OPINION

Rethink 'soft power'

Re: "Body art 'can boost Thai soft power,' " (BP, April 16) & "Ministry details soft power initiative," (BP, April 17).

As 18 months have elapsed since my previous letter on the topic, yer 'umble hopes to avoid the slings and arrows of PostBag's diligent monitors of "serial single-topic writers." However, allow me to once again spit in the wind regarding Thailand's derisory misappropriation of the "soft power" concept.

The original and nearly lone promoter of political "soft power" is Joseph S Nye, a professor at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. In his 1990 book, Nye posited that a country's ability to influence other nations without using coercion or force is a sign of "soft power."

This is achieved, Nye said, through -- and this is a key part Thai leaders seem to ignore -- the attractiveness of a country's political and foreign policies, as well as culture. The idea was largely dismissed as most pragmatic theorists agree that nation states typically respond only to force and economic incentives.

How does "body art" even fit into the government's "5F" approach to promoting Thai "film, food, fashion, festivals, and fighting?

Yes, the food can be amazing, but Thai film is a tough sell internationally, and people everywhere seem to enjoy their own fashion and festivals. Promoting tattoos seems desperate.

Foreigners can visit Thailand, even live here on a permanent basis, and enjoy all of its cultural amenities to their heart's content.

But Thailand's disappointing global ranking in education and training, human rights, and other issues -- to say nothing of military and political corruption and infrastructure failures -- don't come close to meeting Nye's criteria as a nation admired for its values and inspirational in its prosperity and openness.

Don't shoot your own

Re: "Be kind to soldiers," (InQuote, April 13).

Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is quoted saying that "40,000 soldiers work non-stop on our borders to protect the country."

I would politely ask, against whom?

It rather seems they protect the old elites against younger people who want to build a modern and democratic country.

The conscripts have to learn to understand that it is not their duty to shoot their own people.

Yes, no or maybe?

Re: " 'No alliance' with coup makers," (BP, April 19).

So Paetongtarn "Ung-Ing" Shinawatra, a Pheu Thai Party PM candidate, finally said no to joining any coalition government containing the coup-makers after the May 14 election.

Or did she?

Ms Ung-Ing said: "We did not give a clear answer previously because we wanted to show respect to the people as the election date was not yet fixed.

"If you ask me if we want to join hands with those involved in the two previous coups, the answer is clear in itself."

That's her answer, crystal clear!

So no, yes or maybe? The people are still waiting, Ms Ung Ing.

Do you have the courage to shout out a loud and clear no?

Do you need your father's permission?

Or will his jail-free return to Thailand be the price we pay for no change?

Move Forward Party knows where it stands. Do you?