Two countries, two standards
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Yesterday the Cambodian Foreign Ministry stated that Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipatanapaiboon would have to serve at least two-thirds of their prison terms before a royal pardon could be considered.
On the other hand, several staunch supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra, including Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, claim that Thaksin can seek a royal pardon as the law does not require him to serve punishment first.
This is the perfect case for "two countries, two standards". Or should I say "double standard" instead, since Wikipedia defines a double standard as "the unjust application of different sets of principles for similar situations". It does not say that two standards have to be applied in the same country in order to qualify as a double standard.
Andy Colmes
Bangkok
