Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thailand now 'the sick man of Asean'", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday October 31, 2025.
As a physician, I would like to present my diagnosis and prescription following economist/columnist Chartchai Parasuk's article.
Thailand resembles a patient entering multi-organ failure. The brain shows government paralysis.
Decision-making has slowed like a cerebral infarction; ministries act without coordination.
The kidneys faces fiscal toxicity problem. Public and household debt exceed sustainable filtration.
Stimulus loans act as dialysis, not cure.
This is chronic disease with the patient entering acute shock. Recovery depends on immediate and disciplined intervention.
A century ago, China was labelled "the sick man of Asia."
It suffered from imperial decay, corruption, and colonial exploitation, classic multi-organ failure.
Yet within four decades, it rose from humiliation to vitality.
The difference was clinical honesty and collective discipline.
Deng Xiaoping, the paramount leader, acted as the surgeon of reform.
He began with diagnosis, acknowledging that ideological rigidity had poisoned the system.
His pragmatic maxim "It doesn't matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice" was the language of triage.
By accepting the truth, he restored consciousness.
The Open-Door Policy was economic intubation.
Foreign capital brought oxygen; rural reform restored peripheral perfusion.
Over decades, infrastructure and exports strengthened cardiac output.
The patient recovered not by miracle but by compliance, endurance, and the will to live.
My prescription is that we must improve breathing, by rebuilding public trust. Efficient treatments are transparent dialogue, consistent rule of law, and youth engagement.
We need to stimulate economic productivity by empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promoting the green economy, and reviving the farm sector with smart technology.
Education, research, fiscal law, and anti-corruption ethics must operate as long-term treatment, not campaign medicine. Each quarter's "national lab results" GDP, literacy, innovation should be interpreted as medical records.
Recovery is slow but possible.
Look no further than China's comeback from a century of humiliation, which proves that decline is reversible if the will to survive exceeds the fear of pain.
Thailand's greatest risk is not economic collapse but apathy the respiratory arrest of national spirit.
Once consciousness returns, the heart can beat again. Doctors never abandon patients in crisis.
Likewise, citizens must not abandon their nation. We must replace denial with discipline, comfort with reform.
Chartchai Parasuk provided the diagnosis; our duty is treatment. The Sick Man of Asean can recover but only if brain, heart, and conscience work together to keep Thailand alive.

A Clinical Observer,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Turmoil in tiaras at Miss Universe in Thailand", in Bangkok Post, Saturday November 6, 2025.
There was an international furore a couple of weeks back over comments made by the co-organiser of the Miss Universe Pageant, Nawat Itsaragrisil, to Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch.
Mr Nawat berated the aforementioned lady for not properly promoting the pageantry in Thailand, essentially calling her a "dummy", among other things.
And, even worse, he called security to escort her out of the building where the event was being promoted.
Most of the other ladies, along with Ms Bosch, organised a protest against the Thai man, walking out on him for at least a short time.
The international media supported them, basically applauding the women for standing up for their rights.
Cognisant of the furore he created, Mr Nawat issued an apology the day after he berated Miss Mexico; nonetheless, the damage had been done, so the Miss Universe organisers limited the amount of time that he could spend with the contestants.
What was distressing about the whole affair is that Mr Nawat issued the apology only after it was clearly evident to him that he created great international outrage over the comments that he made to Miss Mexico.
Hopefully, he has learned his lesson since the international media portrayed him as being a male chauvinist.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: ''Road to hypocrisy'', in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Thursday November 13, 2025.
Contributor Horst Baer brings up a salient point.
Anthropogenic CO2 is estimated to be 36 billion tonnes/year, an amount capable of being sequestered annually by having 1.6 trillion trees absorb carbon.
However there are more than 3 trillion trees on Earth, far more than required to remove man-made CO2 from the atmosphere.
This does not include the Earth's entire natural CO2 sink system.
The sum total of these pathways is far more than necessary to compensate for our human activity.
Recent history has shown the Earth has been steadily greening, a process which produces more oxygen, more food, more shade and is altogether far more beneficial than any of the insane measures implemented at the hysterical demand of climate zealots and their bureaucratic minions designed to reach "net zero".
Green energy such as wind and solar has raised energy costs in the UK, EU and especially Germany to untenable levels, destroying their economies.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Opium seen as promising medicinal crop", in Bangkok Post, Thursday November 13, 2025.
The Public Health Ministry is toying with idea of using opium cultivation to enhance Thailand's proficiency in plant-based medicine and creating a new cash crop for farmers.
There is an example the ministry needs to look at.
Tasmania was, maybe still is, the largest cultivator of legitimate opium poppies for pharmaceutical purposes.
The last I heard was that farmers were changing crops due the low price they were getting for their produce.
Legitimate being the key word here. This is not an invitation for a selection of diatribes for or against.

