Conflict, Legitimacy and Government Reform: Equitable Allocation of ...

38 KPI Congress XI
Professor Dr. Kraiyut Theeratayakinan, who already passed away, once
told me that the word ‘tham (fair)’ means nature (thammachart) whose
meaning can be interpreted in several ways. I don’t want to use the word
‘sangkom yutitham (fair society)’ because the topic is not about enactment
of laws. I don’t want to use the word ‘sue sangkom thaothiam kan (towards
an equitable society)’ because my topic is not intended to make everyone
equal or equitable. I remember when I was a child, we must share things
that we have. We often asked, “Is it fair to divide it like this?” In fact,
we’re implying, “Is it acceptable?” We need to ask this question to ensure
that everyone agrees that the division is a fair share, so we won’t bicker
over it later. Therefore, the question “Is it fair?” opens an opportunity for
those who disagree to express their opinions. If they still disagree, a new
agreement has to be reached. So, agreement is very important.
An acceptable fair society doesn’t need to be equal in everything but
it must be equitable in terms of opportunities, security in life, political
participation and the fact that children and grandchildren will have
equally bright futures.
History of various societies asserts that these societies could not
develop themselves but they have been borne out of the results produced
by the people in such societies. A key factor is there must be a
government system which is responsive to demands of various societal
groups in balanced manners. The mechanisms of a modern government
that can satisfy this include fiscal policy, taxation, and allocation of taxes.
Additionally, public utilities and social services must be created to satisfy
people’s needs and foster the economy. If the government cannot fulfill
these objectives, such society tends to slide towards ever-increasing
inequality. Eventually, the society might develop conflicts between the
“super rich” and the “middle class” on one side and the “majority poor”
on the other side.….until it becomes a structure-based conflict, waiting
to explode one day (Bavornsak 2009: 6)
Presently, there has been a growing acceptance that the underlying
cause of ongoing political conflict we’re facing is inequality in Thai
society.