Sincerity is needed when seeking reconciliation

Dialogue has long been proved as a gateway to reconciliation. The only condition to its success is that both sides must show their sincerity. True dialogue requires one to trust and listen to one another. In this case, the government should show its sincerity to rebuild righteousness whereas PAD should show its sincerity in regaining peace. It should not be too difficult for both to come up with "one" practical way to reflect such sincerity. Once sincerity has been expressed, trust will be invoked and a true dialogue can be held, when each listens to the other.

JARIN P

KHON KAEN

Thai leaders must take the responsibility for problems

The "begging bowl" is out with people asking Thaksin Shinawatra to be "the only person who can solve the problem", "to leave us alone please", and the poll saying the majority of people "want reconciliation between Thaksin and Sondhi".

This shows that his strategy to use political and other activities to gain "leverage" within the country is working in a kind of war of attrition. The newspaper has said he is only thinking about "revenge".

What a pleasant thought!

Rather than blaming the UK embassy, which certainly deserves a lot of blame for saying and doing nothing, your leaders have to see themselves as "the only ones who can solve the problem". Only Chamlong Srimuang has done this (again). Also, it is the Bangkok middle-class people who like Sondhi.

Where are your liberal academics, or are the university bodies saying how it is time for compromise?

"Coincidentally", while all this is happening, we have had the destruction of the Erawan shrine, the burning of 50 schools upcountry, the co-signing of the Preah Vihar Unesco request, the great friend Hun Sen's threats along the border, General Salang's threats, and the recent bombings of the PAD and a judge's home.

 But "you have no proof".

IRVING LONDON

BANGKOK

Democracy cannot work in such a divided nation

Re: Wise thoughts on democracy from Thaksin

Mr Burin, when did Thailand ever have a real "democracy"? Vote buying has no place in such a definition. By praising Thaksin a day prior to what could perhaps be the most inflammatory remarks made in decades, that could help lead this country into a civil war, and at a time when the country needs strong leadership and backing from the people to protect itself from the onslaught of the effects of the financial tsunami about to put at least one million Thais out of work, is careless.

However, I agree with you. Thailand has two options: either a government of unity or another military coup; "democracy" in such a divided nation simply will not be able to withstand the waves of economic fallout about to pounce on its already disenfranchised political leaders.

Maybe this quote by Mohandas K Gandhi comes from the same website as you found Aristotle's: "To safeguard democracy, the people must have a keen sense of independence, self-respect, and their oneness."

JAMES GROVEWAY

BANGKOK