I am pleased to see that the matter of the disgraced ex-prime minister's takeover of Manchester City continues to exercise the minds of your readers, who are adding different perspectives to this unpleasant scenario. What is interesting is that Keith Harris, a former Football League chairman, who is, I understand, a failed prospective purchaser of Manchester United should be the front-man for Thaksin's endeavours. He recently waxed lyrical about the cleanness of the money and transparency of the transfer funds in a BBC interview. Well, I am unsure as to the probity of these funds, but I would certainly not believe any man in the pay of Thaksin.

And why would that be? Well, for the simple reason of Thaksin's "track record". Let me explain further. In business, during a takeover, both sides undertake due diligence. They examine the business prospect for suitability and any "problems" before proceeding. And in business in general it is wise to know the background of those with whom you are dealing. It is quite clear that this is not being applied by Thaksin's many advisers where he is concerned; clearly money speaks as far as they are concerned. The cleanness of the money is merely a side issue; the "provenance" of the owner is what is really important.

The shallowness of understanding of supposedly competent, ethical and professional people who are dealing with Thaksin is staggering. Here is a man who cynically manipulated government policy to enrich himself, his family and his cronies, but worse, was prime minister when a wave of extra-judicial killings took place that left more than 2000 dead. This is the character of the man whose money has been pronounced clean and transparent.

One can only hope to see Thaksin brought to account in international courts for his actions in due course.

I hope that the new UK prime minister, in being the product of a highly moral upbringing, will make it clear to state agencies in the UK that the test of a 'fit and proper person' is one that they must discharge to both the spirit and letter of the law. For, if this is not adhered to in an early test of "how business will now be done in the UK", it will be a resounding failure for him and his prospects as a leader of high standing will be irreparably damaged.

Dr John Symons

BANGKOK

-------------------------------

Noppadon short on facts in defence of his client

Re: Police in UK set sights on Bt10 bn", News, June 28.

Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer, Noppadon Pattama, should present evidence showing how his client acquired the Bt10 billion that is currently deposited in the United Kingdom, together with tax-payment documents - instead of accusing everybody else of trying to discredit his client. This is the best time to dismiss allegations and dispel suspicions levelled against his client.

By often referring to his client as "the prime minister", Noppadon behaves as if protecting the legal rights of his client is secondary to pleasing him as his political spokesman, which is very unprofessional for an attorney entrusted with such important responsibilities.

By trading innuendo with Thaksin's opponents and neglecting to defend his client with evidence and, if possible, witnesses, Noppadon is making it hard for Thaksin to defend himself when all the cases reach the courts.

This may be a classic case of an asset being misused or a genius doing things beyond his expertise.

Chavalit Van

CHIANG MAI

-------------------------------

Government line given in asset-freeze story

Re: "Police in UK set sights on Bt10 billion", News, June 28.

This is a well-written article and quite informative because of what it doesn't say. We are led to believe that the Anti Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has been asked by an unnamed British agency what it wants to do about Thaksin Shinawatra's deposits in London bank accounts. This must be a first in international law-enforcement cooperation and we will probably see this plot line further developed in a future James Bond film. The article quotes no one from the British government but an Assets Examination Committee (AEC) official says the information is a "state secret". Contrasting this unprecedented cooperation by two countries is the statement in the same article that the ex-prime minister is set to increase his stake the Manchester City FC to 66 per cent.

In the same edition of The Nation, another piece ("PR info is factual, Thiraput says", News) states that the AEC has released a 19-page booklet to explain its decision to freeze Thaksin's assets.

It would appear that the government's campaign extends to the news being reported and could give the impression that it is controlling the media. It would be a shame if this were true. David Barkdull

BANGKOK

-------------------------------

Film ban symptomatic of wider censorship problem

Re: "Iran's insecurity shows with bullying over film", Letters, June 28.

The letter by Rushdie Rocks finds fault with Thailand's submission to a protest by the Embassy of Iran against the showing of the film "Persepolis" in July's Bangkok International Film Festival.

The writer underestimates the repressive context of current Thai politics. There is a culture of censorship and repression, where any problem is to be solved by denying its existence and banning it from view. The film "Persepolis" is of great artistic value, as proved by its having been awarded the 2007 Cannes Jury Award. The film has been greatly admired for its humour and the beauty of the animation, but above all for its advocacy of human rights. There has been no consultation with Thai artists, filmmakers, or human-rights promoters on the value of this magnificent film and its relevance to Thai life at this time.

Once again Thailand disgraces itself by this boorish and high-handed action. If the Bangkok International Film Festival has any claim to international status it will reject this censorship and allow the film to open the festival as intended.

Danthong Breen

BANGKOK

-------------------------------

No need to insult troops in letter on relocating capital

Re: "Army land in Bangkok ideal for capital buildings", Letters, June 28.

Who is this Gibson Martin, who says: "Since Thailand has no external enemies, therefore, no external threat, one cannot help but wonder why the Army needs to be so large and to use so much of the national budget."

Is he not afraid of shaming his children with this observation?

Does he not know we have "neighbouring countries" - that we are surrounded by them in fact. And what are today's friends if not tomorrow's enemies, in a geographical and economic set-up like Southeast Asia? Is not that the first lesson in international relations? And I invite comments from embassies of our neighbouring countries.

And he continues: "Perhaps the Royal Thai Navy has a real role, because it serves a coast guard function, including search and rescue, as well as defence against piracy." Coastguards and piracy, indeed! Does he think he is living on "Treasure Island" because Thailand happens to have sun and sand?

As a Thai, and I don't even have to be highly educated to be able to think, I feel it should be made clear that the proposal for a new Parliament building was made by another government, another legislative committee years back.

So there was no need to jibe the Army, nor the Navy, or even the Airforce which, I must admit, is rather obsolete where their equipment is concerned. But, every time there is talk of buying new jet fighters, can it be guaranteed that there would be no letters to the editor yelling "corruption"?

The old Parliament building is one of the most beautiful architectural structures in Bangkok and was confiscated by the military when a fully democratic government came into being. When everyone wanted to become a politician and it got too crowded and had no room for billiard tables, the powers-that-be decided to build another one behind it. That contained the politicians and parliamentarians for about 20 years.

Within the past two decades, due to congestion, a plan was devised to move some of the government buildings from the old part of the city. Hence we now have the Public Health Ministry, the Commerce Ministry, a number of schools and universities in the Nonthaburi area. Nothing whatsoever to do with the military, democracy or Thailand's external enemies.

Open-mouthed and Unbelieving

BANGKOK