Postbag
I was pleasantly surprised with the unexpected outcome of the TRC's investigation into the 2010 crackdown. Its report had the courage to pinpoint blame unambiguously.
''Setting brave new standards'' is what the TRC, led by Kanit na Nakorn, has achieved _ a breakthrough from the kid-glove reports produced by many previous investigative committees. Mr Kanit's report (very much un-Thai) left all affected parties shocked, not realising what hit them. The stereotyped replies from those involved were somewhat juvenile and ineffective.
I thank Mr Kanit for requesting Thaksin Shinawatra to follow the footsteps of Pridi Banomyong by staying away from Thai politics and his motherland for good. That would be the most effective solution to resolve the conflicts in Thailand.
SONGDEJ PRADITSMANONT
US not to blame for video
I understand why Thai Muslims are angered by an anti-Islam video that has triggered anti-US demonstrations around the world.
But the protestors misunderstand the role of the US government; they think that because the US government does not silence the producer, the government approves of what he is producing.
Americans enjoy freedom of speech to a far greater extent than we in Thailand do.
As US Supreme Court Justice William J Brennan said, ''If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.''
The millions offended by the video have every right to protest against the individual producer _ but to hold an entire country or government responsible for the acts of one person is not just.
I suggest Thai Muslims should, through their religious leaders, help non-Muslims understand why the video is gravely erroneous, setting the record straight through academic discussion and debate.
Show why the video shows something that has no basis in fact. This is far more likely to win friends and understanding for Islam than cries of ''Death to America''.
BURIN KANTABUTRA
Keep BBC on TrueVisions
It is great news that DMX radio channels seem to have been given a reprieve by TrueVisions (letter from Pansiri Bunyaketu _ 19 Sept). I truly hope that the ''termination'' of the other radio channels, including the much admired BBC World Service, due to happen on 9 Oct, will now also be cancelled and that we will be able to continue to enjoy listening to high-quality English-language radio on True.
HENRY DURRANT
DLT English error-strewn
I consider the broadcast of the Distant Learning Television (DLT) programmes (True Channels 186-200) to be an excellent attempt at providing supplementary education to Thai students.
I especially enjoy watching the Thai-language classes, hoping to improve my less than proficient reading and writing skills.
However, on occasion I watch the English classes, and am appalled at the frequent grammatical errors and clumsy and inappropriate use of English. Below are two examples I recently viewed in a fourth-grade class.
The first example poses the question: Where do you go? Possible answers are: I study at classroom; I play sports at playground; I eat food at canteen; I sing song at music room; I have a headache at first-aid room.
The second describes a school: ''It is a big and good school. There are a kindergarten, a primary and a secondary in my school. There are many students and many places.''
If DLT is going to the trouble and expense of producing these programmes, the least they could do is have a native English speaker review the lessons and correct deficiencies.
R L HOLT
Chiang Mai
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Source: http://www.news.thethailandlinks.com/2012/09/21/trc-springs-nice-surprise/
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