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Published on January 19, 2008

Myint Thein's slight on Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma for not being practical was convulsive to read. It was doubly so when the criticism was levied from Bangkok by a Burmese exile, away from the ambit of the brutal military in Burma.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been under detention in Burma for two decades, separated from her family, and she lost her husband during that period without even having a chance to be near his bedside or even his grave. She may carry out her role not to the liking of some Burmese exiles, but at least she has become a beacon of hope for Burmese everywhere. Personally I think she should have left Burma after her mother's death. Selflessly, she has chosen to remain as a thorn in the flesh of the oppressors. She now represents for the Burmese people their best and sole hope of one day ending the military repression. Similar to Nelson Mandela, she has also become a world symbol of heroic and peaceful resistance in the struggle for freedom.

Myint Thein, no matter if you disagree with her strategy, at least you should be grateful for her not capitulating to the junta by leaving the country, thereby leaving more room for the junta to suppress your fellow citizens. I do not think her two sons would feel the same way as we all do and ask so many times, "why bother?" They would trade the fame and Nobel Prize for their mother to be near them.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

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Crime and corruption makes us look like idiots

Re: "'War on Drugs' probe draws a blank", News, January 16.

So, in our nation, a thousand or more maybe innocent people can be killed but no one is responsible? A policeman can shoot and kill a tourist or wound a woman but be released on bail. "maybe an accident"?

An official responsible for the international film festival is implicated on graft charges, but even with proof from the USA it takes all this time for another "committee" to investigate without actual charges brought, while a relative holds unexplained monies in a bank account.

These are all high-profile cases internationally and again we look like blundering idiots in the eyes of the world. More and more we are proving to the international platform how much of a Third World nation we are. As our revered King pointed out: "Without justice we cannot exist." We are urgently in need of a total overhaul of our system of justice and our law enforcement.

As a proud Thai, I feel more and more ashamed.

Noppadon

Bangkok

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Election Commission needs to show courage

Is there any integration of professional practices here in Thailand? I've been assuming there is, but recently I have seen only evidence to say professional integrity is missing. What is present is the patron-client system and the inherent corruption, cronyism and nepotism that follows - made cohesive by fear. I say this as a prelude to my comment about the election.

My comment is: shame on the Election Commission for lacking the principles to take action on red-card lawbreakers. Their ambiguous stance and inaction has allowed immoral and self-centred people to do whatever they want with virtual impunity.

My question is: why do people tolerate a culture based on fear? Perhaps a revolution is necessary to empower individuals to act securely and with respect for sound principles. History shows examples of societies throwing off the old regime. Only in countries that adopt democratic principles is the individual empowered. If the PPP and their totally self-serving attitudes, values and motives are the core of a government that should be serving the needs of society, this writer will absolutely support legal action to shame, prosecute and jail those who break the public trust.

Representatives have a responsibility to put the public's needs above their own. Obviously, we have a crisis of professionalism here in Thailand. Long live open societies in which individuals live with no fear.

DGB

Bangkok

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Security components missing in the South

In any normal UN or counter-insurgency operation there are significant numbers of police or paramilitary/gendarmerie troops deployed (for law enforcement) in the operational theatre. Normally, infantry troops only support operations carried out by police and paramilitary units. Infantry troops also carry out independent operations against strongholds as well as securing logistic lines. Infantry troops also are an important component in "fast response teams".

However, in southern Thailand this component seems to be missing. The Thai police seem to have no operational duties whatsoever. The police's primary functions have been destroyed by the insurgents. The police role seems insignificant; everything is done by the army.

To make the situation more stable (in waiting for a political solution), the generals must understand that more of everything is not the solution. Rather, they should be concerned about having the right mix: troops, gendarmerie and police. This means that machine gun-toting teenagers are replaced with, hopefully, adult professional officers.

H Hansson

Bangkok

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TV station's new logo looks familiar

When I first saw TPBS's logo, the first thing that came to mind was NBC. I wonder why. It's déjà vu all over again. C'mon guys, can't you think for yourselves?

Meechai Burapa

Chiang Mai

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