OPINION

Undue influence

Re: "Fears grow after early vote", (BP, Feb 2).

Regarding the Electoral Commission's commendable pursuit of fair elections by imposing a ban on alcohol and campaigning, might they also consider imposing a ban on cash withdrawals above a certain limit, given recent revelations, so that voters are indeed free from any undue influence whatsoever?

Pious talk only

Re: "Real barriers to temple reform" (Editorial, Feb 1).

But of course, "after a year of temple scandals, Thailand's top monks have promised a great clean-up", of their "feudal system built on censorship, obedience and patronage". It sounds wonderful, miraculously wonderful. They might as well throw in an equally cheap freebie, a crackdown to finally eradicate narcotics in six months. Why not?

If, however, those ranking Thai Buddhist clergy were sincere, they might instead be calling for the abolition of the National Office of Buddhism, which makes themselves and their money-oriented, power-hungry religion a tool of the state: the same state that ruthlessly suppresses peaceful speech elsewhere to protect fantasies of equally dubious morals with an equally Thai Buddhist love of money and unchecked impunity.

How can Thai Buddhism practice the Buddha's wise teachings unless liberated from the mutually rewarding control of Thai politicians and unelected political players with tempting gilded temples and high-flown titles to gift?

It's time to be fair

Re: "Mark my words", (Cartoon, Feb 2).

I was shocked to see today's cartoon on page 8, which is clearly intended to ridicule the People's Party, and then to read the letters from Felix Qui and Somkid Sirikumarkul reinforced the feeling that the Post is not upholding balanced and trustworthy journalism. It should be reporting without bias, especially during an election. Where else do farang go to read objective journalism in Thailand? Please help.

Tired of tropes

Re: "Trump everywhere", (PostBag, Jan 30).

Khun Nick Nicholson misses the point completely. What Trump demands, and what everybody should demand, is that Trump coverage be balanced, contextual, and intelligent. Even in cartoons or illustrations. My original post referenced the clear TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) displayed by syndicate cartoonist Matt Davies.

Limits on force

The much-reported assault of the Grab driver at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club on Jan 25 reminds us of how easily people in "power" can go against the regulations. From a legal perspective, the case raises concerns about the proportionality of violence and accountability. The facts of the incident reveal that the Grab driver did not follow the procedures for dropping off food, which eventually led to a physical fight where a security guard punched her till she passed out.

Under Thailand's criminal law, an individual may only claim the right to self-defence if facing an immediate and unlawful threat to their life, and the response must be strictly proportionate to that threat.

Any action exceeding what is necessary for protection is not justified as self-defence. Therefore, it is clear that the security guard's actions cannot be legally justified, as refusing to follow venue rules does not justify physical violence.

While the police are taking the case to court, questions must be asked about the standards of training private personnel, especially those that are service-heavy. How the guard is punished in court is the real test of justice, showing whether accountability is truly enforced in Thai law.