Thaksin is merely a creation of Thai society

In Thai society "connections" are the bottom line for any chance of moving up in the ladder. What you see today is what Thai society itself has created. Thaksin proved to be the creation of Thai society and its ways. We have nobody but ourselves to blame for the present condition of the country. Thaksin could easily subvert the legal system and had the clout in the police force and the military. He manipulated the system to gain advantage for his personal and business affairs and his actions bear testimony to this.

We can only hope that the three pillars of Thai society - the nation, religion and monarchy - will help the country recover from the imbalance that the Thaksin era has left behind.

SUMETH GORIAWALA

BANGKOK

Use frozen assets for the benefit of the Thai people

I still deeply object to the Shinawatras going into exile in England. Thaksin's lies, of course, never change over the "security threats" to him and his family and "unfair treatment" in the country's judicial system. Death threats, my left boot! It's just that they were both about to go to jail for their many crimes against the Thai people.

That means a lot of spare cash for the Treasury and what, in fairness, Thailand and its people thoroughly deserve.

ARUN SINGH

BANGKOK

The blame lies with guilty politicians, not foreigners

Re: "Is our country run by a bunch of outlaws?" Opinion, August 12.

I have lived in Thailand for many years. I do not concern myself greatly with internal Thai politics. I am a foreigner, and it has been made clear to me that I am a guest in this country and therefore have no relevance to internal Thai politics. This I accept, and have respected.

I would, however, like to draw attention to the article by Sopon Onkgara. In this article - very articulate, very argumentative - the comment is made: "Not only that, their track records are tainted, their performance in office is sloppy and inept, their level of morality is despicably disdainful. On second thoughts, what can we expect from these desperados who want to sell the country to foreign investors?"

When will Thailand and Thai people stop asking such stupid nationalistic questions, which always end with the evil foreigner theme? The main thrust of the argument is Thai politicians, not foreigners.

I try to live with respect here - but it is disappointing to have to permanently be tainted with the evil foreigner brush. It is the Thai rich and middle classes who are keeping the Thai poor downtrodden. Blocking effective foreign competition only serves to continue control by inept Thai family companies who could not survive on the world market due to the fact they only survive through patronage and cheap labour here in Thailand.

Yes, Thailand might be run by a bunch of outlaws, but do remember they are Thai outlaws. Please stop shunting the blame away. Thai people have huge moral and ethical questions facing their own character; it is weak and unfair to blame others for the country's deficiencies and problems.

DONALD WATERS

BANGKOK

Court verdict was fair and rational

Re: "Top judge sees no evidence of political interference in judiciary", News, August 13.

As an outside observer and having reasonable understanding of the Thai revenue code, I can see the neutrality on the judgement of the recent case in which three tax evaders were sentenced to jail terms. It was difficult to find any hole in its legal rationale. The only claim the defendants could make on alleged "unfairness" was that the case was specially investigated by an Assets Examination Committee specifically set up to investigate the misdeeds of a group of persons, which is not normally applicable to other taxpayers. However, the court ruled that the set-up was legal and justifiable.

SONGDEJ PRADITSMANONT

BANGKOK