Talk, don't fight
Re: "Cambodia talks ruled out", (BP, Dec 11). I was saddened to see that there is no room for diplomacy in the dispute with Cambodia. To quote Churchill: "To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war."
The Thai-Cambodian border has never been adequately agreed upon, but neither side is about to launch a full-scale invasion of the other because of the dispute.
Meanwhile, innocent people are being killed. Surely it's time for an independent arbitration to be accepted by both sides. The area of combat may be limited, but war is international news and is featured daily as a leading story around the world. The national effect on our essential tourism industry is dramatic during peak times. Give peace a chance.
Phil Cox
A region unravelling
Re: "Edging far from peace", (Editorial, Dec 11).
Speaking plainly, Thailand and Cambodia are at war. Politicians, media, and Cambodia's subversive ally have whipped up a psychotic nationalism so absurd that people are willing to enlist in the hostilities and possibly face death.
It is well known that when a top politician loses popularity, there is nothing like a war to revive it. The leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia use this to their personal advantage.
However, PM Anutin Charnvirakul has erred by continuing to pursue the traditional Thai strategy of alignment with both the US and China. This is not the post-World War II era.
China has been at war with the US for at least 30 years, and Cambodia has become its fiefdom.
That the US talks in a friendly manner to Cambodia should not hurt Thai feelings. Thailand has been sweet-talking China for decades.
Southeast Asia, fractured and full of strife, is what plays into China's hands. Myanmar is a good example of what happens.
One might hope that Mr Anutin would turn to Washington, DC, rather than Beijing, given current conditions, and avoid further "clashes" at all costs. There is no virtue in war, and in war, there is no virtue in either losing or winning. War is what petulant, unwise children do.
Michael Setter
Deliver the truth
Re: "Anutin outlines anti-graft priorities," (BP, Dec 10).
PM Anutin Charnvirakul can astonish a cynical world by "not committing, not tolerating, and not ignoring" corruption. All it takes is for him to send ex-graftbuster Vicha Mahakun's report on reforming the police and public prosecutor's office to parliament now.
In October 2020, Khun Vicha reported on the alleged misconduct and mishandling of the 2012 hit-and-run case involving Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya to then-PM Prayut, but Prayut and every PM since then, including PM Anutin, have carefully avoided mentioning the report.
If Mr Anutin stonewalls again, the People's Party, Pheu Thai and the media should keep reminding him of his duty.
Burin Kantabutra
