Re: "Regime fails on corruption", (Editorial, Feb 4). Imagine that! Despite their most earnest promises, corruption has not improved under the unelected politicians, whose autocratic rule rejects the democratic norms of transparency, honesty and respect for persons that can alone combat corruption! Following May 22, 2014, no other outcome was ever credible.
Until Thailand is permitted to move forward democratically so as to evolve strong constitutional protection for basic ethical norms such as free speech where even ugly truths that deeply offend traditional historical platitudes can be bluntly stated, the resulting failure to admit or understand the reality of Thai history, society, politics and other national Thai affairs, especially by domestic Thai citizens, will continue to provide an environment that nurtures corruption.
The self-made politicians began their rule with wide-ranging invitations to "attitude adjustment" and heavy-handed clampdowns on the peaceful expression of honestly held opinions, including: eating sandwiches in a political manner, reading great literature in public, hand gestures and meeting in groups of more than a couple. They duly arrested some under their rule of protective law, while others, among them those best qualified to help Thais understand Thai history, society and politics, were forced into exile abroad.
These violations of basic rights, the foundation of any just, democratic system that respects people as equally entitled to a voice in the form of their society and its form of government, have continued for almost five years under the self-amnestied politicians, whose rule of law has demonstrated a consistent distrust of the honest seeking of truths that threaten to lead to well-informed understanding of Thai affairs. Under such an environment, it is inevitable that the corruption that has long plagued the Thai people must continue to thrive.
When the morally exemplary Jatupat Boonpattararaksa is imprisoned strictly according to the rule of law for his patriotic efforts to bring the good morals of democracy that won him the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights in 2017, it is clear that the rule of law has itself been to diverted to serve something other than those democratic practices and principles that are alone known to effectively combat corruption.
Felix Qui
No gratitude to Oz
Last year, when Thailand's youth football team was trapped in perilous conditions underground, Australians willingly risked their lives to come and help rescue them. We were overjoyed to see all the boys brought out successfully. Now you have imprisoned one of our footballers, a permanent resident of Australia who was granted asylum after fleeing torture and threats of imprisonment from his country of birth, Bahrain.
You have made it clear that if Bahrain demands Hakeem al-Araibi's return you will send him back, to certain imprisonment, torture and possibly death.
I find it inexplicable and inexcusable that a Buddhist country is showing such little gratitude, compassion or understanding. This is a dismal way to repay your friends.
Les Montanjees
Penneshaw, South Australia
Enshrine free speech
Re: "Assembly is a civil right", (Editorial, Feb 5).
When the government declared two weeks ago that Thailand will be holding a general election on March 24, foreign investors reacted positively. This is an auspicious sign for the country after nearly five years of military rule.
However, true democracy will not happen so long as the government still keeps a lid on freedom of speech. The US Constitution guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.
Hence, Thailand should follow the same path taken by mature democracies such as the US -- instead of deviating from it.
Vint Chavala
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