Game of Thrones
Re: "Thailand's policy on Myanmar stinks", (Opinion, June 22).
The reason for authoritarian rule becoming a default mode in governance in Thailand and its immediate neighbours is simple. The governments in the region operate like a Ponzi scheme where those with military trucks, tanks, and guns have the upper hand.
The people and the politicians constitute the other two sides of this triangle. Sadly, these two sides collapse when the military at the base becomes hostile. The politicians with power and money flee and go into exile. Hence democracy in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam will remain stuck in prisons.
Much of the stink in the region is being caused by corrupt politicians. As a result, all branches of the government and agencies immediately succumb and fall in line with the military rulers as and when it happens.
People in Thailand have become accustomed to this ongoing Game of Thrones.
Political scientist Prof Thitinan Pongsudhirak correctly says that for democracy to take root in the region, the disparate resistance coalition must close ranks and demonstrate their unity and wherewithal to govern and keep the country intact. Sadly, this is where they often fail.
Hence the military is always waiting in the wings to show its prowess.
Kuldeep Nagi
Across generations
Re: "We need to act for our future generations", (Opinion, June 22).
Any debate about future generations should not omit to highlight the imperative need to promote intragenerational solidarity at the national, regional and global levels.
Older generations can pass down their wisdom, expertise, and traditional knowledge to younger generations, while young people can share their technological skills and innovative ideas with older people.
Promoting active intergenerational solidarity is a fundamental condition for building genuine cohesive and inclusive societies, as it contributes to combating ageism, reducing social isolation and loneliness and creating real opportunities for mutual learning and personal intellectual growth across generations.
Ioan Voicu
Yok should rein it in
Re: "Know your activist", (PostBag, June 29).
I think that Vint Chavala has a point about not always giving student activist Yok the benefit of the doubt.
While she should be free to express herself, she should not go overboard and break the law. If what the above writer says is true, it is amazing the litany of boorish things that this young girl has performed, such as defaming the monarchy, acting obnoxiously in front of temples, and even illegally protesting in front of government buildings, both foreign and Thai alike.
I think she is taking her cue from young Westerners such as Greta Thunberg and, unfortunately, prodded along by Thai adults against the current Prayut government who, rather than telling Yok to think about the consequences of her actions, have encouraged her to protest constantly, even if it means jail time.
She needs to be reined in at least a bit and perhaps given a good old-fashioned spanking.
A Foreigner In Thailand
