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Published on January 9, 2008

Yet it would be far better if you and I followed the role models of our royals as they devote their lives to the common good while they are still with us, joining in their causes and making their burdens lighter. For example, HRH Princess Galyani spent years helping the disabled, poor and others less privileged. Yet, at the national level, each government sets a very low 10-per-cent limit on tax-deductible contributions to charitable organisations, and approvals to institutions to make donations to them tax-exempt are given out with a miser's hand. At a local level, to call Bangkok's sidewalks "disabled-friendly" is to make a cruel joke, and lottery ticket selling is still a major occupation of last resort for the blind. If you, dear reader, were wheelchair-bound, where in your workplace could you even go to the toilet?

We rightfully praise our royals for the many years they spend working for the common good, yet the vast majority of Thais have not followed in their footsteps and experienced the joy of volunteering, helping those less fortunate.

As we join the rest of the nation in mourning for HRH Princess Galyani, I suggest that the new government should encourage giving for our common causes by doubling the exemption limits and making the qualification process easier. I suggest that you, reader, should give just half a day each month helping out your favourite charity, or donate its monetary equivalent - starting now.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok

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Thaksin and Pojaman still playing their games

All of a sudden, Thaksin has confidence in the justice system, which he had painted in a bad light not long ago. What a change of stance! Whatever motive Thaksin and his wife might have, it is safe to conclude that Pojaman coming home is to save what could still be saved and delegate coalition-building, which in turn would cushion or protect their interests. With a disarming posture and humble approach to the-powers-that-be, Thaksin and Pojaman might still get away with it. After all, Thais are most forgiving and could easily forget. Remember Thaksin's "honest mistakes"? He might even be able to emerge gracefully, making everyone happy, if he proposes a grand coalition between PPP and the Democrats, with reconciliation and economic upsurge as a cornerstone for a transitional government.

SWS

Bangkok

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Another tourist murder; another national fiasco

Re: "Cop 'executed my best friend' ", News, January 8.

The tragic news of Carly Reisig being shot in Pai, and her ex-boyfriend, John Leo del Pinto, being killed is now a lead news story throughout the world. All of the facts have yet to be made public; however, it is certain that this will be another major embarrassment to the Kingdom already being rocked by continuing political upheaval and economic downturn. It is obvious that the current government has lost all control and the Thai people voted with that in mind last month after a full 15 months of stagnation on every issue the military dictators based their justification for the coup.

On the news coverage of the tragic events in Pai, I want to commend The Nation on the balanced coverage presented over the past two days. While many news services again fell victim to the all too familiar rhetoric from the Thai police in defending the actions of their off-duty representatives, The Nation presented other aspects of the incident that may prove to be what actually transpired in this case.

The world is watching.

David Barkdull

Bangkok

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Are the police out of control?

All I know is what I read in the papers. The police let a man charged with premeditated murder go on bail. Because he is a cop.

A cop in central Thailand hacked off a woman's arm because he "happened to be feeling that way with no reason" one night. Is he still on the force?

What is the difference between organised crime and the Thai police?

John Francis Lee

Chiang Rai

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PPP would be wise to stay out of military affairs

The People Power Party, the reincarnation of the banned Thai Rak Thai Party of Thaksin Shinawatra, must be warned to keep away from seeking to reinstall Thaksin's close allies in important and strategic positions in the Thai military.

The PPP must be reminded that the Thai military has its express duty - besides protecting the Kingdom's borders and national sovereignty - to safeguard the monarchy. To drastically change the structure of the organisation would be seen as an attempt to compromise its ability to do its job properly.

Thai governments in the recent past have tried to disengage the military from politics and have succeeded to a certain extent. Yet when Thaksin became prime minister in 2001, the trend was reversed: he bypassed officers in the top echelons of power in favour of his close friends. The result was, as we know, the September 2006 coup. This happened because of mistrust in Thaksin's intentions viz-a-viz the role of the military.

This time round, if any of Thaksin's relatives or friends is appointed to the post of minister in control of the military, it will mean Thaksin is again trying to repeat this past mistake. This time Thailand will very likely become another Pakistan, where political issues are settled by bombs and bullets, because of the deep distrust between the military and politicians.

Thus, the PPP should be careful not to repeat the same mistake Thaksin made. Why not let the military do its job of protecting the nation, religion and monarchy as efficiently as possible?

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

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