A short history of Thai relations with China

Re: Sino-Thai Relations Have Come a Long Way, Editorial, June 30

Your editorial on the 34 years of Sino-Thai ties is historically incorrect. Diplomatic relations with China actually began in 1291 when Sukhothai sent an envoy to Beijing.

I am aware that our officials, for some reason, only recognise diplomatic relations in modern times. However when European countries insist on historical accuracy they have to cede.

For example, the Netherlands celebrated the 400th anniversary of its first diplomatic mission to Siam five years ago, while the best I could do last year was to get the Siam Society to reciprocate the quater centenary of our mission to Holland, our first to the West, in 1608, with a modest reception.

The French, who have a great sense of history, celebrated the 320 years of their first envoy to Siam four years ago. (Ours to France was actually a year earlier, in 1684, but nobody here cared.) Meanwhile, the Portuguese are already preparing for the 500th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with the Kingdom in two years' time.

What are we doing with this onslaught of history? My recommendation to officials: enjoy history and organise lots of parties!

SUMET JUMSAI

BANGKOK

Is Veera afraid of debating Abhisit?

News reports say red-shirt leader Veera Musigapong refuses to meet PM Abhisit Vejjajiva face-to-face, on live TV. Surely, if Veera believed in "democracy" as claimed, he'd grab at the chance to show Abhisit as incompetent, holding double standards, etc. As Thomas Paine said, "Such is the irresistible nature of truth that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing."

A face-to-face debate is an effective device for revealing the truth, as shown by the 22 face-offs between Obama and Hilary Clinton during the primaries.

MP Jatuporn Promphan says the red shirts' refusal to debate Abhisit is because his government is illegitimate, but this argument holds no water.

 Abhisit was chosen by the same set of MPs that chose two prior governments and by the same constitutional procedures. If the current government is illegitimate, why didn't the red shirts march against Samak Sundaravej?

As things stand, it seems to me that Veera fears any truths that might be revealed in a debate, and prefers to speak where those being attacked have no way to rebut. This is effective at keeping one's supporters in the dark, but hardly speaks well of Veera and his convicted patron.

Abhisit should hold the discussion anyway, with a cardboard cut-out of Veera as a stand-in. Then, at least we the people will hear one side of the story, and be constantly reminded that there's another side - but that the opposition is unwilling or unable to prove what, if any, claims it has to legitimacy as standard bearers for "true democracy".

BURIN KANTABUTRA

BANGKOK

Most transport systems run at a loss

Re: Suthep blasts NESDB over failure, News, July 1.

I agreed with the NESDB's non-decision on the bus issue, because both options that the Cabinet asked it to look into are not what most city residents had in mind.

The amount of Bt64 billion is a lot to spend on city buses. I am a commuter from Charan Sanitwong to Yaowarat. Of course, I prefer new buses, but not for that price tag!

Most public transport systems around the world operate in the red, including in the first world like the US.

The question should be how to minimise the loss. I question the transport minister's integrity and knowledge.

I don't know Sophon Saram and I don't believe one word he says. I think it's okay to run public transport at a loss but with transparency, and find a way to minimise it rather than lose to corruption. Abhisit Vejjajiva, don't be afraid of losing your popularity, stand your ground and do the right thing for the people. I admire your integrity and ability to bear the heat for the past six months. I am pleased that my vote has not been wasted so far.

SURASAK PIPUTTANA

BANGKOK

No, the users should pay for public transport

 Re: Suthep blasts NESDB over failure, News, July 1.

This is a classic example of not taking any responsibility and letting the Cabinet be damned for having the audacity to pass the buck to the NESDB. The questioner asked about the alternatives of leasing or buying and these economists came out with five proposals for the Cabinet to select without answering the question.

Great work in extending their jobs! There is no risk for these guys. If I were them, I would have the courage to say that public transport should be paid for by the users with no subsidy. I don't need a month to study and find an alternative. All I need is a week since Korn Chatikavanij has given me a hint already - the route of securitisation. Bonds issued to buy 4,000 NGV buses are secured by the future fare income. That would encourage efficiency by bus operators because there is no deep-pocket syndrome in the government.

SONGDEJ PRADITSMANONT

BANGKOK