Re: "PM pledges full investigation", (BP, July 29).
I must first compliment Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's pledge to clean up the corruption scandals in the Interior Ministry. Nevertheless, such a courageous promise to the public is only political rhetoric.
During the founding of China's Ming Dynasty more than 650 years ago, the founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was determined to stamp out corruption in the government. In a series of brutal purges, tens of thousands of officials and military officers were executed, including many senior figures. His harsh measures were intended to create a clean and disciplined administration and to warn others against abusing their positions.
On the positive side, such a drastic measure gave the succeeding emperor a clean slate of government officials to run the country. The Ming government continued to function after his death, but the dynasty eventually faced a combination of political, economic and military problems that contributed to its downfall.
If such a measure were to be practised in Thailand, I would imagine there would be no good officers left to run the country. At the start, I think the prime minister should first set an example to clean up his own party of many scandals to provide a good example for other civil servants to follow.
Sadly, Mr Anutin's remarks of "we must roar like lions and do not bark like puppies" might be another way around. Rooting out corruption, which has been ingrained in Thailand, needs long-term political will.
The Insider
Acting their age
Re: "Kids behaving badly", (PostBag, July 29).
It is time we all stopped blowing this incident up into something bigger than it actually was.
These were kids, I repeat kids, and some of them were probably on their first holiday overseas. Their adrenaline would be running high, and they would be ebullient.
But what harm did they really do? Did they steal, physically assault anyone, do drugs, or any other serious crime? No! They were noisy on public transport and gave sassy backchat when challenged. Big deal! Get over it and let's concentrate on the crimes aplenty perpetuated by other foreign nationals that really matter.
David Brown
Gianni's gamble
Re: "Fury over Fifa $4.2bn stake sale plan", (Sport, July 30).
Surely it's time for Fifa and Gianni Infantino to disappear from the news after the problem of the US-run World Cup. The latest suggestion is that Fifa is planning to sell part of its responsibilities, including the World Cup, although the details are uncertain.
Who would buy this poisoned chalice? Maybe throwing in an individual Fifa peace trophy might swing the balance.
You will also get a red card reversal to use when your champion player needs it.
Oh, the shame!
Dennis Fitzgerald