Chris Allen,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Ban on afternoon sales under review", in Bangkok Post, Thursday November 13, 2025.
I have read the news about "after-hours" drinking laws, and it looks to me like another case of "mouth engaged - brain in neutral" by those who like to make the laws here.
It would seem it is not illegal to sell to a customer right up to the last second before 2pm or 12 midnight, but is to consume it thereafter really an offence?
This is where the usual mess with new legislation brings in a fatal flaw - if the customer takes the drink off the premises in a plastic glass, is he or she still breaking the law, or is the seller at fault if they don't have an "off-sales" licence?
To my knowledge, it isn't illegal to drink in the street in Thailand at any time, or in your own home or hotel room, including between 2pm and 5pm or midnight to 11am.
Or is that the next step?

Fireman Sam,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Court lifts veil on army's information operations IO ops", Bangkok Post Editorial, Sunday November 9, 2025.
Kudos to the Post's editorial board for the brave and incisive commentary on the urgent need to reform the Royal Thai Army (RTA).
In my view, one of the core issues that perpetuates the RTA's disdain of civilian control is the complete lack of accountability.
As the editorial pointed out, there have been as many as 20 military coups in recent Thai history where the men in green have torn up the constitution and swept away governments elected by the majority, all through threat of force, yet none have faced any repercussions for their actions.
The editorial has also rightly seen through the RTA's bogus claim of acting in the interest of "national defence" when in reality it is to a power structure that fears accountability.

Vichai,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Poll: Outdated curriculum tops public concerns on education" in Bangkok Post, Sunday October 26, 2025 and "Teaching troubles" Bangkok Post , PostBag, Tuesday October 28, 2025.
Both articles overlook the most basic question: why is there still no genuine reform in Thailand's education and police systems?
Our political and education policies still need the approval of the "men in olive." The reason is simple, the more people are educated, the more they question authority and privilege, and the more enlightened society becomes.
There are countless unspoken truths holding Thailand back from reaching the top in Asean when it comes to spoken and written English, mathematics and scientific innovation in our secondary schools.
Felix Qui suggested that Thailand should follow the Finnish model, but neither his letter nor the articles mentioned the most crucial element: reforming how teachers are trained and recruited.
In Finland, only the best students typically master's degree holders are selected to teach from kindergarten through to high school.
Teachers are also well paid, even though they face high taxes of up to 44 percent. We all know how different the situation is in Thailand, especially in the lower grades.
Thailand needs to establish first-class teacher training institutions with the highest standards for entry.
But first, the government must set equally high standards for those who select and interview future teachers.
Comparing the Finnish system with Thailand's is unrealistic, even dreamlike, particularly the notion of mixing privileged students with those from humble backgrounds in a single "Dreamland" classroom.
From my own experience, I can say the problem affects both Thai and international schools. I once transferred my son from a leading international school to a Thai public school so he could improve his Thai, the level of Thai-language instruction in many international schools is alarmingly poor.
Finally, I'm proud to say that I volunteer my time to teach English free of charge twice a week to underprivileged Thai children and those struggling with the language.
Rather than endlessly blaming the government, we can all do something.
Small drops of water make an ocean.
Don't ask what Thailand can do for you, ask what you can do for Thailand.
Don't just get information from YouTube or Google.
Be out in the field, and act locally.

Jayut Jayanandana,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "What's on the COP30 agenda?", Bangkok Post Timeoff, Saturday November 9, 2025.
The climate change narrative, which dominates recent news, is not merely a corruption of science which depends entirely upon mathematical modelling.
It is an industry upon which every large financial institution has become dependent. Therefore, we can observe central banks, global insurance providers,None Government rganisations NGO's, nation-state science advisory organisations and regulators, global asset managers, technology providers, and large financial organisations of every stripe, doing their best to maintain the climate status quo.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and its annual propaganda spawn, the Conference of the Parties (COP), are the UN's primary mechanisms for preventing any challenge to their money and power-grabbing hoax.
However, the IPCC was not designed to underwrite the global financial system.
It is unable to contain the pressure upon it and the COP to prop up the climate scam against what is now a constant stream of data, scientific analysis, and popular opinion, which is destroying their house of cards.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "The effects of unfinished momentum", Bangkok Post Opinion, Saturday November 8, 2025.Peerasit Kamnuansilpa's recent reflection captures Thailand's challenge beautifully that our nation needs "institutional oxygen" to let initiative flourish and allow Thailand to "breathe anew".
However, there is a quiet but powerful factor that deserves more attention: kreng-jai.
While Peerasit rightly calls it a "reservoir of social trust", in practice, kreng-jai often becomes a cultural brake on progress.
It teaches consideration, but it can also suppress constructive dissent, delay honest feedback, and limit the confidence to innovate or question authority.
In systems that already struggle with hierarchy, kreng-jai can quietly thin the air of institutional oxygen.
Leaders may not hear alternative views; subordinates may avoid suggesting reforms; and the cycle of deference continues.
For Thailand to truly breathe anew, we need not abandon kreng-jai, we need to balance it.
Respect can coexist with candour. Gratitude can coexist with accountability.
When kreng-jai evolves from silent restraint into mutual responsibility, institutions will finally breathe freely and Thailand's "renewed momentum" will no longer remain unfinished.
Rote learning is the iron ball on the other ankle, causing a comparable impact. The positive side is that it can be abandoned completely or used as a critical thinking pre-step.

