สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume II - 2010 Towards A Culture of Peace in Thai Society 24 lead to much improved teamwork, collaboration and cohesion. Community Action - its social dimensions yet unknown participation in such joint activities can have an enormous positive effect on the community or the country. Essential is: Focus clearly, One Theme at One Time Carried Out Everywhere: “Together Let’s Make our Community Green, Clean, Happy!” Towards Non-Violence and Peace Neither non-violence nor peace is a static condition, but a confluence of positive traits, actions and events. Peace in society is not a constant state of affairs, but requires perpetual work, joint voluntary efforts of a great many – only feasible where all are part of the wider society. Participation and contributions of all members of society require joint efforts of all, but for this to occur, all need to feel included, as well. NON-VIOLENCE needs to begin at ‘Home’, to be replicated a few million times over the Country; then PEACE can come and stay in Society. What can or must the Thai family do? What can Thai society contribute towards a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence? Socialization needs to convey a sense of mutual dependence and responsibility outside of the confines of the family and prepare the individual for open communication, cooperation and compromise in the public and political sphere. At school education needs to impart an intense aversion towards abuse or violence, as well as, a general sense of fairness and inclusion. Education needs to foster a spirit of cooperation and solidarity that also embraces weaker segments of society and includes minorities which will lead to long-term solutions. But even if family or school succeed in this endeavor against all the odds, major challenges and prerequisites for a conflict-free Thai society still persist, as there are other deterring forces or major hindrances and constraints well out of its control or reach, such as the wide economic disparity and a divisive political climate. These need to be addressed in the medium-term. Lest we forget, though, for amending the way society operates or augmenting school curricula to result in tangible effects or to take hold throughout society and country, it might require the combined efforts of an entire generation or more. Hence, implementing these suggestions right now would not alleviate the present urgent concerns, (albeit preparing society better for modern life) of individuals or communities and their need to be governed by peace and non-violence.