Stop Hatred and Peace Will Be Here to Stay

The recent political movement that escalated into uncontrollable riots and vandalisms has left Thailand with a great loss. The finance minister said the riot in Bangkok over the past week will cost the nation at least at least 0.5 per cent of the gross domestic product and that translates to around 50 billion baht. The Finance Ministry has prepared both short- and long-term plans to tackle the problem with a view to promote peace and unity amongst Thais. He underlined poverty and social disparities among top-priority issues.

In addition the effort to tackle the problems that are the roots of national conflicts, the government also needs to restore confidence amongst Thai and foreign investors, as well as tourists. Thailand has been an attractive investment hub, especially for the service industry, due to its beautiful natural landscapes and the hospitality of its people that impresses tourists from around the world.

No matter how long it will take or how hard it might be for the country to fix its problems, as long as we turn around and work together, all the difficult tasks become easy.

It is natural that human beings react to what they dislike to hear, to unexpected misfortunes, or whatever that turns against them with feelings of hate and revenge. Instead of letting hatred consumes us or launching war of words against one another, everyone should give themselves some time to come to their senses, use reasons and look at things from different angles, and put national interests and fellow countrymen's above anything else. And I believe that we will definitely find a way out of the crisis.

It may take a very long time for Thailand to restore orders and redefine it's own version of democracy after this tragic incident. Good moral judgment will be the key to realizing this feat. And in addition to the government taking the leadership role, participation of all Thais could never be less important. All peace-building efforts initiated by the authorities will become futile if we do not let go of our ego and continue to fight against each other.

By giving up the hatred, there will be no division and discrimination. And this will be the best solution for all Thais, because nobody can help us out of the discord except ourselves. It is never too late for us to help patch up the country’s wounds and rewrite the future. We have to prove that our country is still the Land of Smiles.

Krungthep Thurakit editorial, May 21st, 2010
Translated and edited by Wacharapol Isaranont 
By: TAN network