Please end this tiresome debate

Whether Somsak’s is in earnest or not we don’t know, but this much I am certain of: He’s succeeded in making the letters page a laughing forum for all who read it, and has certainly given it a lot more colour than it needs.

Earlier, Somsak’s favourite punching bag was the Democrat Party. But since nobody paid enough attention to it, he shifted his focus to the man he admires. He claimed Thaksin’s offences have all been mere allegations with no guilt determined. True, I can accept that assertion. But what about crimes that have been proved beyond any reasonable doubt, proceedings on which have concluded? These crimes are certainly not jaywalking, littering or double-parking. 

And to compare Thaksin in an equal light to the late statesman Dr Pridi Banomyong and former Bank of Thailand governor Puey Ungpakorn is way too much. Nobody in his right mind can salute Somsak for that. Both these men were comrades-in-arms who fought together to liberate Thailand from the Japanese yoke. Neither was known to seek political reward for their sacrifices, although Parliament persuaded Pridi to accept the premiership, which he did so reluctantly. His disciple Puey rejected numerous ministerial posts offered to him by various governments, choosing to live the life of an honest financial expert and later that of a true educator.

We readers and letter writers should lay off this ludicrous debate and have it “deep-sixed” forever. Don’t we already have too many troubles on our hands, what with the looming street politics that are sure to dominate the headlines and the forthcoming confrontation between Parliament and the Constitution Court, on whose outcome the future of our country depends? 

Prachyadavi Tavedikul

Bangkok