OPINION

Both parties to blame

Re: "MFP-Pheu Thai alliance on the rocks?" (Opinion, July 1).

Chairith Yonpiam was spot on when he said there has been a rough start in forming a coalition government, since there is a fragile partnership between the two main parties, Move Forward and Pheu Thai. And even if a government is formed, more difficult times ahead can be expected.

In my opinion, the leaders of both parties are to blame. Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew appeared to be extra polite during his meetings with coalition partners, but failed to bring them to agree on anything.

And youthful MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat, despite his assurance that negotiations have progressed, appears to be happier travelling around the country to celebrate his party's election victory, and declaring himself Thailand's 30th prime minister -- even though an official announcement is still pending.

Re: "BMA schools ease dress, hairstyle rules", (BP, June 29).

Learning governance "of the people, for the people, and by the people" is difficult, imperfectly practised even by mature adults -- as shown even in the UK and US, let alone Thailand. We should utilise every opportunity to practise it and learn from our experience -- especially in school, which should be citadels of age-appropriate learning under the guidance of teachers.

For example: (a) Rather than deciding by fiat what their charges should look like, schools should have asked students and parents for extensive input on clothing and hairstyles and reached a joint decision, binding on all for a given period. This process should yield sounder and longer-lasting decisions than those made unilaterally.

(b) In Japan, even young students take care of their own desks and classrooms, teaching them to think of the public good and conserving school funds. Thai students should be asked if they'd be willing to do likewise, with the savings used, say, for tablets to be loaned through the school's library.

(c) If "the value of a college education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think" (Albert Einstein), we should reward high-performing teachers who are training our children to think most effectively. Thus, we could ask older students: "Does a given teacher: provide clear explanations? encourage students to ask questions? provide feedback on assignments? provide a safe and inclusive learning environment? show enthusiasm and offer a fun atmosphere for learning?"

Let's learn democracy through early practise.

Re: "A possible PM", (PostBag, June 30).

The writer's bold prediction of a coalition government of Pheu Thai (141) + Bhumjaithai (71) + Palang Pracharath (40) and naming an outsider (not an MP), but principle-minded Abhisit Vejjajiva, as our premier, is nice in playing numbers.

It is definitely a dream if Khun Abhisit is Thailand's leader. One always gives credit to people who believe in "my word is my bond".

Khun Abhisit has expressed non-involvement with the military and has been staying in abeyance outside his party, the Democrats, for a decade after his party joined the military-led government.

Similarly, Pheu Thai's leaders also expressed similar feelings but with different words. Therefore, the prediction, though bold, is somewhat unrealistic unless Pheu Thai eats its words and Khun Abhisit has changed his character.