Democrats irresponsibly milking Preah Vihear

To see Thai politicians working to whip up this sort of hatred concerning Preah Vihear to serve their own political ends is truly shocking.

The Democrat Party constantly talk about the rule of law, and when the government enters into an agreement respecting the rulings of the worlds highest court they want to criticise and not abide by the rule of law.

It's pathetic, and damaging to Thailand in terms of it's international reputation as a law-abiding state - not to mention dangerous, as they try to whip up anti-Thai sentiment here in Cambodia. If there is any violence against Thais it will rest squarely on the shoulders of the Democrat Party.

With this act of sheer xenophobia for political purposes the Democrats lose the bit of credibility they had. Thailand is in dire need of new political parties acting in the people's interests rather than their own.

Andrew Hunter

Cambodia

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Court 'bribery' shows the avarice of the upper class

News about three lawyers representing a former political big shot having been sentenced to six-month jail terms for contempt of court related to an alleged bribery attempt within the Supreme Court vicinity was depressing indeed.

First, it shows how unethical and immoral people in the upper class of our society have become, even though they are supposed to take the leading role in our society. The wealthier and more educated have instead lead our society to decadence out of their blind respect for moneyed politicians. There simply is no sense of responsibility left within the upper class.

Second, the three convicted lawyers, no matter how shameful a crime they have committed, are just hired hands.

If pursued, the culprits behind this crime can be traced easily through police investigations. From which bank did they draw the money and from whose account(s)? Who is connected to the account holder(s)?

Third, it tells us that we, as a society, must do some soul-searching and act accordingly before it's too late: How can we protect our children from moral decadence and unethical traits? How can we tell them the difference between good and bad ethics? How can we tell them not to take rich but bad people for their role models, but to spurn them instead?

Finally, those who don't feel anything or have never cared less about this depressing news are a cause for worry: they have become more or less decadent themselves.

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

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Some strong performances during censure debate

Re: "House debate was like watching apes in a zoo", Letters, June 26

Besides the zoo-like and sickening hours as appropriately highlighted by Chamnong Watanagase, there were also other scenes that one was pleased to spend time watching. Many Democrats made good and educational presentations, including Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Strangely enough, Noppadon's response was well thought out and to the point except for his fondness for showing off his ability to speak English and French. However, his clear presentation highlighted his misjudgement in signing that joint communiqué. He had no explanation for his extraordinary generosity towards the Cambodians except for that of neighbouring love.

From this debate, I would not ever dare to associate myself with the People Power Party since, in general, their sub-standard speeches, dress and demeanour were apparent.

The Democrats can walk tall with the appearance of an effective leader. They have the potential to uplift our House's standard to the level of the UK House of Commons or the US House of Representatives if they could be less long-winded and more to the point - like Noppadon - leaving less room for those buffoons to protest.

Korn Chatikavani was long-winded and included too many figures in his presentation, but his conclusion was masterful when he was rushed by the deputy speaker. It was so revealing of the dark side of cronyism.

In conclusion, my star performers were the two deputy speakers, who were so patient, fair and polite, especially in the presence of those buffoons.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok