Spirit of solidarity

Re: "A new paradigm for a changing world order", (Opinion, Feb 18).

In addition to the elements contained in the article by Abhisit Vejjajava, it should be noted that the 10 Asean member states are expected to pay maximum attention to the implementation of all their legal commitments under the Asean Charter to lead this prestigious regional institution toward a new paradigm.

This multilateral legal instrument directly refers to the need to strengthen bonds of regional solidarity, while stipulating that in the conduct of their external relations Asean member states shall, on the basis of unity and solidarity, coordinate and endeavour to develop common positions and pursue joint actions.

An Asean summit has the complex diplomatic task of further defining appropriate ways and means to give appropriate tangibility to regional solidarity to realise an Asean community that is politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible.

Solidarity has an imperative nature and must be present in the actual conduct of universal and regional organisations.

Many United Nations General Assembly resolutions adopted by consensus, on behalf of 193 member states, including all Asean members, refer specifically to the imperative need to act in all circumstances in the spirit of global partnership and solidarity.

Ioan Voicu

Clever analogy

Re: "Froth and sizzle?", (BP, Feb 23).

What a genius Khun Kantanit Sukontasap is, comparing the song Nak Phandin (Burden to the Land) to a powerful disinfectant which causes germs and bacteria to wriggle, jerk, and, finally, die, the same way the song did to the junta's opponents.

This reminds me of the rap song Prathet Ku Mee (What My Country's Got), which came out late last year. Part of the song said, "The country that points a gun at your throat, claims to have freedom but has no right to choose," and "You must choose to either eat the truth, or bullets."

This song, too, has caused the junta and the army to writhe in agony, just like germs and bacteria do when soaked in powerful disinfectant.

A clever analogy indeed, Khun Kantanit.

Somsak Pola

Thank God for atheism

Re: "Rapists presented by their church as men of God", (Opinion, Feb 22).

The report by Nicholas D Kristof is one of many outlining these terrible events of abuse and even rape of children by priests. These priests are claiming to serve and represent their god who is said to know everything -- a god who has provided the 10 Commandments and is teaching love and honesty.

These priests are claiming to be his representatives. The fact that priests and high-ranking bishops can abuse and even rape children without being immediately killed by their god is for me the proof that this god does not exist. Let me close with the great oxymoron "Thank God I am an atheist!"

Lupus

Boozed into oblivion

Re: "Too many booze bans", (Opinion, Feb 21).

Those proposing to ban alcohol sales during Songkran must themselves be boozed into oblivion. Are the proponents of a "booze ban", both private and governmental, so stupid as to think Thais who wish to consume alcohol during Songkran will not buy alcohol in advance? Really, how do Thais cope dealing with such unimaginative morons, many who are politicians no less. What a pity.

David James Wong

Losing touch with reality

Today I felt like a criminal at the immigration office. I arrived early to extend my visa by 30 days, just as I had done in previous years.

However, I was immediately asked for proof of where I was staying, and as I had made the arrangement over the phone, I had no actual proof apart from my door key, which contains my address details.

An arrogant lady checked a computer database and said that according to her records I was staying in Ban Krut. While I did go there, I was a fully paid guest for my whole two-month stay.

It was impossible to explain this as no one could speak English fluently. I find it so strange that no one can speak fluent English in a place where communication is so vital. They contacted both the condo and the owner of the room and asked that they pay a fee, and I had to complete a form that said that if I move from any province to another for longer than a day, I must advise the local immigration office.

Have they lost touch with reality? I am a travelling tourist. A visa should be enough.

Richard Keenan

Temple screening doubts

Re: "Screening for monks", (PostBag, Feb 22).

Edward Kitlertsirivatana proposes that temples be organised along the lines of Google and screen those who would become monks in order to keep out the riff raff.

If Anjeze Bojaxhiu had applied to enter a temple for life as a renunciate she would have been denied since Thai Buddhism already refuses 50% of possible applicants because they are women. Anjeze later became known as Mother Theresa.

If the son of Nyangtsa Kargyen had desired to become a monk under Khun Edward's guidelines, Tibet's most revered poet-saint Milarepa would probably not have existed, since he was a well-known murderer and black magician prior to taking up the practice of Buddhism.

The Dhamma and the Sangha are the best source of guidance for Thai Buddhism. Perhaps Khun Edward could take up study and practice in earnest and leave Google to its own follies.

Michael Setter

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