Once is not enough

Is this another step in political reconciliation between Gen Prem Tinsulanonda and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra?

Both sides seem bent on portraying an image of being friendly to each other. Deep down, nobody is quite sure what's really happening.

Privy Council President Gen Prem has agreed to "preside over" the party Friday evening hosted by Premier Yingluck Shinawatra to express thanks to all who played in part in helping Flood Relief Operation Centre (FROC) to help the flood victims.

Deputy Premier Kittirat na Ranong was said to have been the link man in this case. He went to see Gen Prem to ask him to be present at the function.

Gen Prem agreed, according to one of his aides, because it's an activity that will benefit the whole country.

The red-shirt leaders, who had until recently declared Gen Prem one of their arch enemies,have not made any official comment on this move.

One Thai columnist suggested that the picture of Gen Prem and Yingluck warming up to each other (they met recently for the first time during a function to commemorate Army Day)is more or less similar to the scene of Burmese President Thein Sein shaking hands with Aung San Suu Kyi!