Civil society organisations need to stand in solidarity and get the public on board to create a social movement if they want to achieve their objectives, a seminar was told yesterday.
Chatchawan Thongdeelert, secretary-general of Alternative Education, warned that development policies and projects are currently shaped by the state and investors, causing adverse impacts on local communities.
He cited the controversial coal-fired power plants and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development plan as examples. These schemes have sparked opposition and triggered protests from those believing they threaten natural resources and people's livelihoods.
Mr Chatchawan said civil groups must become more coordinated and learn to work together.
"[They] need to improve their strategy and make a connection with other sectors in society. They need to build an understanding and public participation to push for a social movement that will bring about structural changes," he said.
Mr Chatchawan's call was made at a forum called "Thai civil society ... which direction?" at the Chulabhorn Research Institute in Bangkok. It was held to reflect the work of civil society groups over the past 50 years and discuss ways to strengthen their capacity.
Civil sector development in Thailand began with the setting up of the Foundation for Thailand Rural Reconstruction Movement by Puey Ungpakorn, a former Bank of Thailand governor, in Chai Nat in 1967.
Uthai Dulayakasem, a former rector of Silpakorn University, said while independence is crucial, civil groups need to collaborate more in pushing for structural changes.
According to Mr Uthai, civil groups seem to have their own agendas and operate separately, but now it is time for them to collaborate and pick issues that will lead to major social transformation.
Sunee Chaiyarose, coordinator of the WeMove group and a former human rights commissioner, emphasised the need for civil groups to push for democratic values and public participation.
"All the work should strive to promote democracy, fundamental rights and free speech. Public participation is a crucial element. Without it, problems can't be solved effectively," she said during the keynote speech.
She said civil society groups have proved to be a powerful force, especially in scrutinising government policies.
