LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2

During turbulent times, the people need their leaders more than ever. They need both action, as well as the comforting reminder that they have not been left to flounder in uncertain times on their own. However, during the past few months, many of Thailand’s top legal minds have been inundated with unprecedented cases. There has also been problems with an increasingly fearsome climate, which is not conducive for democratic reform. If the people are too afraid to speak or to even be seen with those who do get involved, then free speech and human rights lose meaning.

Law Magazine has been fortunate to have received articles from a few caring souls who spared precious moments during these chaotic times. People Power Party Leader Samak Sundharavej shared his vision for the balancing of Thailand, and this will be featured in the next issue, along with summaries of new mental health policies by Public Health Minister Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla.

In the meantime, Pulitzer Prize Nominee Jason Howe posted his article on Columbia from his current perch in Afghanistan. And Thailand’s timeless radical Sulak Sivaraksa wrote about his personal experience with national treasure, Thanpuying Phoonsuk Banomyong, who recently left us to be in her final resting place with her husband Pridi.

Probably the current government’s most popular action, that has been viewed with extreme gratitude by the people, is their usage of Compulsory Licensing in support of those in Thailand living with HIV and AIDS. Michael Doyle provides an analysis of this legal initiative from all angles. In addition, Apimongkol Sonakul and Silumpa Lertnuwat describe the important issues of energy and communications. And photojournalist Mikel Flamm displayed his incredible talent for finding the emotional heart of some of the region’s most poverty stricken people, and what is being done to help them.

No one yet understands how we are able to go to print with so many leading lights writing for us, but it seems that these incredible people know why they are doing it. They believe that peace benefits everyone, and that this peace can only come from fair laws - laws that can only be forged through the meshing merging of diverse opinions from representatives of all the people.

Pamela Hongsakul

ELECTION ISSUE 2 NOV 2007 - FEB 2008
		LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

		During turbulent times, the people need their leaders more than ever. They need both action, as well as the comforting reminder that they have not been left to flounder in uncertain times on their own. However, during the past few months, many of Thailand’s top legal minds have been inundated with unprecedented cases. There has also been problems with an increasingly fearsome climate, which is not conducive for democratic reform. If the people are too afraid to speak or to even be seen with those who do get involved, then free speech and human rights lose meaning. Law Magazine has been fortunate to have received articles from a few caring souls who spared precious moments during these chaotic times. People Power Party Leader Samak Sundharavej shared his vision for the balancing of Thailand, and this will be featured in the next issue, along with summaries of new mental health policies by Public Health Minister Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla. In the meantime, Pulitzer Prize Nominee Jason Howe posted his article on Columbia from his current perch in Afghanistan. And Thailand’s timeless radical Sulak Sivaraksa wrote about his personal experience with national treasure, Thanpuying Phoonsuk Banomyong, who recently left us to be in her final resting place with her husband Pridi. Probably the current government’s most popular action, that has been viewed with extreme gratitude by the people, is their usage of Compulsory Licensing in support of those in Thailand living with HIV and AIDS. Michael Doyle provides an analysis of this legal initiative from all angles. In addition, Apimongkol Sonakul and Silumpa Lertnuwat describe the important issues of energy and communications. And photojournalist Mikel Flamm displayed his incredible talent for finding the emotional heart of some of the region’s most poverty stricken people, and what is being done to help them. No one yet understands how we are able to go to print with so many leading lights writing for us, but it seems that these incredible people know why they are doing it. They believe that peace benefits everyone, and that this peace can only come from fair laws - laws that can only be forged through the meshing merging of diverse opinions from representatives of all the people. Pamela Hongsakul



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