Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she believed that all Thais could benefit from international experience, particularly on how others have resolved political conflict and promoted the development of democracy.
The statement was part of her welcome address at the Special Lecture Series “Uniting for the future: Learning from each other’s Experience” on 2 September 2013. The event was hosted by the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Institute of Security and International Studies of Chulalongkorn University.
In her address, the Prime Minister said, “We live in a time when democracy is at a crossroad. There are still some attempts to suppress the people’s freedom in many places all over the world. Many of you here believe in democracy and have worked hard to protect and defend the principles. Democracy guarantees the rights and liberties of the common individual. Democracy encourages individual talent to flourish, allowing equal economic opportunities to take root. And democracy respects diversity and allows any differences to be resolved in a peaceful manner.
“And we care deeply about the importance of unity for achieving long lasting peace and stability. This is because stability provides the basis for all nations and regions to ensure sustainable economic and social development.
“The challenge for our generation is to build a future that provides our children with the kind of stability where there are less conflicts and ensure an environment where all are given equal opportunities to prosper. The key is for us to work towards a future built around a secure foundation of democracy.
“And when I talk about democracy, I do not just mean a system where the majority is the government and the minority the opposition. I mean a culture where all citizens respect each another’s views and where the rule of law is enforced and respected by all.”
“It is for the next generation that we are here today. We need to learn from each other and I believe that all Thais can benefit from international experience.”
The Prime Minister hoped that the lessons learnt from case studies of other countries would inspire all Thais to reflect more on what is best for their country. This will allow them to take steps forward together in a democratic manner as they seek to unite for the future of the next generation.
Source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=6915&a=2