It is imperative that both sides take time to cool off and reflect on the overall positive nature of their bilateral relations, which have been the strongest among Asean members. It is interesting to note that the Foreign Ministry's initial verbal warnings to Singapore of the dire consequences of Thaksin's visit were not taken seriously. The "personal" meeting between Thaksin and Singapore's deputy prime minister S Jayakumar was a most glaring show of insensitivity.

Adding insult to injury, Thaksin's interviews with CNN and the Asian Wall Street Journal appeared to amplify Singapore's insensitivity to Thailand's concerns. Of course we respect freedom of the press and nothing was wrong with the broadcasting and publication of Thaksin's views, however his interviews were considered very damaging by the Surayud government, as the deposed premier took the opportunity to criticise and ridicule the government's economic management.

It is quite surprising that Singapore, which had pledged to be a good neighbour, would fail to anticipate how all of these events could affect relations between the two countries. Singaporean diplomats responded predictably that Thailand has never notified them of the nature of the offences that Thaksin has committed. This is so obvious that it would have been like asking in which direction the sun rises in the morning. Singapore should have known the political situation in Thailand and Thaksin's status better than any country. The island nation's diplomats and intelligence community have virtually unlimited access to Thai officials and records.

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security, even sarcastically stated that the details of whatever is discussed or debated by the Defence Ministry is known by Singapore the next instant. For Singapore to continue to play dumb, like it has done, will not help. As nationalist sentiment is running high among members of the Thai armed forces, this kind of diplomatic row could affect defence cooperation, which underpins the countries' bilateral relations.

At the same time, Thailand's Foreign Ministry needs to get its act together. Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram needs to overcome his instinctive aversion to making tough decisions and show strong leadership. The ministry has to be bolder and more emphatic in its diplomatic messages about Thaksin's status. During its first three months in power, the ministry has failed to come up with a strong message about the government's stance regarding Thaksin.

The government did not protest Thaksin's visits to China, Hong Kong and Indonesia because the authorities in those countries had the good sense not to grant him access to their senior government officials. It is unfortunate that Singapore allowed itself to be used as Thaksin's propaganda tool. Indeed, this plays into Thaksin's hands; as a billionaire and former PM he has the capacity to continually damage the Thai government's reputation overseas, single-handedly. Thaksin can easily pit a government in the West against an unelected government.

Indeed, several European countries continue to treat Thaksin with respect and hospitality. After all, he was an elected leader - never mind the fact that he was corrupt, divisive, and anti-democratic. More importantly, he was the leader who offered them potentially lucrative "mega projects" related to the Kingdom's infrastructure development.

It is sad that the Thai-Singapore friendship has come to this. Singapore is an important participant in the Thai economy. The two countries need to come back to their senses and begin mending fences without further delay. Both must demonstrate a willingness to overcome and put the Thaksin factor in bilateral ties behind them, and concentrate on building a sound, long-term relationship based on common interests and mutual respect.