A Rural Dreamer,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Given the present public mood, everyone should be careful not to fuel anger, however well-meaning their actions.
Everyone should avoid coming across as unsupportive of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) a public transparency tool to address corruption in government.
Those who cannot commit to this should not be in government. They should not run for office or accept an appointment.
All too often, those opposing transparency are the crooks in government. No one is above the law.
Those who occupy elective or appointive government positions become a public figure, who must ipso facto be transparent in their words, deeds and their personal situations, including the all-important concern of conflict of interest.
The statements of some government officials, especially Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, on the strict access to SALNs of officials do not help President Marcos address or quell the public anger.
There should be no exception to the submission or public availability of SALNs. No one is above the law in the Philippines.
The SALN form can be redesigned so that sensitive information that could put an individual at physical risk is on a separate page or redacted.
No one, not even justices, senior government officials, ordinary bureaucrats, or politicians should be exempted from public scrutiny.
Any public servant is subject to public scrutiny and if warranted, held to account.
There are many examples of those in power who are involved in graft in exchange for corrupt accommodations.
All too often, graft and corruption occur because of their negligence in addressing the corruption problem within their ranks or areas of supervision and responsibility.
Truth is, many officials enjoy the gains of graft, but, to escape accountability, they make sure that they do not expose themselves to any risk of frontline activities that would warrant their share of the graft.
People who don’t believe in transparency as a tool to address corruption should not be in government.
If you look closer, all too often, the people opposing transparency are the crooks in government No one is above the law; we are all equal under the law.

Romeo G. David
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Push grows to keep 20 baht rail ride alive: Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) responds to PM's fare warning", in Bangkok Post , Saturday October 11, 2025.
The previous government introduced plans to reduce public transport fares, particularly for the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) Skytrain and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) systems, which remain among the most expensive in the world. Unfortunately, the current administration has instead chosen to increase these fares.
A useful comparison can be made with our neighbour Singapore.
It is one of the most expensive countries globally, yet its public transport system is affordable, efficient and remarkably well-integrated.
A single ticket there allows travel across all modes of transport.
In contrast, Thailand maintains separate systems for buses, BTS and MRT, adding unnecessary costs and inconvenience for commuters.
Long-term planning is another area where we continue to fall short.
Singapore's infrastructure projects are designed with a vision spanning 100-200 years.
In Thailand, planning rarely extends beyond five years, often aligning conveniently with the interests of those in power.
Consider MRT construction work. Bridges are demolished, underground structures built, and the same bridges or flyovers are reconstructed, causing prolonged traffic congestion and wasting public funds.
All of this is financed through the taxes paid by hardworking citizens, yet the results offer little value in return.
As the next general election approaches, there is growing anticipation the People's Party will secure a majority.
However, as seen in the past, even a majority victory may not turn into the ability to form a government.
The political framework has been shaped in a way that continues to benefit entrenched and corrupt interests.
As a Thai citizen, I remain deeply proud of my country and its people.
Despite the challenges, I still hold hope that we will one day see leaders who act with integrity, foresight and a genuine commitment to national progress.
Real change may be slow, but with collective awareness and courage, it is not beyond reach.

Somkid,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Courts are shaping climate action", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday November 3, 2025 and "Sync up our green goals" Bangkok Post, Editorial, Friday November 7, 2025.
This piece of propaganda published on November 3 says: "the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) issued landmark advisory opinions affirming that countries must address climate change, and that failure to do so may carry serious legal consequences."
Notice that the United Nations, ahead of their COP 30 scam plan party, threatens nations in every way they can. See how the plan proposes to do this every year until the fraudulent "net zero" goal is met.
Those nations who fall for it including Thailand will suffer economic devastation and higher energy prices.
That is what the fear-inducing pandemic and climate lies are meant to accomplish.
There is nothing good about the United Nations and their friends at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Health Organisation (WHO) and endless acronyms ad nauseum.
COP 30 is being held in the rainforests of Brazil. More private jets will turn up there than have ever been together in history.
It is time to say no to UN; the US has.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Begging to differ" and "Truth in question", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Tuesday November 4, 2025 and Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Paul wrote that the Palestinians are "not blameless". Nicely formulated, as Hamas started the war: the rapes, killings of innocent civilians, even babies.
Hamas is the cause of all the Gaza misery. Whether the suffering is disproportionate is debatable.
In a war, more civilians are killed than soldiers, certainly, and not mentioned by Paul, if the civilians are used as shields: Hamas blocks their fleeing from places where the IDF has pre-warned residents it will attack.
The number of casualties is a Hamas number and therefore not trustworthy, as Hamas profits from high numbers used in their propaganda.
And Paul, the amount of killing is not a competition.
"Disproportionate" has to be seen in a broader view: since 1948, Israel has fought three wars, intifadas and come under many rocket attacks. In other words, it has had to fight every day to survive.

