A country held hostage by one man's desire

Is the current political tension avoidable? The answer is “yes” if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra takes note of this editorial, plus warnings from former Constitutional Court president Wasant Soipisut about her dealings in treacherous waters, and if she heeds Chamlong Srimuang’s advice to put the amnesty, reconciliation and charter-amendment bills on hold. 

In short, she may feel justified in pursuing the issues now because her brother is homesick, but the timing is definitely wrong. The worse part is that her “make or break” legislative approach could drag us all down, and at a time when our political and economic profile on the world stage is peaking. 

If she truly loves her country, then I would beg of her that she change course for a better Thailand and not steam ahead for the welfare of one man.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok