OPINION

Seasteads threat real

Re: "Navy probes threat posed by seasteads", (BP, April 20). Thai authorities are right to be concerned about the establishment of so-called "seasteads" near the country's territorial waters. There is a definite risk that if "seasteaders" are successful in establishing adverse possession of territory adjacent to Thai territory, they could threaten Thai sovereignty.

The building of artificial sea platforms is akin to constructing man-made islands. Completion of the seastead platforms may be followed by a declaration of territorial waters and perhaps drawing up of maps with ridiculous nine-dash lines claiming large chunks of the Andaman Sea. The precedent is already in evidence in the South China Sea.

Re: "Government lottery", (PostBag, April 20).

Darius Hober suggested drawing the PM's name out of a fishbowl to sidestep the political impasse. Good advice.

But the impasse is part of the plan. Everything is on schedule so far; that is, the election is done, results are delayed and Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is fixed as next PM for at least eight more years as the roadmap calls for.

Next step, the 250 junta-installed senators will vote for Gen Prayut as PM, then members from fringe parties and other turncoats, aka "cobras" from mainstream parties are expected to support Gen Prayut for an offer they can't refuse.

What if Gen Prayut can't obtain the House majority? No problem. He can always dissolve the parliament and call a new election. During this political vacuum Gen Prayut will remain PM, albeit an acting one. Constitutionally, he can repeat an election and House dissolution forever, blaming the stalemate on Thaksin.

One may ask what about the future of the country? With a lame government, will Thailand remain idle forever? Well, who cares? As long as Thaksin's cronies are kept out of Government House, that's what counts.

The sudden departure and "disappearance" of the former immigration bureau chief, Pol Lt Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn leaves a lot open to speculation, since the prime minister's response was, "I don't want to talk about it".

Big Joke must have done something serious to incur the PM's wrath.

Birds of a feather tend to stick together, as the old saying goes. Will anyone ever know what happened? Probably not, unless someone starts digging deep and that is not likely to happen.

A new approach is needed for drink driving, namely to treat the crime as an absolute offence. If you are over the limit you are guilty, with no trial, no right of appeal and no bail. Straight to jail for a minimum of three months, and up to (say) 20 years for causing death. A compulsory blood test should be enforced as a safeguard.

In addition, the totality of the offender's assets should be made available for compensation to victims. For a subsequent offence, a lifelong driving ban should be imposed.