LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The suppression of the media by the government is coming to an end
For almost five years every single television and radio channel in Thailand has been ruthlessly and systematically reduced to an inefficient carcass by what once was the country that enjoyed the most liberal press freedom in this part of the world.
Critics were silenced one by one, directly or indirectly, by the concerted efforts of the Communications Ministry, the Public Relations Department, the Interior Ministry and even the police. Accusations and excuses have been given that particular programmes undermined national interests or national security. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), led by Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang, first rallied on February 13 and got almost no coverage from any of the "free television channels" or the various radio stations across the dial. This was very unusual because during a fire or natural disaster, there would be continuous coverage, but when more than 100,000 people gathered in Sanam Luang, nothing was reported, as if the event never took place. The following day the story appeared, but with the news outlets saying only a few thousand had gathered to hear Sondhi and the alliance speak. There was no sound recording of these events offered, as opposed to lengthy tracks of Thaksin and various ministers saying as much as they wanted for as long as they desired. A dramatic transformation has occurred since then. There is more and more uncensored television coverage and radio reporting on the anti-government activities. Thaksin is complaining about unfair media coverage. This is being echoed by Suranand Vejjajiva, PM's Office minister, who is responsible for the media and the Public Relations Department. We are witnessing a turn of events that is history in the making. Dr Supong Limtanakool National Broadcasting Commissioner designate Bangkok ----------------------- Thais find their voice amid political turmoil Having lived, worked and studied for an MBA these past 10 years in Thailand, I have grown accustomed to watching people conduct themselves quietly, with only seldom cases of dissent. Whether I agree or not with what is currently taking place in Thailand is besides the point of this letter. I am completely thrilled to see people throughout the country voicing their opinions, publicly and privately, about the current situation here. Whether or not the government, laws or the people involved change due to the present circumstances, I just feel grateful to have witnessed such an awakening of the people who are saying what they think and feel. Beyond the facade of the "Land of Smiles" there exists a passionate population in Thailand that really does have much more to offer than smiles. One would be ignorant to believe after this current situation that Thailand or Thais can be taken for granted, to tolerate any circumstance or situation without eventually standing up for their rights. Philip Cook Bangkok ----------------------- News outlets are all saying the same thing Re: "There's no need to stoop low, however good the cause", Opinion, March 14. I absolutely agree with Mr Joshua Anderson's opinion on news reporting of The Nation (including other newspapers). It's like a trend to report news in the same direction. I've seen many interviewers ask the opinions of middle-class people in Bangkok but I rarely have heard the views of the upcountry people. It seems to be that there is no place for the poor. I don't read Thai newspapers anymore because their headlines and contents are so biased. King Bangkok ----------------------- Corrupt leaders inevitable without strong institutions When first seeking office, candidate Thaksin trumpeted words to the effect, "I'm so rich that I don't need to be corrupt! Elect me!" We did, and now, to our everlasting regret, Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan reports, "The current administration has made corruption … legal." We should learn the wisdom of Lord Acton: "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely," and design political systems that are robust and transparent enough that even were a crook in power, he'd have to go the straight and narrow. Burin Kantabutra Bangkok ----------------------- Foreign investors wary of possible martial law With the possibility that Thaksin is ready to declare martial law, it is time for both Thai people and foreigners who love this country to really become afraid of this man. As a guest of this country for many years, I have always behaved in accordance with Thai laws in regards to business, tax and general conduct (including ethics) that befits my status as a guest in this country. I have, through taxes, investment and expenditures, put around Bt20 million into the Thai economy. Maybe not a huge amount compared to some, but certainly a large sum of money that I could have invested and spent elsewhere. Now I have a great fear that if martial law is invoked, Thaksin will have the power to arrest and freeze the assets of anyone - Thai or foreign - who may speak out against him. This is not fear mongering, but a real possibility that could happen under martial law. Perhaps under martial law, even a letter such as this would cause arrest and detention. For the first time since I moved to Thailand, I am seriously looking to relocate to my home country. Foreign investors I know are waiting to see what will happen over the next few months. Other investors are moving to countries such as Vietnam and China, which, although communist governments, provide a more stable investment environment. Thaksin did not grow the Thai economy during his tenure; the Thai economy rode the back of a global economic surge that last year disappeared. Inflation in Thailand far outstrips growth, particularly of workers' salaries. Adjusted wage rates in Thailand have declined for at least two years. Time for Thaksin or a lot of foreigners and foreign investment to go. Disgusted by Thaksin Chiang Mai ----------------------- Look to Athens for lessons on true democratic institutions Since demonstrations against him mainly by the middle class have become widespread, Thaksin has been harping that he is defending democracy against mob rule. However, like with many other Western political concepts, he contradicts himself when he pretends to practice and support it. Democracy was born in ancient Greece and practised foremost in Athens. Then, the citizens were in such small numbers that decisions could be made collectively. If an Athenian became too powerful or too odious, or was seen as an element of political instability, to the majority of the citizens, he was subject to ostracism, the first form of referendum, and sent into exile for a number of years. This is, in a nutshell, the original democracy. The modern system of electing of representatives stems from there. However, in modern times, elected representatives (MPs and senators) represent first the party they belong to, the lobbies that support and speak through them, and of course their own political and other interests. Very rarely do they represent their own electors and only occasionally redress their complaints. In many countries, parliamentarians are even blatant about their behaviour. Thaksin has made himself the first among peers of a tycoonocracy, an oligarchy of "new money" with very little social understanding beyond the demagogic populism necessary to acquire power and to retain it for their own benefit. He is defending and promoting such tycoonocracy at the expense of the Kingdom. Krabong Kuverakorn Bangkok ----------------------- In danger of dying of thirst while visiting Lumpini Park A recent UN Report advises us that over a billion people have no access to clean drinking water. I wonder if included in that estimate are people who may choose to frequent Lumpini Park. During a stroll in the midday sun, as is the wont of us Englishmen, as well as mad dogs, a quest for potable water was unsuccessful, including attempts to buy it or get it from a fountain. Security personnel advised me, by their example, that sitting in the shade and avoiding any endeavour was the only sensible course. Some were kind enough to offer their drinking containers but a glance told me it was either e coli or dehydration. I chose the latter. If I really was thirsty I could take a walk along Rama IV, they said, where convenience stores abounded. I did and they didn't. I was informed that the cost of a licence was prohibitive, and indeed, such outlets once abounded, but ...? John Angus Chon Buri ----------------------- US should strike first against Iran's leaders The Iranian leadership has threatened the United States with "harm and pain". Do it. The first punch is generally the best punch. Take out the Iranian and Syrian leadership now. The sophisticated IEDs killing our soldiers and Iraqis are being made and transported from Iran and maybe Syria. Take their leaders out now. Never mind world opinion. September 11 started it. We must, only the USA, can engage and defeat Islamic terror. Do it. They cannot inflict harm and pain like we can! Al Eberhardt Bangkok
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