OPINION

Thaksin redux

Re: "Former PM starts 8-year jail term in hospital", (BP, Aug 23).

One wonders if we have gone full circle and Thaksin is really the PM; maybe eventually, his daughter may take over, and possibly her aunt may also receive a pardon (as Thaksin surely will).

Power and privilege

Re: "Former PM starts 8-year jail term in hospital", (BP, Aug 23).

I predict the following scenario will shortly take place.

The "also-ran" parties have wrestled control of the government from the party that actually won the election and have formed the "also-ran coalition". At the same time, the Pheu Thai "spiritual leader" was immediately jailed. Upon incarceration, he disrupted normal prison life, namely, was given his own room and is not having to adhere to prison guidelines regarding hair and attire.

Then transfer said prisoner to another facility -- a nearby hotel in his presidential suite (cell), possibly on the top floor with a view. There, he would be met by the concierge (oops, guard). He would also be met by tailors (prison uniform providers) from Sukhumvit, who would then measure him for the proper attire for his location (suits, shirts, ties, etc), and his evening wear would be provided by a famous silk clothing manufacturer here in Thailand. His dietary needs would be met by a list of 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bangkok area along with their menus.

Finally, the coalition would seek a pardon for him because he did not want to serve jail time for his crimes. He fled the country and had to travel around the world in his private jet for 15 years. That is cruel and unusual punishment in itself; therefore, he should be pardoned.

As for other matters that affect the country -- they do not matter.

Solar silence

Re: "Here comes the sun", (Business, Aug 21).

In your lead business piece, I was struck by the almost complete omission of solar power. It is almost incomprehensible that Thailand, with its largely sunny climate, is not a lead global player in this essential strategy to reduce the use of fossil fuels, which everywhere else in the world regards as a prime cause of climate change.

I am not completely naive -- I have a good idea why changing the current power generation system might be unpopular in certain quarters. However, if Thailand is serious about addressing climate change and lessening its impact on people, the government and its major corporations should accelerate investment in solar power, and businesses and residents should be given every encouragement to install solar panels, so reducing the demand for fossil fuel-generated energy.

Political expediency

Re: "Edging towards a moment of truth" (Opinion, Aug 21).

Veera Prateepchaikul asserts "that flip-flopping or breaking promises is an integral part of the Thai political game" as if this were equally true of all parties. It is not.

Move Forward has, in contrast to tradition, consistently demonstrated that it does not flip-flop or betray those who vote for it.

As for Thaksin Shinawatra, I suspect that Thaksin's manicurist will call him to an urgent appointment. Yet loathing will be incurred from the people he has betrayed.