Democracy idles with military at controls

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/195133/democracy-idles-with-military-at-controls

ONtheRECORD

Democracy idles with military at controls

• Published: 8/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Concerns about Thailand's democracy and human rights abuses have been rife following the Sept 19, 2006, coup and later the crackdown on anti-government red shirt protesters in Bangkok on May 19. Basil Fernando, the director of the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission, tells ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT that Thailand needs to overcome its "legacy of militarisation" to have real democracy.

Fernando: 'Army role holds Thailand back'

What follow-up actions should the Thai government take following the crackdown on the red shirts?

The recent crackdown represents a very acute problem for Thai democracy _ as a number of people died and were arrested during it and measures to investigate the matter appear to be very inadequate. It is the Thai government's duty to start a proper discourse to ensure justice for the benefit of all parties.

Now the country is facing a democratic crisis and the government needs to respect the basic rights of those under detention.

Thailand's democratic development is stalled now and the process has to be moved forward again.

Should the government-appointed Truth for Reconciliation Commission seek external help to investigate the protests and crackdown?

Thailand has a lot of committed people of strong character to do that, but if it does need help, it should not regard the United Nations as an outsider. We are all part of the international family and the UN is particularly helpful in certain circumstances. Their agencies' help should not be considered as interference.

Is the Asian Human Rights Commission concerned about the emergency decree in effect in some parts of Thailand?

The emergency decree in Bangkok should be abolished, while emergency powers in the restive South should be scaled back to only what is essential for the military to maintain security.

How do you see the future of Thailand?

Thailand is a very important country in the region because of the way its democracy has developed in recent decades. I really hope that it is able to overcome the legacy of militarisation impeding democratic progress.

The military no longer rules the country, but the tradition of army influence remains strong. The country must address this issue earnestly or the potential for a true democracy to take root here will be lost.