The Bangkok Post published my letter

I was surprised to see that my letter to the Bangkok Post was published today especially as there was a letter in yesterdays edition hinting that the author thought that letters in a simialr vein were a put up job!

My letter was as follows:

As a regular visitor to the Kingdom and a keen observer of Thai politics, I have to admit to being somewhat disconcerted at the current state of play with regard to formation of the next government.

It seems that investigations by the Election Commission could lead to the dissolution of one or more parties including the PPP. Cases in front of the Supreme Court could also lead to the nullifying of votes or the disbandment of the PPP.

What is not clear at all is what such a dissolution would lead to. If individuals involved in the elections have committed electoral offences (such as vote buying) then clearly they should be barred from taking their seats.

However, the disbanding of political parties that have been voted for by millions of people does not seem a sensible way forward. If the disbanding of these parties leads to another election, then it is inevitable that yet another party will spring up to pursue the policies espoused by the PPP and Thai Rak Thai before them.

If it does not lead to a further election, then millions of Thais will effectively be disenfranchised.