Youth set a great example in clean-up

Bangkokians have reacted positively to the May 19 arson and killings. There was no finger-pointing or side-taking: They were there to clean up and show the world how they love and treasure their country. There were some tears, of course, but tears of happiness for being of some help - and of grief over the city and the country's suffering. Bangkokians are showing the world that terrorism cannot defeat them.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra rightly emulated what New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani did in New York City after the World Trade Centre attacks in 2001 - by pulling the city up on its feet as fast as possible, and gathering the people behind the nation quickly after the horrendous conflagrations. Also, during the red shirts' seizure of Bangkok, communities around the city learned to give each other comfort and a helping hand.

It seems that responsible Thais are rising up against the red shirts and whoever is behind them - in the name of peace. Can this be love versus the politics of hate in Thailand?

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

Reds must get rid of the Thaksin stigma

If this is truly about the disenfranchised rising up against the elite, then can I suggest they ditch Thaksin from their movement. Yes, I know it's getting tiresome dragging him into this always, but the way I see it, both the previous government and this one were governing peacefully and bending over backwards to placate the poor until the guy in Dubai started meddling.

I'm not convinced the Army/elite are trying to deny the poor democracy, nor am I convinced all reds want Thaksin back. The present state of affairs is the result of a desperate last-ditch attempt by Thaksin to gain a pardon and a desperate resistance by the old guard to prevent him whitewashing his sins. I'm quite sure that if the reds abandoned their "save Thaksin" agenda they would find all resistance melting away and gain unchallenged power to effect their socio-economic reform.

J Williams

Bangkok

Teach manners and politeness first

I have two comments on yesterday's letters by Khun Burin and John Shepherd.

For Burin's letter, let's for now forget about an open press, sustainable democracy, accountability, transparency and decentralisation. First things first. Teach Thais to wait in lines at bus stops, public elevators and service counters. Teach Thais to read road signs and strictly follow them. Teach Thais to make a habit of saying "hello" and "thank you". Teach Thais to stop looking down on Isaan people. Once we achieve those goals, we can dust off Khun Anand's 7 Pillars and talk about sustainable democracy or transparency or whatever.

Regarding John's letter, being a stutterer is no fun. I was mocked by kids at school and later in life by co-workers. Thais love to make fun of people with physical flaws. By the way, let's add this to the above paragraph: Teach Thais to sympathise with people who have physical flaws and people whose names generate bad anagrams.     

Meechai Burapa  

Chiang Mai

Those that have, get even more

So, the news is bright again for some in Thailand. "Five branches of McDonald's around Rajprasong will provide free meals to police, soldiers, firefighters and media for three days, INN news service said." Take this and the other privileges that are afforded to those with power all over the country, and you have a repeat of decades past. It didn't take long, did it? Those that have, get more. Imagine the face of the poor guy from Loei, cleaning up Ploenchit, when the police officers walk out of McD's with broad smiles on their faces and free lunches in their hands, while he can't hope to get in the door. Get ready to take out the fan again.

Kevin C

Bangkok

Wreck the country, get a free holiday

Is it true that the red barons are recovering from their ordeal at the seaside or is it just a sick joke on the Internet? Maybe the "Bangkok Hilton" was fully booked? Now you know what you need to do in order to enjoy a seaside holiday paid for by the state. Amazing Thailand.

Womble

Bangkok