Asean summit is just a junket for freeloaders

Equally, what's so important that requires endless reporting and speculation on whether the meeting will convene or not? The agreements have already been made and the documents printed regardless.

Haven't these so-called leaders or the thousands of staff at their disposal ever heard about post, e-mail or video conferencing? These meetings are just an excuse to freeload at the taxpayer's expense; a complete junket.

In times of economic hardship for millions, how can these self-important talking heads justify the outrageous expense of what is essentially a photo opportunity?

No wonder the people protest, and rightly so.

STEVE PEDROTTA.

NONTHABURI

Airport sit-in reveals infrastructure shortcomings

This airport seizure shows how fragile the Thai infrastructure is to any disruption to the status quo. As has been reported, as many as a million jobs may be at risk next year. In the greater scheme of things, the protesters must, without doubt, leave the airport now.

We could bring to the forefront issues such as decentralisation, the lack of security measures, national intelligence formation, and how, without Suvarnabhumi, Thailand is isolated from international contact. Although U-tapao is acting as a gateway, its infrastructure is outdated and will inevitably lead to problems. Our other international airports are unable to allow for diversions of freight planes, and our rail system is not linked to most other Asean nations.

BHATARA

USA

Expat Thais feel the pain, too

What is going on in Thailand? CNN calls Thailand a "dysfunctional country". We are leaving for Bangkok in three weeks. We don't want to land on a rice field because the airport is still closed. We also don't want to land in Taipei and spend two weeks there, either. We don't know which side we are on yet but we feel very sad at what is happening. No doubt the security will be very tight during our trip. I hope there is no bloody confrontation in Thailand. It hurts deeply when our own people kill each other.

TUK

FLORIDA

PAD not to blame for crisis or chaos

The tide seems to be turning against the PAD. Journalists and writers are blaming the PAD for the mess Thailand is in. But it is not the PAD that should be held responsible for the mayhem caused by a stubborn prime minister who is not allowed to resign because his boss will profit from the chaos. Who can deny this PM is nothing but a puppet dancing to the tune of a fugitive? Who can deny the PPP politicians are a bunch of people working not for the benefit of the country but for the benefit of one man? Who can deny the violence was started by people not belonging to the PAD? Another bomb attack yesterday caused 50 PAD supporters to be wounded. Where is the police protection? The dire situation asks for dire means to remove this government. Of course the occupation of the airports is harming the country. This sacrifice we should gladly make for a better future. Today I donated another Bt1,000 to the PAD, an example all people who love Thailand should follow.

EGON WOUT

BANGKOK

Reasons to be cheerful - one, two, three

Early on Monday evening mobiles rang by the thousands as friends called friends to look at the smiling moon in the particularly clear sky. It was just a tiny crescent of a moon curved into a big, slightly lopsided grin. Above it were two bright planets, looking like eyes.

Everyone felt simultaneously gladdened in their hearts, such has been the stress of the past days.

Yesterday also, The Nation carried the picture of the lady-boy dancer welcoming stranded travellers at U-tapao Airport, which is worth another smile. His Majesty's birthday is approaching and we all want to celebrate with him and wish him all the happiness from our heart.

Come on, people, and the rest of the world! Thailand will not easily lose its smile of genuine pleasure. We do not want to mired in stress and struggle for money and power. We want to be happy, therefore we are!

SUNIDA

BANGKOK