EL Wout,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Forget the gloom", Bangkk Post, PostBag, Friday October 31, 2025 and "Thailand now 'the sick man of Asean'", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday October 30, 2025.
I have to agree with the letter in today's PostBag by Ioan Voicu and would like to add the following.
For a couple of years already, this same economist has been predicting the Thai economy's utter gloom surely to come, at times even given a time when it might fall into a full-blown recession, if not worse.
I remember in early 2024, he firmly predicted global oil prices would surge, but just the opposite happened since.
In the meantime, Thailand holds ultra-high record foreign exchange reserves, along with a continued strong baht currency, which portrays the opposite of an imminent "fall off the cliff" scenario.
Agreed, things are not well with the Thai economy, and it's growing far slower than its potential, but predicting utter gloom, on and on, and worse to come, seems exaggerated.
Time will tell, but so far he has been wrong.

Paul A Renaud,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Gates says climate change 'won't lead to humanity's demise'", Bangkok Post, World, Wednesday October 29, 2025.
A total of 893 companies have withdrawn their climate commitments from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
This represents approximately 7 percent of all companies that initially signed up for the initiative.
This trend is part of a broader withdrawal of big corporations from voluntary climate agreements due to a re-evaluation of economic and environmental benefits in light of swelling disaffection with the climate change narrative.
Respected Swiss firms like Swiss Re, Zurich, and Sulzer are examples. Additionally, banks including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs have left the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) this year, an alliance that subsequently ceased its member-based activities.
Widespread criticism of climate change organisations, unfeasible and unrealistic climate policies, and detrimental impingement upon profitability are cited as major reasons for the shift.
It is quite clear that President Trump is having considerable success exposing the UN-centric climate change fraud, and big corporations are only too happy to acknowledge the truth, putting their money where it is most meaningful to them.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Delivery app rivals cut fees", in Bangkok Post Business, Tuesday October 28, 2025.
Driving in Bangkok's hustle and bustle roads is not an easy task, especially when the number of food delivery troopers is growing. And most of them are whizzing their way recklessly through the traffic.
It comes to mind that perhaps food delivery companies can give a big helping hand by educating and training their motorcyclists before handing them jackets bearing their names and batches, whether it be GrabFood, Lineman, or FoodPanda.
The training and seminar should focus on basic traffic rules that motorists should obey and respect.
Riding a motorbike irresponsibly, like a butterfly, slicing between cars, swerving through narrow gaps to make U-turns to overtake other vehicles, and riding in the wrong direction in a lane are behaviours often seen and can be corrected with thorough, proper training.
By educating their riders seriously, these delivery companies can improve their company image and let the public know that they care about the safety of road users, too.
And please remind their delivery men to take their gloves off before using the toilet in the gas station, and not forget to wash their hands before putting them back.

Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thailand now 'the sick man of Asean'", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday October 30, 2025.
While Economist columnist Chartchai Parasuk's analysis offers a sobering view of Thailand's economic outlook, it would not be correct for society to accept a fatalist vision of its future.
Calculations and forecasts made by the IMF measure growth rates and debt ratios, but not the resilience, creativity or spirit of the Thai people.
If Thais can revitalise traditional community support qualities beyond the reach of economic models the industrious population of Thailand can transform today's relative pessimism into renewed confidence.
By the end of 2026, the Thai nation may have upset the experts' gloomy forecasts.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Data centre dangers", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Saturday October 29, 2025.
This editorial brings up important considerations for Thailand.
We were just informed that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is shuttering and postponing electricity-generating capacity due to weak demand. If Thailand is also considering becoming a data centre hub in Southeast Asia, one can assume this is a case of poor government coordination of policy planning among stakeholders.
This is not surprising for a newbie Prime Minister. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul succeeded six newbie prime ministers, and among them, the longest-serving prime minister lasted just over a year, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Some were in office for a few days as acting prime minister, or for a couple of months for those few who got the boot.
Prior to that, Thailand had a military man in office who, frankly, was not abreast of the times, lacked vision, and led a rather moribund government that accomplished little.
To walk into the future and meet challenges, it is abundantly clear that a new charter needs to be established, created by forward-thinking individuals that will allow younger generations to participate enthusiastically and fairly.
The concepts of permanent secretaries and an appointed senate need to be rethought, and the government needs a better structural system of checks and balances. If Anutin accomplishes nothing else, he should prepare the country to vote on a new constitution.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Restaurants voice concern over new alcohol law", Bangkok Post, Business, Saturday October 29, 2025
I am now enured to this ongoing nonsense.
If I want to buy a few beers "after hours", I visit our local corner store, which snorts at puffing bureaucrats.
If I want something stronger, within the Thought Police's aegis, I plan accordingly before visiting our local supermarket.
The sales staff know me well enough after so long and no longer point frantically to purchase imposition bans and times, prominently displayed in the booze section. Now, two minutes after 11am, they seductively suggest that maybe I should supplement my bounty with other highly expensive strong waters.
But, alas, they remain unsuccessful, unless I am in a Mexican or Japanese frame of mind.
Wake up, Thailand, your dwindling, lucrative, and thirsty tourist base will continue to move to Vietnam or elsewhere due to this anachronistic law and other reasons, because in the past, you could not control the extended lunchtime activities of your own well-oiled civil service.
Moreover, you largely turned a blind eye to this law after it was enacted in the 1970s until a sterner, unelected administration took charge in the mid-2000s, which empowered it and the holier-than-thou PostBag temperance movement that I admit makes a strong point in terms of intemperate alcohol use and subsequent fatal consequences on the roads and elsewhere.

