Who's afraid of an autonomous South?

The distressing matter in hand is not however Chavalit's mutterings but PM Abhist being "not impressed" with the idea of autonomy for the South. It must be patent to all that the South is a running sore that pointlessly and voraciously consumes human life and creates endless misery for families who are blighted by this mindless violence. So it is particularly disappointing that the PM, having graduated in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford at a time when the IRA was wreaking havoc and carnage throughout the British Isles, he seems not to have learnt from the solution that was the 1998 Good Friday agreement, which turned proscribed terrorists into mainstream politicians in a power-sharing agreement which brought an end to what the British called euphemistically "The Troubles".

But perhaps Buddhist Thais are too dogmatic to think they can have a part of their kingdom that is different in culture and religion and therefore should be allowed some autonomy. It worked in Northern Ireland, which is still securely part of the UK; the principle there, which is startlingly similar, was of a suppressed minority that felt subjugated and abused and consequently lashed out violently.

Unless and until some members of the ruling elite here get that into their thick skulls, ordinary people will continue to die needlessly. But perhaps that is why it is treated with such faint interest; the bombs have yet to go off in Silom, thus threatening people who matter. Find a solution before that happens. Given the chaos in the country already, any more would be catastrophic and too gruesome to contemplate.

JOHN DE LAURENT

BANGKOK

More freedom but not autonomy in the South

I partly agree with Pheu Thai chairman Chavalit, who proposes a "Pattani City" covering several provinces. I agree that developed areas should have local governments whose structure is like that of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, allowing locals to take care of their own issues, including peace and order. We should let developed areas like Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chonburi have more autonomy - including direct election of governors.

But, I see no reason to combine the four southern provinces into one. Yes, the majority there are Muslim, but that's not sufficient reason to form, in essence, a state within a state. We Thais have gained from diverse influences - like the intermixing of Thais and Chinese - and I see no reason why Buddhists should not benefit from learning about and respecting Muslims, living together in harmony - and vice versa.

The military and police must look beyond separatism and pay more attention to the feelings of locals. For starters, amend the emergency decree so that never again can generals avoid accountability for atrocities like Krue Se and Tak Bai. Our leaders, talk the talk and want to achieve reconciliation by promoting democracy. Let them now show us that they walk the walk.

BURIN KANTABUTRA

BANGKOK

OTOP products not the quality they once were

It is interesting that former PM Thaksin has set up a TV channel to advertise One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods worldwide. I have talked to many tourists, second and third time repeaters to Thailand. They are of the opinion that OTOP was a good idea in the beginning. Quality was good and the buyer received his or her money's worth. Over the years, goods have become somewhat shoddy, and many are overpriced in comparison to many non-OTOP products that are of better quality and better value.

I, and others, have found this true, from handmade brooms to food products to arts and crafts. OTOP has a difficult job ahead in trying to convince former buyers to return to the fold.

JACK DREAZEN

BANGKOK