Would a Democrat-led govt stand up for democracy?

In Thailand there is an ongoing, coordinated effort by the powerful few to subvert the mandate of the powerless many. In my opinion, there has never been a non-corrupt government in the history of this country. But to think that we should temporarily suspend the principle of one-man one-vote to "clean house" and to put our trust in the elite few to decide whether we are ready for it again is very dangerous.

If you look at the situation today, is there any other outcome besides the complete destruction of Thaksin and his political machine followed by an election in which the premiership is handed to Khun Abisith on a platter? When, not if, that happens, will Abisith have the mettle to stand up to those who handed him the job and fight for our right to vote? That remains to be seen.

SALIN PINKAYAN

BANGKOK

Move the government |and Cabinet to London

I can't understand why the PPP buffalo government is so concerned about not having its Government House available. Thailand is currently controlled by the chief buffalo in London - at the new "London branch of Government House". Let the government convene there (and let the PAD invade them there), as the chief buffalo has no further use for Government House in Bangkok.

The chief buffalo instructed his lawyers to file libel suits against PAD members in Thailand. I thought he had no confidence in the law in Thailand - as this is his excuse, to the British government, for applying for asylum and giving him and his family exile.

ALIEN9

PHAYAO

Thais need to find some common ground

The Executive Committee of Samaggi Samagom (under royal patronage 2008-9), as well as over 200 Thai students in the UK (named at www.samaggi.org) would like to express our profound condolences to families of those who lost their lives, and those who suffered severe injuries from the violence on October 7. This great loss has shown us the truth that violence is never a solution to political conflict, such as the one we are facing.

Samaggi Samagom would like to voice a plea for the government, the People's Alliance for Democracy, and any other political movements to stop all forms of violence without exception. Furthermore, we would like to encourage a sincere discussion to find a long-term solution for Thailand, with the following suggested guidelines:

1. To observe the principles of democracy where the majority will listen to and respect the rights of the minority, and the minority must accept the decisions of the majority, while the government is to govern within an ethical principle, not to favour personal benefits, and to respect the judicial system.

2. To protect Human Rights according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

3. To aspire to a united society where problems are solved through wisdom and awareness, without sentimentality.

We have faith that the crisis can be solved if the Thai people can find common ground on which to base our fraternity.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF SAMAGGI SAMAGOM

LONDON

We are still not listening; more violence looms

Re: "Now, more than ever, we must heed HM's words", Letters, October 21.

This was a noble letter, Khun Burin, but you know as well as anyone that yesterday's court judgement will polarise both sides further than any other judgement so far. The likelihood that "all parties must avoid violence" is rather naive. The chances are that the divisions in society will become ever more acute and that the stage is now indeed set for "irreconcilable conflict".

Sometimes it seems that both sides are fighting for principles neither understand, with the PAD calling for the end to democratic government. What remains certain is the inevitable violent fallout from the pro-government supporters.

ARUN SINGH

BANGKOK