Charter U-turn is a manipulative ploy

This change of heart has been ordered by fugitive former premier Thaksin, as revealed by Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung . The party now agrees that their refusal to support the government in any action that will not revive the 1997 Constitution will result in the collapse of the Democrat-led alliance and thereby clear the way for all banned politicians to return to power, as well as the reinstatement of the court-convicted fugitive Thaksin as prime minister.

Will someone explain to me how such actions will cure our current ills and bring peace and prosperity to this wonderful land.

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

CHIANG MAI

Land Department not following ground rules

The director-general of the Land Department is quoted as saying that houses can be confiscated if the funds to buy them come from abroad. Readers may be interested in how Trang Land Office in the south of Thailand interprets this.

Two years ago we paid Bt3 million for a lease on a derelict resort on Koh Sukorn. As soon as our Thai legal adviser tried to register the lease, the problems began. He was less than honest when he told us that the lease was okay but would take up to six months to register. We went ahead and built a school on the resort (with our life savings). We then equipped the school and started teaching English. At this point we were asked for Bt500,000 to register the lease. When we refused to pay, our bungalow was broken into and we were threatened with two-year prison terms and deportation.

The school is now unused. The money donated to buy desks and chairs has been wasted, the books and equipment being eaten by termites. We now appeal to General Anuwat Meteewiboonwat, director-general of the Land Department, to please contact the Land Department in Trang and explain to them that it is perfectly legal for foreigners to buy a 30-year lease on a property, especially when they build a school with their own money and teach English for free.

KAREN AND DAVID WENMAN

CHIANG MAI

Support small businesses to drive economic growth

I am constantly impressed by the self-help initiatives and resilience of talented freelance artists, independent taxi drivers and hard-working street vendors who utilise their entrepreneurial skills to eke out an honest living. Similarly, OTOP production and sub-district cooperatives should be encouraged to promote marketing outlets and facilitate distribution. The government and local municipalities must work together to create new jobs for the unemployed, expand training/retraining courses and provide small business start-up loans by streamlining micro-banking procedures.

Steps for small business start-up include a marketable idea, realistic goals and business plan, and reliable investors for financial support. Do the research; get customers first; get the legal and tax issues right when registering and licensing. Much will depend on a can do/will do attitude and a pleasant manner combined with pragmatic optimism.

CHANCHAI PRASERTSON

BANGKOK