สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume II - 2010 Towards A Culture of Peace in Thai Society 22 personnel need to be selected and trained. Also, nodal points (junction points in a transmission system) need to be identified and recruited, such as, universities, also specialized institutes, teacher colleges, PTAs or rural health centres. As crucial catalysts and ‘multipliers’ the media (radio and TV) via journalists’ associations and private/public stations need to be involved, as well. Two special nation-wide programmes for furthering trust, cooperation and enhancing communal spirit are worth considering: • Taking Up Dialogue At present (March 2010), with the opposing sides seemingly unable or unwilling to enter civilized dialogue, a major step towards advancing non-violence and peace within Thai society would be to arrange a nationwide public dialogue, to present a public forum for issues that are causes or effects and thus the basis of the current challenges, confrontations and conflicts. These issues, discussed in an organized way, and a civilized manner in the public arena and on neutral ground, could constitute a major accomplishment in this current era of permanent confrontation. For this, though, a culture of public dialogue is required; components and mechanisms of a social, as well as an inter-generational and rural-urban exchange of opinion need to be developed. Such dialogue would set the scene for articulating concern and for arriving at consensus, compromise and contribute - through its very presence - towards solidarity and cooperation amongst diverse segments of society including the rural-urban, young-old, educated-less educated, employers-employees. Its first positive impact would be to reach out and motivate a wider participation in public and political affairs. A responsive dialogue bringing together the various stakeholders at one forum; thus furthering positive relations. These can be direct relations between members of civil society or relations between governmental authorities and civil society, to address concerns on a variety of matters. Participants would come from the public and private sectors as well as ‘civil society’. The aim is to debate certain issues and come up with answers and suggestions for action. The goal is to have an ongoing dialogue on issues of current concern and present a platform for an exchange of opinions at every level of society. This would introduce a structured and qualitative dialogue and device for the authorities and institutions to take into account the concerns and aspirations, opinions and ideas from a wider public. It would also help improve accountability and transparency on the part of those who govern and hence contribute to making policy and administration more inclusive, by providing a platform for diverse inputs from