A peaceful approach in problem-solving and the democratic principles
observed by the late statesman Pridi Banomyong should be adopted by the
country in carrying out the charter changes, academics said yesterday.
Speaking at a commemoration service to mark the 110th anniversary of the
statesman's death, Anusorn Thamjai, member of the organising committee,
encouraged the public to follow the path of the former premier.
"It is time for Thailand to praise a civilian like Prof Dr Pridi, who
sacrificed for the public and should be seen as a role model by Thais.
"We should shun away from political divide, and follow the path of this
honest and brave leader," he said.
Mr Pridi was the founder of Thammasat University, leader of the Free
Thai Movement which fought for the country's freedom during World War II.
In 1947, the government under the late prime minister Luang Adm
Thamrongnawasawat was toppled by a coup led by Lt-Gen Phin Choonhavan.
Mr Pridi escaped arrest by fleeing the country during the military takeover.
He spent the rest of his life in exile in Singapore, China and France,
where he died on May 12 in a Paris suburb in 1983 at the age of 95.
The commemoration began yesterday and will run for a period of one year.
Mr Anusorn said the year-long commemoration will serve as a channel to
bridge the social divide by using Mr Pridi's principle.
The late statesman's peaceful approach to political problems and
democratic thinking would give the Thai people and politicians an idea
on how to solve the ongoing political problems.
The messages conveyed in the commemoration range from democratic ideals
to social ethics, with the targets being politicians as well as the
general public, he said.
"Vietnam has Uncle Ho to spark patriotism among the people. It is time
Thailand also praised Mr Pridi in a similar way," Mr Anusorn said.Source
- Bangkok Post