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Until the culture of military influence and interference is ended, the best constitution imaginable cannot help Thailand. For example, the consultation and drafting process in the lead-up to the 1997 Charter used the world's "best practice", and was lauded internationally by academics. Yet that constitution was criticised more than a number of times by ex-prime minister Thaksin, and subsequently confined to the dust bin of history by the 2006 coup participants.

Constitutions do not have magical powers. Thailand needs to concentrate instead on improving its political culture and institutions, such as continuing with its considerable recent effort to follow the rule of law and operate an impartial legal system; public campaigns and education with broad political party support to foster a non-political military; and learning to use elections as often as necessary to resolve political crises rather than coups. Obviously none of these tasks are easy, particularly changing military culture.

SIMON WOOD

CHIANG MAI

We're better off now than four years ago

Regarding Thaksin's recent question, which he thought was rhetorical, yes, a lessening of abuses is an improvement. Thailand may not currently be governed by the wisest and most decent people, however, looking back at the sort who were at the helm during Thaksin's time, we're stuck now with a comparatively better bunch.

Currently there are fewer lawsuits being thrown around for unflattering comments about the leader; fewer extrajudicial deaths; less blatant corruption in government bids; fewer scandals for not paying taxes; a lower incidence of leaders squirreling away money in accounts overseas; fewer promises made to farmers (that the promisers know can never be realised, like forgiving all debt); and fewer cover-ups of atrocities.

A lessening of bad things equals improvement. So, to answer the former caretaker PM's question, "Is Thailand better off today than it was three years ago?" The answer is a resounding "yes"!

If only he had stuck to his word when he declared (several times) "I'm through with politics", then Thailand would have fared better during the past several years and there wouldn't be the grievous rift among the population. Incidentally, the word on the street is that the price for coming to Bangkok to wear a red shirt and make noise is up to Bt500 per day. That's about three times the minimum wage. So, if I was an unemployed Thai, I might consider getting the free meals and payment for just showing up. Wouldn't you?

PAULSEN

CHIANG RAI

Abhisit proves again his ability to govern

Excellent speech given at Columbia University by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday.

Yes, good governance is the key to nurturing a democratic society. Without good governance, it won't survive, as ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cronies found out the hard way with the assets concealment case, the Rachadapisek land purchase, the Krue Se mosque killings, the extrajudicial murder of more than 2,500 alleged drug-pushers, and the Bt2 million stuffed into a cookie box to bribe judges - to mention just a few cases of bad governance while Thaksin was in power.

I believe Abhisit Vejjajiva has demonstrated his ability to govern and erased doubts among foreign investors. Kudos to the young Abhisit! Chuan must be proud of his favourite son's skills.

SURASAK PIPUTTANA

BANGKOK