30% not a majority
Re: "Conflict or coup, warn the academics", (BP, May 21).
Immediately after winning 150 seats in the election, the Move Forward Party took it for granted that this was a mandate from the majority. The public jumped on board and declared that "democracy" had prevailed. But wait, the MFP won 150 seats out of 500 House seats, which is not a landslide, and nor can it be called a clear mandate.
Have the Harvard kids got the mathematics wrong? Or is this a perception created to pressure the 250 senators to give the green light for them to form a government?
Those who suggest the senators should yield to avoid possible unrest by the MFP's young supporters are irresponsible.
They should instead explain to the public that 150 House seats is not a majority. It is 30% of the House seats earned. Parties who hold the other 70% may have a different opinion.
Please don't intimidate the senators, in the name of democracy or common sense. Senators have every right to decide for themselves.
If they disagree with the amendment of Article 112, or they have doubts about the party's foreign policy, they are entitled to say "no", or give a thumbs up if they agree with the Move Forward Party's policies.
With all respect to Move Forward Party members, Rome was not built in a day. None of us want to see Hong Kong-style riots in Thailand.
Yingwai Suchaovanich
No time for 'noi jai'
Re: "Abhisit 'could be back' as Dem chief", (BP, May 16).
I've observed Thai politics over the past four decades, and always believed that the Democrat Party offered the most consistently principled stance. The idea that the party of Chuan Leekpai would choose to join the opposition with the military parties instead of supporting the people's choice is beyond belief. Obviously, many Move Forward supporters came from the Democrat ranks, but this isn't the time to be noi jai. I hope someone in the party leadership wakes up and decides to LEAD. Otherwise their credibility will be lost forever.
Philip Hallinger
Still much to learn
Re: "Stop the denial", (PostBag, May 22).
Eric Bahrt means well, and he is willing to learn. Years ago, he demonised cholesterol like the rest of mainstream media until he discovered that cholesterol is a necessary precursor to many hormones and a valuable nutrient. To his credit he changed his tune. Just so, in "Diverse opinions" he correctly writes, "Covid was about money and politics, not health."
The renowned English philosopher, Herbert Spencer said, "Those who have never entered upon scientific pursuits know not a tithe of the poetry by which they are surrounded."
Michael Setter
Young and bright
Re: "Handling the purse", (PostBag, May 24).
In his recent letter, Vint Chavala seems to find it necessary to remind the Move Forward Party, and the Thai world at large, that a "greenhorn" isn't suitable for the Finance Ministry. Does he assume that being elderly and appointed by generals who took power by armed force makes a person more suitable for this essential position?
Am I to believe that recent finance ministers have been of such remarkable quality that Thailand has raced ahead of its Asean neighbours in the economic sphere in recent years? It may come as a surprise to Mr Vint but 40 year-olds with a good education, bright minds and new ideas could well be just what's needed at the moment.
Lungstib
