Greenpeace condemns attack on PAD protester

Ply had joined a rally organised by People's Alliance for Democracy in his personal capacity. Like all Greenpeace employees and volunteers, Ply adheres to the principles of non-violence and peaceful protest. This unprovoked attack against our fellow environmental campaigner is shocking and unacceptable. In a democratic society like Thailand, there is no room for violence against activists and peaceful protests. We hope necessary and immediate action will be taken by the authorities for the sake of justice and peace.

Tara Buakamsri

Campaign Manager,

Greenpeace Southeast Asia

Bangkok

Independence, not reliance on 'phuyai', the way forward

Re: "Time for loose cannon is running out fast", Editorial, May 21.

I have had your last Thursday's editorial in my craw ever since I read it. I am not going to write specifically about Jakrapob or the controversial charges being brought against him; he seems to be playing his own political games. Rather, I would like to comment on the notion of reliance on the "phuyai" system in Thailand as espoused in your editorial.

The editorial states: "Thailand has a unique social system of its own. Although most institutions are weak and vulnerable to political intervention, we still have phuyai (learned and respected men) who provide guidance to the country in time of confusion or crisis. When the phuyai speak, we listen."

First, this is not a "unique social system". To go to extremes, granted, but still to accurately illustrate the point, North Korea has its own "phuyai" system. If you put unelected people beyond the reach of criticism, then that's what you're advocating. How do you expect Thailand to develop as a country if its people are always looking to their phuyai for answers to everything? At this stage in Thailand's development, shouldn't the Thai people start looking to themselves for their own answers, using democratic principles and common sense? If you answer in the negative to that, then you're quite cynical indeed. As a newspaper that has consistently argued for Thai people to become more involved and educated in the political process, I find this stance completely contrary to those ends.

The implications of your statement above go even further. If, for example, I'm a poor farmer living in rural Thailand and being cheated on my taxes by the local kamnan - a phuyai in my sphere - then I have no recourse. I should smile at this exploitation and thank him for taking the time out of his busy calendar to deal with the lowly likes of me. Those not part of this country's highest institution should not be shielded from criticism due to some deference as a result of their elite positions. Please, as supporters of democracy, allow that much in your editorials.

Worried in the stands

Bangkok

Govt bail-outs not feasible for mom-and-pop shops

Re: "Fresh ideas needed in mom-and-pop debate", Letters, May 27.

With due respect, I do not find Dom's idea refreshing.  At the first sign of the controversy, the idea of governmental financial assistance was easily knocked down as impractical and against the basic concept of free trade. 

Subsequently, a logistics company was formed to help out all the shops in gaining the benefits of economy of scale.  After a few years, the fate of this company has yet to be determined.

Furthermore, past ideas as opined by others were not all negative and against superstores.

On the contrary, the majority favours the giants and recognised that the grocery shops will not completely disappear.

There will always be a few mom-and-pop shops, which will thrive and corner the niche market. 

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

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