Published on November 30, 2005
Impressed by civility on display among those who came to support Sondhi
I attended the rally at Lumpini Park on Friday to express my support for Sondhi Limthongkul, even though I’m a foreigner. It really didn’t matter that Sondhi was broadcasting from elsewhere – Udon Thani – as the majority of those present listened to his speech and watched him on large video monitors. The set-up was quite professional – large lanterns provided light and the sound quality was good despite some criticism from some who were evidently not at the meet.
Sondhi’s supporters attending the event were civil and responsible members of Thai society from all walks of life, young and old. They had come to listen to Sondhi and express their support for a brave individual who has the temerity and strength to stand up to this authoritarian government, and the gross abuses of power that have resulted in: endemic corruption, the rendering useless of government bodies by the selective appointment of politically motivated nominees, the curtailment of free speech in the media, and the arrogant and ruthless punishment and suppression of anyone who dares challenge the current intolerant state of affairs in this country. More than anything, a sweeping sense of frustration and outrage, and an inherent belief by ordinary people in what proper and fair government should be has resulted in the very large numbers seen at Lumpini in the last few weeks. Last Friday there was without question a “feeling of fear” generated by the overwhelming police presence, whose numbers were totally in excess of the proper police levels required for such an event. It appeared to me that for a lot of ordinary people attending the event, it must have been, in itself, a bold and courageous decision to go there and be counted – despite the ludicrous talk of a coup quite wrongly attached to the proceedings. But despite this, those who attended the event, myself included, were not daunted by this obvious attempt at intimidation and will not shy away from similar events in the future. Peter Marshall Bangkok ------------------------------------------- Good analysis into the personalities of the day Re: “The truth about Thaksin, Sondhi”, News, November 29. I thank you for running this kind of informative article. The Nation is doing a good job for the benefit of the public. Thanks. Witit Rachatatanun Bangkok ------------------------------------------- Ailing Constitution needs to be amended, not scrapped Re: “Strengthen the Constitution”, Editorial, November 28. Unfortunately, it seems almost as if nothing here in Thailand can be prepared properly in the first place, or certainly rectified adequately in the second. The National Telecommunications Commission is one shining example, but more importantly, so is the 1997 Constitution. The Constitution does not need to be rewritten, thrown out or abrogated – it needs amending. That’s what happened to the US constitution along the way through history: public participation, expert handling and ethical/legal changes all helped to produce more than 20 amendments that helped guarantee the right of the people. Why can this process not take place here in Thailand? Frank G Anderson Nakhon Ratchasima ------------------------------------------- Much room for improvement in treatment of animals Re: “McCartney vows China boycott over animal cruelty”, News, November 28. Bravo, Sir Paul! There was no choice but to agree with every single word of McCartney’s comments regarding the cruel treatment of animals in China! It is very sad to see how utter respect for nature is lacking in China. The blasting of the Mekong riverbed, the extensive logging that has been done in Tibet, the consumption of tiger bladders are just a few examples of activities threatening nature and the survival of species by China. There is no excuse for animal torture. If there has to be a fur industry then there are methods of painless killing that can be applied. Atrocities against animals have to be reported in order to raise awareness among people that nobody has the right to commit them. I thank The Nation for reporting on this subject. Disgusted Hamburg ------------------------------------------- Applause for professionalism among airport personnel I just got back from a hastily scheduled trip to Singapore, in which timetables were a bit skewed and I ended up messing people around a little by not thinking things through carefully enough. I just want to say thanks to the ground crew staff at Changi airport and Don Muang airport for their help in sorting out my problems. You came through for me (with magnificent, smiling efficiency). You went out of your way, with amazing graciousness, to assist even though you had many other problems to deal with. The Changi and Don Muang ground staff have always been wonderful to my daughter and me (I wish I could say the same about Germany and Australia, but I can’t – that’s a story for another day), but this latest trip has elevated my respect for them. A Traveller Bangkok ------------------------------------------- Too easy for troublemakers to enter Bangkok airport Recently, my partner and I travelled from Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport to Macau. Amid all the so-called security increases since the 9/11 attacks, I sadly must conclude that there still is a huge security breach at the Bangkok airport. Airport authorities make great efforts to ensure no weapons or bombs can be taken onto aeroplanes, but what about the terminal itself? In Bangkok, there is no watertight security whatsoever from the moment you step into the departure hall until you reach the gate area. Although the check-in luggage is screened, one could easily walk with a bag packed with explosives through the terminal and detonate it. There are security guards with hand-held scanners at the entrances, but they only check people randomly. In Thailand there is a clear danger of terrorist attacks, not only because of the many tourists here, but also because of a potential spread of insurgency terror from the southern provinces. If a terrorist’s aim is to kill as many people as possible, an explosion in a packed terminal could prove much more effective than in an aeroplane. When will the authorities realise it’s a ticking time bomb? LS Bergman Chon Buri ------------------------------------------- Shocked by wholesale lack of local safety standards Re: “‘Mai pen rai’ style is much appreciated, but not when it means lax safety standards”, Letters, November 24. I was not at all surprised when I read this letter, because this, my second trip to Thailand, has resulted in the same stark conclusion. I am a technologist in the US, specialising in data and computer communications systems. I am looking to open a technology consulting office in Thailand, and on each trip I have been appalled at the lack of safety standards. When I talk about the violations in general safety “standards” I’ve seen (and photographed) in Thailand, I am not referring to anything advanced or sophisticated. I am seeing basic, life-threatening violations. For example: high-voltage power lines running past a second-story outdoor restaurant patio within arm’s reach of the chair I was dining in. I’ve seen open fuse boxes exposing live wires in an elementary school that a curious child could have easily reached into. I’ve seen many wires from telephone cable connection boxes dangling on the ground in the middle of a busy street. In planning for a safe and reliable infrastructure, especially one that might be able to support the secure exchange banking, financial or business information, Thailand has it’s work cut out for it. Improving the infrastructure does not necessarily take having higher “standards” on the books, but using common sense, some experience and a little extra effort when building electrical and communications networks. The benefit will be to provide the local economy with a stable, reliable structure upon which businesses may compete in the technologically advanced global electronic economy, and give back to their local municipalities. Does Thai culture permit an “outside” expert to provide such critical observations and recommend improvements that will be accepted? Avram Grossman Newport Beach, California ------------------------------------------- If govt were more up front, its questions might be answered Re: “Coup ‘being considered’,” News, November 27. In regard to the rumours that senior military officers have been consulting law experts during the past two months about the legal repercussions of staging a coup, I would like to quote what Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman Jatuporn Promphan said about Thammasat University law lecturer Kittisak Prokati: “Kittisak should have given the names and the attachment of the officers instead of saying something without proof.” Jatuporn would like clarification regarding this issue. Much like the people need clarification from Thaksin regarding his abuse of power. Perhaps when the stars align themselves, then everyone will decide to answer some questions. Disgusted at TRT Bangkok
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