Democracy doesn't work; we should go our own way

Worse, I am accused of being stupid, uneducated and of selling my vote. We have adopted a "democratic" system because we want to imitate foreigners. What's good for foreigners isn't necessarily good for us. We've had 18 coups since 1932, when we switched from absolute monarchy. In those 76 years of the parliamentary system, only one elected prime minister has survived a full four-year term. I don't remember exactly how many constitutions we had before the 2007 edition, 18-20 maybe. Let's admit that democracy doesn't work here and never will. Forget what foreigners think or say about us. Let's be ourselves and draft a system, whatever it may be, that fits our traditions, attitudes and mentality.

SOMSAK POLA

SAMUT PRAKAN

Airport tactic long |used to effect in Europe

Regarding the closure of Suvarnabhumi Airport by the PAD, I would point out that this is a tactic used in Europe by Spanish and French airport staff on a yearly basis in order to push their grievances. They always shut the most popular airports and always at peak holiday times to cause maximum chaos.

GORDON TYLER

BANGKOK

PAD action amounts to economic terrorism

The Thai tourism sector, already reeling from the global economic meltdown, suffered a killer blow as the PAD forced Suvarnabhumi Airport to suspend all outbound flights. The damage the PAD chose to inflict at the start of the tourist season, at a time of such enormous global economic distress, couldn't be more contemptible.

This action targets the economy and its message is clear: destroy the fabric of the tourism industry, undermine the country's image abroad and strike at the heart of investor confidence. This is a wilful, neglectful and immensely damaging act that comes very close to the definition of terrorism.

As if things weren't bad enough, the irresponsible leaders of the PAD will not only deter tourism but multinational companies as well. The "final showdown" may well be that of a different context: its own inevitable death knell and with it the country.

JAMES GROVEWAY

BANGKOK

One last chance, then |three strikes and out

Once again, PM Somchai has claimed legitimacy for his government on the grounds that he was democratically elected. Having been democratically elected in a free election does not confer legitimacy. In a democracy, the government governs only with the consent of the governed.

A significant minority does not consent to a government led by the husband of a sister of thaksin Shinawatra. There is no happy solution to the impasse, and both sides will have to suck salt. A new election will solve nothing. The legitimacy of the last election falls on the PPP. It has the legitimacy to try to form a government, and has tried twice now. It is reasonable to give it a third chance. The present government should step down, and make way for a new, non-Thaksin, government. The PPP must choose from its members one who is not related to Thaksin. In short, one who is not ostensibly obliged to thaksin himself. The future PM, if he is wise, will choose his cabinet along the same lines.

The PAD should return to government House as soon as the present administration's resignation is effective, and clean the place up. They should renovate the building and restore the gardens. On the day the new cabinet is sworn in, they should quietly go home, leaving the keys under the mat.

ROGER C HASLOCK

BANGKOK