• 
• 

Published on February 13, 2008

 The latest was on CNN over the weekend. If that is true, then I guess we can hope for some kind of light at the end of the tunnel, after all.

PM Samak has had a long political career and does have enough experience to run the country. He is now prime minister and has the authorities at his command. He can choose to do things that are truly for the good of the country or he can choose to do them for the benefit of someone or the People Power Party. It is up to him to write his own history. Personally, I think this is his golden opportunity to make the right choice not only for the country but also for himself. Thai people are very forgiving and who knows - if Samak chooses the right path, he could very well be an excellent prime minister. The country sure can use one right now.

Supreecha  D

Bangkok

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

Health ministry may sell out poor patients

Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap argued in favour of a giant drug company and pledged to review the compulsory licensing of vital drugs for low-income patients. Citing a "confidential" letter that a leading drug manufacturer submitted to the Ministry of Commerce, Chaiya reasoned that sanctions against Thai exports could easily outweigh the benefit that certain poor patients would get from compulsory licensing of drugs announced by his predecessor Dr Mongkol Na Songkla.

As one who was educated in the "Show-Me" state of Missouri, I demand to see the secret letter that somehow leaked from the Commerce Ministry to the Health Minister.

Mr Chaiya, can you look straight in the eyes of the Thai people and say from the bottom of your heart that you do not faithfully follow the instructions of drug executives?

Chamnong Watanagase

Bangkok

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

Govt appointments are disgraceful

Re: "Chalerm's son to get 'role model' job", News, February 12.

What an awful decision to appoint Wan Yoobamrung as a presenter for the Public Health Ministry's campaign against drinking and smoking, and as an aide to Deputy Health Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul. I can't think of a more inappropriate decision. Wan's tarnished past, including being a co-defendant in one of the most brutal, senseless murder trials (involving a police sergeant) I've ever read, makes him totally unsuitable. He is the poster boy for how an undisciplined delinquent has managed to wreak havoc, threaten others and be a nuisance in public, while thumbing his nose at the law because of who he  knows.

Wan's appointment is just another example of how politicians blatantly use their influence for personal gain. It makes a mockery of democracy and embarrasses me as a resident of Thailand. This type of favouritism is precisely what prevents Thailand from progressing and achieving its potential. 

Yes, I know favouritism has been going on for generations and is not uncommon. But that is not a reason to ignore or tolerate it. When it happens, we must call it out and do whatever it takes to clarify right from wrong. We must do our best to prevent wrongdoing from being the status quo. Otherwise, another small opportunity to progress will be lost.

Outraged Taxpayer

Bangkok

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

New administration already a laughing stock

Quote: The new Thai government named two wayward sons of controversial politicians as appointees to key ministerial jobs Tuesday. Wan Yoobamrung, son of Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobambrung, has been appointed secretary to the deputy minister of public health, while Chonsawat Asavahame will serve as secretary to the deputy interior minister.

Wan, in his early 30s with a history of brawling in pubs, may work on anti-drinking and anti-smoking campaigns launched by the Public Health Ministry, according to newspaper reports.

Chonsawat, in his early 40s, has faced a criminal court trial on charges of assaulting a policeman. He was charged after allegedly refusing to stop for an alcohol test and assaulting the officer who tried to stop his vehicle.

"Wan and Chonsawat are well educated and qualified young men for the job of secretaries, and they are among dozens of qualified figures being appointed to be secretaries and advisers to ministers," Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup told reporters. Unquote.

Could someone explain to the general public how the Thai government can appoint a citizen who has a criminal charge against him (for assaulting a policeman) to the position of a secretary to the deputy interior minister?

According to Health Minister Chaiya, both men are well educated and qualified for the secretary jobs. Can you please show us copies of their degrees? I wonder if Mr Chaiya himself is qualified to be our health minister.

This government is doomed to an untold destiny. And Thailand will be again the laughing stock of its Asean neighbours and the entire world.

Uncitizen 1

Bangkok

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

Thai fugitive allowed to remain at large

Can the British government explain why a Thai fugitive wanted for trial in Thailand is permitted to remain at large in the United Kingdom with seemingly indefinite right of residence and freedom to travel at will. The fugitive's name is Thaksin Shinawatra and his whereabouts are known to the British authorities. I demand an explanation from the British Embassy in Bangkok regarding this matter, including the reason why extradition laws, if they exist, are not applied in this case. Ordinary citizens with outstanding legal cases against them are stopped at international borders and sent back to the country where those charges stand.

J Walker

Bangkok

Send us your views in an instant

E-mail your opinion, with 'Letters to

the Editor' in the subject box, to:

letters@nationgroup.com

The Nation