SOCIETY : Public still reeling from bombs, say academics

SOCIETY : Public still reeling from bombs, say academics.

ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

Academics have urged the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to return normality to society, which they say is still feeling the effects of the New Year bombings. ''The Dec 31 bombings were an act of terrorism, and terrorism has stolen a valuable thing, which is normality, from our society,'' said Chaiwat Satha-anant, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University.

He was speaking at a seminar on violence held by the ministry.

''After Dec 31, I just can't get around the bus stop at Victory Monument without wondering about my own safety,'' said Mr Chaiwat, talking of the effect of the New Year blasts.

''That's the normality we've lost, and the ministry's mission is to restore it as soon as possible,'' he said.

He said the real target of terrorism is not just the lives of innocent victims but creating fear which spreads quickly.

When terror happens, people affected feel anger and prejudice which blinds them from identifying the cause of the violence, resulting in the arrest of scapegoats. Sometimes, out of revenge, the victims also respond with violence themselves.

''Once we respond with violence, terrorism prevails,'' he said.

Minister of Social Development and Human Security Paiboon Wattanasiritham proposed four measures to deal with violence.

''First of all we must show our rejection of violence by opposing and condemning it as an unacceptable act,'' said Mr Pai- boon.

The second measure is not to bow to violence, and bring everyone's life back to normal, he said.

''Take Children's Day for example. We must go ahead as normal, while boosting security to ensure public safety,'' said Mr Paiboon.

The public should also be alert for any possible dangers and should work together to help strengthen society, he said.

The ministry also plans to open a public support centre in the fight against violence. Details have yet to be discussed.

Rachata Sriboonrak, a representative of 14 youth networks, encouraged younger people to launch a non-violence campaign on Children's Day.

Assistant police chief Chongrak Chutanont, chief investigator into the Dec 31 bomb blasts, said the culprits would face charges of terrorism in addition to premeditated murder.

He said the investigation was progressing well, with 66 people already questioned.

However, Pol Lt-Gen Chongrak denied a military officer was being detained for questioning in connection with the blasts.

He declined to discuss details, saying the Internal Security Operations Command, or Isoc, was the only agency authorised to discuss the investigation.

He also gave safety assurances for Children's Day celebrations, saying the military and the police would step up security.

Bangkok Post
Friday January 12, 2007