OPINION

Minimal madness

Re: "EC to respect court Senate race ruling", (BP, May 28).

I'm glad the Election Commission (EC) decided to respect the court's ruling that candidates may release their profiles to the public. As they stand, the EC rules are designed to give voters -- whether they be the candidates who must choose from among their number or the constituencies they are supposed to represent -- minimal information.

This is madness: to make an intelligent choice, voters must have as many facts as possible. For example, instead of being banned from presenting their visions of what they'll accomplish if chosen, each candidate should be required to present their plans, posted online, followed by televised debates, with studies to show that his/her visions are not hallucinations.

Otherwise, we might have cases like Pheu Thai's promised B10k handout to each Thai, which could put every taxpayer in debt for many years so big business and their billionaire owners can get richer.

Promote informed selections, EC.

Mojo is long gone

Re: "Pheu Thai loses its mojo", (Editorial, May 28).

This editorial clearly sums up the issues facing the ruling party and, in my view, should be essential reading for anyone interested in the state of Thai politics as it stands right now.

The Pheu Thai Party is clearly struggling for a variety of reasons and as a consequence, the nation is, too. Sadly, I don't think the government has the ability to lift the country out of its torpid state.

As you suggest, they've really lost their mojo.

Justice for whom?

Re: "Justice at stake", (BP, May 29) & "Yingluck upbeat on democracy", (BP, May 23).

Samcharoen writes: "It is crucial for the credibility of our legal system and the trust of the Thai people that all individuals, regardless of their connections, are held accountable for their actions."

Fine words indeed, Khun Samcharoen. But the sad reality is the legal system has no credibility and Thais do not trust it.

This is the result of almost daily demonstrations of how the legal system can be interpreted or manipulated to favour the entitled, while ordinary Thais rot in jail without bail, on charges that no free and democratic state would have as legal statutes anyway.

A difficult sale

Re: "African countries want answers over old rice sale", (BP, May 28).

Frankly, I don't think self-respecting and canny citizens from African nations would ever buy imported 10-year-old rice that is getting mustier by the day while it moulders in warehouses here. Apart from weevils, let's not forget the possibility of bird and rodent droppings entering the mix. Any order would be a significant test of the purchasing government's probity in the context of disseminating information about the rice's age and origin to the public sector and its welfare.

Better watch out

Re: "Attorney-general to decide on Thaksin lese majeste case after delay", (BP, May 29).

Interesting to see the powers that brought Thaksin home to secure their place in the future government have now resorted to a S112 violation to sideline him. He should have realised that doing deals with these people always includes the possibility of treachery.