Push democracy, reconciliation for sake of country, not govt: PM

Photo : Pramote Putthaisong

During a workshop for more than 1,000 provincial governors and deputies across the country at the Navy's meeting hall, Abhisit said the government alone could not resolve social and political discord. It needed cooperation from provinces to achieve national reconciliation.

"I do not ask you to do it for the government but I ask you to do it for the people and the country. Success is satisfaction and pride of local people,'' she said.

He said he believed reconciliation could be achieved by upholding justice and involving the public in the process.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban also urged provincial governors to use ideas from the "Stop Hurting Thailand and Stop Violence'' network to launch similar campaigns in order to bring peace to society. The country's security was a worry to many Thais and foreigners alike.

Suthep encouraged provincial governors to launch campaigns to educate people about democracy and instil a democratic spirit. "We have to do this because people have been confused, especially with constitutional amendments that distort democracy theories and manipulate them to suit political and self interest,'' he said.

He said political discord was caused by pure ignorance. "Provincial governors know the root causes of the problems but they adopt a hands-off attitude by saying the problems should be resolved by politicians,'' he said. Training and campaigns on constitutional monarchy must be organised to restore public faith and confidence in this ruling system.

Suthep instructed provincial governors to prevent the public from crossing the line and organising violent protests. "They must not breach the Constitution and if any governors cannot handle the problems, they can reach me for help immediately,'' he said.

He said if any village or province takes sides, it means the people do not have a basic understanding of democracy. "It is the duty of provincial governors to campaign for democracy, campaign against vote buying and electoral fraud,'' he said.

Provincial governors were also instructed to launch projects that allow the public to exhibit their loyalty to the monarchy.