Don't rely on military
Re: "Election obsessions", (PostBag, Jan 11). If Clara Holzer followed Thai-language mainstream media and social media, she would realise that the desire for a return to at least a form of democracy is not limited to the Bangkok Post, opposition Thai politicians and foreign governments. Indeed, even the junta is planning for elections later this year -- or so they say.
The fact that people are not openly calling for a change of government may have something to do with the inclination of the junta to intimidate, arrest or charge with sedition those whose criticism of their regime is considered to be too outspoken. Certainly, the turnouts in past Thai elections have often been higher than in some of the so-called mature democracies, indicating a strong commitment by many Thai people to the democratic process.
Her claim that foreign governments are seeking a change of government merely to impose one-sided trade agreements on Thailand is an old argument mainly trundled out by conspiracy theorists and pro-Kremlin internet trolls whose aim is to undermine Western interests and institutions.
Ms Holzer might, however, want to reflect on the involvement of the Chinese government in a massive high-speed train project in Thailand. Are the mandarins in Beijing only motivated by an altruistic desire to provide the Thai people with a better quality, high-speed train service, or could there also be an element of self interest?
Winston Churchill's oft-quoted remark about democracy being the worst from of government, apart from all the others which have been tried, remains relevant. Thailand's experience with democracy has been fraught at times, but military juntas haven't been blemish-free either. Surely it's better to work at improving the former, rather than relying on the latter.
Robin Grant
Police equally at fault
Re: "Anupong chides banks for ID theft saga", (BP, Jan 10).
I can't think of a worst case of shoddy investigation. Khun Nicha reported her ID card stolen but the thief was able to register accounts with several banks because of poor procedure. The impersonator probably opened several accounts with the same mask and not a single clerk asked her to remove the mask to check her identity. Bank clerks are told to follow orders and not to take initiative.
As for the police, a simple search of their computer files would have shown that Khun Nicha reported her ID as stolen. Matching this information against the date on which the bank account was opened would have exonerated her in a matter of minutes, yet the police went to get a warrant for her arrest, and confronted with evidence, still refused her bail, furthering their level of incompetence.
I hope she will sue the banks for the hardship she had to endure. The Minister of Interior blames the banks, but the police are equally at fault.
Clara Holzer
Deeper discussion needed
I don't want to keep writing to you like some boring old hack, but occasionally some things do seem to need a deeper discussion. The word genius has arisen lately. A genius is not just someone with a dazzling practical talent or super intellect; most of today's brilliant advances are the result of decades of combined efforts by many people.
No, a genius is someone who has taken his mind to places and come up with something others could not even imagine possible.
Genius then, is like a promontory jutting out into the future.
Morality is quite in vogue too. Like it or not, morality is a personal option. We can all accept the sensible divine driven law against killing, but then sometimes our loving compassionate hearts get somewhat insensible: Mary had a little lamb; now both Mary and her little lamb are lovely, even heart-warming, but we wouldn't want to kill, skin and roast up Mary for dinner.
Much of what we rely on as socially accepted norms actually boil down to what President Harry Truman clarified in "politically incorrect" plain language: anyone who thinks they can pick up a piece of dog dirt and keep their fingers clean is living in a socially artificial dream world.
Nick
Tough road rules work
Re: "Toll still worst in the world," (Editorial, Jan 8).
The best ways to reduce deaths and serious injuries include proven measures such as:
• Enforcement of wearing seat belts in all vehicles including rear passengers, and helmets for riders and pillion passengers on motorbikes.
• National programme of random alcohol and drug testing via roadside units and equipment in all police vehicles.
• Red-light cameras at major intersections and blackspot intersections.
• Point-to-point speed cameras on main highways to measure average speeds and radar devices throughout the road system including urban areas.
If we want behaviour to change then relentless, consistent and tough enforcement and penalties must be applied to shift the mindset of ignorant or reckless drivers.
Pablo Bateson
Trump tells it like it is
Re: "President offends entire continent", (BP, Jan 13).
Congratulations President Trump for telling it precisely as it is -- and to hell with their "political correctness".
A Pattaya Yank
Where are the victims?
Re: "Massage den raid rescues 80 women", (BP, Jan 13).
Does anyone really believe these women are being "rescued"? These women are, mostly, employed in such places quite voluntarily, where, for better or worse, they are making a great deal more money than, say, being shop assistants or clerks.
These employees are not exactly chained to the wall (which would make the services they are offering rather difficult) and have themselves chosen their profession over other less strenuous and lower paid ones, so please don't try to kid us they are kidnap victims as the media likes to portray them.
Martin R
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