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I think Arul Singh should tread extremely carefully in his criticisms of a developing Thailand, in particular with his line "the creaking political system in Thailand that allows people like Thaksin and Samak to take centre stage".

To alleviate his concerns, I think he should only look west to the US to see the example set by the world's most advanced nation in electing one George W Bush not once but twice. At least the damage caused by the frailties of Thailand's political system mean that the problems are generally contained within its own borders and not unleashed outside on the whole world

A Warner

Bangkok

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PAD's demands go beyond what is reasonable

Both PM Samak and the PAD act as if they're 100 per cent right and the other side is 100 per cent wrong, casting themselves as God against the devil.

But, in fact, both are right and both are wrong. Samak has the legal right to govern, as he's been democratically elected - but that doesn't mean he can do anything, including seeking to get the People Power Party off the hook even if guilty. The PAD has the right to protest within the law - but not the right to take even 1 per cent of each Thai's vote away (let alone 70 per cent), nor to unilaterally dictate who will be the next PM.

Both sides should step back and let the law take its course and show justice to be done. To show good faith, Samak should stop trying to change the Constitution until legal cases involving the PPP, directly or indirectly, have been concluded. By so doing, he will be heeding Abraham Lincoln: "It is as much the duty of government to render prompt justice against itself, in favour of citizens, as it is to administer the same between private individuals." Samak should also ensure that any protests, by or against PAD, are within the law.

On its part, the PAD should return Government House to the government (after cleaning up), and leaders for whom warrants have been issued should surrender peacefully instead of hiding behind the skirts of their followers. If Thaksin and Co are guilty as charged, Pojaman's tax evasion case, and others, will provide plenty of legitimate case studies which the PAD can use to educate the people as to how any government can milk us dry - and why it is, therefore, the duty of every citizen to scrutinise what our leaders are doing. By doing that, the PAD can show that it truly is for "government of the people, by the people, and for the people".

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok

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The wrong man at the wrong time

I have been living in Thailand for almost three years now and have witnessed a lot of turmoil in this lovely land. It seemed to me that after Thaksin's plundering and the disastrous Sondhi and Chulanont administration (does anyone remember them?), Thailand needed a leader who could project intelligence, diplomacy, effective foreign policy and some business acumen.

It seemed to me, as an outsider, that Abhisit would have been an excellent choice - and he certainly seemed capable of repairing Thailand's damaged image abroad, and its ability to continue attracting foreign investment and much-needed capital generated by tourism.

Instead we are witnessing record price hikes, low consumer confidence, massive political instability, a weakening baht, lower tourist bookings, fear amongst foreign investors and a very disenchanted Thai people.

Samak seems to constantly say the wrong thing at the wrong time. He seems incapable of showing the diplomatic skills required of a leader and he constantly demonstrates a shocking ignorance of the facts. It is clear he is the wrong man at the wrong time. It is also clear that if he is sincere about being in the service of the Thai people, it is time for him to tender his resignation. All parties to this fiasco can clearly see he is doing a disservice to Thailand by remaining in office.

What must happen before he sees that? Let him demonstrate that holding this office is not about money or power, but about a sincere desire to serve his country. He can best do that by ending this horrific term of office and moving on.

Mark Snyder

Bangkok

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Can't see the trees for the woods

As a British citizen married to a Thai national, I have been taking a keen interest in the political fallout in Thailand. There are a number of things that seem obvious to me:

The PAD is complaining that Thaksin is telling Samak what to do. Well, this cannot be proved or disproved and, as far as I am aware, it is not against the law.

The PAD claims to be fighting for democracy and then protests about a legitimately and democratically elected government. It should perhaps be renamed People Against Democracy (it would fit their modus operandi better). Democracy, as long as it agrees with them, would be more accurate.

Although Samak is talking about a referendum, this is not necessary. The PAD should not be allowed to win, as the rule of law might as well be thrown into the long grass. If the PAD succeeds in bringing down the government, all it will prove is that a mob can bring about anarchy.

I believe that journalists should be independent and report news without bias. This is not happening either.

Tony Hedges

Bangkok