We have the right to oust any government, any time

Re: "Unions illegally holding the country to ransom", Letters, September 3.

Burin Kantabutra wrote that the unions have no more right than the People's Alliance for Democracy to overthrow an elected government. This is a misconception. Elected governments have been brought down by popular revolt when they achieve electoral victory fraudulently and when they abuse power and become corrupt. The People Power Party-led government came into being illegally when it committed fraud.

In a democracy, people can employ extra-parliamentary measures to change their government, particularly if they adopt non-violent means. Since the days of Athenian democracy two millennia ago, this right is more sacred and more fundamental than the ballot box.

NETIRAT INTIRA

BANGKOK

Here we go again: another round of self-flagellation

Well done, us! I believe we have protested ourselves into the trap set for us. It was what former prime minister Thaksin had wanted to happen two years ago. He had been about to declare a state of emergency, too, while attending the UN meet, but the cavalry arrived in time to oust him.

The protest this time was even more pathetic and anyone could have seen the outcome. It's like two stubborn old men butting heads. But we forget that they are evil and crafty old men who do not care that their headbutting is at the cost of the country and people's lives and livelihoods, and now our civil liberty.

Do not hold your breath over the military brass stepping out again. They have become too savvy to be blamed again by the whole world. They are just waiting for the dust to settle and to be the heroes this time. They will then take back what they have always felt belongs to them. Real power will be shared out carefully among the Chosen Few, named (without political interference for the first time) at the military reshuffle in the past month. Chosen, signed and sealed.

Let us not be surprised either if events further turn upside down and inside out. We all seem to have forgotten that one of the stubborn old men - an expert in psychological warfare - was part and parcel of setting up the Thaksin regime. Once again, a hearty congratulations to all!

BAD MOOD

BANGKOK

Welcome to unsmiling, dysfunctional Thailand

Airports closed, electricity and water supplies expected to be disrupted, trains operating half-schedules, a state of emergency declared and schools and universities closed. Welcome to Thailand!

You can talk and talk about politics all you like, but the truth is, no one knows what's going on or what's going to happen. Samak is keeping his cool and hanging on until the budget is passed and he can get paid. The Democrats - and the Senate for that matter - are acting innocent and keeping quiet because there's a chance they can get into power by the back door. Sondhi is upset because he was pulled off the breast and wasn't getting paid any more by Thaksin, who paid himself too much.

You'll notice a theme here. The Buddha might be a little disappointed if he were to visit Thailand today; after 2,551 years we're still suffering the same dhukka (suffering). Either way, this whole episode has taught us a lot about Thailand and the people that run (or would like to run) it. It's simply greed on a massive scale.

ROBERT LACEY

BANGKOK

Movies and real life: it amounts to the same thing

While the world is watching the situation in Bangkok, Nicolas Cage is probably the happiest man on earth right now. His movie "Bangkok Dangerous", financed by and starring himself, is scheduled to open worldwide on September 5 at the theatre near you. It couldn't be a better time.

SOMSAK POLA

SAMUT PRAKAN