Charter amendment will set us back decades

altering the basic law is one of a few options left for him and his company to keep away from being banned from politics, or face possible jail terms for their alleged various legal and constitutional offences.

However, whether the PM's move will be successful is a big question: the People's Alliance for Democracy is adamant it will not allow that to happen; most academics and the literate Thai public don't seem to agree with the move. Other pressure groups, NGOs and labour unions are also expected to join in resisting the government's self-serving effort.

The PM needs to be reminded that the path he has chosen is extremely treacherous. It could lead the country to conflagration. Already, incidents of fist-fighting have occurred in Chiang Mai when the two camps stepped up their campaign against each other at the Municipal Stadium on Sunday. Emotions already run high.

The amendment, if passed, will signify that Thai politicians seek to change the rule of law to avoid punishment for the crimes they have allegedly committed.  Thailand's democracy will go from bad to worse.

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

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

Cabinet members need to realise responsibilities

PM Samak is planning a major overhaul of his "ugly" Cabinet. Bravo! Better late than never. To get one that's more capable than the present group at solving our problems, I suggest that he change his underlying assumptions. He should heed John D Rockefeller, Jr: "Government is the servant of the people and not their master ... truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order ... the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free."

Cabinet posts are not spoils to be used to benefit the party, but opportunities to serve the people. Instead of dividing up seats among the parties first, see who from among the coalition can best fill each seat and work as a team member - regardless of party. Ensure that all adhere to the letter and spirit of the Constitution as it now stands, including articles on electoral fraud, share ownership, and the related punishments. Let each minister-designate present his vision, related capabilities, and the feasibility thereof, for confirmation of office.

Let's have a Cabinet for the country's benefit, not the party's.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok

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

Keep an eye on your neighbours

I was disappointed that you did not report on the current political situation in neighbouring Malaysia yesterday. With Thailand undergoing great political upheaval and demonstrations against the government a daily occurrence, I should have thought the "locking down" of the Malaysian parliament, which caused gridlock in the capital, newsworthy both in the absolute and the comparative - to allow your readers to see how another "democratic" and supposedly more developed and sophisticated country (that seeks to be in the First World league within 10 years) reacts to protest by its citizens.

John de Laurent

Bangkok

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

Education Ministry should focus on early learning

The Ministry of Education's OBEC hierarchy, under the astute direction of Khunying Kasama Worawan na Ayudhya, should be commended on forthright, articulate and insightful planning and policy perspectives, highlighting the need to pay special attention to basic education equal opportunities as the foundation for societal success.

Child-centred, progressive education reform should start in Grade 1, emphasising formative creative thinking, sensory visualisation, integrated basic skills development and "fun" task-based activities. Themes should focus upon everyday life experiences, home, family and coping abilities to nurture self-confident computer-based learning.

Dr Chanchai Prasertson

Bangkok