Junta is manipulating swimmer for its own ends

One couldn't help feeling sorry for Michael Aung Thwin for having to dwell on a hypothetical explanation in order to put the Burmese junta in good stead.

While some individuals within the NGOs working on Burma might not like reconciliation or a softer tone from Hillary Clinton, I don't think the recent incident involving John Yettaw swimming to Aung San Suu Kyi's house is the handiwork of exiled opposition groups, as Michael Aung Thwin likes to suggest. I am more inclined to believe that the junta has plotted it.

It is evident that John Yettaw had entered Aung San Suu Kyi's compound in November last year. The incident was reported to the junta but the generals chose not to take any action at that time for reasons unknown. In fact, the reported potential security problem should have been taken care of, to avoid any such future intrusion.

One wonders, why the junta, having full knowledge of Yettaw's intention, would allow him to re-enter the country and let him repeat the break-in, if it is not facilitating or permitting this scheme so that it can lock up Aung San Suu Kyi for more years.

As for the argument about a difference between a general election and a Constituent Assembly election, it is irrelevant. The NLD has the popular mandate to govern, while the junta has nothing to claim legitimacy except guns and oppression.

SWS

BANGKOK

No more pussyfooting around with Burma

Re: "Jailing Suu Kyi again 'not good for region': Thai FM", News, May 27.

I wish our foreign minister could avoid the mumbo-jumbo of diplomatic refutation of the Burmese junta's displeasure at Thailand's laudable act. Tell the Burmese junta in clear-cut terms that its mantra of its affairs being internal and of no concern to neighbouring countries and the world is correct only if those affairs do not draw out human disgust.

To the junta: wake up to the 21st century and find Aung San Suu Kyi not guilty and release her for good.

I hope China has the same disgusted feeling as me.

SONGDEJ PRADITSMANONT

BANGKOK

Legalising migrant workers can only benefit Thailand

The decision to give official legal status to the two million plus hard-working migrants who significantly contribute to the Thai labour force by filling menial positions makes for equitable justice and common sense. Efforts to require these workers register with Thai authorities and apply for work permits by February 28, 2010 must also ensure that fair-minded measures be instituted to help right uncivil wrongs; adjust prejudicial attitudes; end corrupt law-enforcement procedures; and allay entrapment fears. Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect rather than disdain and neglect.

CHANCHAI PRASERTSON

BANGKOK