Reconciliation also isn't just about the cessation of angry words being exchanged among politicians. Most political opponents don't seem to realise that by marginalising the grassroots they have overlooked the most important element of the process of reconciliation.

If reconciliation is to be a sustainable process, it has to cover all levels of society. The process must introduce a genuinely level playing field for all segments of society, not just those involved in the struggle for political power. Thaksin apparently still doesn't get it. He told a rally during a recent whirlwind tour of the Northeast that he would forgive his detractors and other critics who had been condemning him so that "national reconciliation can be restored".

Laced with sarcasm and vindictiveness, Thaksin declared: "Whoever wants to quarrel with me can carry on. But I won't quarrel back. Whoever wants to condemn me may do so but I will kruad nam for them…"

His vengeful tone was evident. Kruad nam is supposed to be a traditional religious rite of forgiveness. But that's for the dead, those who no longer pose a threat to his political power.

That's the kind of fate Thaksin wishes upon his critics. He still clings to the misconception that reconciliation is only about the quarrels he has with his opponents. Such off-the-cuff remarks could have been forgivably considered mildly amusing, if it weren't for the fact that the meaning behind them is so dangerously vindictive.

He apparently didn't realise that for reconciliation to be real and convincing, it must begin with him admitting what's wrong with his own behaviour - and not pointing accusing fingers at others, especially those he has persistently labelled "unpatriotic, against national interests, and malicious against me personally".

Reconciliation, from Thaksin's insular perspective, is simply a plea for his critics to halt their protests. To Thaksin, once his opponents stop criticising him, the country will reach a major breakthrough, peace will return and everybody will live together happily ever after. It's precisely this kind of over-simplistic and bigoted thinking that has wreaked havoc on the country's political landscape.

The real essence of reconciliation must consist of a transparent process that effectively and constantly addresses, monitors and evaluates the very basic issues that have divided society.

On top of the list of priorities of a national reconciliation process is addressing Thaksin's very own political role which, when all is said and done, is the core of the ongoing divisiveness in the country.

A good start for "national pacification" is for Thaksin to take himself out of the eye of the storm, in exchange for his opponents' agreement to divert their focus to the more positive objective of embarking on the next step of nation-building instead of the pursuit of personal vendettas. Ensuring the upcoming elections are held in a free and fair manner, which means the active participation of all concerned social groups, should also be at the top of the national agenda.

Now that the Supreme Court has chosen 10 candidates of which five will serve as the new national election commissioners, the Senate, charged with the vital constitutional duty of picking the "honest five", will have to prove to a highly sceptical public that it can act independently of any suspected political influence.

 Any lingering doubts as to whether the ruling party can sway the voting patterns in the Upper House in this vital vote will send any "reconciliation" effort down the drain.

You can't play dirty, hit your opponent below the belt, and then scream "let's meet halfway". Unfortunately no matter how things are being spun by the powers that be, that seems to be the case at the moment.

Suthichai Yoon