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Published on January 10, 2008

You give Pojaman too much credit for returning to Thailand and being "the stronger half of the couple". No doubt, she, just like all the politicians in the defunct Thai Rak Thai party, is being manipulated as one of Thaksin's puppets. I would love to believe that Pojaman is "courageous", but sadly I think she is just being used, like a scout being sent ahead of the army to take the political temperature of whether the time is right for Thaksin himself to return.

I have some hope that Pojaman will receive a fair trial for her role in the controversial Ratchadaphisek land deal and not one tainted by corruption. This trial means a lot for Thailand. Let's hope that the country's criminal justice system is robust enough to make an objective judgement based on the preponderance of the evidence.  

If guilty by due process, Thaksin and Pojaman should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I'd like to see this trial serve as example of what is, and what is not acceptable behaviour, so that we can get started on creating a better future for our country.

Outraged Taxpayer

Bangkok

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Ex-PM's tactics at this time are shameful

For Thais, it is more than inappropriate for Thaksin to use this time in his self-imposed exile to launch a public relations spin for political benefit.

While the nation is in mourning for HRH Princess Galyani, Thaksin, in distasteful contrast, has particularly chosen this time to capture the spotlight for himself, and for him it couldn't be a better opportunity. It gives him the chance to look like a victim. It seems more likely Pojaman has been sent back to give support to the PPP.

Thaksin has once again shown his true colours - that it's all about himself, with no respect for others.  

Faith in Thais

Bangkok

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World would not mourn the loss of PPP

Re: "FAQs time, with an expert as confused as you", Opinion, January 9.

As ever you write an interesting and enlightening "Stoppage Time", on the current political situation in Thailand. I feel, however, that in saying - "But dissolving a party that has won an election will irreparably smear Thailand. In the eyes of the international community, there will be absolutely no justification for such a move" - that you have not considered why that dissolution would be ordered: they cheated. 

Developed countries understand that, for an election to be free and fair, the playing field must be level. If the PPP used illegal methods to attain victory, that is not democracy as I understand it and they must pay the price.

For me it is the other way around: if the PPP did cheat and were not dissolved, then that would irreparably smear Thailand in showing that it was a highly dysfunctional country, where as long as you had a numerical majority regardless of the methodology by which it was achieved, that was permissible.

You clearly fear such an outcome, and I understand why, but I do wonder whether there is the nerve within the system for such an undertaking, even if the allegations were found to be true.

This is not the time for the middle path or pragmatism; it's a time for courage - and I doubt we shall see such mettle displayed. As with other contributors of late, I do fear for the future.

John de Laurent

Bangkok

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Take guns away from off-duty cops

Are the police out of control?" Letters, January 9.

John Francis Lee asks the rhetorical question, "What is the difference between organised crime and the Thai police?" One difference is, organised crime thugs target their victims for cold-blooded murder as a matter of doing business. In contrast, off-duty rogue cops in Thailand murder impulsively. What are police captains doing to rein in their hair-trigger charges?

Are the Boys in Brown given any training in maturity, or how to not go ballistic when offended? If they feel compelled to fire their service revolvers, perhaps a shot in the air would be enough warning - or a shot in the leg at worst. Fatal shots to the head and heart are despicable - nearly as despicable as the authorities who let the accused out on bail.

Ken Albertsen

Chiang Rai

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Island bars show no respect during mourning

I don't know if you can help, but it is a shame that in this time of national mourning some new bars here on Koh Phangan don't stop playing music until after 2am. The noise is so loud that I can't sleep - two kilometres away. Even the big party organisers have cancelled events during this time of mourning. Some of these new bars on the road from Thongsala to Hadrin blast out senselessly loud music every night.

Since Koh Phangan officials have no e-mail address nor any website for communication, I write this letter in desperation. It is not understandable how something like this can be tolerated. The odd thing is, there are very few people on the island now. It would be fantastic if someone in the Surat Thani or Koh Phangan administration reads this and does something so that peace can be restored. 

Tourist with shattered nerves

Koh Phangan

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Asean must get its act together

Re: "S'pore ratifies charter", News, January 7. If all 10 Asean member states pledged to expedite ratification of the Asean charter within 12 months, it can be expected that all necessary political and procedural efforts will be deployed to respect this important calendar commitment in order to bring into force a fundamental legal instrument of the most significant regional organisation in Asia.

 The Asean charter can strengthen the diplomatic stature of the Asean secretary-general, currently Surin Pitsuwan.

 In conformity with Article 11 of the charter, the secretary-general is not only the chief administrative officer of Asean, but also a most prominent diplomat who will present the views of Asean and participate in meetings with external parties in accordance with approved policy guidelines and mandate given to him.

A topical example of the Asean secretary - general's future role in multilateral diplomacy, involving meaningful negotiations, can be mentioned. There is a recently approved master plan for enhancing Asean-European Union relations and cooperation till 2012 in a comprehensive and mutually beneficial manner. Both entities have to exploit the potential of multilateralism and develop consultations/cooperation in multilateral fora, including in the United Nations and other bodies within the UN system, as well as in the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem), in order to strengthen the multilateral system and, where appropriate, to develop joint positions.

A strong, effective and well-articulated Asean diplomacy is an imperative prerequisite for a dynamic and productive regionalism during the irreversible process of globalisation.

Ioan Voicu

BANGKOK