OPINION

Regime blocking democracy

Re: "PM's six questions designed to rile critics" (BP, Nov 10).

Whilst agreeing with most of the writer's well-stated concerns, I'm not sure that it's "the regime's intention to block old power cliques".

On the contrary, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha overthrew yet another Thai constitution so that his oligarchy against democracy and good morals could protect the old power cliques who were threatened by the rise of wholesomely disruptive new powers such as Thaksin Shinawatra and the Thai people.

It is the rise of the Thai nation to justice and democratic principles that the regime is intent on blocking as it further corrupts the rule of law to keep itself and those colluding in unjust power whatever the outcome of any promised election that might occur at some time in the future.

I think Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha should ask himself some questions. One that I can think of right away is, 'Are the poor significantly better off during the time you have been in power or are you content to go on doling out crumbs to them to make it look like you care for them?'

When you took power, 1% of the population owned about 60% of the nation's wealth. What have you done to try to bridge this huge gap between the 1% and the 99%?

And if you continue to lead the country in the future, what do you plan to do to bridge this gap?

Thank you, Gen Prayut

Since Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's arrival to power in 2014, many issues have been dealt with -- none for his own personal enrichment. Are we all blind -- Thai people, visitors and emigrants -- not to see so many changes that have happened in real life?

Corrupt officials have been caught. Administrations have been re-energised. Security has been strengthened. Temples have stopped unpleasant business deals. Provinces have been ordered to upgrade with major positive progress. Tourism is increasing. Trade has improved with most neighbouring countries in the Asean Economic Community.

Can we not say thank you to Prime Minister Prayut and his team?

In Thailand no one is above the law, on paper anyway. So when Yingluck Shinawatra's "driver" fails to turn up for charges, as reported in the Nov 10 edition, is anyone surprised? He can be summoned to appear for the rest of his life. He can also ignore these requests to appear for the rest of his life.

Does anyone in Thailand have the will to enforce the law, from the prime minister down? Ordinary citizens are made to pay for their follies, but their enforcers are not.

I am reminded of a story in Selma, Alabama, just after segregation ended in the 1950s. A black American got on a bus and sat down in front. The driver asked her to move to the rear. The lady protested by claiming all people were now equal under the law. "Yes" responded the driver. "But some are more equal than others."

Re: "Two-way trade plans take ministry flak" (BP, Nov 11).

US President Donald Trump, in his speech in Vietnam on Friday, said that some Asian countries are to blame for their "cheating and economic aggression" against the US.

He said: "We will no longer tolerate such actions." He added that his administration "will not allow the US to be taken advantage of any more".

Also, in his address to the Apec summit in Vietnam, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised on international cooperation and China's economic openness against countries he deemed guilty of "chronic trade abuses".

Mr Xi also declared that his government aims to market China as "the flag bearer of free trade".

Thus, President Trump's tough talk and his policy to build a wall on the US-Mexico border seem to indicate that the US under his rule is ready to become an island unto itself. He wants to disconnect with the world absolutely.

Conversely, Mr Xi's government's $1 trillion investment in the One Belt, One Road initiative that will connect Asia and Europe seems to signify China's bridge-building that extends towards the outside world.

What a difference of ideologies that is.

Education is the key to stop littering in Thailand. I have lived here almost 20 years and am constantly disgusted at the way some Thais, both in cities and rural areas, toss trash to the side. My opinion is that Thais do not care about Thailand. America had the same attitude until education and fines were implemented.

I have visited many national parks in Thailand. And most are filthy. But recently while visiting Chattrakarn Waterfall, I was amazed. It had a sign that stated "Pack it in, Pack it out". It is a start!

Thank you for the Nov 9 editorial highlighting the Mekong River Commission as apologists for developers, and the lack of consultations by the current regime, who will soon have to make a decision on whether to allow China to dynamite the Mekong River.

Is it a foregone conclusion that the general PM will cave into Chinese pressure? I think it is as he does not want to say no and risk the ire of his counterpart in China. More locals will be affected by the loss of livelihoods, and the river will never be the same, with Cambodia and Vietnam the biggest losers. Do we hear Hun Sen complaining? No way -- he is with China all the way.

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