OPINION

Thais complicit in crime

Re: "Cops up ante on foreign criminals", (BP, April 17).

The government should instruct the Foreign Affairs Ministry to set up new rules for Thai embassies around the world to scan for doubtful visa applicants in vulnerable countries, apart from instructing the Royal Thai Police and the Interior Ministry to take measures to deal with the "crackdown on foreign criminals". Investigate applicants' personal and criminal records in advance at the embassies. Rejecting visas will lower the burden on local and immigration police in Thailand.

The Commerce Ministry should draw up new strategies and execute them accordingly in investigating applicants' history. It's not necessary to approve visas within a day. It may take a month. The idea is making rules and the screening process watertight before any damage is done.

The article focuses on Phuket and in the southern borders of Thailand, but places like Koh Samui or Pattaya, where transnational mafia set up their regional head offices and operate schemes, are left out.

Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, list MP from a United Thai Nation Party, emphasised that "Thais should not be misled". I like to stress that Thais are not misled. The ones who agreed to be nominees are not normally misled. They know the illegality and voluntarily accepted with greed. It's the grid that works in their brains; they should be severely punished.

Results don't lie

Re: "Modi 'top pick' for election", (World, April 17).

The essence of a robust democracy is evident when leaders are elected through fair and open elections by the populace. With Mr Modi securing two landslide victories, it's indicative that he has garnered widespread support through effective governance.

The legal scrutiny faced by some of his opponents underscores adherence to the rule of law. Doubting the integrity of the Indian judiciary seems unwarranted given its pivotal role in upholding justice. Moreover, among India's 31 states, 12 are governed by opposition parties, a testament to the diversity of political representation within the nation's democratic framework.

Addressing historical context, the demolition of a 16th-century mosque, often depicted as an act of "Hindu zealotry", was viewed by many as reclaiming a sacred site, the birthplace of the Hindu deity Ram, steeped in religious significance. There was enough evidence to prove the existence of a Hindu temple at the site which was demolished to build the mosque in the 16th century and the judiciary decided to allow Hindus to build a temple at the place.

Critics often assail Mr Modi, yet the presence of a vocal opposition underscores the vitality of press freedom. Recent revelations of tax discrepancies by organisations such as the BBC underscore the need for impartial scrutiny.

The Pew survey indicating widespread public approval of Mr Modi, including among minorities, challenges narratives of exclusion. The Modi government's focus on socio-economic upliftment, rather than tokenism, has resonated even among marginalised communities.

Ultimately, the upcoming elections will reflect the true sentiments of the Indian public, reaffirming their sovereignty and dispelling unfounded fears of democratic erosion.

The so-called intellectuals must respect the diversity of opinions within the electorate, a hallmark of genuine democracy.

Yearning for clean air

We were in Samui during Songkran. What we saw day in, day out was the ferries from the mainland to the island.

Black smoke was belching from the ship's chimney. How are we going to breathe clean air if this happens every single day?

Hypocrisy on full display

Re: "Chip off the old block", (PostBag, April 14).

I think that even Vint Chavala realises the hypocrisy involved in having Thaksin Shinawatra's daughter, Paetongtarn, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, as the person who promoted the idea of lengthening the Songkran holiday from three to five days and even weeks, but then taking a trip during the holiday to Hong Kong of all places!

One wonders what exactly was going through her mind?

It really was a foolish decision, considering that she previously talked about using the event as a means of promoting Thai culture to the world.