Although the PTT tried to deflect the blame from Mr Chuan by arguing that the troops were there as part of an agreement it reached with the Banharn Silpa-archa government, this does not help the situation. The troops' presence only serves to increase tensions. Any wrong move will inevitably lead to unpredictable results. The dispute reached an impasse after an academic from Khon Khen University failed in an earlier attempt to mediate. If violence is to be diverted and damage is to be kept to a minimum, an alternative must be found at once.
Time is of the essence.
We cannot afford a more deliberate, full-fledged conflict resolution process that will take months. More mediation should be tried. This time prominent figures forming a tribunal should be given the task of continuing the talks until an agreement is reached. The situation warrants the involvement of the most respected people acceptable to all sides. Some names that immediately spring to mind are economist Ammar Siamwalla, former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, political scientist Chai-Anan Samudavanija and Dr Prawase Wasi.