Ellis O'Brien,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thais use rare earth leverage", Bangkok Post, Wednesday October 29, 2025.
It appears that Thai authorities are under a serious misconception about negotiations with the US on rare earths if they think they will get tariff relief from those negotiations.
Instead, it is more likely that the US will threaten to hike tariffs to 30 percent, 50 percent or even more if Thailand does not agree to Trump's demands on rare earths.
Realistically, Thailand has virtually no leverage on the issue, largely because Thailand has almost no alternatives to acceding to Trump's terms.
Neither China nor Russia has any need for Thailand's rare earths, and the market for rare earths in Western Europe and elsewhere is not very large.
Thus, all the leverage is on Trump's side.
By now, everyone should realise that he is determined to maximise the use of his power as part of his commitment to put the interests of America first, even if that results in harming long-time friends such as Thailand.

George Rothschild,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Tributes continue to pour in for late Queen", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday October 28, 2025.
I would like to share my experience surrounding the day when Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's body was taken by procession to the Grand Palace. During a morning walk in the vicinity of the palace.
I met some volunteers, who explained the day's programme. Out of respect, I went home to dress in black and returned later to attend the procession.
It was an impressive and emotional day, one where the solidarity and respect of Thai people were deeply felt.
The volunteers were exceptionally kind they shared water, food, and warmth with everyone present.
Their dedication and commitment made a deep impression on me and demonstrated a great reverence for the royal family.

Vito Appeldoorn,
Bangkok,
Thailand

To whom can we entrust our nation’s future if the political leaders in congress,
those in whom the people repose their trust by electing them to their exalted positions, are themselves involved in defrauding the government of billions of pesos in corruption-tainted flood control projects?
Congress’ responsibility aside from lawmaking is to perform oversight of the executive branch.
Through its various committees, it is supposed to act as an architect of reform by monitoring the specific functions and performance of all agencies and departments under the executive branch, assessing their efficiency and impact on the delivery of government services, and ensuring laws are effectively implemented to enable the legislative body to formulate remedial measures when laws fail to meet their intended purpose.
It appears, however, that officials under the executive branch are required to appear before Congress only when a concerned department is subjected to investigation, as in the case of the Department of Public Works and Highways, or during the deliberation of their budget proposals.
Lawmakers are in a better position to carry out their oversight function—monitor and evaluate the implementation of government projects and institute remedial measures against fraud, graft, corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement.
Rallies denouncing corruption in flood control projects should remind us of what one pundit said: “We stopped paying attention to what was happening around us. We started taking each other for granted, and we weren’t listening to the things that were driving people’s pain, anguish, and frustration. Our political leadership became absorbed in their own self-interest, seeing only as far as the next election.”

Antonio de Guzman,
Manila,
Philippines

How relevant the scripture is when the Lord Jesus said, “Unless you become like little children, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
Filipinos need to become childlike to be able to discern simple truths amid mountains of fake news. Many educated people, bereft of wisdom like the Pharisees of old, cannot solve simple problems because their minds are full of inconsequential ideas.
Corruption prevails in our country because we are blind to the best practices of advanced nations that have achieved peace and prosperity.
Clean countries, like Singapore, Japan, Scandinavian countries, etc., have become wealthy because a nice and clean environment makes people decent and leads to a very low crime rate. More investors and tourists will come.
Dahil sa makalat na lugar, maraming magnanakaw; sa malinis na lugar, kaunti lang ang magnanakaw.
I, therefore, recommend a doable solution to the problem of corruption in our country: implement an antilittering ordinance.
The cheapest form of flood control is to penalize plastic litterers.
The government can even earn a lot of money because many Filipinos are, by nature, litterers.
Our humongous debt burden will be eased, and, God willing, we can become peaceful and prosperous, too.

