An ill-informed electorate is like the blind men and the elephant, each person jumping to conclusions on the basis of half-truths, accusations and suspicions. This is hardly in the best interests of our country.

As John F Kennedy said, "A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."

I propose that the broadcast media should arrange debates between the government and opposition on issues of the day. On each matter, invite the one who should know best about the matter, or anybody he nominates - that way, nobody could plead inconvenience. On the Shin sale, for example, if the seller (Panthongtae Shinawatra) could not come, he could send anybody else to speak on his behalf and whose words would be taken as his.

If I had something to hide, I just wouldn't show up for the talk, thus keeping voters in the dark. This must not happen. So, if one side cannot come, the show must go on, with the no-showing party represented by an empty chair. Let us know the truth and be free of ignorance.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok

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Which country were you writing about anyway?

Re: "Drastic measures for electoral crisis", Editorial, February 26.

"There is a better alternative to boycotting the election: an impartial caretaker government that could first implement political reforms through constitutional amendments with broad-based participation by the public. Then we could proceed to free and fair elections."

Well, yeah! But how do you get from here to there?

John Francis Lee

Chiang Rai

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Rabble-rousing minority is hijacking premiership

Chamlong Srimuang, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Sondhi Limthongkul should be ashamed of themselves and so should the press. If people get killed, it is they who should take the blame.

The press for taking Sondhi seriously. This gentleman is simply trying to settle a business score. He does everything that he despises Thaksin for doing. He is a danger to society, because he does not adhere to democratic principles; he believes that commanding a few million not-so-intelligent people entitles him to scoff at democracy.

Chamlong is a danger, as he has shown in his handling of certain situations when he was a general, as well as with his ability to fight on after the people become tired of him, like in the 1990's. Here is a chap who does not believe in separation of religion and state (that is quite frightening if you are not a member of his sect).

Abhisit is the jolly joker, a man who says that he is ready to be the new prime minister on Friday and accepts an election boycott on Saturday. Maybe he should try a coup d'etat! At least he made clear within days that he was an opportunist who should be contained.

These are the three musketeers of Thai politics. The two old men plus former kingmakers Snoh Thienthong and Sanan Kachornprasart are dangerous people who thrive on chaos. They all have one thing in common: they are sore losers who cannot stand that they have been outmanoeuvred. Asking for a change in the Constitution because it would be convenient says it all. I never see calls for constitutional change in the West. I only see those calls in banana republics, where a few million people try to nullify the voice of the vast majority. Do not be mistaken; this is not 1992, when a non-elected person was in power. Thaksin is completely legal, and disposing him in the way that the three musketeers have in mind will gravely damage the credibility of Thailand abroad. I would think three times about making a huge investment if the voice of the majority can be disregarded that easily.

Last but not least, rural people could become a real force if they marched on the capital. Bangkok is not Thailand!

Luan

Chiang Mai

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Even without PM, politicians will keep on ignoring you

Look at them scramble! All of them! Is it just me, or does it seem that no one is listening to the public? It's quite clear what the public wants, and that is to make Thaksin answer all of the allegations. The politicians and lawmakers never had it this easy, having the voters' demands spelled out in bold type!

But what are they doing in their cosy, air-conditioned conference rooms while the protesters' sweat under the hot sun? They are trying to come up with a deal with a nice bonus for each of the parties involved. They say they are doing something else, but to me, it's all the same.

When have the politicians done anything right? If they had done it right the first 20 times, this country wouldn't be in the mess it is in right now. Strangely, they have bad ears when it comes to listening to the voice of the public. Even when the public states their demands so clearly by protesting, the politicians have no idea what to do.

When I listen to party leaders speak about their stands and plans, I just can't help but wonder: "Who understands this stuff?" Going in circles, avoiding statements, referring to other people's words, leaving a question unanswered or answering with a "yes...no...maybe...what was the question?" Most probably, you will never hear Thai politicians say: "You can quote me on that!"

Guys, no guts, no glory! Have the guts to commit yourselves to something! At least the PM is committed to being arrogant and serving his family!

Chul "Cho" Chang

Nakhon Pathom

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We should not play along with their stupid election games

Again we are at an "impasse" and are in principle forced to participate in another "democratic" election. The manipulation never stops. They have "hijacked" our democratic rights and turned democracy into a farce. For once, my fellow Thai brothers and sisters, let us show that we have had enough and show this Prime Minister and his cronies that we will not be manipulated any longer. What are we, sheep?

They have not done anything they promised in order to get elected; they have enriched themselves at our cost.

So let us en masse boycott this farcical election set for the April 2 and send a strong message that we have had enough.

A Very Angry Citizen

Bangkok

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Thais should boycott the upcoming snap poll

The reasons given by Thaksin in dissolving Parliament confirms that we have a prime minister who cannot distinguish the sense of morality and the lust for power. Thaksin is again exploiting the weakness of the Thai democratic system. He uses money and greed to lure the naive Thais to give mandate to his party to rule the country. He sets his own date for the April election knowing very well the rules of game are not fairly played. What we Thai people should do is to boycott the election and hopefully the opposition parties will do the same. If Thaksin wants so bad to turn Thailand into Thai-corporation managed by his family, let it be known that we want no part of it.

History has proven that this type of national leader will not survive long.

The Insider

Bangkok

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No valid reasons exist for calling a new vote at this time

In a parliamentary democracy, such as England or Thailand, it is only necessary to call a snap, early general election for a limited number of reasons - loss of a confidence vote in the lower house; loss of a majority through defections or by-elections; a ruling party with a dangerously small majority may seize an opportunity to increase its margin.

None of these situations apply in Thailand today. Thai Rak Thai has an unassailable majority, and they are certain to be re-elected, possibly with a reduced margin if the opposition decides to fight. Why then is an election being called - an election that will cost the taxpayers millions of baht, that will disrupt the government of the country, that will change nothing and which will divide the country as never before, pitting the urban middle class against the rural people?

Why do we need an election the sole purpose of which is an attempt to legitimise the rule of a prime minister who has clearly lost the mandate to rule? The resignation of a prime minister allows the elected party to complete its tenure with a minimum of disruption - ask Lady Margaret Thatcher.

JCS

Chiang Mai

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Citizens' rights and duties are completely different

Re: "Rally is a citizen's duty: professor", News, February 26.

What Prawes Wasi said was: "Gathering is the right of the Thai citizen and recognised by Article 76 of the Constitution." Nowhere did he say it was the "duty" of the Thai citizen. A "duty" comes with a sense of obligation; a "right" is more like a choice. Thais are Thais because we defend His Majesty the King, Buddhism (or religious freedom) and our independence. Not rallying at Sanam Luang on Sunday would not have made you less Thai than the others.

Either Kamol Sukin, your journalist, confused the two terms or he was just too eager to make a new interpretation of another's speech. Kamol may be a good commentator, but he is far from being a good reporter.

Kit Kong

Bangkok

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