Reconciliation requires concessions
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Regarding "PM in pink to meet Prem signalling love" (April 26) your article cites Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit saying, "He said the event should not be politicised because it is a tradition for younger people to pay respect to the elders on th
Has it ever been a tradition in Thailand for politicians to call on General Prem Tinsulanonda on the Thai New Year? Anyway it is already after the Thai New Year (Songkran), but the tradition is for the Army chiefs to pay respects to Prem on his birthday.
Despite the denials, this is not a low-key meeting but a highly publicised event by politicians and it has to be seen in the context of the ruling party’s ongoing efforts to bring a certain person back to Thailand.
Reconciliation has to start with some sacrifice on the part of the person seeking to reconcile. It is not all taking and asking from others or making and actually carrying out threats if you don’t get your way. Or saying the only way there will be peace is if we are running the show.
Token gestures are all very well, but they are no substitute for genuine concessions, which have been lacking (withdrawing a threat is not a concession).
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts
Chon Buri
