Non-divisive word-of-mouth campaign

Re: "Abhisit's key goal is ousting Thaksin from politics", March 12.

This is an unfair representation of Abhisit Vejjajiva and the Democrat Party. It is true that in the past year we have been proactive in holding Pha Kwam Jing rallies throughout the country to spread "the truth" - or "the other side of the story" if you like - about political events and government policies and implementation. But that is only a means to an end. It is the Democrats' duty to provide check and balance on the government and in the longer term to put forward and implement policies that will really benefit the people in a sustainable manner.

The article gives the impression that the Democrat approach is one of aggression. But it mentions the "word-of-mouth campaign", which is a peaceful approach to spreading the other side of the story in friendly conversation, with no aim to win over other people but merely get them to hear another side and decide for themselves. The campaign successfully persuades many participants who are emotionally charged not to disparage the red shirts, because it only deepens social division, making people more susceptible to political manipulation. Though this campaign is not a party initiative, Abhisit supports it.

Anik Amranand

Democrat Member of Parliament