Re: "Democracy on the line", (Editorial, June 3), "Welfare state likely", & "Be more realistic", (PostBag, June 3).
The editorial lead's justifiable blasting of one junta-appointed senator on the suggestion of a "national government" during a peaceful time led one to realise that the junta's loss must have hurt many. They now have to be defensive with a laughable proposal of a national government with the junta-led parties remaining as part of the government.
Regarding MFP's macroeconomic policy, its welfare-state blueprint could easily be labelled communism. The criticism that they're young and likely to shake Thailand's "foundation" of stability is justified. Reading their body language, one can detect that they are dogmatic, unchallengeable, and textbook-like. But since the future is theirs for longer than this octogenarian, one should give them a chance and observe and pull them down whenever necessary. Especially since they now have the support of 14 million Thais (33% of all voters), we cannot deny their rights. We can take comfort from Pheu Thai as an old hand in politics to be our guardian in checks and balances in case they behave delinquently.
Songdej Praditsmanont
Despots? No thanks
Re: "In defence of China", (PostBag, June 5).
Yingwai Suchaovanich writes about how China has made great economic progress over the years. So has Taiwan, which achieved economic success without exterminating thousands of people at Tiananmen Square and setting up one of the most repressive regimes in the world.
It doesn't surprise me a bit that Khun Yingwai is a big supporter of the junta.
Eric Bahrt
A flawed rail model
Re: "Partial Pink Line launch urged as traffic worsens", (BP, June 3).
The powers that be have the fond idea that constructing a rainbow of lines will alleviate traffic congestion. The room is now getting a bit crowded with frustrated elephants, to wit:
1. The average Thai car owner will never forsake his/her beloved vehicle(s) in which much has been invested or is now owed to spend more money on this form of mass transit.
2. To travel so involves loss of face in the neighbourhood for car owners. The car is a major Thai status symbol.
3. Effort has to be expended to reach the various local stations, presumably by foot (or heaven forbid motosai). I don't think so, especially in this heat.
4. Hi-sos, well I mean.
5. Government officials (except those seeking a quick photo opportunity on a motosai). I doubt it.
6. If the system gets you from A to B without changing your sweat-soaked shirt, then fine. But if it involves multiple changes and associated complications/stress, then second thoughts if you are not as young as you used to be and a car owner.
So that leaves the great unwashed who don't have the mass resources to support an already cash-strapped programme and rising fares. And let's not forget the heat generated by all of this hideous infrastructure.
I could trumpet further, but I think you get the point.
Ellis O'Brien
