OPINION

Let the people decide

Re: "Charter rewrite faces major setbacks", (Opinion, Feb 22).

In a country where parliamentary and Senate elections have been manipulated, the people theoretically remain sovereign, but in practice, power is exercised by political elites and interest groups. Manipulated elections undermine the rule of law and endanger civil rights and freedoms.

One way to restore sovereignty is through the conduct of a binding referendum. Regular referendums differ from consultative ones in that their results must be implemented.

Currently, two issues are making headlines in Thailand: the legalisation of gambling and the approval of casinos, as well as the drafting of a new constitution. Both issues should be decided in a regular referendum.

The formulation of the questions in a referendum is crucial for the fairness and legitimacy of the process. Suggestive or complex questions and unclear options must be excluded.

It is important to ensure that the outcome of the referendum is based on a simple majority of the votes cast.

Comprehensive education and transparent information about the implications of each decision must be provided before the referendum.

My proposal for a national referendum is as follows:

1. Do you support the drafting of a new constitution to replace the 2017 constitution?

2. Do you support the establishment of an independently appointed and representative Charter Drafting Assembly (CDA) to draft a new constitution to replace the 2017 constitution?

3. Are you in favour of legalising gambling?

4. Are you in favour of approving casinos?

Let us pave the way together towards a transparent and democratic future for Thailand.

History will remember

Re: "Trump bashes Zelensky, 'confident' on Ukraine deal", (World, Feb 20).

A quote attributed to Winston Churchill, "History is written by the victors", needs an update for the world of social media and "alternative facts".

The most recent statement from President Trump, "We want to end it. It's a senseless war. It should have never happened", is at best half right, in that this and other wars should never happen. He also said: "You [Ukraine] should have never started it. You could have made a deal." History will, or should state that Russia started it and "a deal" to prevent the war would have been only achieved by Ukraine surrendering immediately, and no country would do that.

The real concern for negotiating a solution is does the "we" refer to Russia/US or Russia/Ukraine or all three?

History will not remember President Trump well unless he can completely change his approach, and the first month of his second presidency does not suggest this will happen.

Troubles in paradise

Re: "Tourism at crossroads", (Opinion, Feb 14).

I wish to alert potential visitors to Thailand, and especially the Thai authorities, to what is really happening here.

My relatives came here for what was supposed to be their dream holiday. They had planned a month of leisure and pleasure, yet it turned out to be a nightmare.

On my recommendation, they did the few standard three days in Bangkok and then flew to Chiang Mai. There they borrowed a car and went to Chiang Rai as well.

For the whole eight days, the air quality was so bad that they needed to leave. Plus, the roads were so dangerous -- not being repaired fully after the recent biblical floods.

They came to see me in Isan for a few days and thoroughly enjoyed it. And because we looked after them, the prices, accommodation and food were the real Thai McCoy.

Alas! Again, on my recommendation, they travelled to Koh Chang island. There, they hoped to stay for the rest of their holiday.

Instead, they got the shock of their life. The island is literally sinking under massive heaps of rubbish. There is a raw sewage pumped into the sea and the beaches are strewn with this mess. Their resort was dirty, unhygienic and surrounded by the rubbish. So they borrowed motorbikes to see the island as well as to seek a better location.

However, it was in vain, as it was the same everywhere. They sent me heart-wrenching photo evidence.

My relatives could not bear it anymore and after three days. Being highly disappointed and disgusted, they left Thailand. They are now in clean Oman with clean beaches, clean sea, clean air, clean and excellent accommodation with professional staff and heavenly food, and good prices to boot.

You can be assured that they will spread this news and their experience with Thailand widely.

I bitterly regret that I have unwittingly contributed to their terrible holiday experience.

Thailand (especially some islands) should not advertise itself as a paradise. Instead, it should thoroughly clean up its act before even more tourists come.

CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110Fax: +02 6164000 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th

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