Freedom of speech? No sir 

I have no wish to become involved in the differences of opinion between John Arnone and Vint Chavala, however I was puzzled by this comment from Mr Chavala: “We Thais are of the opinion that, since this is a democracy, freedom of speech must be allowed.” One can respect Mr Chavala’s loyalty to and love for his country, but he really needs to return to the real world as soon as possible.
The sad fact is Thailand currently languishes under an increasingly repressive military dictatorship and freedom of speech is severely restricted. If, as the military junta has claimed, this is a temporary state of affairs, and the country will return to some sort of parliamentary system of government after elections next year, remains to be seen.
If he has not already done so, Mr Chavala, and indeed everyone else who cares for the future of Thailand, should read the excellent and disturbing article by John Draper “Systematic military indoctrination of kindergarteners advances police state” (Nation 30 Dec), which sets out the reality of life here today.
Robin Grant

Is writer’s nationality relevant?
I totally agree with Vint Chavala (Letters, Dec 30) that Americans should show respect towards Thais who criticise America or its next president. I don’t say because Thais are not Americans they can’t possibly have an intelligent opinion about America.
Yet when I as an American criticise the Thai government Vint personally attacks me and says since I’m not a Thai I couldn’t possibly have anything worthwhile to say about Thailand.
So Vint why don’t you and I agree that the opinion of a writer is irrelevant to whether or not he’s a citizen of the country he’s commenting on?
Eric Bahrt