Country's future hinges on strength of judiciary

The court's acceptance requires that Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee and two other ministers step down. This week, a tax-evasion case involving Thaksin's wife and brother-in-law will be decided, and Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will continue a very strong push for constitutional amendments which will let the People Power Party escape the danger of dissolution, even if guilty. Former public health minister Chaiya Sasomsap was earlier removed from office for asset-disclosure violations.

Then-prime minister Thaksin allegedly undermined the independence of many independent institutions, but was not successful when it came to the judiciary. Prime Minister Samak has been severely critical about the courts not giving him a free hand; evidently he does not comprehend that they who make the law, as well as we common folk, must follow the law.

While these cases may well result in a calamity for the Thaksin and cronies camp, this is a very rare opportunity for Thailand to have rule of law, and thus heed His Majesty's wise words: "If the country does not follow the rule of law, it will not survive." Justice must not only done, but it must be seen to be done. Only the guilty must be punished, but we must go after the kingpins. Punishment must be commensurate with the high offices of public trust and large amounts involved. The folk who sold their votes will see that the winners had only their vested interests at heart, and intended to reap back a thousand-fold the amounts with which they bought votes. Thus, citizens will be more wary when the next elections come around, and scrutinise candidates and office-bearers on a consistent basis - which is the hallmark of a vigorous democracy. Many would say, let the military throw the rascals out - not us civilians. But that's what happened at the last coup. General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and General Surayud Chulanont marched in place for over a year, equating elections as being the beginning and the end of democracy, instead of encouraging vigorous debate on the issues of the day that would promote an informed, involved electorate. It's your right, dear reader, and mine to decide what government we want - not that of the men in arms.

Speak now for rule of law, for if we lose this fight the judiciary will be savagely attacked and it will be too late.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok

Khmer influence evident throughout Thailand

Re: "Preah Vihear nationalists could use a history lesson", Letters, July 26

As a history buff, I was heartened by Sumet Jumsai's observation that those involved in this conflict do not have any appreciation of history. They are more driven by nationalism and self-interest.

However, I was disturbed to read that his late father, ML Manit Jumsai, a prominent historian and an author of the first English/Thai dictionary that I used, knew of the controversial French map that "nobody in Siam knew about when MR Seni Pramoj took the case to the World Court" and opined that "it was obvious that Siam had to lose the case because of this map". With that knowledge, shouldn't Khun Manit have informed Seni then?

Second, per the World Court, we lost because the map was previously dispatched by the French to our officials in Siam with that demarcation favouring Cambodia. For five decades, we never protested and even worse in 1930, per one photo, our senior official appeared at the site with the French colonial officials. In accordance with the rules of evidence, Siam was barred from denying the effectiveness of that map per the nine-to-three judgement of the World Court.

Third, few Thais have no knowledge of the greatness of the six-century Khmer Empire since along the border, the Khmer influence is still prevalent. Our short-lived extension of territory to the town currently called Siem Reap ("the defeat of Siam") continues to be trumpeted by teachers.

Fourth, Khmer culture played a great part in our architecture and various ceremonies. Many Thais wrongly believe that they copied us.

Finally, I agree with Sumet Jumsai that the temple and its complex, including the approach, belongs to mankind and Cambodia and Thailand are only caretakers of this valuable site. I therefore suggest that a joint development of the mountain range is warranted. With this approach, our relationship could begin with a new epoch of forgetting our historical differences.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

Correction: In yesterday's Regional Perspective column, "Can new foreign minister Tej salvage Thai foreign policy?", the UN permanent representative from Thailand was incorrectly identified as Surasak Sihaseni. Thailand's UN permanent representative is Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The Nation apologises for the error.