I agree the government and police must be held responsible for the Oct 7 violence on the streets of Bangkok which cost two lives and left hundreds of people injured.
But I don't think those two parties are the only ones answerable for the incident.
On Oct 7 the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders led thousands of supporters to seal all entrances of Parliament House in an attempt to block MPs and senators from announcing the government policy and formally launching the Somchai Wongsawat administration.
Based on the PAD's earlier move to occupy Government House, it was not pessimistic to expect a repeat at the Parliament, so the police operation to disperse the protesters to pave the way for the assembly was acceptable and not a crime against humanity.
Where the police went wrong was not in their decision to disperse the demonstrators but the way they went about it.
It's not hard to imagine what the police were thinking when the PAD's seizure of several state agencies and Government House on Aug 26 was still fresh in their minds.
On that occasion, order was maintained as police and the government exercised patience in order to avoid violence, for they knew that if it happened, the brunt of the blame would fall on them.
PAD leaders always say their protest is based on "ahimsa", a Hindu doctrine which advocates non-violence and peaceful resolution.
The PAD could be worthy of respect if they truly were really following the path of ahimsa.
If we step back from the recent violence and look back at the overall situation over recent months, we can see whether or not the PAD movement is serving the ahimsa principle well.
Before seizing Government House, PAD supporters occupied and blocked main streets in Bangkok-Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue and Phitsanulok road - to use as a base for their protest, causing a lot of problems for commuters and schoolchildren.
Then, as this proved unpopular, they turned their attention to Government House, taking complete control of the compound, which they maintain to this day, and denying the head of the administration access to his offices. Then followed the siege of Parliament.
PAD leaders insist its protests are peaceful and constitutional.
Let's talk about constitutionality. PAD leaders claim their right to stage peaceful rallies based on the first paragraph of Article 63 of the 2007 charter, stipulating that "a person shall enjoy the liberty to assemble peacefully and without arms".
Still, the PAD has never mentioned the following paragraph, stipulating that "restriction on such liberty shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for the case of public assembly and for securing public convenience in the use of public places".
In addition, Article 28 of the charter concerning the rights and liberties of the Thai people clearly states that "a person can invoke human dignity or exercise his or her rights and liberties in so far as it is not in violation of the rights and liberties of other persons or contrary to the Constitution or good morals'.'
I'm sure the PAD's moves to block streets, seize Government House, and seal off Parliament have violated other people's rights and liberties and caused public inconvenience.
Should the PAD leaders take responsibility for such unconstitutional actions, which they claim to be peaceful?
The PAD leaders should be held accountable for the Oct 7 bloodshed.
The way I look at it, the government and police can be blamed for the outcome, while the PAD leaders could be blamed for its cause.
Mr Somchai and the police chief have expressed "regret" for the incidents but I have yet to hear a single word of remorse from the PAD leaders.
They may claim their protests are aimed at helping the nation and reforming the political system.
That can be respected, but it's not necessary for everyone else in the country to agree with them.
Moreover, those who disagree should not be labelled as non-patriots or be lumped in with those who have no virtue.
In our long experience, abrupt constitutional changes have not given us actual democracy. Patient learning can achieve this.
Why do the PAD leaders not put their trust in the justice system which is performing its duty?
source bangkok post
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