Double standards will doom reconciliation

My heartiest congratulations to Major Chalermchai Matchaklam, paroled after 14 years in jail for murdering the then-governor of Yasothon. If he maintains his good behaviour, he need not serve the remainder of his sentence.

But why has Major Chalermchai retained his military title – while Thaksin Shinawatra is being stripped of his? Surely premeditated murder is the most foul of crimes, which is why the Supreme Court upheld the initial sentence of death by execution. 

Is the junta practising double standards, which would only further divide us and not lead to reconciliation? How many others who have been convicted of crimes still have their military or police titles, and why?

Double standards widen the gulf between us and thus hinder reconciliation. Stop the games, please.

Burin Kantabutra