Kofi Annan and Martti Ahtisaari in an interview with the Bangkok Post

All sectors of society need to take ownership of the process, Mr Annan said, but added that people in key positions should compromise. They need to consider what’s in the best interests of the nation. They should ask themselves: What should I do to help the nation?

He cited South Africa as an example where Nelson Mandela and WF de Klerk both had to make compromises to move reconciliation efforts forward.

Mr Annan and former president of Finland Martti Ahtisaari have been in Bangkok since Thursday as guests of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT). Both men said they were in Thailand to support and encourage ongoing reconciliation efforts with the TRCT and a wide range of facilitators.

“We came to listen, to learn and to share our experiences. We did not come to mediate,” said Mr Ahtisaari.

During their visit, both men have met Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Mr Abhisit’s team. They also met business operators as well as relatives of those killed during the 2010 red shirt protests.

Among those they met were Nicha Hiranburana Thuwatham, the widow of Col Romklao Thuwatham who was killed during the April 10, 2010 clashes at Khok Wua intersection, and Payao Akkahad, the mother of Kamolket Akkahad, the volunteer medic who was killed inside Wat Pathumwanaram on May 19 of the same year.

Yesterday, the Nobel laureates met with women’s groups and other activists, including the Women’s Council of Thailand.

Red shirt member Sudsa-nguan Sutheesorn and outspoken writer Lakana Tunvichai were present at a meeting with Mr Annan and Mr Ahtisaari.

Ms Sudsa-nguan views the visit by both men as a publicity stunt by the TRCT, adding that it would have been more appropriate to invite persons with experience in resolving political conflicts, such as Mr Mandela, to share their views.

But at least the visit of the two Nobel laureates has helped draw the international community’s attention back to Thailand’s national reconciliation process, she said, adding that it remained the responsibility of the previous and current administrations to determine the truth of past political crises.

Both laureates said in a joint statement that the TRCT is making an important contribution that remains highly relevant.

“We believe that reconciliation is everybody’s business,” the statement said. “To be effective, reconciliation must be inclusive and take into account the views of all sectors of society. It is essential to establish the facts and the truth.

“Based on our experience, reconciliation in any society is a long and arduous process. We are pleased that in our discussions we have heard a desire by the TRCT and all stakeholders to work together to nurture an open space for debate and to provide and effective channel for dialogue.

“Our hope is that the reconciliation process will continue, leading to an equitable, prosperous Thailand based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.”

In a separate interview with the Bangkok Post, Mr Annan was asked to comment on the role of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in reconciliation.

Mr Annan did not speak specifically on Thaksin’s role but reiterated that it was up to the country’s political leaders to find a way to bridge gaps.

“They [the political leaders] have to set the tone. They have to be seen as one. Put the country first. The country is bigger than they are,” he said.

Mr Annan stressed that national reconciliation cannot be left to the TRCT alone. Apart from the government and political leadership, civil society and groups and religious groups need to also take responsibility for the process.

The problems here can be resolved but its takes time and there are other countries which are in a worse situation, said Mr Annan, who was personally involved in the national reconciliation process in Kenya.

After the 2000 elections in Kenya, violence and fighting erupted, causing 1,300 deaths and the displacement of some 650,000 people.

Mr Ahtisaari said that in some cases civil society groups had taken over the drive to reconciliation. He pointed out that one positive aspect of Thailand is that it is a tolerant society.

Mr Annan agreed that emotions on both sides were high and that this was normal as people had lost their loved ones, or had their properties damaged or destroyed. They want the truth so they can attain closure and adequate compensation.

“Frustration and anger is normal,” Mr Annan said, adding that he hopes Thailand’s leaders shows set the right tone for reconciliation as he believes most Thais want to live in peace.

Mr Ahtisaari appealed to the media saying “you also have a role to play”.

Mr Annan added that it was necessary for Thailand to have an open space for reconciliation and ensure that dialogue and communication continues.

Asked to comment on the tenure of the TRCT expiring in six months, Mr Annan said the commission should discuss with the government whether to extend this. He stressed that national reconciliation efforts take time to bear fruit.