The red shirts certainly don't look very loyal

Re: Red shirts hand out pardon petition forms, National Affairs, yesterday

There's so little logic behind red shirts' gathering signatures to petition for royal clemency that I had to search for a hidden agenda and may have found it. Seeking the pardon will raise the petitioners' hopes and put pressure on the institution. If the pressure works and a petition is granted, Thaksin Shinawatra and the reds win. If it fails, the petitioners stand a good chance of feeling less affection for the monarchy and more sympathy for Thaksin: once again the fugitive former PM and his red-shirted supporters win.

If this is true, the reds' hidden agenda speaks volumes about their love for and loyalty to His Majesty and the country.

BURIN KANTABUTRA

BANGKOK

UN's operational capacity needs strengthening first

Re: UN takes charge and shows it can lead in an economic crisis, Opinion, yesterday

Joseph E Stiglitz's conclusion that the United Nations plays a key role in any discussion about reforming the global financial and economic system should be validated by facts. The decisive evidence should come from the very process of implementing the outcome of the Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis adopted by consensus on June 26. If there is, indeed, a collective understanding of crisis impact and of the modalities to contribute to the fashioning of an adequate global response, specific follow-up actions and measures at all levels must be visible and tangible.

The true credibility of the outcome is dependent on the real capacity of the 192 UN member states to combine their short-term responses to meet the immediate consequences of the economic crisis, particularly on vulnerable countries. Therefore it is imperative to strengthen the operational capacity of the UN as a whole and to enhance the coherence and coordination of its policies and actions at a planetary level. This is a fundamental task for multilateral diplomacy.

IOAN VOICU

BANGKOK

It's time we harvested|the fruits of our labour

Re: Food-makers 'should use Singapore as springboard, Business, July 1

In reference to Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul's article, why are we slow in making a decision on genetically modified crops if studies suggest that it will play a significant role in alternative fuels? As a nation which prides itself on being the leader in agricultural production, surely we must be concerned if GMO is the global trend. I believe relevant ministries such as agriculture, science and technology and biotec have been researching GMO crops for many years. Isn't it time to reap the fruits of our investment?

RAMJITTI INDARAPRASIRT

PATHUM THANI

Bingo! Letter hits Veera right between the eyes

Re: Is Veera afraid of debating Abhisit?, Letters, yesterday

I really enjoyed Burin Kantabutra's letter and believe that there is no way Veera Musigapong will stand face to face debating Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The chances of him winning are very slim. Each word in the letter hits bull's eye, and I would like to thank The Nation and Burin for sharing his knowledge and skills.

SURASAK PIPUTTANA

BANGKOK

An open letter to Thaksin

Re: Show remorse before seeking pardon, July 2, Letters

Go one better, Thaksin Shinawatra: buy a Thai AirAsia ticket and return home to face arrest. If you hand yourself in, you will be seen as taking control of the stalemate and will therefore gain the upper hand against all who are against you. There will be immense media coverage and community interest not only in your arrest and incarceration, but in virtually every day you spend behind bars. I can imagine the red shirts sitting in vigil outside your prison during your confinement.

Vigorously follow through any legal appeals or pardons and strongly advocate your innocence, as I understand there is doubt about the legality of your conviction. Make yourself a martyr so you exploit your incarceration and [possible] injustice to the maximum. This will garner you fans and further strengthen your support.

If you get out of jail by some means before the two-year sentence is completed, then great; if not, sit out your time in jail and use every day constructively. Let your opponents know that you will be coming back. It will fray their nerves, and some of them will find your time in jail more difficult than you do.

You, of course, will be looked after well, and time will go by quickly. Besides, two years behind bars will strengthen your character and image, both to your advantage in political life. Many politicians work well into their eighties, so you have many years left.

Your political skills are immense, and the only thing you need to learn is to obey the rule of law. Profess this principle as paramount and study it carefully so you know it well. It will guide you to a political comeback and Thailand to a prosperous future. None of your opponents seem to understand this, so you will have great political advantage.

In the meantime, your move will be seen internationally as conciliatory, and this will assist Thailand's reputation as a tourist destination. You will be thanked for this by many.

SIMON WOOD

CHIANG MAI