Could've, should've
Re: "Thaksin's tweet sparks debate", & "In Quote", (BP, May 2).
Thaksin doesn't need anybody's permission to return to care for his new grandchild -- as a Thai; it's his right to return home at any time. As a graduate of criminal justice (Eastern Kentucky University, class of 1975), he knows that all are equal before the law. He'll have the same visitation rights as any other inmate and can hug all seven grandchildren through his bars.
Years ago, I was introduced to then-prime minister Thaksin, and he said, "Oh, you're the letter writer!"
Had he followed my common-sense writings on governance, he'd be billions of baht poorer but able to spend his retirement adored by his grandchildren with an unblemished legacy.
He could have been Thailand's greatest elected leader, bar none, but he chose the low road.
Burin Kantabutra
Poll games begin
Re: "Poster boys and girls near final straight", (PostScript, April 30).
Yes, the Thai election season of festivities and freebies has begun. All parties are now playing the game of snakes and ladders.
The men who used to don military uniforms loaded with medals and limbs decorated with pricy wristwatches and rings, now wear jackets with big numerals won in an election lottery.
The parties are already nervous about a spate of lawsuits and decisions from various courts to disqualify them.
The soggy flags, posters, and policies will keep us guessing about the fate of Thai democracy. A rat race to join a new coalition government is on the cards.
In addition, the spectre of another coup may repeat, brewing a new crisis. It has happened in the past and may happen again.
In any country where the military remains the supreme authority or a catalyst, the elections usually become a road show to look progressive.
Some examples are Turkey, Pakistan, Sudan, South America, and a few Asean countries.
The election fiascos have a shared history that binds Thailand with its neighbours. Let us hope that things are different this election cycle. I am sure Roger will have a good time covering the twists and turns of Thai politics.
Kuldeep Nagi
What's next?
Re: "Climate hoopla", (PostBag, April 29) & "Heatwave to worsen, experts warn", (BP, April 17).
I see Mr Setter, avid proponent of fairy tales such as "Covid is a hoax/Masks don't work/Livestock dewormer kills Covid", is now trying to tell us climate change isn't real because the industry's favourite shill says so, despite his "work" being regularly debunked by proper scientists who can tell cherry-picked data and misdirection when they see it. What's next, Mr Setter? The Earth is flat? The Moon landings were staged?
Tarquin Chufflebottom
Money before health?
Re: "Covid antics return", (PostBag, May 2) & ''Six new cases of new subvariant found", (BP, April 26).
I have just read the article by Eric Bahrt and must say he is spot on. To allow uncontrolled masses of people openly ignoring Covid restrictions was totally irresponsible.
I myself left Pattaya for Khon Kaen where Songkran was observed sensibly for two days. The fact that Pattaya went on for seven days was madness. Money before health, maybe?
DNL
