Public doubt over junta’s reconciliation plans

According to a recent political survey, the Thai public believes that the country is in need of political reconciliation. However, it is divided over whether reconciliation can be achieved under the military regime.  
 
 
 
A poll conducted by Suan Dusit University shows that only 10 per cent of the Thai public are highly optimistic that the junta can achieve reconciliation in the country’s political conflict. A further 40 per cent of respondents are fairly optimistic about the junta’s reconciliation efforts.
 
On the other hand, nearly 35 per cent believe reconciliation may not be achieved because it seems difficult to reach a compromise between all political sectors. 15 per cent do not expect any achievement. 
 
Over recent weeks, the junta has singled out reconciliation as a policy priority and has appointed a National Reconciliation Committee that will try to solve Thailand’s chronic political conflicts.
 
According to deputy junta head Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, the reconciliation plan will include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). which political parties and movements will be asked to sign, binding them to build peaceful relationships with each other. 
 
The poll also found that over 80 per cent of respondents believe that an MoU is a good idea. 57 per cent think that politicians should sign the MoU, not because of pressure from the junta, but of their own volition. 
 
Since the early 2000s, Thailand has been wracked by public unrest that has repeatedly culminated in the fall of governments. 
 

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