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Published on July 13, 2007

I have read the almost relentless and at times near hysterical outpourings concerning the perceived political ambitions of General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

Within these there is one strident and repetitive thread that the general has no business in politics - at least at this time.

Whilst not having lived through a previous coup in Thailand, it is clear that this coup was fundamentally different from previous ones. The country was staring into a moral abyss having been taken there by sheer greed; the country was being systematically plundered. Its very future and institutions were at risk. The coup-leaders acted in defence of the Kingdom. They intervened to halt the inexorable slide.

The coup was bloodless and life, save for the removal of the previous regime, goes on almost unchanged. The media are free to publish and broadcast what they like, including some highly critical pieces about the junta and its motivations.

Which brings me on to this tirade of advice to General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. Try and put yourself in his position. You take the Army onto the streets not knowing exactly how events will turn out. You stabilise the position and attempt to use the same institutions that had been abused and manipulated by the previous regime to bring that regime to book.

However their sloth, ineptitude and recalcitrance prove exasperating. Time marches on relentlessly to the year deadline to return the country to democracy.

The menace that was removed continues to twist and turn and cast a black threatening shadow over the Kingdom. The general, who risked so much, can see the continuing threat - the poison has not been completely purged from the Kingdom, many vestiges remain and could return. It is not surprising then that he wishes to be a chaperon to the change.

His credentials as a patriot are clear. If he wishes to enter a democratic election, why discourage him? He will be a civilian very soon. The ballot box will determine his fate and that of others who wish to serve the Thai people.

John de Laurent

Bangkok

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General should absolve TRT if he decides to run

Re: "Head straight at the crossroads and don't turn", Opinion, July 11.

Tulsathit Taptim's opinion column says it all. General Sonthi stated he would not become involved in politics when he led the coup d'etat that "saved the nation". If he changes his mind, no problem. If he acts on this change of mind, he will bring about division, not reconciliation.

If General Sonthi enters politics, he should declare amnesty for the Thai Rak Thai Party and invite Thaksin to re-enter politics at the same time.

Bernard

Chiang Mai

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Thaksin's govt had no claim on legitimacy

While a military coup is undeniably undemocratic by its very definition and is never a viable solution in a functional democracy, to allow former prime minister Thaksin to continue to cling to the notion that his time spent as prime minister was any more legitimate than the present administration is providing him with a shallow rationale and a very convenient excuse to claim a form of immunity from prosecution under the current government.

Rampant vote-buying and bribery played such a prominent role in the Thai political scene during Thaksin's time that it unfortunately cannot be considered a democracy and Thaksin's claims of legitimacy by way of being "democratically elected" hold no water

Charles Garner

Chiang Mai

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Orphan's tale a reminder of why the poor need help

Re: "Tak girl, 10, cares for family", News, July 10.

News on a girl aged 10 caring for many relatives after losing her parents might indicate that we have many responsible people with high moral standards. Unfortunately, they receive little attention. Wimol Yomkerd not only has to cope with the loss of her parents, but also has to care for her grandparents, aunt and brother. While many would walk away, this little girl chooses to assume such a responsibility. She is a role model for others to follow. I hope help is on the way to make her dream of becoming a nurse come true.

This is in stark contrast with the story of a 20-year-old man intentionally using his car to injure and kill people. It is important that stories like this appear in the media to remind us that a lot of people still live a miserable life, so that we do not lose sight of issues central to their survival, including ensuring they have access to a good education, job opportunities, healthcare and others. If we want our democracy to succeed, we have to actively take part in relieving their suffering.

Even with a constitution and election, we cannot say that ours is truly a democratic society if a majority of people are forgotten and left behind. Democracy will only be an unattainable goal if many people live in miserable conditions with no hope. In the book "The Politics of Aristotle" translated by Ernest Barker, Aristotle says: "Where democracies have no middle class, and the poor are greatly superior in number, trouble ensues, and they are speedily ruined."

Prichar

Bangkok

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Asean should be grateful for being off US radar

Re: "In search of the fading US policy on Asean", Opinion, July 9.

United States relations with Southeast Asia may be considered the only bright spot for the Bush administration.

As Kavi Chongkittavorn outlines, much good is in the pipeline for continued improvement in trade and security issues. And he is correct in lamenting the less than enthusiastic support and commitment by the United States during the past decades.

But please, be thankful. President George W Bush skipping Singapore in September may have allowed Asean countries to escape the havoc and destruction that the Bush/Dick Cheney juggernaut has inflicted upon much of the world.

Tom Fin

Bangkok

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Buddhism threatened by its omission from charter

I feel sad that Buddhism was not declared the state religion of Thailand. Temples in Thailand have been a shelter of people from many religions, a centre for numerous important social activities, a centre for education etc. Many important people stay at temples when they go to college.

Since Buddhism was not declared a state religion, there may not be a guaranteed national budget to maintain temples and support Buddhist activities. It may affect unemployment, homelessness and the development of Thailand.

A Thai Buddhist

Bangkok