Country has never been the same since Oct 1973

Ref: "Thailand is a culture of relationships", Letters, Saturday.

Doc Holliday's view - that we are a society of money and power worshippers with the poor content with their karma - is interesting. We can learn some foreigners' views. But his arrogant view of others wishing to set our rule-of-law standard higher is somewhat cocky.

Since the watershed October 14, 1973 uprising when the rich and powerful were brought down to earth by students and the educated middle class, Thailand has never been the same. Political awareness in Thailand has grown by leaps and bounds. Admittedly, after 40 years, to Western eyes, it may still look primitive. However, there have been many changes for the better because of the insatiable desire for fairness among Thais.

The Magna Carta was enunciated in England in 1215. It took many centuries for Westerners to reach the present level. Our 40-year effort has so far not been that bad.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok