Jakrapob's daring suggests he has people backing him

Whoever stands behind Jakrapob Penkair at this juncture, when the outspoken PM's Office minister is being pressured to quit his job for his alleged lese-majesty remarks, is putting their own resume as true patriots on the line. It's easy to explain why.

First, Jakrapob made a big mistake when he accepted an invitation to give a speech at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand titled "Democracy and the Patronage System of Thailand". Being as sure of his English proficiency as he is, he took the bait offered by event organisers and shot his mouth off. It's as apparent as that.

Second, Jakrapob's speech that day reflected the thinking of the people who are behind him.

The man himself, without any backing, would not dare utter such strong words with such passion against respected people such as Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. Upon hearing part of Jakrapob's speech given that day, many people believe he went beyond that. He used very strong words during that speech.

Third, by arguing that Jakrapob should be given a chance to clear himself, his backers are indeed helping him get off the hook regarding his ethics and appropriateness for the ministerial job. This will set a bad example for people from all walks of life to say and do things that offend the country's respected institutions.

Thus, Jakrapob's sticking to his post could be interpreted by any normal-thinking Thai as demonstrating bad intention on the part of his backers regarding revered institutions of the country. This could bring disunity to our homeland. Conclusions could be drawn about who would want to cause such a disturbance in the first place.

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

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Proud of Thai assistance in China relief efforts

I would like to express my deepest sympathies over the loss of life and destruction caused by the recent earthquake in the province of Sichuan, China. It is unimaginable what the people are going through at this tragic moment and I can only share in grief with the most heartfelt sorrow.

As a Thai citizen, I was particularly proud when I heard that Thai companies were among the first foreign companies to respond with aid to the people of Sichuan. I hope that more local and international companies will contribute to assist China, given that thousands of victims are need of help.

Jamie Puo

Bangkok

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Unconditional aid will only reward Burmese junta

Re: "Accountability vital in providing aid to Burma", Letters, May 24.

I applaud your editorial and in particular the issue of the aid actually reaching those most in need in southern Burma. Considering the past and present behaviour of the Burmese military junta, transparency and full disclosure must be conditional for all aid supplied to such a group. Their actions and treatment of their people is one of state-sponsored terrorism. They must not be supported by the international community.

As part of the transparency process, I wonder if there will be an appraisal with full disclosure of the funds illegally ferreted away in numbered bank accounts throughout Asia by members of the Burmese military cabinet and their associated group of enriched cronies? Why not confiscate the billions of dollars in these bank accounts and use them to alleviate the suffering of these poor innocent cyclone victims?

 This is an outrageously corrupt and heartless military regime that must not be allowed to control the flow of aid to those who are suffering. Unconditional aid will only be a financial reward to these gangsters. Due to the junta's intentional inaction in assisting the victims of the cyclone with a view for personal profiteering, thousands have died unnecessarily; this is a crime against humanity and proceedings should commence in the International Court of Justice. This can be one of many cases, not excluding the genocidal policy of this regime against the ethnic minorities in Burma, and numerous examples of crimes against humanity.

Michael Chahine

Bangkok

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Ted Kennedy's checkered past glossed over in reports

Re: "Ted Kennedy, the dynasty brother who dared to get old", Opinion, Friday.

While I take no joy in hearing of US Senator Ted Kennedy's medical problems, the outpouring of grief has been overdone.

Senator Robert Byrd's blubbering on the Senate floor was an embarrassment. Also, those who have unchecked adulation for this man seem to forget Chappaquiddick, where he left a young female staff worker to drown in his car, while he went home to sober up. Enough.

Forrest Greenwood

Bangkok