Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks disingenuously of the sale as "a purely commercial decision". But he knows full well that the Shin enterprises owned or controlled strategic assets, such as the monopolistic satellite and telecommunications networks that are vital to Thailand's security and defence.

In Singapore, a sale of such strategic assets would be absolutely unthinkable. For example, no Singaporean, let alone a foreigner, may buy or own more than a stipulated number of shares in a newspaper company.

Why? Because of the tactical advantage and strategic interests of the People's Action Party. Notwithstanding that the Temasek-Shin transaction is completed, the Thai parliament could still pass legislation to nullify the sordid deal on grounds of the strategic interest for Thai security and defence, and to compel shareholders to divest their holdings so that they own no more than a stipulated amount; say, 3 per cent.

Today's friends can be tomorrow's enemies, and vice versa. Why do you think Singapore acquired squadrons of F-16 combat aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, and tanks, to name but three weapons in its vast arsenal? They are not defensive but offensive weapons.

Francis T Seow

Boston, Massachusetts

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Game over; time for the protesters to go home

May I ask the media to influence those alliances surrounding Government House to go home? Politically, the caretaker PM has committed so many kamikaze acts since he first announced the parliament dissolution that I cannot see a chance of his recovery even within the present constitutional framework, not to mention his chances of commanding half of the national votes on April 2.

Last election, Thai Rak Thai got 54 per cent. What is the chance of getting 50 per cent this time?

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

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Thanks 'Nation' for exposing ruling clique's crimes

Your newspaper has made a significant and singular contribution to Thai society for the forthright manner in which you and your team of correspondents have stood by the Truth and the cherished values of a Buddhist nation.

At the very foundation of governing or leading a nation lie moral and ethical codes of conduct. Whoever flouts them with disdain and impunity has no right or legitimacy to even be near the chair of the prime minister.

Thailand has produced illustrious leaders who are respected the world over for their patriotism, uprightness, selflessness and, above all, honesty and integrity. But we now are unlucky enough to have a prime minister who, even after the people have proven his misdeeds, refuses to step down.

Look at the South Korean prime minister [Lee Hae-chan], who volunteered to resign as soon as his misdemeanour was pointed out.

The leader we voted into power and his entire gang must be summarily sacked and even the party must be disbanded as unpatriotic. People's power will ultimately prevail. Help all the rural Thais also to realise what this country has suffered in the hands of its so-called leaders. This must be your mission.

It is a shame that this country allowed self-serving cheats to get voted into power by dubious means. When asked to step down, this dishonest band of people tried its utmost to divide the country's population, again by misleading them in every possible way.

Such people who have tried to divide the nation must be tried for treason and be given the highest punishment. People in the South only demanded their own autonomy, but this dishonest lot not only tried to sell the country, pitting the rural against the urban, party against party, government servants against the public, classmates versus schoolmates, college mates versus cadre mates - the list is endless.

An admirer

Bangkok

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Respect for the people in the provinces has increased

I have never been a fan of the PM, but my wife is. She is Thai, while I am not. One time she told me why she likes this PM. To her, the PM is not perfect but she appreciates what he has done for people in her hometown.

She said that since the PM took over, conducting transactions at the various government agencies in her hometown has been a lot easier - people feel they are being given the respect that they have long deserved as citizens.

Before, she said, people felt they were being looked down on. I have been to my wife's hometown and I have become very close to the people in the village. These are simple people who make their living by taking care of their farms.

I understand my wife and I think I know what she feels. If a new administration takes over in the near or distant future they should remember what a lot of people in the provinces feel.

I wish all the good people of Thailand success in their search for lasting peace and prosperity, especially people in the provinces.

AA

Bangkok

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Dear Thaksin, please meditate on your position

My dearest prime minister, I read with sadness the news nowadays about you - whom I voted for twice. I want to tell you that I'm proud of you and your leadership of our country because you have stuck to the laws and rules, even though some rules were apparently made up by yourself to pave the way for your own benefit.

I don't expect our country to have a divine and holy prime minister without any sins anyway. Moreover, several of your so-called populist policies such as the Bt30-health scheme, the Otop project and the student loans have really and positively affected the lives of millions, including myself and my relatives. Thank you for that.

However, I can't help worrying about you now due to the increasing protests seeking your ouster. I know you are also worried. I know you have Dharma in your heart as you once said you have read books by the revered monk Buddhadasa Bikkhu many times. You must know well the "Right Understanding", the first item of the Holy Eightfold Path, which states that one should see the truth that all things are temporary, unsatisfactory and not of the self.

So far, you have done more good than bad in my eyes. Why cling to your position? Besides, you've earned the Bt73 billion to line your pocket and you can live your life happily and comfortably, not like us. During the past five years, I've seen you running around, working tirelessly and the strain was clear on your face.

Why not take a break, my brother? If I were you, I would take a long break, maybe three months in the monkhood, so you have time in a quiet place to reflect, review and rekindle your own spirit as a good Buddhist.

What fears do you have to obstruct you? What karma have you done secretly that makes your fears overwhelming in your heart? If you are confident of your integrity, the Dharma will surely protect you. I and my relatives will continue to respect you. I know you foresee the consequences of political turmoil at this time and that your stubbornness will make things worse. Much worse. Don't let it happen that way my hero.

Yongyut K

Pathum Thani

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Forget politics, let's talk about traffic mayhem

Please can we return to more important issues such as Chiang Mai traffic, which is more out of control than the politicians. In fact, at rush hour it seems like a state of emergency must be declared just to cross the road.

Motorbikes are the main problem. Civilised countries such as China don't allow them in many cities, but in Chiang Mai they are the main form of transport and apparently a favourite platform for making phone calls. It's uncommon for any type of vehicle to stop at a red light, perhaps something to do with colour-blindness.

I thought that it was only emergency vehicles such as pizza delivery bikes or ambulances taking patients to an ATM that were permitted to jump the lights. Perhaps traffic signals are another part of the "Unseen Thailand" promotion.

Ian Cruickshank

Chiang Mai

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Milosevic's death prevents exposure of war crimes

As a result of Milosevic's untimely death - one day after he wrote a letter airing his concerns that there were attempts to poison him - it is deeply ironic that the victims of his own heinous crimes have now lost their only chance for a semblance of justice.

His trial would have exposed the other war crimes committed during the crisis in former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

In the words of journalist Jeremy Scahill: "Now there is almost certain to be no condemnation of the bombing of Radio Television Serbia, killing 16 media workers, the cluster bombing of the Nis marketplace, shredding human beings into meat, the use of depleted uranium munitions and the targeting of petrochemical plants causing toxic and chemical waste to pour into the Danube River.

"There will be no condemnation of the bombing of Albanian refugees or the deliberate targeting of a civilian passenger train or the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade."

People die at the most unwarranted times, don't they!

James Martin

Bangkok