William G. Pulido,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Govt orders study into booze curbs", Bangkok Post, Friday October 24, 2025.
So Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is ordering a study into modifying alcohol sales restrictions to help aid flagging tourist figures.
I just wish some common sense could be brought to bear on the subject.
Firstly, these restrictions have no effect on tourism.
Tourists for the most part neither know nor care and if the surging popularity of destinations such as Dubai is anything to go by, alcohol sales restrictions have a minimal impact on the choice of destinations.
Secondly, the idea that you can curb the sale of alcohol based on the time of day or night is silly.
If the members of the Prevention Network against Alcohol were in the market to buy alcohol they would discover that it is freely available 24/7 in the myriad of corner stores that ignore the restriction.
The only outlets who respect this law are the major supermarkets and convenience store chains.
Thus, the only people inconvenienced by this illogical restriction are regular families doing their weekly shop who are prevented from putting a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer into their shopping trolley.
Let's hope some common sense prevails and these restrictions are lifted once and for all.

Kleerwater,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Abhisit warns MoU plan may misfire", in Bangkok Post, Monday October 20, 2025.
Voting on what you don't understand is meaningless and could easily mislead. Prime Minister Anutin wants a referendum on the two Cambodia-related MoUs, but are our voters capable of comprehending the multi-faceted issues at stake?
We must not only know what we are against but what we are for, lest we jump from the frying pan into the fire.
If we say "no", would we evict all Cambodians from Thailand? Impose 100 percent tariffs on Cambodian products?
Prime Minister Anutin says not to worry: he'll teach us all we need to know.
We have 52.2 million voters.
Any good teacher gives students ample opportunities to ask questions.
Dump the referendum, and work through parliament, Prime Minister Anutin.
That's what our MPs are for.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Vegan future", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Thursday October 23, 2023
I didn't want to write any more here on PostBag, but when Jason Baker writes such unscientific information about the greenhouse effect of methane emissions from livestock that he must have Googled, I have to emphasise the scientific facts.
Methane emissions are often blamed for climate change, leading to harsh agricultural regulations that hurt farmers worldwide.
Cattle and sheep, which naturally produce methane while digesting grass, have become targets of such policies.
Some countries now impose climate taxes and require feed additives like Bovaer to reduce methane.
However, physicists William Happer and WA van Wijngaarden show in their paper "Methane and Climate" that methane's warming effect is minimal, about one-tenth that of CO?.
The study urges policymakers to stop exaggerating methane's impact and to end unfair regulations that threaten farmers, who are essential to global food production.
Of course, everyone is free to eat vegan or not, but stop the war against farmers based on the climate ideology.

Anna Aarts,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Cabinet mulls easing zoning rules", Bangkok Post, Business, Thursday October 23, 2025.
The government wants to remove zoning for entertainment venues in order to benefit whom?
Such establishments are meccas for human trafficking, drug distribution, illicit drug use, noise pollution, and criminal activity in general.
The police reap huge financial rewards in bribes, kickbacks, and even ownership of these establishments, and now the government wants a piece of the action from an increase in tax revenue.
Thai politicians should enshrine in the next charter a bulletproof means to exercise oversight and control of the police and the military.
The zoning fiasco now in the hopper is merely an admission that no oversight exists and government officials prefer destroying quiet, peaceful residential communities rather than establishing the rule of law.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Michael Setter says “ There is no man-made global warning crisis; this is abundantly clear “ ( The Southeast Asian Times 21 October 2025 ).
Is it?
What is the expert scientific view on this?
And, I don’t mean the view of someone like US President Donald Trump, who it is abundantly clear is too intellectually challenged to grasp the reality of the global warming crisis even in America let alone the wider world.

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia

Re: "Parties jostle over charter rewrite path", Bangkok Post Opinion, October Saturday 18, 2025.
Post columnist Chairith Yonpiam identifies a chronic symptom of Thailand's dysfunctional politics. He neither identifies the disease nor offers any treatment.
The disease is the usual white elephant rampaging unchecked.
The treatment is to facilitate Thais knowing what their fellow Thai citizens think.
If a poll were done to discover what the nation's voters think about, for example, whether or not chapters 1 and 2 of the latest permanent constitution are being rewritten, that would send a salutary signal to Bhumjaithai, the People's Party, and other institutions.
For some reason, no such pertinent polls are done.
Surely each and every Thai deserves to know what their fellow citizens actually think on such issues, do they not?
At the very least, a few such polls of public opinion would inform much healthier political discussion and law-making.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Populism takes priority", in Bangkok Post, Saturday October 18, 2025.
Sadly by choosing populism the Bhumjaithai Party missed a major opportunity to show that it can deliver solid benefits both during its fleeting tenure and the longer term. I
t should have pivoted its signature Khon La Khrueng Plus cost-sharing programme to focus on productivity-increasing goods and services rather than consumption for consumption's sake.
For instance, farmers are 30 percent of our labour force, yet their incomes account for only 8 percent - 9 percent of our GDP. Worse, 90 percent of farm households have debt loads so heavy that, on average, 48 percent of their already meagre household income goes to repay debt principal and interest.
So what does Bhumjaithai Party do but tell them, "Go on a vacation, and we'll pay half of your hotel bills!"
Worse, there'll be zero financial multiplier effect, for nobody will hire more staff or expand production capacity for a one-shot government cash injection.
Bhumjaithai Party should have shown its vision and creativity by learning from Lao Tze, who taught, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."
For farmers, Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, should have co-paid costs of walk-behind tillers, harvest machines, or high-yielding seeds, which could show concrete gains even in one season.
For those in our vital tourism industry, halving the costs of intensive language training would have empowered Thai guides to demand more for their skills and save tour firms from having to import foreign guides.
Show vision, Mr Anutin!

