OPINION

Protect free speech

Re: "Drop Thepha charges now", (Editorial, Nov 30).

The ungrateful peasants and academics can rudely "insist on people's freedom of expression and peaceful gatherings without weapons guaranteed by the constitution" as much as they like. After more than three years of their rule, we know how much the current unelected Thai politicians care what lowly peasants and meddling academics think. And decades of historical fact show exactly how the Thai army and its allies respond if a current Thai constitution is not to their liking. Naturally, all will be done in strict accord with the new rule of law made up for that purpose.

Meanwhile, one of the reasons that make free speech so essential to any just and rational society that values honesty, truth and informed opinion of worth on any topic or issue is that strong legal protection for free speech is necessary to enable those very values. In the absence of free speech that can correct the false beliefs, flawed morals and unjust customs of the past, those errors will be perpetuated. This perpetration is precisely the reason for anti-democratic censorship. Unless the PM and his rule of law reform to allow free speech, he cannot rationally claim that any belief on any censored topic is well founded, let alone that it might be true: His own morally flawed rule of law undermines rational faith in the myths it presumes to protect.

It seems to me that by suggesting a Muslim man may have run off with a woman who is not his wife, the government spokesman is telling us more about his possible behaviour than he is of others (BP, Nov 29).

It really appears that a more mature, thoughtful individual should be speaking for the government.

Re: "Academics join to bail out anti-coal protesters", (BP, Nov 30).

Conflict between authorities and anti-coal protesters seems endless. I suggest authorities negotiate with conservationists for further compromise instead of scrapping the project. Opponents should realise that future shortage of electric power will affect the general public.

Re: "Lost in translation", (PostBag, Nov 29).

It is never easy for most people to learn another language. It requires a positive attitude and effort.

I am 72 years old and speak, write and read Thai, having started when I was about 60.

I have often heard the excuse of old age for being too lazy to learn another language. Another favourite excuse is that the person is no good at learning other languages. It usually comes from a mono-lingual Anglo-Saxon.

It would be impossible in this limited space to explain how being able to speak, write and read Thai has enriched my life here in Thailand.

Re: "Travelling butts", (BP, Nov 30).

These two, not-so-young, men should be released from police custody with an NTR (not to return) to Thailand for at least five years and fined the equivalent of at least one year's salary (American salary).

As the police spokesman said: "Tourists should have respect for places of cultural, historical and religious importance because it is simple(ly) good manners."

As an American I cannot tell you how embarrassed and ashamed I feel that a couple of my dimwit compatriots acted in such a childish, crude and rude manner while here. It seems like ever since Mr Constant Embarrassment was elected president, lots of dimwits have come out of the woodwork and are exhibiting many kinds of childish, crude and rude behaviour.

I wish you to know that there are still good, sane, moral Americans living in this world.

Re: "Hun Sen like Mugabe", (BP, Nov 25).

Hun Sen has become to Cambodia what Kim Jung-un is to North Korea, what Assad is to Syria. All three are ruthless, dangerous dictators. They also have monstrous egos and are psychopaths. They will meet the same end as Mussolini one day.

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