OPINION

Protect the judges

Re: "Thaksin beats lese majeste rap," (BP, Aug 23).

Thailand's judiciary needs protection from political interference so its verdicts are seen to be unbiased and accepted by the public. Today's verdicts are often seen as politically biased, as shown by the immediate outcry against the court's dismissal of the lese majeste case against Thaksin.

To protect the judiciary, selection must be merit-based and transparent. As examples, Poland and Estonia have independent commissions of judges, legal experts, and civil society members select judges based on objective criteria including qualifications, experience, and integrity. In those countries, public disclosure of qualifications and reasons for appointment have reduced opaque political patronage.

Performance evaluation and promotion must be clear and objective. For example, Mexico established clear criteria such as legal knowledge, case management efficiency, ethical conduct, and adherence to due process, with evaluations made transparent but insulated from political pressures.

Judges must be protected and yet held accountable. For instance, Kenya enhanced protection for judges against political retaliation while creating transparent disciplinary mechanisms to hold judges accountable for corruption or misconduct.

These changes, and many others, will help give us the impartial rule of law vital to a robust democracy.

Web-banking lament

Re: "Web banking fiasco", (PostBag, Aug 22).

I am surprised to read that big banks in Thailand have put a halt to internet banking.

For years thousands of tourists have flocked to Thailand as it is the Land of Smiles and a unique paradise.

I love the hotels, food and reliable trains. Internet banking is prevalent in China, Malaysia and Singapore. We have the ubiquitous Paylah in Singapore and the famous TnG eWallet in Malaysia.

It is a retrogressive move for Thailand to stop internet banking. Woe betide its tourist industry.

Just to cut costs

Re: "Web banking fiasco", (PostBag, Aug 22) & "Bangkok Bank tightens account rules for some foreigners", (Business, May 28).

I can sympathise with George regarding his online banking issues, believe me.

I banked for over 20 years (15+ online) with one of the main banks here until July 2023 when they switched their online access to their mobile app exclusively.

Unfortunately, their app does not support joint accounts which constitute all of my accounts. So I switched to another major bank, which did the same thing after 12 months. Other banks seem to have followed the same strategy, so now I no longer bank online.

It seems to me (as a retired IT professional in financial services) that this is purely a cost saving and administrative saving exercise, otherwise the mobile app would accommodate joint accounts. I mean, it worked on the PC, so why not the mobile?

Embassy request

Re: "Xi makes rare state visit to Tibet", (Asia, Aug 22).

I would like to bring up to your attention to the article on page 5 of Asia section on Aug 22.

Xizang autonomous region is part of the People's Republic of China. It is our formal request from the embassy to correct the title of the above-mentioned news, to be "Xi makes a rare visit to the Xizang autonomous region".

China appreciates that Thailand adheres to the principle of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China.

Note: The Bangkok Post has already issued a correction and apology for the headline error in its Aug 23 edition.