BTS unfriendly to passengers, environment

Apart from this, the TV advertisements are too loud and unbearable, upsetting passengers mentally.

Though these problems don't bother passengers who are on the BTS for a short while, but it can be a torture for people who are on the train for more than 20 minutes.

PATARAPOL TULARAK

BANGKOK

Don't forget the police force's real mission

It's a sorry commentary on the professionalism of our cops when choosing the top man comes down not to a candidate's accomplishments, but his political ties.

Our prime ministers have forgotten that the police force's mission is to protect and serve - and that from station commander on up, we should see how satisfied the people under his protection are with his work. Thus, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva should consider each candidate's past performance in community relations, especially in the South, and his plan, if chosen as police chief, should be to win the trust of the masses. For instance, how will he ensure that at least 60 per cent of the officers stationed in the South, and 100 per cent of the senior officials, come from that region within two years and are fluent in Yawi?

Another criterion that Abhisit should use is the one recommended by Sir Bernard Law Montgomery: "When in doubt about honesty, truthfulness, and other moral qualifications [of a candidate for a leadership position], a good test is to say to oneself, 'Would I go into the jungle with that man?' "

BURIN KANTABUTRA

BANGKOK

Appointment of top cop must be transparent

Re: Choice of new chief deferred, front page, yesterday

I think it is a good idea to delay the appointment of the new police chief in order to make sure that the panel learns more about each candidate, unlike the Thaksin Shinawatra and Samak Sundaravej governments who appointed their cronies without any panel input. This is a top position for the men in brown, therefore it should be thoroughly fair and transparent.

SURASAK PIPUTTANA

BANGKOK

Every filthy rich person must be accounted for

Re: Get blabbermouth Swiss banks onto Thaksin's case, Letters, August 16

Burin Kantabutra was right when he suggested that Swiss banks should be made to divulge the details of certain bank deposits of those who may have evaded tax in Thailand. In particular he mentions the cash they may be holding for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

It may be a better idea to give the details of the quantity of gold held by the banks there and the assets of people who are probably far wealthier than Thaksin, and explain the origins of their hidden wealth.

There are certain groups who continually take what they can get their hands on from here and overseas. Some consider themselves to be above the law, some are in uniform and others are members, or connected with agencies that were set up to prevent such activities. All the latter do is to ensure that the real thieves and criminals can enjoy protection and to get away with what they want.

There are people who have documentary evidence of much of what I have referred to here in Thailand. Of course, it would be very dangerous for them to reveal this. It is only a matter of time before the truth comes out. That is why people are so afraid and are causing the problems that the country is now experiencing. What did Thaksin take, and who is entitled to it?

DAVID A

BANGKOK

The world should unite to ensure Suu Kyi's release

While democracy functions at its best in US and many other countries, little of this liberty is to be seen in Burma. As tensions rise over the verdict of the case, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is convicted for 18 more months of house arrest. Working towards achieving democracy in her nation, Suu Kyi has been incarcerated for 14 of the past 20 years.

The ruling military junta has closed every opportunity for her release, the latest conviction ensuring that she will not be an eligible candidate for Burma's 2010 elections. Hope for a revitalised leadership in Burma looks gloomy, as people and the nation's welfare rests in the hands of the general's regime.

This calls for a unified, global action against the Burmese government to work towards freeing Suu Kyi. Her undying efforts and fighting spirit should not go in vain, especially after years of political struggle.

SIRINTHRA MALHOTRA

BANGKOK