Blind in own cause

Re: “Undemocratic merit”, (PostBag, Sept 16).

Clara Holzer cites two recent court cases to imply that military rule works better for Thailand than Western-style democracy. However, such an assertion controversially links the government to the outcome of these cases, surely something the military junta would reject, based on their oft-repeated claims that they neither interfere with nor seek to influence the judicial process.

Furthermore, court verdicts are but the final act in what is often a long process involving investigation, the bringing of charges and a trial. Ms Holzer should read the Sept 16 editorial concerning the lack of any action so far following the death of a young Lahu man at a military checkpoint six months ago.

She might also want to reflect upon the case of a well-connected army general accused of nepotism involving his sons, against whom no action has been taken.

Finally, Ms Holzer quite rightly doesn’t want to see a return of “the old crooks whose only business in politics was to enrich themselves” but chooses to ignore the deployment of many generals (how can the army continue to function without them?) into lucrative employment in the administration and in almost all state agencies.

Ultimately, the decision as to what sort of government bests suits Thailand should be left to the Thai people, and I just hope that one day they will have the opportunity to make that decision on a free and fair basis.

ROBIN GRANT