Jakrapob's command of English is not so hot

To add another angle to Tulsathit Taptim's article, I nearly fell off my chair when Jakrapob Penkair explained in Thai the English meaning of "some people" as all the people and not a section of the people; just like the word "something," denoting one object or one event. My limited knowledge tells me the two are not the same. 

I have no axe to grind in either direction.However, I am concerned with his portrayal of being super-authoritative to most Thais in his command of English in explaining those words.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

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

Quality of education should be Samak's main focus

The Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) ordered public schools to stop collecting extra fees from parents following an outcry by PM Samak Sundaravej, who said that such charges were an insult to the country's 12 years of free education policy.

I agree that given our policy that education should be free, that's exactly what it should be. However, I suggest that Samak should be focusing more on the bigger question: what quality of education are we giving our kids?

Does he agree with Bertrand Russell that: "Education should have two objects: first, to give definite knowledge, reading, and writing, language and mathematics, and so on; secondly, to create those mental habits which will enable people to acquire knowledge and form sound judgements for themselves"?

If he agrees with Russell, then the real insult to our kids is that Obec's own tests show that we have been consistently failing to educate our children - particularly in teaching them to form sound judgements for themselves. Thus, rather than spending time chastising schools for their extra charges, he should hold his Education Minister to more useful goals - such as instituting a one tambon, one dream school policy.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok

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

Police not acting impartially in upholding the law

Re: "Street violence may shorten Samak government's term", Sidelines, May 27

There is one thing that the continued political turmoil has brought of benefit to Thailand and that is a marked improvement in the quality and incisiveness of its journalism. Whilst the terror of writs under the Thaksin regime undoubtedly suppressed quality investigative journalism I do believe there has been a veritable blooming of the media here in these volatile times.  An example of this is was Sopon Onkgara's Sidelines article, on May 27. 

This was a piece that made its points with clarity and force.  We are indeed entering dangerous times, and yet again the force which the people have a right to expect to do their duty, the police, have been found clearly wanting.  It is clear from the Army Chief's unprecedented intervention to remind the police of their duty, that they are being seen as failing in that duty.

If this beleaguered force cannot show unequivocally its determination to uphold the law without fear or favour then in the weeks ahead we can expect turmoil, as without the confidence and consent of the people it cannot police effectively and the breakdown of society will inevitably follow.

John Patterson

Bangkok

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

Most Thai VIPs too thin-skinned for their own good

I don't know much about Jakrapob Penkair, and I know less about what he might have said nine months ago.  I do know, however, that Thai VIPs are very easily offended - in stark contrast to VIPs in Western countries.

American comedians and talk-show hosts poke fun at US politicians on a daily basis and their parodies are scathing. In Thailand, even the most watered-down criticism would be subject to howls of indignities and several defamation lawsuits by their targets.

My message to the VIPs: Lighten up! Quit taking yourselves so seriously. If, and when you can lessen your attachment toward "saving face", maybe you can get enacted meaningful legislation that will assist some disadvantaged people.

There is more to life than self-enrichment and self-aggrandisement. If you devoted one tenth of your energy you spend toward playing golf and pursuing your mia nois - instead toward doing something beneficial for ordinary people - you would be truly appreciated rather than garnering the expected and feigned adulation your rank demands.

Ken Albertsen

Chiang Rai