Too often the rule of law is ignored

       Today, we have a constitution, elections and an elected government.We also have a legislative assembly to pass laws governing the country.We have security forces to maintain order as well. Topping these,we have a Constitutional Court, an Administrative Court, ombudsmen and a human-rights protection body. What more elements of democratic rule do we need?
       We are not ruled by a junta like Burma.We don't detain dissidents at will as its rulers do to Aung San Suu Kyi. Thais fighting for their rights and freedoms,who have been out of line, have been arrested and bailed, regardless of their shirt colour, although the prosecution will take time pending the decisions of the court. Some of those charged continue to assemble, ignoring the terms of their bail. Our MPs have Parliament as a venue to express their views. During meeting sessions, they dress up in suits to debate, both criticising and commending the government's performance.
       But when there are no meetings, some of these MPs wear their citizen hats and take to the streets in their endless crusades to tear down the government.How far do they plan to go on like this?Consider this: A school on rally management is planned.
       Whenever they feel like it, dissidents hold big rallies on the streets or any vacant public places, citing their civil right to assemble. In the meantime, the government endorses this right and pledges to respect it. All it asks is that the assembly be peaceful.
       On and on we go in this manner. The government continues to run the country alongside the movement to topple it so that there will be a new government and a new charter.
       Looking at the overall picture today,I can't help but wonder what rule we are under now - democracy or anarchy?
       Whenever ministers or even the prime minister himself go to perform their duties outside the capital, chances are they will be obstructed and disrupted by demonstrators who throw bottles and bags containing water and much worse. Several times, the PM has not been able to carry on with this functions as planned.Should such acts be counted as obstruction of government officials' performances of their duties? If the answer is yes, then the acts are as condemnable as those of people who throw bricks and stones at passing cars for no reason.The only difference is that the police cannot not catch the stone-throwers because they remain in hiding and usually operate at night. The bottle-throwers commit their acts in broad daylight and make no attempt to hide themselves.From a legal view, what they do is a flagrant offence, yet they are not arrested because this is Thailand.
       Above all, this comes at a time when things are already hard enough for the general public. Economists say the econ-omy has yet to pick up, and investors steer clear of the country because the political situation is far from stable.
       It is sad to see the country remain mired in this self-inflicted disaster while politicians, who are hardly affected by the economic difficulties, continue to rock the boat by creating situations and spurring uncertainty.
       Their drive to topple the "aristocracy"is unclear to me. The rule of the country was changed toa constitutional monarchy in 1926 and we understand what that is. What aristocracy are they talking about? I just don't get it.
       They also pledge to fight for the "rule of law", although our laws have been revised regularly and most of them are internationally accepted and in line with our international commitments.
       If everyone would respect and abide by the existing laws, and our MPs would comply with Parliament's Code of Ethics,the country would be more peaceful than it is right now. But sadly, our highest laws and codes seem to exists only to be torn apart and trampled on.
       Let's change this.