NBT fracas forgivable given all PAD has accomplished

Despite its achievements in exposing wrongs committed by the corruption-ridden Thaksin, which resulted in the 2006 coup, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has succumbed to its own success. The belligerence the group showed at the NBT television station on Saturday was something hard to forgive indeed.

However, the PAD in the past has done much for society in exposing severe misdeeds in government and as a result they have helped save the state much money. Even in the face of the NBT mishap, I still think the good things the group has done outweigh its recent bad behaviour. I'm afraid the bad elements waiting in the wings are now laughing at the prospect of plundering the country again without anyone's watchful gaze.

I argue that having a fervent watchdog that behaves badly on occasion is better than having none at all at your doorstep.

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

Thailand's democracy one of Asia's most vibrant

Re: "Thailand not qualified to comment on democracy elsewhere", Letters, August 28.

Because of our imperfect democracy, Julian Wang opined that Thailand should be the last Asian country to comment on other Asian countries' democracy.

First, besides India, Japan and South Korea, one cannot name a single Asian country that is at par with Thailand's degree of democratic development. The unsightly tanks and mobs have resulted out of a frustration with social and political injustice. They are checking forces and would likely have been approved by Aristotle himself as necessary.

Second, because I take freedom of speech for granted as a Thai citizen, I have no qualms about criticising other nations, such as China, Burma and other Asian countries when the human rights of our fellow man are being suppressed. I would also express myself if the Thai people, with their relatively high degree of freedom, went to an extreme in overextending these freedoms.

I like to believe that since 1932 we have matured to a certain degree in terms of our democratic achievement and I view the present setbacks as part of our development to achieve the right balance for our future society.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

Chamlong should surrender to show respect for the law

When the police applied to the courts for arrest warrants, one of the People's Alliance for Democracy's leaders, Chamlong Srimuang, insisted that all five PAD leaders were ready to be arrested and would not resist. He insisted that they would not let their supporters shield them from arrest.

This would be fully in keeping with the spirit of non-violence, which Chamlong has repeatedly stressed that the PAD follows.

When Chamlong found out that the warrants had, indeed, been issued, he and his fellow leaders waded in so that they would be surrounded by their supporters. Such a move makes a mockery of all that Chamlong said he and the PAD stood for. It also makes the situation highly explosive, for all it takes is one PAD rowdy, or a "third hand", to start swinging, and violence could easily break out, with massive bloodshed. Is this what Chamlong and the PAD, who have greatly benefited Thailand by fighting Thaksin and earlier standing up for democracy and rule of law, want?

Martin Luther King and countless other heroes served their time, as badges of honour. Now, it is time for Chamlong and the other PAD leaders to do likewise. Be true to your code of non-violence and your respect for the law, gentlemen. If you can't stand a few nights in jail, how can you lead the PAD in the tough times to come?

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok