PostBag
The PAD, in desperation, acted illegally but hurt nobody. The government has responded by sending in a bunch of thugs and killing one of the protesters. This is being reported outside Thailand. The world is watching. Let us hope that our glorious leaders will soon see sense and start behaving honourably.
HAMISH BIRD
Chiang Mai
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Samak should resign
Re: "The tyranny of a PAD-led minority" by Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Bangkok Post, Sept 1, 2008. All the reasons Dr Thitinan presents as to why we should show loyalty to PM Samak to save Thailand's democracy, are clear arguments for the contrary.
"In other civilised countries, such a provocation and occupation of the seat of government would have been met with a swift and complete enforcement of the law to regain the state properties." The conclusion follows - whether you like it or not and whether it is his fault or not - that Mr Samak is not a competent prime minister in times of crisis.
But we should take into account that "Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's role in the October 1976 suppression also constrains him from being seen as trigger happy." And that is why we should support him, according to Dr Thitinan. I would say that "in other civilised countries" this past alone (and not just a "perception" of the past) is reason enough for a prime minister to step down and ask others to peacefully solve the crisis.
Further, Dr Thitinan suggests that there is a silent majority that does not give voice to their rejection of the position of the PAD.
"In addition, as the PAD bullies its way in a unilateral and anti-democratic effort to bring closure on the Samak government, its many sceptics are cowed into silence. Dissent against the PAD brings personal attacks and character assassinations." My observation is that the major bully, from before the moment of PAD's revitalisation onwards, has been Mr Samak. He has set the tone in an irreparable mode.
It would be more constructive and in line with our common security if the "silent" middle groups would not be drawn into siding with one or the other party; and if Dr Thitinan would, instead of trying to convince us with more campaigns to support Mr Samak, rather try to shape a non-partisan position.
If we have to respect the general elections from just eight months ago, then in the first place we should respect the Constitution adopted by the Thai population on Aug 19, 2007. This is the point where it became soon clear that we cannot trust this government, as they immediately anticipated amending the charter.
As proof of respect of the present government for law enforcement, Dr Thitinan writes, "Mr Thaksin and his wife even had to flee from the law by their exile in England." Well, this is again clear proof of the contrary: fleeing from the law (made easy by the government via provision of a diplomatic passport) does not show any respect at all. This is confirmed by Mr Thaksin's written statement from London, in which he denounces the courts.
"As a result Mr Samak cannot crack down on the illegal occupants of Government House for fear of what is perceived as his past sins and potential for a broad-based confrontation and violence. But allowing the PAD's rampage to settle in makes the prime minister look (a) lame duck and ineffectual." In political reality, a prime minister in such a position, already for 100 days now, should resign. Or cause even more damage to the country and, as chairman of Asean, to the region.
HANS VAN WILLENSWAARD
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Why a 5-baht increase?
With many convincing sounding words you have introduced the new price of the Bangkok Post, from 25 to 30 baht.
But let me ask you one question: how is it possible that your newspaper cost 20 baht just two years ago? You made a price increase of 5 baht then, too.
As far as I know this is an increase of 50% within roughly two years. Is it not possible to increase by 2 baht? Nope, 5 baht and, again, 5 baht. Well, I am looking forward to seeing the paper cost 100 baht in about 12 years - that is, if you keep your pace.
GEORGE REIFF
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Spoiling all the fun
Your staff must surely be suffering from some delusional problem. Otherwise, why else would anybody put the answers to the puzzles on the same page on the same day? And your limp-wristed explanation that it is for our benefit does not help, either. It truly defies belief.
Those of us who do the puzzles (especially the cryptic crosswords) take them seriously and do not wish to be treated like kindergarten kids who need to cheat when they don't know the answers. I can tolerate your price rise, but not this.
BILL LAWRENCE
Chiang Mai
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An 'honorary' fugitive
So, finally some respect will be restored to the world of football by Thaksin, a fugitive of justice, selling Man City FC. But wait, Thaksin is to remain as "honorary" president of the club? Are these people joking? Someone please send them a dictionary!
ALEX RUIZ
Singapore
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One way to control cost
Citing rising newsprint costs, the Bangkok Post has raised the price of the paper from 25 to 30 baht. I trust the Post explored ways to control newsprint costs before resorting to this action.
One way to do that is to eliminate sections that are not widely read. One section that immediately comes to mind is the expanded business section on Mondays that includes two to four pages devoted to the technical analysis of financial markets.
There are a lot of things that we are not sure of when it comes to financial markets, but the random walk nature of prices is not one of them. It implies that there are no patterns in historical price data that foretell future price behaviour. Your weekly section on technical analysis assumes that there are, and at once wastes newsprint and weakens the credibility of the paper.
CHA-AM JAMAL
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