OPINION

Plan B for the junta

Thailand is currently run by a military government whose main concern is with peace and security.

The feeling within the government is undoubtedly to nip any dissent in the bud before it becomes the thin end of the wedge and escalates into something bigger. Hence, the seemingly strong-armed suppression of a bunch of students. But how does the government suppress the thoughts of Pheu Thai supporters who number in the millions? The government mentioned the need for reconciliation, but so far as I can tell this is not working out.

The current plan of the government seems to be to hold on to the reins of power for as long as possible. The Meechai constitution provides for a powerful appointed Senate, and the possibility of an unelected prime minister. The planning horizon mentioned is five years and even 20 years. Even if nothing untoward happens during that time, which I strongly doubt, what would happen after that? The Communists in Russia and China tried to suppress religion for at least half a century without success.

My fear is that the longer the government keeps dissent bottled up, the more unattractive things will be when it is released. What is more, the government will have to keep applying greater pressure to keep things under control. The government has so far been quite benign and enlightened for a military dictatorship, but how long can it keep that up?

A better way is to recognise that there are shades of grey. That the government's version of the truth may not be what is best for the country long term. Reach out to the Pheu Thai supporters, not all of them want to burn down buildings and kowtow to Thaksin. Talk to their leaders, address some of their grievances, extend an olive branch and be willing to compromise. The peace obtained will be long-lasting. It is not too late.

Brian Knight in his May 15 letter, "Paying for freedom", should read my letter thoroughly.

Regrettably, we cannot compare the problems that we have in Thailand with those occurring elsewhere in the world.

For example, Thailand's lese majeste law was written to protect the country's sovereignty as well as its monarchy. All Thai constitutions written since 1932 -- the year Thailand shifted from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy -- state that Thailand is a country with a monarch as head of state.

However, recently, opponents of this law defied it. They even intentionally broke it -- and then called for the country to annul it.

These elements lobbied Western governments to put pressure on Thailand to change the law. They hired foreign lobbying firms to facilitate their attempt. They also promised to facilitate these countries' products entering the country with ease -- once they are elected and have control over the country's government.

Such tactics do not only go against democratic or legal principles, but are dangerous to the country's sovereignty. And it could eventually bring the country toward a civil war.

Re: "Trump blossoms", (PostBag, May 13).

I was amused by Jack Gilead's description of Donald Trump as "fresh as a spring flower". Narcissus is the obvious spring flower that comes to mind. Madder and loose-strife, and forget-me-not, though not spring flowers, might also be considered appropriate.

"Perhaps the USA is due for a Prayut", writes Jack Gilead in his May 16 letter. Heaven forbid! At least you can laugh at and make jokes about the odious Mr Trump or unlikeable Ms Clinton.

Jack Gilead has, in two letters last week, written disparagingly about the ages of Mr Sanders and Ms Clinton. I have to point out that Mr Trump is a year older than Ms Clinton.