Thais lack ability to take constructive criticism

I do not resent but am grateful to Bernard Walker's criticism on our indoctrinated system of education in upholding almost blindly our ego. Meechai Burapa's response with supportive examples was masterful and hit on our fundamental weakness.

We, Thais, completely lack ability for self-examination and self-criticisms, not to mention criticisms from others. It is always clouded dreamily by the statement that we are the best. Hence, our thought process advances at a snail pace. I remember one Scottish economist warned us pre-1997 financial crisis of the impending financial storm due to our debt situation. One leading official retorted by condemning that economist for talking out of his hat and threatened to deport him for damaging Thailand's "strong" economic force. If you want to be friendless, just try to be frank in any meeting and see whether you will ever be invited back.

SONGDEJ PRADITSMANONT

BANGKOK

Crisis should bring about change in American fiction

We live in an age where stocks do not deliver fortune, where your home is not an investment, and where God has left the building. I say the last because the term moral hazard has become an economic, not a religious term. It means you're sinning against the free market by bailing out failed companies.

Right after 9/11, I remember reading that American fiction would surely change, hopefully for the better. That didn't happen, of course. Books of page-turning sensationalism, conspiracy theory, formula and agenda still dominate the best-sellers list - and the worst sellers list for that matter, for no other books ever make it into print.

The economic catastrophe of the past six months, however, may have a more profound effect. Being evicted from your home, losing your job and your savings can change your take on reality. American fiction flourished after World War I and other conflicts. At the very least, this catastrophe should add depth once again to the landscape of the American narrative.

FORREST GREENWOOD

NAKHON SAWAN

Thailand can do better without Thaksin

Isn't it funny? Thaksin promises to name names, when he comes back, totally ignoring that his opposition has enough of his dirt to bury him three times over? Ever since this person started meddling in politics, things have taken a turn for the worse.

Remember his solemn promise to rid Bangkok of its traffic jam? After over 10 years we're all still waiting, even his buddies from the Isaan taxi faction. That was when I stopped even listening to this guy.

Now he doesn't stop from spilling blood just to get back his money. As reported recently, there have already been six attacks with explosives against his opponents, all done in a cowardly manner. People like Seh Daeng would have been dishonourably discharged without pension in nearly all other countries, here he gets the centre stage to boast his cowardliness. Let Thaksin and Co and all the others know, that Thailand doesn't need him and his corruption, which sucks the blood of every honest, working Thai.

Thailand doesn't need another dictator. And let those people who still follow him know that it's their own money he stole from them, via corruption, that he is distributing to them. The only question I haven't figured out yet is, why Dubai wants to spoil its reputation by giving him shelter.

SAM MUNICH

BANGKOK