No royal meddling

Apropos of the edit page article “Thaksin, Thailand’s BP Koirala” (THT, Jan. 8), the writer’s claim that the Thai monarchy supported People’s Alliance for Democracy’s (PAD) move

to oust Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is misleading. Bonds between Thai people and their kings are deeply rooted in the county’s century-long history. Thai monarchy has never been an active player in politics. Throughout his reign, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has maintained strict political neutrality and remained above the fray as required by precepts of kingship. This has been the source of his strength all along.

The new Thai government has been formed through parliamentary process. The House of Representatives elected Abhisit Vejjajiva Prime Minister in an open, roll-call vote. This

demonstrates that we adhere to democratic principles. Finally, the closure of airports was an unfortunate consequence of the anti-government demonstration. It is the new government’s intention to regain confidence and ensure that such an incident would not be

repeated. The PAD has to go through the due process of law, and there would be

no double standard in dealing with the cases.

Pichayada Poomlaochaeng, press officer, Royal Thai

Embassy, Kathmandu

nequality

The long hours of load shedding have made our lives miserable. On the other hand, areas where VIP and VVIPs reside are exempt from regular power cuts. This makes us feel

frustrated. I don’t see common masses gaining anything if discrimination that characterised earlier governments persists in the new Nepal that we envisage. If we so staunchly advocate equality, why not this be applicable to equal sharing of our sufferings? Perhaps, load shedding in residential areas of ministers will minimise a few hours of load-shedding for common people like us.

EJM Maathuis, Kathmandu

Bar them

Senior citizen and journalist Bhairav Risal, during a recent radio-talk programme, stated that he suspected criminalisation of politics and politicisation of crime in Nepali society. A substantial number of Nepalis seem to share similar feelings. The top Maoist leaders too suspect infiltration of opportunists into their party. Similar is the case with other parties. Political parties ought to refrain from admitting people with criminal records.

V P Sayami, Kathmandu

Violence

This is in reference to the news report “Woman scribe done to death” (THT, Jan. 13). It is shocking that criminal groups, in spite of the government’s repeated assurances to improve

security situation, have been carrying out criminal activities in the Tarai with absolute impunity. It is especially people fighting for justice who have been the target of such attacks. That somewhat explains why Uma Singh (whose father and brother had been

abducted by the Maoist cadres two years ago) met a tragic end. The question is, how can one expect the government to maintain peace and security, when the party leading it has not yet given up violence completely.

Bishwa Man Angdembe, LA College of Management, Lalitpur