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

I write this to express my warmest congratulations to our stunningly beautiful Miss Grand International 2025, Emma Tiglao, who recently delivered a historic back-to-back win for the Philippines.
She came well prepared, proving her pageant veteran status, and was an early favorite among many international pageant fans, exuding radiant energy that captivated audiences worldwide from the moment she arrived in the host country, Thailand.
Tiglao’s victory follows our very own CJ Opiaza’s assumption of the Miss Grand International 2024 crown, after Rachel Gupta of India rescinded her contract and resigned from her title months after the crowning.
Tiglao’s win is not only an idiosyncratic triumph but also a success for Philippine pageantry as well as a launchpad for future Filipino queens to showcase the full gamut of their talents, elegance, and intelligence in the global arena backed by a strong and unwavering support system that continually uplifts and empowers them throughout their pageant journey.
As a Filipino pageant fan, I am thrilled to witness Filipinas “reigning” and “winning” on the international stage, especially in Miss Grand International, where competition is fiercely anticipated.
I am convinced that the level of preparation, poise, and execution our queens bring to the stage is unmatched.
Tiglao’s superb performance was a testament to the dedication, resilience, and excellence that define the modern Filipino beauty queen.
Who would have thought that after more than a decade of this Thailand-based pageant’s existence, the Philippines would be the first-ever country to achieve a back-to-back victory?
This astounding feat simply proves, I believe, that Filipino strength, grace, and wit stand among the best in the world.

Jhon Steven C. Espenido,
Surigao City,
Philippines

Re: "Biology lesson", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Thursday October 16, 2025
Half an apology or swallowing half a pill is better than none, so kudos to Ray Ban.
Ray Ban tells us some of the new greenery recorded from space, as in the deserts of China and India, is due to the deliberate planting of large areas of trees and the Sahara, Kalahari, Simpson and Gobi deserts, among many others, continue to expand in area, due in part to the global warming caused by man-made carbon dioxide.
There is no man-made global warming crisis; this is abundantly clear.
China's massive green wall project in the Sahel reportedly had up to 80 percent tree mortality when irrigation support ended.
Studies using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and remote sensing found the Gobi Desert underwent a contraction between 2000 and 2012, attributed to increased precipitation and CO2-driven greening. Land use management overgrazing, deforestation, irrigation, soil degradation and rainfall remain the principal drivers of desertification.
Lastly, Ray Ban advises using Google despite their algorithms which are designed to drive the vaccine and climate change narratives. Anything which does not use the Google search engine is a better choice.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Alliance for a Safe Community expresses deep concern over the recent spate of disturbing incidents involving students, including a school murder case, sexual assault, and bullying.
These incidents point to a growing crisis of emotional instability, moral decay, and social disconnection among our young people.
These incidents should serve as a wake-up call to the nation to look seriously at the mental and emotional well-being of students.
Our children are growing up in an environment of intense academic pressure, social media addiction, and weakening family communication.
Many are emotionally immature and lack coping skills to deal with stress, anger, and rejection.
Emotional immaturity, compounded by the negative influence of social media, has contributed to impulsive, aggressive, and sometimes violent behaviour.
Constant exposure to toxic content, online bullying, and the glorification of violence on digital platforms are shaping distorted attitudes and normalising harmful behaviour among youths.
Schools must go beyond academics to strengthen character education, moral values, empathy, and emotional control.
There is also an urgent need for more trained counsellors in schools to identify and help students who show signs of distress, anger, or emotional instability before problems escalate into tragedy.
Parents play a crucial role in monitoring their children's online activities and providing emotional guidance.
They must communicate openly, teach empathy and respect, and spend quality time with their children.
Society, too, must stop glorifying violence or unhealthy content that influences young minds.
The Alliance calls for a whole-of-community approach involving parents, teachers, NGOs, religious leaders, and the media — to restore moral grounding and emotional resilience among students.
Without immediate intervention, these troubling trends may lead to a generation that is academically capable but emotionally and morally fragile.

