It's a matter of trust

Well, I am a little slow, but I finally figured out what the programme is in Thailand. Letter-writer Vint Chavala says, “Directly elected national leaders are possible only in countries that have presidents as heads of state.” Does he deem that statement as true, or is there actually some logic attached to it? 

Based on Vint’s letter and many others I have read, and based on any lack of support for my letters regarding all lawmakers having to be elected, things have finally become clear to me. It is apparent that the educated and thus affluent people of Thailand have no faith in the ability of the average Thai to elect good leaders. It is apparent that they want things back the way they were before Thaksin came on the scene and created all the turmoil. 

Maybe they are right and maybe they aren’t – I don’t really know – but I do know one thing for certain: If Thailand maintains its present system of appointing so many people to public office, corruption will remain. The only way to break up the “good ol’ boy” network is to require all congressional members and the PM to be elected. To the educated and wealthy of Thailand, I can only say that, if you don’t trust your fellow citizens, no matter what their standing is in society, you are doomed to ultimate failure and ultimate conflict. 

John Arnone