OPINION

Democracy and graft

Re: "Beware fool's dream", (PostBag, Jan 16).

In his excellent letter on democracy and corruption, Felix Qui wrote about how democracy has a built-in mechanism to combat corruption. If I may add another benefit of democracy: It enables us to live together.

For example, without Trump giving voice to the frustrated white working class, who knows where all those frustrations could lead to. I remember when Ronald Reagan was elected. There was a lot of hand-wringing, pulling of hair and cries of outrage. Some even talked of migration just as they do now. It turned out that Reagan was not half as bad as they thought, some even consider him among the greatest presidents of the United States. The liberal elites may look down on the conservatives but I think a country needs both points of view to keep it on an even keel.

Another example is abortion. Has anyone ever changed their minds about this issue? Can I convince you to change your mind through sheer facts and brilliance of logic? It is nearly impossible.

I do not see how a society can resolve such a deep-seated difference without resorting to some form of a vote. The act of voting would not by itself solve the problem but by opening up the debate and putting the issues out in the open it could go a long way towards some sort of understanding.

The implications for Thailand are clear. At a time when we have huge differences in opinions how is sweeping everything under the carpet going to help? We need democracy now more than ever.

Re: "Hopes of election fade after NLA vote", (BP, Jan 20).

As Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has now declared himself a politician, do you think he is a man of his word? Don't you think his recent actions (or lack thereof: for the happiness of the Thai people) belie that? To wit:

1) His best friend and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon is embroiled in an alleged asset concealment scandal, while the politically-inclined PM (who is theoretically "fighting to abolish corruption") does absolutely nothing about it, and;

2) After diligently promising an election this year in November (for the happiness of the Thai people), the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) committee vetting the organic law on MP elections voted to delay the law coming into effect for another 90 days.

Will this result in a delay to the election until next year?

Dear Gen Prayut, what the heck was the purpose of Section 44? And why aren't you using it for the good of Thailand's happiness, please?

Re: "Watana gets another 80 years for bomb attacks", (BP, Jan 19).

I read the article and couldn't find a single word about the motivation of all these serious bomb attacks. Why? Were these bombs not of importance or is it a try to tone them down -- as firework crackers, as the man himself claims?

I had to google to find out more, but couldn't figure out if the convicted man was a United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)/red shirt sympathiser or just an angry lone wolf.

Were the bombings politically motivated? If so, against who and for who?

Re: "53 Hmong resorts to be demolished", (BP, Jan 21).

I was a bit taken aback when I read the story.

In the American English that I learned, imperfectly to be sure, Pattaya and Hua Hin are resorts and those colourful buildings on the hillside I see in the accompanying photo would probably be called cabins or bungalows.

How did they become "resorts"?

At any rate, I feel sorry for the Hmong who, from what I have read, have been used and abused for many years and I hope some sort of mercy can be shown to these people who it appears are just trying to earn a living off of the tourism boom, instead of perhaps, growing poppy plants.

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.