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News of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat sending an envoy to consult with ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in London about the new Cabinet line-up does not bode well for his own future and that of his government.

It shows Thaksin is still the real power-wielder here, despite the fact that he is being sought as a fugitive from Thai law.

It also shows how politics in Thailand is now run: the newly appointed head of government is just a front man for someone else rather than the head of the nation's government. Worse is the fact that the new prime minister, a former judge, is nonchalant about his duty to revoke Thaksin's diplomatic passport since Thaksin is a fugitive from the Thai courts of law and to seek the extradition of Thaksin as soon as possible.

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

 

Anand saw nation through the horrors of Black May

Re: "Details needed on Anand's heroic past as PM", Letters, September 20.

Meechai Burapa did not dispute Anand Panyarachun having clean hands during his term in power but doubted his contribution as far as pulling us out of trouble.

First, being a Thai prime minister viewed as incorruptible is a rare accomplishment and deserves respect.

Second, did he not restore peace and decency to our society after the dark days of May 1992? Were we not in trouble that Black May? Not only did he maintain his independence from the junta, but he also put many good laws into effect, such as the introduction of VAT and the promotion of helmets for motorcyclists. Wikipedia refers to him as having been " ... effective in initiating economic and political reforms, one of which was the drafting of Thailand's 'Peoples' Constitution ... which was promulgated in 1997 and abrogated in 2006".

Some people are so cynical about others and blind to others' good deeds.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

 

A toast to a future of wise and honest politicians

This most appropriate quote to our situation here in Thailand appeared in the latest issue of The Federalist. It was from John Adams, president of the US from 1797-1801. He said: "I pray to heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but the honest and wise rule under this roof."

Would that such "honest and wise men" would present themselves in Thailand!

John Williams

Bangkok

 

A new vice-presidential contender steps to the fore

The following is an open letter to John McCain.

Dear Senator McCain: I was hoping that you might consider dropping Sarah Palin as your running mate and replacing her with me, someone with vast foreign-policy experience. After all, if Palin claims to have foreign-policy experience because she could see Russia from her home in Alaska, just think how experienced I am: I have actually been in 30 countries.

I also share her views that children who are raped should be put in jail if they get an abortion, teenagers don't need sex education, it's fun to murder animals, and the media invented evolution and global warming.

While I don't have your war record, I did once as a drunk college student spend the night in jail on a public-urination beef.

If I promise to visit even more countries, could you consider putting me on your ticket? We'd make a great team.

Your pal,

Eric Bahrt

Chon Buri

 

Common man makes the final decision in politics

In the US, the people allowed the Bush appointment to happen. This was despite serious flaws in the election procedure and the less-than-credible character of the person they allowed into their highest office.

It seems to me that despite all the big talk, when it comes to the crunch about decent standards it is left to the poor people in developing countries like Thailand to show real courage and make a stand for decency in government.

A Warner

Bangkok