It is the duty of the government to look after its national interests first - to keep the peace and to make its people aware of the problems that are likely to arise if bold actions are not taken.

However, in the field where foreign interests are involved, it is also the duty of the government to make sure that they be given due protection under the law and preserve the status quo as much as possible. After all, foreign investors must be told in advance the dos and don'ts before a deal is signed and be reminded from time to time that they must respect the laws of this country.

However, the government, in the light of international competition and international politics, must take bold actions to grow its economy, by encouraging exports and attracting more foreign investment to our shores.

These are challenging times and the government must boldly elevate its people with the relevant education and training and incentives to create and boost our image as a global player. Thailand has all the resources and all the prerequisites, so why not make use of them? In response, our people must respond to the global challenges with a global outlook away from our parochial thinking. Be bold. Good luck.

Soirangoh

Bangkok

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AEC officials should not be surprised by phone-tapping

Re: "AEC officials' cell phones are being tapped: CNS", News, January 18.

So AEC officials think, or have proof, that someone is tapping their mobile-phone conversations.

It is hardly surprising that some of those who could be under investigation by the AEC would want to monitor what the AEC is doing. Some of those people have access to methods of tapping phone conversations. The AEC is telling people to contact AEC members on their office or home phones. Now there is the surprise. Does the AEC think that those who are tapping their mobile-phone conversations are not doing the same with their fixed-line phones?

If I were in the AEC, I would assume that any of my personal or office phones were being tapped unless they were being checked frequently by reliable telecommunications technicians. The only safe outgoing phones for AEC members are public phones, used on a random basis, not the same few all the time.

Gareth Clayton

Bangkok

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'Outsiders' best choice for peace-brokers in South

The situation in southern Thailand is dire and could get worse. Teachers and street-sweepers getting killed in cold blood cannot continue. Neither can the Thai government continue to deny that no one is to blame for deaths of detainees in their charge. Are formal discussions taking place? If so, the general public is not hearing about them. In any case, formal discussions would be a big step toward smoothing out the problems in Thailand's southernmost regions.

Since it is doubtful that either side would see Thai citizens as completely fair-minded and impartial, it is recommended that "outsiders" be brought in to the equation. In order to appease both sides, a candidate for mediator should be non-Muslim, non-Buddhist and have no political or financial connections to Thai wheeler-dealers.

A negotiating team would have to be accepted by both parties. Each party's envoy should have as much authority as reasonably possible. If an envoy has to continually call a break in order to discuss points with his superiors, then progress will be haltingly slow.

Regarding the messy situation in southernmost Thailand, we first need to find who, if anyone, carries the mantle of authority among Muslim activists. That person or those people should be engaged in discussions. We need to know what they want, and whether they have the authority and ability to order a cessation of hostilities. If it's found that there is no one in authority, or that the purported authorities choose to hide, then perhaps a Thai military policy is in order. If, on the other hand, there are authorities who choose to discuss the serious matters at hand, then all encouragement should be provided for discussions in a safe and cool-headed environment.

On the Thai side, the government should make a sincere effort to find a negotiating team that is as non-affiliated with vested interests as possible. It's a tough task, because everyone in a position of authority is ingrained in one part or another of the power structure.

As for a negotiating team, "outsiders" stand the best chance for gaining positive results. Perhaps the UN could play a role.

Ken Albertsen

Chiang Rai

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Singapore's role as an avenger of democracy laughable

Re: "Get over the 'Thaksin factor'", Editorial, January 19. Oh dear, now we are really being indulged in the realms of fantasy. The Singaporean government is concerned about democracy, not in Singapore of course - that would be too much even for the world of fantasy - but in Thailand, where at least attempts are made and until recently and hopefully in the near future a credible opposition exists without fear of persecution. Dream on.

A Wallaby

Bangkok

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City-state has much to lose if Temasek deal falls through

Re: "Get over the 'Thaksin factor", Editorial, January 19.

Private visit or not it's a matter of diplomatic courtesy - a courtesy that the Singaporean government has not hesitated to overlook. It's a case of propriety, which again the Singaporean government has shown a distinct lack of. I can understand the Singaporean government's position. Temasek is a quasi-government investment agency that is now facing a huge loss in its investment in Shin Corp.

It was an investment without the basic due diligence required for the enormous sum involved. It was also done behind closed doors. If this issue ever sees the light of day in Singapore, it could ruin or at least tarnish the reputation of the ruling Lee family and could cause an upheaval in the Lee family's lock on power. They had no choice but to let Thaksin in and afford him all the courtesy due a business partner.

Not Disappointed

Bangkok

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Govt needs a comprehensive plan to deal with Thaksin

Re: "Get over the 'Thaksin factor", Editorial, January 19.

So, after the Singapore fiasco, we've warned Japan to behave vis-a-vis ex-prime minister Thaksin. Are we going to keep following the man around the world, warning each government in turn? Who do we think we are? I'm amazed by the ease with which one solitary man, Thaksin, is making the government dance to his tune: Thaksin acts, the government reacts. I suggest that premier Surayud Chulanont come up with a comprehensive, decisive plan to handle the guy. For example, having a prominent government spokesperson debate Thaksin, Larry King-style, on, say, corruption, should, first and foremost, educate and help Thaksin-proof rural voters and quiet the guy down.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok

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Thailand's rating alongside Congo an effect of junta's rule

Re: "Thailand, Congo slide into shame, join 'not-free' list", News, January 19.

As long as the country continues to use old ways to settle new problems Thailand will sorely lose on the international stage. The coup leaders are falling over themselves while Thaksin says it like it is. He does not have to return to Thailand. If he decides to stay outside and do speeches he can damage the country from abroad. Thailand is now rated alongside Haiti and the Congo. What do your analysts say about this?

James

Bangkok

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Better transit system required to ease travel between airports

Re : "Two airports would put nation in league with other big cities", Letters, January 19.

Philip Cook was right when he stated that it is quite logical for big cities to have more than one airport. It would be a waste of resources to put the old (but still in good condition) Don Muang out of business for good.

However, the two airports must be linked by a workable road/rail system. The on-going Airport Link is not the answer because it was not intended for such a purpose. What I propose, for now, at least, is a Bus Rapid Transit System via the Eastern Ring Road and the BKK-Chon Buri (Suvarnabhumi) Motorway loop to avoid heavy city traffic.

Dr Vichit Phanumphai

Transport Engineer

Bangkok

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Crowd control on escalators needed during BTS rush hour

I would like to make a suggestion to the operators of the BTS Skytrain and MRT systems. Before reaching escalators within or outside of stations, prominent signs should be placed urging riders to stand on the right-hand side of the escalators. It would be even better if a recorded audio announcement could also be made. Riders who need to reach a destination by a certain time can then, on the left-hand side, safely bypass those who wish to remain standing rather than the current situation whereby many users are blocked throughout the system from making any headway.

F Stephen Thompson

Bangkok

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