OPINION

Pointless poll?

Re: "Deal struck on next govt", (BP, July 28).

While parliament and the courts delay the appointment of a functioning government by arguing over procedural matters, we read that a convicted criminal appears to have the leverage to be able to dictate the outcome, even from overseas.

Can someone better versed in Thai politics than I am please tell me why we went to the trouble and expense of having an election?

Feudalism is back

Re: "Deal struck on next govt", (BP, July 28).

The feudal power structures in Thailand which dominate society through the military, old family-based oligarchs, and extensive networks of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats have once again seized power from the people.

This is an international disgrace in the mid-21st century, and truly shameful.

It would not surprise me if Thais, who want change and voted overwhelmingly for it, resort to a collective mindset that believes it is better to burn it all down and start afresh rather than endure another generation lost to enslavement and oppression.

Therefore we must ask, what will this catastrophic development cost society and how much more strife will it take to bring about real change?

Revolving door

Re: "Ousted premier can seek royal pardon", (BP, July 28) & "New rule on royal pardon put in place", (BP, April 14).

The news indicates that all inmates have the right to seek a royal pardon on the first day of imprisonment, says Wissanu Krea-ngam, who is also the acting justice minister.

"If the pardon is not granted after the petition is lodged, it cannot be repeated for the following two years," he added.

Last year a report emerged quoting Mr Wissanu saying prisoners can receive a jail term reduction via a royal pardon after serving a jail term of at least eight years, provided they are deemed to have "excellent conduct" in prison.

So jail term reductions can be sought by a prisoner by either having served one-third of their sentence or spending at least eight years in prison, whichever comes first, according to Mr Wissanu.

One law for all?

Fake as can be

Re: "Pita leaves chamber after court suspension ruling", (BP, July 20).

With masterstrokes of theatre, strategy and guile, Pita and his party have already accomplished what they set out to do: Demonstrate to the world that Thai democracy is a sham; no more genuine than the "Rolex" watches for sale on Sukhumvit Road.

Keep them in check

Re: "Thaksin ouster: Time to come home", (BP, July 27).

After 17 years in exile, former PM Thaksin has announced he will return on Aug 10, and this time the odds for him to come back are high.

The NACC's timely dropping of charges against Thaksin in the Thai Airway bribery case could be a signal from the powers that be to bury the hatchet.

The sudden popularity of the MFP has changed everyone's game plan.

Thai history has not seen a real threat to the royal institution as it does now, and the force that can counter the orange movement is none other but the reds.

After a decade of suppression the red shirts have come to understand the reality. They were the poor sectors of society back then and are even now.

For them to alleviate poverty is more important than to listen to the French revolution's shibboleth to undermine the monarchy.

Under the Prayuth government, the North and Northeastern regions have seen little economic development.

The long awaited Chinese-Lao-Thai elevated high speed train connection stops at Nong Khai, while billions were spent on the multicolour transit rail system in Bangkok.

Thaksin's economic insight and cunning political manoeuvres could create policies to benefit the rural people more than his predecessor's did.

And with economic success the new government can hopefully, in four years time, come back again after another general election.

As a white knight to contain the MFP movement and maintain national stability, he could get a quick royal pardon following the correct legal procedure; it's not impossible.

After all, 17 years in exile is enough punishment for a former PM who is now 76, although many regard that as an exile in luxury.

Welcome home, Thaksin.