Conflict natural in politics

However, in Thailand, some people do not like to see conflicting opinions, fearing that they could lead to violence, and are of the opinion that this current conflict arose out of personal issues, not political ideology. Still, there is a political element to the conflict as well because it arose out of the rift between supporters and opponents of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

One side views democracy as comprising only elections, where the party that wins the majority controls the house, even if didn't win an absolute majority. This side thinks that it can run the country according to its own will and without checks and balances.

The other side does not associate democracy with elections alone, but is of the opinion that democracy means the inclusion of people. This side says democracy does not end when voters cast their ballots, but that citizens should continue expressing their views, and checks and balances should be effective.

However, the opposing side disagrees with this form of "civil politics" and insists that political activities should be confined to the House only. Besides, it does not like peaceful demonstrations and views political rallies as "street politics". Certain political leaders have even proposed the amendment of Constitution Article 63 to limit the rights relating to political gatherings, which are viewed by the other side as basic rights.

The current political problem in Thailand is how to make the two sides meet halfway by letting go of personal biases and abiding by the Constitution's rules and democratic principles. The results of a fair election should be respected, while public participation and checks and balances should be accepted.

Conflict is normal in politics. There are many mechanisms to sort out conflicts in a peaceful manner under the Constitution. The question is how to execute them. A peaceful solution is possible because despite of our political differences or different political parties, we are all Thai, the paper concluded.

Matichon

Matichon also called for a peaceful solution in its editorial. It said that the People's Alliance for Democracy's (PAD) D-Day action has led to lawsuits. But this does not mean that the law would be an easy tool for the Samak government to use to disperse the PAD crowds. On the contrary, many fear that if the government takes a hawkish approach, the severity of the conflict could escalate beyond repair.

Whether it was right for PAD to pressure Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign is another issue currently being debated.

PAD claims that the Samak administration is a puppet government that has sold out the country. If the Samak government were allowed to stay in power, it would cause more damage to the country. Samak meanwhile has refused to quit, saying that he is an elected leader. At any rate, the conflict can be traced back to Thaksin, an attempt to amend the Constitution and efforts to help Thaksin and his family fight several cases in court.

Matichon stressed that violence is not desirable, and neither is a coup. The police and armed forces should be very careful in using arms. It is not difficult to start firing at crowds but the consequences would be unforeseeable. The damage might not be worthwhile. This is what both sides should carefully consider.

The confrontational atmosphere between the Samak government and the PAD is due to the inefficiency of this government over the past six months. Some ministers are not qualified to perform their duties. Besides, the government focused on the amendment of the Constitution only, leading to PAD's "whistle-blowing" operation.

Matichon summed up by saying that if Samak wants to stay in office, he must think thoroughly of how to solve the problems that have arisen from PAD's resistance. Whatever solution he comes up with should not lead to new problems that could lead to a more severe crisis. In any case, regardless of the hard-core or soft approach, Samak, as the leader of the nation, must consider the peace and order of the country rather than his hold on office.