See through the sham

Various writers including those who contribute to this column have been lauding the endorsement of the new charter.

They have used phrases like "a new beginning", "people have spoken" and "rejection of old politics", one individual even suggesting Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva resign because he was on the losing side.

But let's not kid ourselves, the "people" were hardly given a fair contest. We weren't allowed to campaign equally for or against, people were locked up for disseminating criticisms of the proposed charter and the alternative was indefinite junta rule. So what's the point in asking us what we think? Low turnout was telling and there was no independent monitoring of the count.

Perhaps the biggest flaw is that once accepted this charter can scarcely be changed, which really is inflexible for any democracy charting its way into a changing world. So, to those who think this is landmark in Thailand's democratic evolution, consider that there will be a footnote to this historical event that will forever read: "Endorsed by a sham referendum".

Vote and be damned
No more hypocrisy

With the referendum over there is a clear message that people are sick of corrupt politicians, police and civil servants. It's time that politicians and civil servants are fired and charged for crimes. Police also need to be desperately cleaned out and reformed. No more inactive posts for corrupt officers. It's just a slap in the face to taxpayers who are expected to follow the law.

Let the double standards be done for good. Maybe then people will have more respect for the law and those that enforce and legislate it.

Karl Stanford
When in ... Thailand

Khun Lungstib in his Aug 10 letter "Rules of the game" writes: "Is there anyone out there who can simply explain to me how in Thailand the rules are different enough that the illegal action of a coup d'etat can be quite quickly converted into a legal takeover of government allowing the newly installed people to make laws, pardon their actions and act with all the power of a normally elected government? Yes, Khun Lungstib, I can respond to your question with a simple answer: TIT (This Is Thailand).

Jack Gilead
Figure it out

Although I admire the enthusiasm of Songdej Praditsmanont in his comments on the "yes" vote (PostBag, Aug 10). He obviously enjoys using percentages in his arguments. Unfortunately he ignores the vital percentage: 61% of 55%. This means only one third of eligible voters said "yes" to the new constitution.

As a farang enjoying life in wonderful Thailand I truly hope his optimism is not misplaced.

A reader
Running on empty

Without any substantiating evidence for the accusation that the US was "bellowing" (about the poll outcome in Thailand), letter writer Lobzig gripes and mocks. In his diatribe, he suggests Americans may be envious of who "runs" Thailand. That is a telling choice of words. In fact, Americans probably would not want someone to "run" their country, but rather someone to "lead" it.

Khun Daniel
Press irresponsible

The recent stabbing in London of an American women by a deranged man is tragic, but the TV coverage in the UK can only be described as irresponsible hype. The story was presented as a terrorist attack before any details of the attacker were known. The story ran for hours on TV almost to the exclusion of all else. It then emerged that the attacker was a mentally ill man.

When someone in a TV news interview tried to point this out they were branded "excusers of terrorism" by the newscaster. If the news services are going to milk every story like this as a potential terrorist attack, then it's not surprising that people get the threat out of proportion. The best way to respond to terrorists is to ignore them and get on with life. Hysteria is exactly what they want.

Howard Stark

CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING 136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Fax: +02 6164000 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th

All letter writers must provide full name and address.
All published correspondence is subject to editing at our discretion.
10 Aug 2016 10 Aug 2016
12 Aug 2016 12 Aug 2016

SUBMIT YOUR POSTBAG

All letter writers must provide a full name and address. All published correspondence is subject to editing at our discretion

SEND