Law enforcement is what's needed, not more laws

The proposed law seeking to remedy the continued proliferation of fakes would fine buyers (as well as sellers) and owners of the malls in which the shops selling the counterfeit goods are located. But: (a) this would be giving crooked cops more incentive for forcing bribes; (b) as a consumer, if I pay full price for what appears to be legal software, with hologram seals, etc, how do I know that the program's not fake - thus putting me at risk? It's a simple matter for a bad guy to fake the box, etc; and (c) to be fair to them, the law should give property owners the right of self-defence by inspecting all goods sold on their property. Imagine the chaos and cost if, say, MBK, Central or Chatuchak did that with all their tenants, given that each tenant could have thousands of items for sale. And, of course, the auditing costs would have to be passed on to consumers - in other words, you, dear reader, and me.

PM Abhisit, I believe in the philosophy that there should be as few laws as possible, each law should have solid reasoning behind it - and each law should be rigorously enforced. If you share my philosophy, please act on it.

BURIN KANTABUTRA

BANGKOK

Interesting report was mixed with the writer's opinion

Whilst your special report on the front page, "Move to ditch maritime MoU short-sighted", is an interesting and informative article it is not simply reporting but is laced with the writer's opinions on a variety of topics.

Consequently it should be in the opinion pages, otherwise we must consider all reportage presented by The Nation as possibly harbouring opinion - and that would be an unfortunate road to follow.

JOHN PATTERSON

BANGKOK

We all need to combine doing good and doing well

In view of the ongoing global financial crisis, with only dim prospects for a jobless recovery, Thailand must focus on becoming a leading magnet for an interconnected hi-tech training network. This would enable socially conscious entrepreneurs to make a positive impact in wide-ranging realms such as basic education, public health, clean fuel technologies and agro- or eco-tourism.

Socially conscious start-up entrepreneurs are pragmatic realists who use smart approaches and seek practical solutions to address socio-cultural multiversity in innovative, sustainable and effective ways. The common goal is to build a vibrant and growing interactive communication network to create a more just, humane and ethically moral world.

The powers that be should demonstrate a firm commitment by soliciting intellectual sponsors and support for a proactive learning exchange which combines doing good and doing well. Trusted advisers, successful business managers, knowledgeable NGO experts and volunteer mentors can join hands to build livelihoods for informal workers to incubate business acumen, strengthen their collective voice, make them viable economic competitors and ensure bottom-line profitability.

Jump-starting tips toward activating new ideas, seizing every given chance and setting objective priorities can lead to paving an altruistic career path that is more satisfying and fulfilling:

1 Focus positive-energy idealism on society's most pressing needs, challenges and opportunities;

2 Determine how best to assess positive impact and measure the long-running value of dedicated efforts;

3 Establish achievable goals and clear metrics for success during the beginning phase of newly conceived ventures.

CHANCHAI PRASERTSON

BANGKOK

Protests have forced politicians to think of the common man

Many people from all walks of life have taken protests to the streets in recent years. Regardless of their differences, they were/are upset for the same reason: the fact that successive governments would not listen to the Thai people and would not let them participate in the democratic process once election time was over.

Granted most groups appear to have vested interests (yellow shirts, red shirts, SRT unionists, etc) and most movements have spread out of control, but you all know that already. You are right, the responsible should be punished - no double standards.

All these groups have also made important contributions towards a better society: without the yellow-shirts protests, Thaksin would probably have consolidated his grip on power and placed himself above the law, Hun Sen's style. Without the red-shirts' protests, the current government might adopt a sabai sabai attitude and forget that they are supposed to represent all Thai people.

Regardless of their misdeeds and because at times they were so disturbing, they have forced the average Thai to look outside his/her own backyard. Similarly, they have forced those in power to look in the face of those who brought them to power: the Thai people. Not from far above as before. It is clear that from now on, it will not be possible for them to close theirs ears and shut their eyes to their fellow citizens' plight.

Call me an eternal optimist, but I am convinced that most Thai people do not really care about hand-outs; even if they will not refuse them (well, Thai people do have common sense). I believe that what a majority want is to be enabled to participate more actively in the democratic process.

Street protests are damaging the country? Then Thai politicians from all sides have to stop arguing, forget their differences, forget the charter amendments for a while, and think of a better way to include Thai citizens in the democratic process. In doing so, they also need to listen to all Thai people: Buddhists, hilltribes, Muslims, Christians.

Impossible? Well, I am not sure you have a choice. I don't want to spoil the party but, from now on, it seems it will take 65 million to tango.

CANDIDE

Good can still triumph over Thaksin's deadly 'which-craft'

To the hoi polloi halloween comes once a year, but for Thaksin Shinawatra it is a daily way of life. Such decisions to be made:

Which lie? Which ploy? Which denial? Which accusation? Which childish tantrum? It's all "which-craft"!

By day the webs of deceit are tortuously spun and by night his private high-speed broomstick zooms to worldwide business and political covens.

The philosophy of 'trick and treat' - (no 'or' for Thaksin) - is still the lethal humbuggery of choice as he continues to knock ghoulishly and demonically on Thailand's door.

The speciality concoction of tyranny, money-grubbing and chicanery (heavily spiced with a dollop of megalomania and a pinch of sorcery) sizzles in his cauldron of avarice ready to stir and serve at a moment's notice.

By next October, much is likely to have taken place. Once again, Thaksin's fangs are out and becoming ever more venomous; even his purring pussies are now starting to prowl and spit blood, and his batmen - or should that be yes-men? - circle overhead spookily.

Nevertheless, good can still triumph over evil. PM Abhisit should continue to have faith in what he is doing, and not be side-tracked by Thaksin's rabid brew of toxic black magic.

JOHN SHEPHERD

How about international barter of knowledge?

Lately there seems to be an increase in government-to-government trade or barter trade negotiations. I believe the government should encourage this type of trade since it does not require the exchange of money, only commodities. How about the exchange of knowledge? Could this be considered as an item in a government-to-government trade negotiation? The trade-negotiating ministries should make an effort to seek input from relevant ministries such as science and technology, and agriculture to identify specific R&D exchange activities that are considered national priorities. These inputs could then be discussed in a government-to-government setting. A perfect win-win scenario.

RAMJITTI INDARAPRASIRT

PATHUM THANI