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Published on January 18, 2008

Having gone through a tragic past ourselves, we know the immense suffering of the Thai people who have been injured or lost their loved ones to the violence in the South.

Back in 1999, I was able to travel to some southern Thai provinces and visit some Buddhist and Muslim families who were living in harmony with each other. It's so unfortunate that this harmonious co-existence is now crumbling away due to ethnic tension.

We know that the Thai government has put in great effort to restore peace in the region. We hope that a peaceful solution can be found to solve this problem.

Cambodia experienced a civil war that lasted over two decades. After a great loss of life and extreme misery, we were fortunate to find peace and relative comfort without more bloodshed.

We believe that part of the achievement of peace was attributed to the teaching of the non-violence concept by the late Supreme Patriarch of Cambodian Buddhism, Samdech Preah Maha Ghosananda, who was a co-founder of the Inter-Religious Mission for Peace in Cambodia.

During our struggle for peace in the 1990s, he advised all factions: "Don't fight with men, with people … fight with the conditions that make people fight with each other."

We hope that the Thai people can also apply a similar non-violent concept to find peace in the South.

Moeun Chhean Nariddh

Phnom Penh

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Early algebra start may not add up

It was with some mild amusement that I read the syndicated article from The Washington Post on the move for an early start to algebra in schools in the US. Some 30 years ago my daughter was at that traditional starting age of 11 for algebra. Knowing the wisdom of the difficulty children had with algebra, and anxious to forestall problems early, I asked her, had she started algebra. The answer was yes. "Any problems?" "No. We've done it before."

I expressed surprise at the answer. She explained: "In first grade we had problems like 'Fill in the box   7+[]=3. All we are doing now is replacing the box with a letter, x or y.' "  

That was Australia 30 years ago. No wonder the standard of mathematics in the US is, in general, not near the top. I wonder what happens in Thai primary schools?

Gareth Clayton

Bangkok

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Drivers need to exercise more caution in fog

Since it has become apparent that, from time to time, we will face more and more heavy fog (due to global warming?) while out driving each morning, I think I should try to "put the record straight" so that we motorists will be a bit safer.

Of course, the safest thing to do if you run into fog is to move off the road and wait for it to lift. However, this may not be practical and therefore drivers should take the following steps:

Slow down by stepping on the brake lightly (so that your lights warn drivers behind).

Use fog or parking lights when visibility is reduced, so you can be seen by other drivers.

Use windscreen wipers and the de-mister.

And the most important thing is: never use main headlights because they create something like a white blanket and nobody can see your car. This last item is the mistake most motorists are likely to make.

Vichit Phanumphai

Bangkok

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Look to the past for solutions in Burma

For almost 20 years we have failed to restore freedom and democracy in Burma. To learn from the mistakes of this second struggle for independence, some guidance from the first struggle for independence is needed.

On January 3, 1947, on his way to London, General Aung San stopped off in New Delhi. On January 5 he held a press conference, details of which were published in The Hindu on January 7.

General Aung San stated: "We want complete independence, and no intermediate stages" (No 7-step road map needed or acceptable).

A transcript from the conference reads:

Question: Before you left Rangoon, you indicated that if your demands are not satisfactorily met, you would have to launch another struggle for independence. Are you contemplating a violent or non-violent struggle or both?

Answer: We have no inhibitions of any kind [laughter].

Question: Do you apprehend that your delegation may not meet with the success you seek?

Answer: I hope for the best, but I am prepared for the worst.

Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD have always been hoping for the best, but they are not prepared to deal with the worst.

I am confident that "Our Three Sons" [monks, students and soldiers] will soon delineate what to do and implement practical solutions to restore freedom and democracy in Burma.

Myint Thein

Bangkok

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At last, Thailand gets an independent TV station

I earned my Mathayom Six certificate in the early 1960s. My last job ended in 1969. I heard the news that they were taking applications at TPBS so I went there seeking employment in the position of English News Commentator. I was rejected because I could not produce my Mathayom Six certificate. I told the lady that I graduated from Paisalsilp school more than four decades ago.

The lady gave me a gentle smile and said that she graduated from Bundit Vithaya school, situated next door to Paisalsilp. I told her that I could not obtain my certificate because Paisalsilp (a private school) no longer exists. She politely told me that she could not process my application. I humbly said thank you and walked away because I respect their house rule.

On the other hand, I am very happy that finally, this coming February, we Thais will be able to enjoy a public TV station for the first time. Thailand is long overdue programmes that benefit all without interference from advertisements and from dark influential figures who tell us what to do.

Surasak Piputtana

Bangkok

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