Asean must be more forceful with Burma

I find the typical attitude of Asean members who continually take the approach of not wanting to upset any member nation, and in particular the ruling generals in Burma, to be utterly pathetic, and, of course, in Thailand's case it is self-serving. With the significant amount of trade between Thailand and Burma, and Thailand's dependence on receiving gas supplies from Burma, the Thai response is not unexpected, but it is nevertheless something to be ashamed of.

Until Asian countries mature and learn that losing face is not necessarily negative, and being overly polite in circumstances that warrant a severe response continues to be seen as demonstrating neighbourly cooperation, nothing will change and Asean will continue to be viewed as weak and ineffective.

The civilised world recognises that the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi is a weak excuse by the generals to extend her confinement either under house arrest or, worse still, in prison. The only ones guilty of any crime in this case are the ineffective Burmese guards who failed to stop a very foolish illegal intruder entering Aung San Suu Kyi's supposedly well-guarded residence.

It's difficult to believe the trial judges will ever accept this, and the outcome is almost certainly a foregone conclusion, as is next year's election - which will be manipulated by the generals to enable their continued vile suppression of the Burmese people. The real difficulty that nations face in dealing with Burma is to assess the optimum action to remove the generals from power while minimising the impact on the long-suffering Burmese population.

CHRIS KAYE

CHONBURI,

Elections alone cannot prevent corruption

The UK scandal over MPs' expense claims shows that even in a mature, functioning democracy, checks and controls are needed to prevent abuses of power. Periodic elections every 4-5 years were not enough to keep British MPs clean or honest.

I wonder if the pro-Thaksin British media correspondents here now understand why the independence and diligence of the Thai courts and anti-corruption bodies are as important for Thailand's own democracy as regular free and fair elections?

EMBARRASSED BRIT

BANGKOK

Beware of unqualified fitness instructors

Unfortunately, right now in Bangkok, unqualified, inexperienced "trainers" are instructing people in fitness activities that they themselves do not understand. One company specifically hires uneducated, inexperienced people, pays them little and does not provide them with a work permit. In fact this company holds workouts in a local park. This is illegal, as no money-making business may be conducted in government parks. Furthermore, work permits are location specific. I doubt that parks can be used as a place of business. I urge anyone thinking of hiring a trainer to be aware. People have been injured, but because these businesses are acting illegally, there is little if any recourse.

CONCERNED PROFESSIONAL

BANGKOK

Foreign thief got her just deserts from Thai police

There should be no crocodile tears shed over the recent experience of Australian citizen Annice Smoel in Phuket. It is a sorry fact of life that Mrs Smoel and people of her ilk think that they can go to another country and behave in a manner that would not be acceptable in their own. In Australia, is it acceptable to steal property irrespective of its value? No. Is it acceptable to be abusive to the police while they are trying to resolve the situation? No. Is it acceptable to abscond from police custody while undergoing questioning? No. Is it acceptable to try and bribe the police (irrespective of perceived reputation) into forgetting the matter? No.

Sorry, Mrs Smoel, you got what you deserved. You are not only an embarrassment to your family but to your country. I hope your passport has been stamped never to return to Thailand.

WL

BANGKOK