Thailand took a significant step towards political reform last Friday with the election of five new election commissioners-designate.

However, scepticism has already emerged over whether the new EC, assuming that all of the EC-designates get royal endorsements, will be any different from the old one. Even as the 10 finalists awaited the decision of the Senate, rumours about bloc voting against critics were rife, and that four of them, not three (I disagree with The Nation on this point), had been singled out to fail.

The Senate's voting pattern, in which 67 senators voted for the same candidates, seemed to have confirmed the speculation. Wicha Mahakhun, Wasan Soipisut, Kaewsan Atibhodi and Nam Yimyaem flunked the tests as expected. Most surprising of all was Wicha, who, with the most votes at the time of his nomination by the Supreme Court, received 73 votes out of 187 in the Senate.

Kaewsan was not surprised at the result as if he had known all along that he would never serve. Even so, he asked to be appointed secretary-general. To the public this would counter-balance the composition of the new EC, which has generally had similar views to the government.

This would also seem logical and suitable for Kaewsan as he was sixth in the rankings with 101 votes.

The new EC members cannot be blamed for what happened. They appear to have been dragged into the affair. Nevertheless, some of the Senators looked less than partial by displaying a strong bias against certain finalists.

This was indeed unforgivable. The situation has not only put the spot light on the new EC, but has also made the commission's already difficult job even more so.

Obviously, the new Election Commission must prove itself to be up to the expectations of the public. They must know that the commission's status is at its lowest ebb ever, and therefore they must revive the people's trust.

Most important of all, the new EC must display its full understanding of Thai democracy and what impact the EC, both as an institution and individuals, might have on the course of its development. Elections are only one part of the system - not even the most important one. You can have a clean and fair election and still get a bad government.

The new Election Commission must also keep in kind that there are a lot of hurdles ahead, many of which are not of their making but ones they must avoid nevertheless.

All EC-designates have indicated that they would probably have to postpone the election day, which originally was scheduled for October 15. Administrative matters aside, the new EC cannot forget that it must carry out good policies as well.

What if the Constitution Court decides to disband the five political parties, for example? Or what if the status of the caretaker prime minister is found to be somehow illegal since he declared on April 4 that he was taking a "break" from politics? What if the Shin deal falls apart after there is a definite conclusion on the matter of nominees?

In short, there are too many "ifs" in the political landscape, so the EC cannot set its sights on the election alone.

Prachyadavi Tavedikul

Bangkok

--------------------------------------

Business always finds a way to make things work

My wife's shop house has a symbiotic relationship with the local Tesco Lotus. She operates on a thin profit margin. What she buys for Bt16 she'll sell for Bt20.

Her inventory is such that only a few wholesalers will sell to her - she just can't buy enough to make it their worthwhile. So for the most part, Lotus is her primary supplier.

Whenever the hypermarket has a sale she is there to stock up. If they drop the price from Bt16 to Bt12, her profit margin goes up. She especially loves the buy-one-get-one-free promotions. Her resale margin soars.

But beyond that, her shop offers something no Lotus or 7-Eleven ever will. There is camaraderie to be found there.

Throughout the day, the local ladies gather there to talk. Street vendors park in front to sell (and buy). She keeps a newspaper on the counter and any number of folks come by for a drink and to catch-up on the neighbourhood and national news.

If you are a member of one of the nearby construction crews, you can get short-term credit for basic items, since she has an arrangement with the foreman to pay her first.

We live in an area that is undergoing rapid development and growth. A few months after she opened her shop, a 7-Eleven opened just a short walk up the road. Indeed, some folks walk past her shop to go there and pay more for the same item that she sells. But she lost very little business.

After the 7-Eleven opened, her business was so good that she added a second refrigerator dedicated only to beer and caffeine drinks.

She has a loyal clientele and seems to be able to compete quite well against the "big retailers".

Grandpa in Chon Buri

Chon Buri

--------------------------------

The govt still has a few moves to make in the PTT case

Re: "Court to check on PTT float legality", News, September 7.

The current challenge against PTT should be put in the right perspective by recognising that the case is sub judice.

The state's decision to authorise PTT Plc's incorporation and share sale in 2001 was challenged as legally improper because of three issues: conflict of interest involving two executives who were then also PTT shareholders; an improper public hearing prior to incorporation; and some national assets were left with PTT Plc.

If PTT Plc loses the case, the situation has to revert back to the day in 2001 as though PTT Plc never existed and no IPO shares were sold.

To achieve this now, PTT Plc would have to be de-listed, and shares in the public's hands would have to be bought back by the major shareholder, ie the government.

Under the securities laws, the buy-back price would have to be assessed by an independent financial adviser and certainly not at the IPO price level in 2001 of Bt35 apiece. The value has grown six-fold since.

The market price on September 7 after ex-dividend stood at Bt228. (Currently, analysts of 16 brokers have put a target price ranging from Bt272 to Bt347 a share.)

Therefore the de-listing procedure cannot be completed if a price of less than Bt200 is offered.

In short, the public shareholders are not that likely to be damaged by whatever the decision the court comes to.

Advising the court of the possible effects on the stock exchange and economy if PTT Plc were de-listed was uncalled for and rather disrespectful to the judiciary. If it looks messy, then the government will still have ways in simplifying the situation by avoiding the buy-back through its majority votes in Parliament. An act can be legislated to legalise PTT's situation, thereby avoiding the buy-back. I therefore cannot see any reason to be excited. I do see an opportunity to make money.

For transparency's sake, I will disclose that I am a shareholder in PTT.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

--------------------------------------------

Thais should look after their own before welcoming others

I would like to comment on the recent series of articles that mention Burmese workers.

I am not a Thai national, but I firmly believe that the basic and fundamental requirement of the Thai government is to provide for Thai people first among all peoples.

Thais must be afforded the opportunity to have health and education, an opportunity for employment, the allowance to own and operate their own business and to raise families within the continuation of the historic religious and cultural heritage that is theirs alone.

That said, I am concerned and confused by recent articles on the migration into Thailand of nationals from neighbouring countries, which is straining the Thai economy.

Thailand is doing a fantastic job of trying to accommodate the needs of others less fortunate - the international community should be more helpful and understanding of these efforts.

I am surprised that the Thai government would allow 10,000 Burmese workers to enter the Thai employment market. Are there really no Thais willing to fill these positions? Are the health problems among these Burmese workers going to affect the Thai population? (I refer to the recent series of articles addressing the resurgence of malaria, tuberculosis and elephantiasis among the Burmese, just to name a few - and recognise that many of the migrants are border-line starving.)

I am concerned for Thais of all ages. Thailand must increase strength to maintain its place on the world stage. Only then can Thais benefit others in need of their assistance.

I would like to see increased attention given to a dynamic new programme to guarantee education and health for all Thais and to dramatically increase the availability of jobs at all levels.

The Thai people are making great strides in the international community - I wish them continued success and involvement as they establish political, economic and social guidelines for not only Southeast Asian and regional countries, but also for other nation states as well. I am proud of my association with Thailand and of my growing understanding of the Thai culture and heritage.

HS Raphael

United States

--------------------------------

The US does not lie, it just fools its enemies

Re: "Secret prison news no surprise given US history of telling lies", Letters, September 8.

Of course the US had secret prisons. I would be upset if they didn't have them. They aren't a secret anymore because of people with big mouths. Sibeymai said the US has lied since World War II.

If my memory is correct there was a Cold War and the United States won it. Lies? How about a better term: misleading the enemy.

Bill Cymbalsky

Bangkok