The current government's attempts to blame supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra for the bombings in Bangkok is ludicrous and dangerous. It is an inept attempt by a government unskilled in politics to try to use this tragic event to score points against its predecessors and avoid blaming Muslim terrorists who are the more likely perpetrators.

Complain as you will about Thaksin but he was a shrewd politician. Except for the "bomb" fiasco last August there is no evidence that he ever resorted to terrorism to manipulate public opinion. But that is the stock and trade of Muslim extremists. The government is even failing to accept as evidence the initials IRK, which represent an Islamic terrorist group, left at three of the bombsites as an indication of who is responsible. In other words they are bending over backwards in trying not to blame the most likely perpetrators in order to avoid more violence. This is most likely to encourage more.

The bombings have come as a major blow to the Thai economy during the "high season" of tourism and could discourage tourists from coming to Thailand and deprive the economy of even more tourist revenue. Let us not forget as well that the natural catastrophe of the tsunami at the end of 2004 still has some affect on whether tourists decide to spend their holidays in Thailand.

The bombings are an attempt to capitalise on unfortunate events either natural or as a result of human error, to bring the Thai economy to its knees and achieve the political objectives of the bombers. Who has the most to gain from this: political extremists or Thaksin? Who has used similar tactics in the past to achieve their goals? Turning a blind eye to the "usual suspects" is not going to make Thailand safer or revive the Thai economy.

Brian Elkey

Cheonan, South Korea

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Bombs may have forever ruined nation's 'serene' image

Your analysis, "Who set the bombs? The mystery can only deepen" (News, January 2), reminded me of our previous fear of terrorist threats from Osama Bin Laden, which did not materialise and taint the peaceful image of Bangkok.

Now it is almost conclusive that our own people, Thais, undertook the concerted efforts behind the Bangkok bombings six hours before the New Year. Bangkok is now vulnerable, just like other major capitals and has lost its serene image. No amount of advertising can erase this record. It has resulted purely from our own doing and from not knowing how to reconcile our political differences.

I hope this power play and vengeance does not go on and cause Thailand to end up like Sri Lanka. I can hear the word "never" expressed by many, but the incidents on New Year's Eve were also previously ruled out as being "un-Thai".

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

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Thaksin created the divisions that led to Sunday's bombings

Re: TRT strongly denies involvement, News, January 1.

It seems the New Year's Eve bombings at public venues in Bangkok were politically motivated. Whether these despicable acts were connected to the Muslim insurgency in the South or the Thai Rak Thai Party who lost control of the government because of the coup, the fact remains that Thaksin Shinawatra is responsible for bringing about these acts of terror in Bangkok.

During his heyday, Thaksin personified conflict and divisiveness. He embraced cronyism, so much so that his immediate family and close allies are being investigated and prosecuted for massive corruption and for grabbing national property. He created enemies in every spectrum of society with his arrogance and acts of intimidation. He used undemocratic means to advance both his wealth and his political career behind the facade of a staunch democratic leader.

Worse, Thaksin aggravated the fragile situation in the Muslim-majority South to the point that they have become a major national problem that may take years and hundreds of lives to resolve.

Not many people felt sorry for Thaksin when he was toppled last September, yet most of us will regret having him around for five years.

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

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Former PM should renounce politics to dispel rumours

Re: "Suspicion falls on Thaksin allies," News, January 2.

It seems some people can never let go. If only Thaksin could be gracious enough to write a letter to his supporters unequivocally stating that he no longer wants to return to power, it might help to calm the restless. Even Saddam Hussein wrote a last letter asking Iraqis not to hate the people of the country that invaded them.

Thaksin: it's time to move on. You have had your term in high office, you have amassed unprecedented wealth from the Thai people, you and your family are free to spend the money however and wherever you like, whether it be in London, Hong Kong, Florida, or the Cayman Islands. Please stop stirring up trouble. Please, for once, let us be and leave us alone.

Natika Chairath

Songkhla

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International Commission of Jurists condemn attacks

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today condemned the bomb attacks that occurred across Bangkok on New Year's Eve, which are reported to have killed three and injured over 20.

"Thorough and impartial investigations will be needed to discover who committed these bombings and why. But it is already self-evident that there can be no justification for these violent acts," said Nicholas Howen, ICJ secretary-general. "These are criminal acts and those responsible will have to be brought to justice in accordance with international standards."

The ICJ expressed its condolences to the victims and their families.

The International Commission of Jurists

Geneva

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Tourists need to be reassured that security is a top priority

I am a Malaysian and plan to visit Chiang Mai for the second time this February for my holiday. Despite the recent bomb attacks in Bangkok, I still plan to visit your beautiful country because I love Thailand and its people. Yes, I am concerned with the security aspects and I hope the government of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will act fast to deal with this matter so that the tourism industry will not be affected.

Those behind the blasts are traitors and every possible effort must be made to track them down and punish them according to the law. Millions of Thais depend on the tourism industry.

 Imagine what would happen if less people come to Thailand this year because of the irresponsible acts of some people. The Thai government must make every effort to assure the visitors that Thailand is safe and secure. I also believe that Thai people are peace-loving and would not want to see any more bloodshed in their land.

Prime Minister Surayud must also not forget that security is important for all the provinces, not only in the South and not only in Bangkok.

If an increased police presence would help improve security, so be it.

I believe many tourists would not mind seeing police personnel on duty everywhere; just make sure that all chances for the attackers to strike again are kept to a minimum.

Azmi Atan

Malaysia

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INGOs need internal audit systems for tsunami funds

Re: "Sharks, vultures", What Others Say, January 1. This article from The Island newspaper criticises the appalling level of corruption surrounding the money garnered for the relief of tsunami victims. Among other charges made, the article states that, "Even the so-called respectable INGOs from those countries that export transparency, honesty, integrity, accountability to the rest of the world have robbed tsunami funds".

My question is - says who? If the writer is referring to the likes of Oxfam, the Red Cross etc, rather more information to support the allegations would have been helpful. If he doesn't include these well-known and properly run organisations, he should have said so.

Where a large amount of money is concerned, there is often corruption. Regrettably, money intended by donors to help the victims has often been handed over to authorities in the countries effected by the tsunami - and therein lies the rub!

I do not for a moment suggest that the people of Western nations are any more honest than people in Southeast Asia. However, in the West there are far more working checks, balances and, importantly, audits in existence, making it far more difficult for employees of western INGOs to make off with the money.

However, in Asia, the site of the tsunami, corruption is endemic simply because the same strong, anti-corruption measures do not exist.

The solution lies substantially with the INGOs who should be unwilling to part with money (except directly to victims in need), but should simply be prepared to pay the bills for restoration which, in turn, should be overseen by their representatives - very carefully checking that the goods or the work to be paid for has actually reached the people for whom it is intended.

The donors, of course, also have a part to play by giving and by only supporting those charities that carry out such controls.

Henry Ashe

Bangkok