An apology from Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to the press corps, as well as members of the public, for his outburst early this week is a gracious act but not one he should resort to often.
Gen Prayut may have expressed his regrets vicariously by having government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd convey his message instead of doing so himself. Still, the gesture qualifies as an admission of guilt.
Even though Gen Prayut's quick temper and antagonism against the media are well-known, his series of tirades and aggressive behaviour on Tuesday were still out of character, especially for a government leader from whom reticence is expected.
In conveying Gen Prayut's apology, Maj Gen Sansern asked the public to understand that the premier had been working hard and was under a great deal of pressure.
The government spokesman also volunteered his opinion that Gen Prayut might have lost his temper that day because he felt as if he had been left to shoulder the country's burdens all by himself.
The explanation offers no excuse for Gen Prayut's overly aggressive and disrespectful behaviour.
As chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which took over the country's administration by force two years ago, Gen Prayut must have known full well the great burden lying in the path he chose.
He made the decision to take on the challenge. Mending a country that has been torn apart by years of deep political rifts is not a walk in the park. The task is not going to get easier either, as the economic slowdown continues to exacerbate the difficulty of the military government's rebuilding and reform work. But Gen Prayut cannot complain now.
In fact, there is no time for grievances. As the government leader, Gen Prayut is not expected to ask for sympathy. What people in the country want to see from the premier is composure, determination to keep his promises in implementing the roadmap to democracy and returning the country to lasting peace.
During his Tuesday tirade, Gen Prayut grumbled several times that the media has not provided the support he would like. They do not promote the government's work nor do they defend him or his government when they come under attack by foreign journalists or organisations.
It is high time for Gen Prayut to come to terms with the truth of the media's work. Journalists are not there to promote the military government or to shield the premier from criticism. They are there to pursue the truth and to defend the public interest.
Unless Gen Prayut gets to grips with the reality, not just about the media profession but also about his own obligations as the country's leader, he is bound to feel upset and is likely to blow his cool again.
Gen Prayut's die-hard fans may cheer him on and insist the display of aggression against the media is an acceptable thing to do, as the premier himself said on Thursday. However, the truth remains that such a flare-up indicates a loss of control from the country's leader. It reflects badly on the government and Gen Prayut himself.