FEER's Letter of Apology
HE Uthai Pimchaichon March 3, 2002. Your Excellency: As an editor of the Far Eastern Economic Review, I am writing to you to convey my sincere regret for the misunderstanding and controversy that has been generated by an article published in our issue of January 10, 2002, which has resulted in immigration sanctions against Mr Shawn W Crispin, Mr Rodney Tasker, Mr Philip Revzin and myself, Mr Michael Vatikiotis, of our staff. The Far Eastern Economic Review is a respected regional magazine reporting on the current and business affairs of the region. We have reported on Thailand for over 50 years and take pride in our understanding of Thailand and its culture. The Far Eastern Economic Review is fully cognisant and sensitive to the protocol surrounding reporting of the royal institution, which is revered by all Thai people and is also held in the highest esteem by the Far Eastern Economic Review, and indeed throughout the world. It was never the intention of the Far Eastern Economic Review to write or generate any adverse commentary concerning Thailand's highest institution and if our issue of January 10 has been so interpreted, we most sincerely apologise for it. We can only repeat that we have the highest respect for Thailand's unique institution and we understand Thai culture. We will continue to be vigilant in the future that we do not cause offence to Thai sensibilities about the monarchy. We hope that this statement of apology to you as representative of the Thai people will allow this unfortunate incident to be put behind us and enable the Far Eastern Economic Review to continue the productive relationship it has maintained with Thailand and the Thai people for over 50 years. Yours sincerely, (Signed)
Michael Vatikiotis
|