Plugging in
Re: "Where is the love?", (PostBag, April 13).
Can Vint Chavala really be so isolated from the realities of Thai life that he hasn't understood the mood of the working class?
No one had to instil dislike or even hatred into a large portion of citizens who feel left behind, unrepresented and unhappy at military-inspired constitutions concocted by generals who automatically assumed the role of prime minister.
All that was needed was to collect them up and present their point of view which surprisingly amounted to around a third of the population.
Reverence cannot be demanded by law. With such a vast amount of wealth in just a few hands it's no surprise that change is being demanded and removing their election choice has just made it worse.
One is left assuming that Vint is not a minimum-wage earning, ordinary Thai worker but someone who has benefitted from the inequality, wealth and position given to the elite who for so long has called the shots.
Lungstib
No help, there
Re: "No comment", (PostBag, April 11).
Fred Prager, every house "rule" for online comments, that is, the need to avoid libelous, immoral, obscene unlawful attacks have been violated.
I have often been a victim of blatantly dirty, filthy lies. It's a waste of time to report abuse. The moderators, quite frankly, don't give a damn.
Eric Bahrt
Word of warning
Re: "Thailand braces for refugee influx", (BP, April 12).
While it is commendable to offer help and humanitarian aid to those wishing to escape oppression and conflict in other areas of the world, it does however need careful consideration on how it is done.
There are many who would "throw open the doors" to those unfortunate enough to be caught up in the problems being experienced wherever the trouble has occurred, but it is wise to know if there is an element of importing other people's troubles to your own doorstep.
A look at what is going on in Europe and the US will show that protests in the streets can get out of hand when not policed with rigid fairness and authority.
The Mideast conflict sees many supporting what is seen as the "underdog" but their governments take the view that "terrorism" cannot be seen to win and supports the other side. I personally believe there is also a majority of the population that agree with their government on the need for change.
My advice to Thai officials is to make sure they are aware of which side of the fence they stand and do not invite those wishing to continue the fight from afar by raising funds and awareness (or worse), in the "safe haven" they have been provided.
Fireman Sam
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