Maybe this is irrelevant, but given that our caretaker PM is superstitious, perhaps I can offer a reason behind his behaviour? One day a Nation cartoon depicted our caretaker PM and the UN secretary-hopeful bribing the Hindu god at the Erawan shine. The following day, the four-faced god broke into pieces beyond repair.

Talking about the duo, it will be noted that the former, with his infamous "the UN is not my father" speech, has shown little consideration for the latter, who will be less than amused should he be asked later this year "so are we, the UN, your PM's father or not, huh?"

S Raweekant

Phuket

There are more important things than the PM's welfare

The current political crisis in Thailand is about issues more important than the political future of Thaksin. The rule of law, full and complete respect for the Constitution and a free press are essential for the protection of freedom and democracy in Thailand.

Thaksin may have some outstanding qualifications. But a democrat, he is not.

Myint Thein

Senior Adviser to the Burmese Resistance

Bangkok

What is wrong with this picture?

Re: "Back on the brink", News, April 4. I never thought I'd live to see this day. Here we have a man who has just won an election, but instead of making a victory speech, he offers to resign if that will help the country prosper. By George, this can only happen in Thailand!

Thaksin was right when he quipped: "Why not amend the Constitution forbidding me to take part in politics?"

Meechai Burapa

Chiang Mai

Blaming poll outcome on media ignores govt monopoly

Re: "Bhokin blames press for high number of abstention votes", News, April 3.

Khun Bhokin needs his head examined. Khun Bhokin, the Thai people have spoken. They should be proud.

Thai Rak Thai and Thaksin control almost all media outlets, especially TV, which is about all the "upcountry" people are able to see, not being able to afford newspapers. The exceptions to TRT control are a few very brave newspapers, especially The Nation.

Yes, Khun Bhokin, if TRT controlled all the media, the results may have been different, but in a real democracy there is room for conflicting opinions and eventually the truth will come out. The problem with the present administration is that too much has been swept under the carpet.

Khun Bhokin, allow the media, all the media to be free. What is wrong with that? Ah yes, I guess you'd be worried TRT, and many corrupt politicians, might lose the next election.

Khun T, do Thailand a favour. Take your money and go.

Peter

Bangkok

Five characteristics worth considering

I believe the country was completely shocked Monday night, watching Mr Thaksin go back on his word once again. With his "interpretation" of the poll results on live TV, which he wants to plant in our minds, we can only conclude:

1) He cannot be sane

2) He cannot possibly be a leader

3) It's blatantly obvious he's only out for himself

4) He has no shame

5) He isn't sincere

He tried so hard to shed tears on live TV while the camera (which was apparently prepared for this) zoomed in on him, but alas, even his tears would not awk [get out].

Carolyn

Bangkok

The election did yield some undeniable results

Referring to caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's public speech and interview on Channel 11 last night, two points that he made are absolutely true and undeniable. The first is that Mr Thaksin called for unity and respect for the rules of the game, while citing the competition between George W Bush and Al Gore during the US's presidential election race in 2000, in which Bush slightly edged Gore but the American people still lived in peace without any deep political conflicts.

The second is that the number of no-votes outnumbered the number of votes for Thai Rak Thai in some constituencies, if we look closely and neutrally at the overall percentage, Thai Rak Thai still received majority nationwide. So, what are we calling for?

Rangsan Srirat

Bangkok

Premier would do himself, and us, a favour by resigning

Re: "Back on the brink", News, April 4. In answer to Mr Thaksin's challenge, one could come up with many, many reasons why he should resign, but there is only one that would satisfy both those that voted for him and those in the opposition.

He could take the moral high ground, thinking only of the country and fellow Thais. He could do it for the unity of the country and to stop the constant battling by all factions, which could easily lead to violence. In this way he would be seen as someone who really cares about the country, democracy and the happiness of the people. He would be a hero to those that support him and gain the respect of those that oppose him.

Everyone would win as he would set an example for his supporters of a strong moral stance and stop the attacks from the opposition. The country could then begin the road to healing and unification to solve the problems the government and society face today. His supporters and the Thai Rak Thai Party could work with the opposition to move forward, amending the Constitution and correcting any misunderstandings. It would be a great gift to the Thai people and he could secure his place in history in a positive light.

I am afraid that if he tries to cling to power, it will be bad not only for him but for the nation as a whole. Mr Thaksin, you have a wonderful country with wonderful people on both sides. You could bring them all together by graciously stepping aside and securing your legacy.

A concerned farang

Bangkok

Politics reflects the sins of immoral behaviour

This is the story of a country which is in a very pathetic state. A country that was raped of billions of baht during the five-year reign of its prime minister.

When people asked him to resign to take responsibility for his countless immoral and unethical actions, he declared an illegitimate election much against the wishes and willingness of the country's people.

He then conducted yet another rape, spending more than Bt2 billion of the public's money. Now he has made the country deliver an illegitimate child by calling himself the new prime minister!

By what name do you call this illegitimate child of an illegitimate election? We should have a national contest to coin a new title.

May Lord Buddha bless the leaders with more morals and virtues, and spare the innocent people.

An astonished onlooker

BANGKOK

The rules of democracy are bent beyond recognition

Well it's over, but it ain't. That fat lady hasn't sung yet, so to speak.

What did this "election" prove?

First of all, it's all there for all to see, the country is polarised as never before. Mr Thaksin, the Great Divider, now wants to set up a reconciliation commission, which would legitimise him. Well, that's what he would engineer. Because the "election" failed to do so, so let's pull another rabbit out of the hat.

Secondly, the election failed to produce the number of MPs required to open Parliament, so we'll keep going on with this farce until all seats are filled with TRT members. Imagine when all Bangkok constituencies are "represented" by TRT members, even though the electorate has rejected them. Thaksin-style politics!

Thirdly, since Mr Thaksin's "power base" is in the North and Northeast, where voters can be bought cheaply, unlike the Bangkok middle class, he can rely on them to help him stay in power ad infinitum. So why should he resign? He does not think anybody else in Thailand is capable of being the prime minister.

Humility is not one of Mr Thaksin's virtues.

Fourthly, Mr Thaksin's parallel with the US elections between George W Bush and Al Gore does not hold water, because the rules that he likes to refer to were adhered to there, but the rules in Thailand are made to order to suit his ends.

Just like when, at the beginning of his first term, he escaped disqualification because the rules were bent to favour him. Mr Thaksin will go down in history as a person who set back the advancement of democracy in Thailand by decades, mark my words.

Tom Lloyd

Australia