Every now and then a letter arrives at the Bangkok Post suggesting that the media stop reporting on Thaksin Shinawatra. The general tenor is that we should ignore the fugitive former prime minister and anything and everything he says so he just fades into history.
Former military leaders, and the incumbents, also question why the media gives space to Thaksin every time he opens his mouth or makes a move, pointing out he is a fugitive and therefore undeserving of public attention.
Some academics warn that unless we Thais, both admirers and haters of Thaksin, can overcome the "Thaksin factor", reconciliation will not be possible. We will be trapped in endless political conflict with Thaksin as the predominant figure.
But as far as the media is concerned, Thaksin is "news" and so his every move is watched, followed and reported. It is an open fact there are pro- and anti-Thaksin camps among the media and there are those who take the middle path.
The pro-Thaksin media, obviously, gives more time and space to the fugitive, whereas his opponents keep bashing him whenever an opportunity arises.
The latest uproar over Thaksin revolves around the remarks he made in his interview with a Korean newspaper, Chosun Ilbo, during his visit to Seoul in mid-May to attend the Asian leadership international conference. A clip of that interview was posted on social media, and that was how we came to know all the controversial details of what he said.
The Thai authorities reacted swiftly, culminating in the Foreign Ministry's decision to revoke his two Thai passports, followed by a police panel's decision to strip Thaksin of his police rank - and then army chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr's decision to file a defamation charge against him.
The cause of the uproar - and the subsequent series of reactions - was Thaksin's implied allegation that the Privy Council was behind the coup which toppled the government of his sister, Yingluck, on May 22 last year.
This was denied by coup leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. The prime minister was quoted as saying: "Believe me about the coup. I want to make it clear again that nobody can order me around because as leader, I have responsibilities and I can make my own decisions. Nobody can give me orders."
Gen Prayut admitted that the coup was wrong but he asked: "If I did nothing on that day, would there be a today?"
Gen Udomdej made clear the army has not - and would not - file lese majeste charges against the ex-premier because it is not the "injured party" under the legal definition. But there are suggestions that moves are afoot to strip Thaksin of his royal decorations.
Reacting to the revocation of his two passports, Thaksin said on social media that he offered his compassion towards those who are consumed with the lust for power.
I do not recall any former prime minister of this country being charged with lese majeste. If Thaksin is to be the first ex-premier to be charged with this criminal offence, then it will certainly make front-page headlines. But on the negative side, it may reignite widespread criticism of the law itself.
Hence, any idea of stripping Thaksin of his royal decorations should be put on hold. The lese majeste issue, meanwhile, has to be treated with great caution to ensure fairness to all concerned, especially the accused.
As a member of the media, I share my views on the Thaksin affair without emotional involvement. Because of the sensitive nature of the issue, such as the lese majeste charge, my humble suggestion is the matter be handled with extreme caution - and with a warning that the world is watching.
Veera Prateepchaikul is a former editor, Bangkok Post.