A case of a father let down by his son

Former deputy prime minister and finance minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula last week came out to apologise to the public for his 40-year-old son’s “rash behaviour” in criticising the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). 

He said his son was absolutely wrong in describing the NACC as “khlang” (fanatical) and “chui” (terrible) over its investigation that led to the conviction this week of TV news anchor Sorayuth Suthassanajinda. He said it was his son who in fact deserved these descriptions. 

Pridiyathorn said that, despite his son having been sent abroad for his education, he had shown a lack of responsibility unbecoming of his status. In attacking the NACC he had ignored the Buddha’s teachings on equanimity (upekkha) and ethical values (jariyadhama), Pridiyathorn said. He added that his son had yet to enter the monkhood to gain a proper understanding of these values, at which time he might be considered a grown man.

Pridiyathorn expressed hope that his son would follow fatherly advice and apologise to the public and the “phu yai” of the country.

We can only hope that our societal disagreement doesn’t permeate deep into families. If it takes root there between the generations, it would be too late to remedy.

Vint Chavala