Re: "Prayut slams Thaksin's 'tyranny' tweet", (BP, Aug 31).
With due respect to Thaksin Shinawatra, I do not believe his translation to Thai of Baron de Montesquieu's quote on tyranny practiced under the shield of the law and in the name of justice is correct.
The meaning of the "shield" is not that of using the law tyrannically but citing the armour and name of the law and justice to prolong tyrannical rule.
Thaksin's translation is contempt of the Thai courts and judicial process in implying that the Prayut government can intervene in our legal system. It is ironic to quote Montesquieu when this man was the father of the thought of separation of powers. The thought laid down the effective principle of checks and balances of a nation. He believed a country should be ruled under three branches -- legislature (congress or parliament) of making laws, executive branch (government) in governing and juridical branch (courts) in rendering justice. Neither of the branches is allowed to transgress on the others. It is this basic principle that America has thrived where dictatorial power is discouraged, as the president is now experiencing. In Thailand, it is our last breathing space with our courts and justice system still being relatively independent, though many attempts have been made to taint this branch or cite impartiality for self-benefit, especially from the guilty.
Yingluck Shinawatra's bail-jumping reminds me of a group of friends urged by one leader to jump fully clothed into a pool to celebrate graduating. On finishing counting one to three, all jumped in except the leader. I'd love to interview Boonsong Teriyapirom and others at their residence provided by the state about how they feel about the two leaders -- Yingluck and Thaksin.
Songdej Praditsmanont
Tweetful neglect
Thaksin Shinawatra tweeted, "Montesquieu once said 'There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice'." He neglected to mention a famous 14th century French proverb, "Little thieves are hanged, the greater ones escape".
Jack Gilead
Losing one's head
Re: "Pheu Thai fears for party's future", (BP, Aug 27).
Of course, yes, it is as the party has lost its head. They should convince themselves to be dissolved naturally and look for a place where they can start from scratch. So should followers and supporters. I don't think we should look for those who helped in the escape which, in my view, was good for the regime. It will bring calm to society.
RH Suga
Back to the future
It was just like the old days, going back in time. Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda had returned, unfortunately not reading about a corruption case but starring in one. Sondhi Limthongkul's face cropped up and right next to him his yellow-shirt friend and ally Suthep Thaugsuban, their future now looking remarkably different with one in jail and the other amazingly avoiding it. A Shinawatra disappearance was again making headlines and the authorities once more denying they were at fault. Frantically hoping I was 10 years younger I checked the date but no such luck. Amazing Thailand, going back to the future.
Lungstib
Cleared for take-off
Re: "Chanthep gets metro police job", (BP, Aug 31).
For his failure to handle the recent overcrowding debacle at Don Mueang airport earlier this month -- a scandal which reverberated around the world -- the former Immigration Bureau chief lands the plum job of assistant national police chief. Only in Thailand!
Martin R
