Past governments neglected the political development of big parts of the population and we are now confronted by an electorate more interested in "soaps" than in reading. They are in a state of ignorance thanks to 5 years of money politics; they believe money is "God".

Ethics and morality are forgotten and corruption is accepted without protest. It will take many years - generations? - before these supporters lose their slave mentality and can get rid of the patronage system, unless a new way can be found to make them responsible citizens able to support a democracy.

Representative politics, as proven, doesn't work in Thailand. Participation politics should be the key word. A bottom-up approach starting with the family unit could be a way out. This government had a promising start but already clouds are appearing.

The danger of a political party without any scruples playing an important role is a serious threat.

I can't lose my impression that even now the power [and money] of Thaksin and his comrades is such that a thorough cleaning of the stables will not be realised.

I would be glad if this government stayed in power [far] longer than promised if that would enable it to create clean politics where the needs of the population are the priority instead of the pockets of the politicians

Egon Wout

Bangkok

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Check politicians' belief in paranormal, as well as assets

I hope that the next group of Cabinet ministers will not be screened only about their assets. Probably most of these are already hidden with the help of their money lawyers.

But what is very important, it seems to me, is to screen them on their beliefs in the supernatural and in paranormal things like ghosts and spirits, and in astrology, fortune-tellers and lottery numbers and so on, because one can expect that many decisions affecting the country are based on the 'answers' [provided by the above].

Nick

Bangkok

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Lese majeste charges could be a dangerous option

Re: "No real action seen as yet", Opinion, October 25.

You call for the speedy bringing of lese majeste charges against Thaksin. I think you should pause and think through the consequences of that course of action. Lese majeste laws may seem an attractive tool with which to damage Thaksin's standing in the eyes of the rural voters but they are likely to have the opposite effect in the wider world. Lese majeste laws are fundamentally undemocratic and any attempt to use them against an elected prime minister will be seen as an attack on democracy itself.

Charging Thaksin under these laws is likely to bring universal condemnation from democrats on a matter of principle, regardless of Thai pleading of special circumstances. Thaksin will be cast in the role of the persecuted champion of Thai democracy.

Dom Dunn

Bangkok

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Jail is the proper punishment for recidivist leaders

Re: "Don't listen to the lies of corrupt politicians", Letters, October 27.

I can't agree more with Ralph Davidson that there should be no deference to Thaksin and a clear message that if he comes back to Thailand he must go straight to jail.

Unfortunately not enough attention is devoted to his human rights records. Thaksin is the main architect of the policy in the South, resulting in countless deaths.

And what about the thousands of extrajudicial killings from his anti-drug and mafia campaigns?

A not so clever scheme to eliminate his rivals.

He is not only a serial liar, but a serial cheat and a killer too.

MGB

Bangkok

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The new airport woes not a shock on the evidence

This second report from feedback of those travelling through the new airport is less encouraging than the first. One recent returning traveller told me of water dripping down on him as he walked through the jet-way. He then said that inside the airport when it was raining water was streaming into the concourse.

Many also tell me the airport looks as if it has been open three years instead of three weeks, as the glass windows are already very dirty. The signage is still very poor and has not been improved since the last report. The toilet situation is abysmal, with a single urinal in the few men's toilets. The news is that 50 toilets were not built and for some reason the architect is being blamed. A quick look at the plans will tell the truth.

Another close friend who had associates working on projects at the airport told me the average corruption rate was 700 per cent, i.e. for every Bt10 used for some real work, 70 had to be paid into pockets. If these figures are even close to correct it is not difficult to understand why the functionality of the project is so poor.

Now we are finding the basic construction of the taxiways and other sections of the grounds are also in need of repair, a few weeks after opening. The same thing happened with the Rama 9 Bridge. I hope that those responsible for the high levels of corruption not only lose their money but also their freedom, so that others will not do the same things in other projects.

Sadly, to date, every person I have spoken to, Thai and foreign, suggests that no high-level person will ever see a day in prison for the massive problems they have caused the country and people of Thailand. Let's hope the current government proves all of them wrong.

Christian Lloyd

Bangkok

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Designers should have looked to existing examples

Re: "Airport to be flush with new toilets", News, October 26.

I came back to Bangkok recently after two years in China. While there I encountered two daily newspapers which run a totally bogus story once a week, rewarding the first person who recognises the fallacious article and brings it to the attention of the publishing staff.

When I was here last, over two years ago, the construction of the new airport was well underway. Since returning, it has been very interesting to follow the tales of misfortune of peoples' first experiences there. When I read the article the thought of contacting The Nation in an attempt to win the prize for reporting a totally untrue story entered my mind.

Is anybody out there asking the logical questions? Who designed this terminal? Had they ever designed any kind of public facility before? Who awarded the contract for the "design" work? Whoever it was, could they spell "credentials" or "experience"? It is not as if this was the first international airport terminal of its kind ever designed! There are volumes of precedents and standards in regard to facilities (toilets) needed for different numbers of people served. Obviously, no standards were ever even close to have been observed or studied. Somebody needs to be held accountable for this abomination other than the common Thai man or woman, which probably will end up being the case.

 A final point involves the solution. Many years ago a United States Army procurement issue was revealed involving $5,000 toilet seats. I have 25 years of experience in the construction industry and two questions come to mind. Is the same supplier involved? If so, Thailand seems to be getting a real "bargain", getting the whole toilets for $50,000 each!

 Finally, is the name of the supplier/installer Halliburton or any subsidiary thereof?

Brian D Granberg

Bangkok

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US does while other countries do not

I find it amusing reading all the whining about the US from members of the peanut gallery. People complain about Bush, Iraq and everything else the US does or does not do. One thing strikes me as astonishing: not much whining about the other do-nothing governments. It just shows me that other countries when compared to the US are insignificant.

Bill Cymbalsky

Bangkok

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Americans have always respected their servicemen

Re: "Americans need a more graphic reality check on the situation in Iraq", Letters, October 26.

Hats off to Al Eberhardt for one of the most creative pieces of pre-election propaganda However, the geographical points on the US map to follow up on the "Rosie the Riveter" and other keep-the-folks-involved themes of WWII is almost genius.

Come on Eberhardt, you're pulling our leg here - right? I can't keep out of my mind the hilarious image of your description of the map and news comments being just like a weather report on "Saturday Night Live". In my opinion, America's troops today are held with even more indebted pride and esteem than in WWII because the nation realises they carry out their duty, with their lives on the line, despite a commander in chief who continually sends them in harm's way based on a foundation of lies.

 The death tolls in Iraq and Afghanistan are rapidly rising and the most reasonable, trusted and respected country in the world is now being looked upon as one of the most irrational, belligerent, feared and distrusted. The reasons why, it seems to me, are very clear to the majority of the nation. The US is still a democracy. People still have a voice. People still can take action. November is our chance!

Mr Bill

Bangkok