Synthesis of Problems and Obstacles Regarding “Public Forums Nationwide for National Reconciliation”: a Case Study of 6 Provinces in the Northeastern Region, Thailand

Abstract

This case study is related to a reconciliation situation focused on a crucial project under Yingluck Shinawatra’s government. In June and July 2013, the Thai government assigned the Truth for Reconciliation Committee sub-committee of the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Interior and Suan Dusit Rajabhat University to arrange an initiative for “Public Forums Nationwide for National Reconciliation” (PFNNR). In effect, this project raised a question to Thai society: “If we do not talk today, when will we talk?” The government wished the PFNNR to bridge the gap in the disharmony among the Thai people, thus enabling reconciliation and peace. Following the purposes of this research article, the author participated in these projects in 6 provinces of the northeastern region; namely, KhonKaen, NakhonRatchasima, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Roi Et, and Mahasarakham in June and July, 2013. It was discovered that this project was full of problems and obstacles. It is also proposed that thisproject employed inappropriate methods for the process of reconciliation. A suggestion is offered at the end of the article that a more compatible model for reconciliation should be utilized, either as a victim-centered model or a victim-perpetrator centered model, if needed.