Re: "Prayut slams 'unrealistic' poll pledges", (BP, Jan 15).
It is funny that the dictator is getting worried that democratic parties are setting campaign ideals and programmes that upset him and expose the fiscal corruption of the junta. To decry that they are empty election promises and lies is a lie in and of itself.
There is money in the country's coffers for social programmes such as daycare support, education support, and healthcare support. If not, why did the country spend over 50 billion baht to buy submarines, ships, and aircraft?
Everyone knows that you do not buy luxury items until your basic needs are met. Ever see a beggar wearing a Rolex and carrying a Gucci tote?
If the money is not there as he claims, then maybe selling these frivolous items that are of no benefit at all to the people and redirecting the funds to actually help might be in order.
Maybe the next prime minister can have a "yard sale" and fund the social programmes that the country so sorely needs.
Possibly, the next prime minister will reduce the military to a size that is more reasonable for the country. An 80% reduction in the military would go a long way to freeing up resources needed for survival of the people and reducing poverty.
After all, the junta has failed on the promise of eliminating corruption and cannot even stop the fighting in the South.
Darius Hober
Bahrain no bully
We would like to correct some misapprehensions in Evan Jones' article, "Two refugees, two different outcomes", published in your newspaper on Jan 14.
In 2014, Hakeem al-Araibi was convicted and sentenced to prison in absentia for terrorism-related offences, including an attack on a police station. The two people convicted with him appealed against their convictions and were found not guilty under due legal process by Bahrain's independent judiciary.
Had Mr Araibi remained in Bahrain, he would also have had the chance to appeal alongside his co-accused. Instead he fled Bahrain after being released on bail to play professional football. Activists claiming to speak on his behalf suggest his life is in danger if he returns to Bahrain, but he has only been sentenced to imprisonment. There is no threat to his life.
If he is returned to Bahrain, he will have the opportunity to appeal his conviction. All individuals are entitled to legitimate legal representation and have the right to appeal any decision made by Bahrain's judiciary. In all cases brought by the Public Prosecutor, litigants are accorded their full legal rights and guaranteed an independent and transparent trial in line with international standards that insure fair and equal treatment for all.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is fully committed to an inclusive pluralistic society in which every Bahraini citizen is guaranteed the right to freedom of opinion and expression. To be clear, all criminal cases heard in Bahrain's courts relate to specific articles of the Kingdom's penal code and do not in any way relate to political views or the right to expression.
The National Communications Centre Bahrain
No tanks, thanks
Re: "Army seeks approval for more VT4 tanks", (BP, Jan 14).
Southern militants keep on attacking security forces and more soldiers and rangers have been killed or injured.
Do you need more tanks to protect the public and keep the peace in the southern provinces?
RH Suga
Lamphun
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