Ghosts of Tak Bai
Re: "Short arm of the law", (Editorial, Oct 10 ).
The Tak Bai incident, which led to the death of 85 unarmed protestors during the tenure of Thaksin Shinawatra and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon as the armed forces chief, has resurfaced in public consciousness and casts a dark shadow on the Thai security forces. Modern Thai history is replete with the violence and utter disregard for civilian lives shown by the country's military, whether it be the massacre of students at Thammasat University or sniper attacks on the general public protesting in the streets. How do we reconcile this with the image of a non-violent Buddhist society?
A new global vision
Re: "Reforming the UN Security Council", (Opinion, Oct 9).
Shang-Jin Wei's argument is that effective reforms of the UN Security Council (UNSC) need not focus only on increasing the number of permanent representatives but also on limiting the veto power that the established major powers have continued to enjoy. I read this simultaneous proposal of reform with interest. However, I would like to add an observation on what I think should be included in the UNSC reform discussions and debates.
In indicating the necessity of enlarging the UNSC and its balanced use of veto power, analysts, Wei included, look to potential new members in terms of their economic might, population size, geopolitical position, or unjust colonial past. Little attention is paid to nations that do not fit this Cold War paradigm of thought.
There are countries that advance by their own way of doing things. Bhutan, for example, has demonstrated to the world that its gross national happiness model is fundamental and vital to a peaceful life. Others, like parts of New Zealand and Australia, show us how to rekindle and learn from indigenous populations. Sustainability and community, not force and aggression, provide the world with peace and freedom. If the UNSC urgently needs reform, let's not merely restructure it -- reimagine it in the present with its new learning and core values.
Army steps up
Re: "Left in the mud", (PostBag, Oct 9).
SJL's letter is untrue. The army has been doing a great job ferrying stranded tourists and assisting with cleaning. Today, I saw four army trucks in the night bazaar, with soldiers working hard to remove debris. I videoed them and thanked them.
A strong baht
Re: "Strong baht barely dents Thai exports", (Business, Sept 27).
A stronger baht will push overall Thai inflation to be near non-existent. While it's a relatively mild negative for exporters and some price-conscious tourists, it balances by making most Thai imports cheaper. Consider Thai inflation is already at/near a world-record lowest. Any country with a firm currency and ultra-low inflation is an overall net country positive as it retains the value of its paper (fiat) currency.