No justice if political players flee

I very much doubt that Somsak Pola is right in his claim that Yingluck Shinanawatra fleeing the country, never to return, would be a “win-win” outcome. Having to face the prospect of never again seeing her native land would certainly not be a “win” for her.

I also doubt that her departure would, as claimed, pacify her millions of supporters. Sympathy for her fate would surely be transformed into resentment, making reconciliation even more difficult to achieve. Nor is it likely that her exile would automatically ensure her disappearance from the political scene, unless she chose to have nothing more to do with politics, which would be understandable. Her brother has been in exile for years, yet he continues to be a dominant influence.

Now that the NACC has decided to go ahead with the impeachment of Abhisit Vejjajiva and Suthep Thaugsuban, I presume that Mr Pola would also see their exile as a “win-win”, and for the very same reasons. Surely, however, it is far better that Yingluck, Abhisit and Suthep face their accusers in court, where the evidence can be presented by both sides, resulting, hopefully, in just and fair verdicts.

Robin Grant