Govt record in far South doesn't help boost trust

Re: "Halt to Bombings on the Agenda".

Lt General Paradorn Pattanathabut said the "authorities want to see innocent civilians spared unconditionally". Buddhist monks as symbols of the state's identity get a special mention. Both requests would be quite reasonable if they came from a government with a track record of practising this doctrine they now preach. The order for the assassination of insurgent leaders came from the (former) Thai prime minister. The government doctrine led to the deaths of peaceful protesters already surrendered in Tak Bai.

The current administration pursues a previous government for the alleged murder of insurgent red shirts but does not acknowledge, let alone apologise, for the crimes carried out under the aegis of their Dubai-based prime minister.

Richard Bowler

Bangkok