National government is not the short-term answer

This idea is floated every now and then, recently by General Chavalit. Unfortunately, the idea is off base. What we need now more than ever is an effective opposition against the administration whose goal is to protect or acquit former prime minister Thaksin. Dr Prawes is worried that the protest led by the PAD may hurt the economy and the protesters should find common ground with the administration. This anxiety is misplaced; the PAD will lose support if the protest is not well-grounded or if it chooses violent means.

On the other hand, the PAD should not insist on a total surrender from the government. Politics is not a zero-sum game. The PAD wants to retain the good will and the hearts and minds of the public. The protestors can disassemble with a promise to return if the government still tries to manufacture constitutional amendments to whitewash Thaksin and prevent possible judicial dissolution of coalition parties.

Netirat Intira

Bangkok

Revive the original Burmese constitution

A national referendum held by the SPDC regime claims 92.4 per cent support the new constitution. Unbelievably, the result did not include the population that was hit by the cyclone in the Irrawaddy Delta and the millions of Burmese migrant workers in Thailand. Whilst people were shocked by the cyclone, the regime was busy with the national referendum in order to make sure that people support the constitution.

Since the independence of Burma, two constitutions have been written. The first was in 1947 with the participation of Burman and non-Burman representatives. It was the first constitution that guaranteed the existence of the Kachin State.  It would be a big surprise if the Kachin people voted "Yes" for the present constitution, as it would automatically abolish the 1947 constitution and would lead to the disappearance of the Kachin State. This, the Kachin are not willing to see, and they will not let it happen.

The second constitution was in 1974 after General Ne Win staged a coup in 1958 that was simply in favour of unitary system.

Again, the current regime has called on the people to vote for the new constitution and ignores calls from the opposition political groups and the international community. It is clear that the regime only cares to hang on to power. Moreover, the new complicated constitution does not represent the people but simply prolongs the dictatorship.

The longer the regime holds on to power, the more problems will appear. The regime must find a political settlement with all parties. A good, honest constitution could end the long civil war and the conflicts. It must reinstate the 1947 constitution to restore peace and stability. If the regime fails to recognise the 1947 constitution, it must be responsible for the continuing conflicts.

Tai Siam

Bangkok

Rumours and hearsay are the seeds of confrontation

Without entering into the political debate directly, it would appear that some understanding of the truth of the past should be addressed. The term "pro-democracy demonstrators" has been used to describe everyone from concerned citizens, members of the Communist Party, to those simply hired to be disruptive. They all answered to some "big boss" and the concerned citizens paid the price for just being there.                                             

  Much is made of the military moving to restore order but few recall that, in most cases, the majority of the citizenry called for it to intervene. In most cases this was deemed necessary because of statements made by  leaders about someone being out to get them. Paranoia seems to bring down more governments than demonstrators or the military ever will by design. Perhaps the real culprits are those whispering into elected leader's ears about everyone from the media to elder statesmen being out to get them. This generally led to undisciplined statements and actions offensive to the majority. Mix that with thinly veiled acts of violence perpetrated by some in the power structure to point the fingers at others, and someone must step in.                                                                           

 In the end, Thais figure it all out for themselves, and those not merely hired to act, put King and country first. The media in too many cases feeds rumour rather than reporting the facts. Probably the best advice would be to be careful what you wish for. This goes from trying to taunt or assault the other mob or screaming for the military to intervene - but only to secure your agenda. When those in charge act with arrogance and misrepresent past occurrences and highly regarded leaders, trouble is on the way. There are few that can be taken at their word that they will take no action.

  There is no army out there just waiting to overthrow a government. Unless, of course, someone is foolish enough to try and make it subservient to a police force. That has a proven track record of being a short-lived folly. Some come to vent frustration at demonstrations and some are sent to provide "someone" an opportunity to be the "saviour". That "masked-man" currently holds no official function. It is he and his ilk that are to be feared, for he is the one who drives paranoia with whispers in the ear.                                     

Major Mark A Smith (US, Ret.)

Bangkok

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