The rule of law
Re: "Voter intelligence", (PostBag, March 26).
Felix Qui wrote: "The root problem with the lese majeste law is it does not align with democratic principles." I agree with his reasoning. No laws are perfect. However, there is a way to remedy this -- by changing the law through the proper constitutional process.
To start, the Move Forward Party should have gathered support from a majority in parliament. If successful, the process will proceed to a nationwide referendum and a change of law by parliament, as per the constitution.
As it has been, the MFP did not only abandon proper legal proceedings, but has been encouraging people to break the law -- and when caught, accused its critics of "foul play and intimidation!"
Hence, it was the MFP's action that did not align with democratic principles.
Vint Chavala
Democratic society
Re: "Fueling opposition" & "Voter intelligence" (PostBag, March 26).
If Buddhism was established in Thailand centuries ago, Thailand would be the perfect democracy. Buddhism teaches unenhanced self-assessment and awareness of reality. Were people aware of their true selves and the truth of what is, they would not be swayed by falseness and propaganda.
Reading both letters of David Brown and Felix Qui once again shows there is little understanding of democracy. Democracy is about governance by laws, not people. Democracy is not the right to vote. The paramount law is the constitution, which states that the monarchy, since 1932, has been constitutional and the apolitical head of state.
The lese majeste law is perfectly democratic. An attack on the monarchy is an attack on the constitution and, thereby, an attack on democracy.
In 1932, when the monarchy changed from being absolute to constitutional, people were given the right to vote for their lawmakers; universal suffrage was established. However, the basic principle of democracy, the rule of law, was not established. This gave Thaksin carte blanche to do as he wished, relying only on gaining votes, and he proved very successful at winning votes.
Until democracy is understood by the electorate, it will not exist. The electorate must understand the constitution and the laws for which they are voting. The electorate must judge those for whom they are voting into office. They must ensure they are voting for democracy and not against democracy. It is democracy alone that establishes universal suffrage. The only truly democratic voter is one who learns and understands themselves and for what he/she is voting. Above all, their vote must be for democracy; otherwise, democracy will cease to exist.
J C Wilcox
Raising questions
Re: "B30 fertility treatment to tackle low birth rate", (BP, March 24).
These boffins should consider that the low national birth rate could be biologically attributable to Thailand's expanding LGBT etc population. As such, the annual reproduction rate has now been affected, and infertility is unlikely to be the reason.
However, it is also likely that no one dares to suggest this idea for fear of being declared homophobic.
Ellis O'Brien
