without fear of any influence.

Prof Sanya was a venerable person in the lawyer community, especially among those in the judiciary. I still remember the day he judged the case of a senior military officer who was a minister overlooking forestry during the time when the military had strong political influence. Prof Sanya stood by the proven facts. He stood by justice without fear of any influence. The judgement suddenly boosted the morale of the people and built trust in the judiciary. The people believed they could still rely on the judiciary of the country. As a result, there was neither question nor rumour - and this was totally different from the current circumstances.

The recent judgements were still mostly well received but only some were criticised, not only by the public but also by members of the judiciary. The foreign communities, who have high regard for the judiciary, started questioning. The judgements in a few cases affected the confidence of people in the justice system. I do understand that such judgements did help in easing up political tension. But it is not worth trading it with the confidence of people - local and international - in the justice system as a whole. Political problems should be solved by political means, including negotiation and conciliation. The justice system, which is the most important pillar, should not be brought in. I believe that this is not too late. If we all follow the footsteps of Prof Sanya, be firmly determined to defend the law and justice from any political influence and without any political bias, we will soon gain back the confidence of our judiciary.

What Field Marshal Sarit and Professor Sanya had in common was the two worked closely for the Monarchy and both were the most loyal to the Monarchy. These two great men expressed their loyalty by action not just paying lip service. They did all they can to protect the Monarchy not the other way round. Furthermore, at that time, Field Marshal Sarit had both power and prestige but on no account had he ever attempted to level himself with the Monarchy. Both of them wholeheartedly respected the Monarchy and placed them above and before all.

I am of an opinion that those who claimed to protect the Monarchy, but meanwhile acted in a way that obviously harmed the country, should be those who concealed the malignancy. Those who tried to link themselves up with the Monarchy, while their actions were unacceptable, were those who abused the Monarchy to protect their mal- or ill-practices, which showed disrespect to the Monarchy implicitly. I would like to ask concerning parties to thoroughly consider this issue. The misunderstanding could happen once but should not be repeated especially when such misunderstanding would have negative effect on the Monarchy. Those who are highly successful but presumptuous should know that such an attitude will not be accepted by Thai people.

In this New Year, I would ask everyone to observe our own minds; choosing the right way to express our loyalty and avoiding the activities that would have negative effects on the Monarchy. Do understand that His Majesty is Prachao Yu Hua, or Lord Above Our Head, with the good heart that knows only to give to his subjects.

He has never harboured evil thoughts on any of his subjects and will never do. So, do break off the irreverent manners and help bring back the unity and harmony to the country. Thailand will then again be a peaceful country that all of us would like to live in.

Until next Monday.