Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that by the first of January next year, Thailand will have a comprehensive plan to carry out national reconciliation and reform.

The Prime Minister on July 14 told a group of Japanese investors about the developments of the country’s major reform in the long run, saying that it would take quite some time before the wound from the recent political events in the country are healed.

He cited the protests over the past several months as something that is uncharacteristic of Thailand. It was an aberration. So beyond the veil of unrest, prolonged demonstrations and violence, one may not see -- or forget to see -- the typical character of Thai people, who are friendly, peace-loving, and warm-hearted.

Most importantly, the Prime Minister said, one may not see that despite the political difficulties experienced by our country, Thailand has never closed its doors on its foreign friends. Foreign friends continue to be welcome, and their safety and well-being have been accorded top priority from the Government.

He said that Thais need to learn to live in a society where people with different opinions can co-exist harmoniously, and one in which their views can freely be expressed as long as they do not break the law and do not infringe on other people’s rights. This is an important step for the country to make the transition to an even more mature democratic society.

The Prime Minister said that it is now clear that the majority of Thai people want to move on, and it is incumbent on his government to make sure that Thailand does move forward. With that in mind, he has laid out the five-point national reconciliation plan upon which various committees have been created and various initiatives are being crafted.
Issues that will be addressed include unity among Thai people to show reverence and respect for the Monarchy; a national reform agenda that includes addressing social disparities and inequity; political reform, including constitutional amendments; media reform; and embarking upon a fact-finding mission on the incidents that transpired from the protests in April and May.

According to the Prime Minister, some of these committees have already started working on their tasks. The Chairs and members of all the committees have already been appointed. These committees are all independent and are free from the Government’s interference.

He elaborated that, in June this year, he wrote a short letter to the public, asking for their participation in moving Thailand forward for a better future. And earlier this month, the Government organized the “6 days 63 million opinions” campaign with a view to hearing opinions, concerns and grievances from the general public, so that they can be addressed appropriately. This is the first time that any Thai government to date has undertaken such an exercise and fully allowed people from all walks of life and across the country to participate.

He pointed out that his administration deeply cares for the people and is ready and willing to listen to all their voices. It wants the people to be part of this historic reconciliation process and to build the country together.