Imposing “unity” is not the path to reconciliation

I agree with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva that the junta should not focus on a unity agreement for national reconciliation, since the military’s whole approach to the process is fatally flawed. 
I suggest that, as in Aesop’s fable of the six blind men and the elephant, each step towards reconciliation is composed of different yet equally valid perceptions – and to succeed, we must welcome and understand the perceptions and concerns of others. Yet instead, the opposing sides are being told “you can think, but don’t express your thoughts” (Deputy PM Prawit) and have been banned from seeking a meeting of minds. This is counterproductive to reaching an understanding and hammering out joint goals.
We should follow the approach to problem-solving forged by our beloved national father King Rama IX and proven in such cases as weaning hilltribes from the practice of growing opium. First, we should gather baseline information and proposed solutions from all key stakeholders, especially the grass roots and officials concerned, but also extending to public-sector procurement. Drawn from a wide base of stakeholders, these proposed solutions could also be bolstered by seeking outside expertise from places like Singapore and Hong Kong. The result would be a joint product of all sectors, not merely a narrow political sphere, thus guaranteeing a widespread buy-in.
The junta’s focus should now be on keeping the peace while at the same time empowering opposing sides to form joint teams focusing on specific problems, perhaps under NGO leadership. Each team should include experts from various groups and representatives of all major political colours. For example, to combat widespread graft, the Anti-Corruption Organisation might lead a team of businessmen, soldiers, police, the Lawyers Council, and ordinary citizens (particularly the underprivileged), to draft and implement a comprehensive action plan.
Focus on joint solutions to solve the problems that divide us.
Burin Kantabutra