Tan Sri Lee Thye,
Chairman,
Alliance for a Safe Community
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Re: "Tackling mental health woes", Bangkok Post. Editorial, Sunday October 5, 2025.
The unprecedented rise of mental health issues across Thailand and across South and South East Asia is quite alarming.
It reflects how mental health is affecting our life and how important it is to our existence.
World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental well-being.
Education institutions, organisations, and community groups across the world conducted seminars, interactive workshops, art exhibitions, and awareness rallies. Psychologists and counsellors addressed common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, emphasising the need to seek help without hesitation.
At the local level, students and teachers participated in discussions and shared personal reflections on maintaining emotional balance and empathy in daily life. Posters, slogans, and creative performances highlighted the theme, "Mental Health is a Universal Human Right."
The observance of World Mental Health Day 2025 reminded everyone that mental health awareness is not limited to a single day it requires continuous care, compassion, and community support.
The day reinforced the message that mental health matters for everyone, everywhere. By spreading understanding and kindness, we can build a healthier, more inclusive, and emotionally resilient world.

Saikat Kumar Basu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Catholic Bishops‘ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has encouraged the faithful to wear white on Sundays.
As Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David remarked in a recent letter, white symbolizes purity, which is sadly lacking in our society.
Since the flood control project controversy, there has been an urgent call for transparency, accountability, and good governance.
I would like to propose that the Catholic Bishops‘ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) take steps to create a truth and justice commission similar to South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which in 1995 was tasked to investigate human rights violations during the apartheid era.
It allowed victims to share their stories and for the perpetrators, who were granted amnesty, a chance to confess their abuses.
Our nation can benefit from a similar commission, which would allow those who have committed plunder to acknowledge their wrongdoings.
They would be required to return the ill-gotten billions.
Elected officials who have violated their oaths of office would need to promise that they will not run for public office again.
We keep on saying “tama na, sobra na,” but nothing concrete has ever happened.
The masterminds, who are caught red-handed with their hands in the coffers, just disappear, only to reappear from self-exile when our collective memory forgets.
The Catholic Bishops‘ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) can lead us by the hand and can use its influence over our government to push for this commission so we can really achieve truth and justice.

Danielle Marie S Lizares,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "PM defends border tactics", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday October 14 and "Border tactics need review", in Bangkok Post Editorial, Tuesday October 14.
There is something deeply hypocritical about the Cambodian government lodging a complaint with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCMR) about an activist playing ghostly sounds near the Thai-Cambodian border.
Landmines laid by Cambodia during the current border dispute have wounded several soldiers and have the potential to kill or maim more, including civilians, until they are all located and removed.
Despite the deeply held belief by many Cambodians and Thais in ghosts and witches, I have yet to read any report of deaths or maiming due to "spooky" noises.

David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand

What Samuel Richardson said, that “Calamity is the test of integrity,” rings true now more than ever.
When Typhoon “Opong” hit Masbate, it was more than just a storm - it was a test of every politician’s character.
How they responded in its aftermath revealed their true motives for serving in public office.
However, subsequent disaster relief efforts revealed a sad, unspoken truth: many of those holding office were unprepared and, worse, thin-skinned.
When affected residents criticized their poor preparations and responses, instead of showing humility or fixing their mistakes, many officials took offense.
When residents voiced their frustration and called out their glaring incompetence, they resorted to conduct unbecoming of public officials berating complainants on social media and threatening those who spoke up, to name a few.
Can they really blame these typhoon affected people?
Resources weren’t used properly, evacuation plans were poorly executed, if there was even one, and worse, some barangay or municipal disaster risk reduction and management committees councils did not even convene.
Most of the local government’s calamity budget was not released or used on time, leaving communities helpless.
The people have every right, a duty even, to call out the insecure, inept, and self-serving nature of politicians who prioritize their own ego and image, who would pose only for photo ops, at the expense of the citizens they swore to protect.
A true public servant should see a disaster and the people’s anger as a call to act with courage and compassion.
They should take responsibility and focus on helping people recover.
The fake ones, however, are exposed in times of crisis.
Typhoon Opong made it clear to the people of Masbate who was genuine and who was not. At least, I hope so.

Queen Natalie L. Tuason,
Manila,
Philippines

What Samuel Richardson said, that “Calamity is the test of integrity,” rings true now more than ever.
When Typhoon “Opong” hit Masbate, it was more than just a storm it was a test of every politician’s character.
How they responded in its aftermath revealed their true motives for serving in public office.
However, subsequent disaster relief efforts revealed a sad, unspoken truth: many of those holding office were unprepared and, worse, thin-skinned.
When affected residents criticized their poor preparations and responses, instead of showing humility or fixing their mistakes, many officials took offense.
When residents voiced their frustration and called out their glaring incompetence, they resorted to conduct unbecoming of public officials berating complainants on social media and threatening those who spoke up, to name a few.
Can they really blame these typhoon-affected people?
Resources weren’t used properly, evacuation plans were poorly executed, if there was even one, and worse, some barangay or municipal disaster risk reduction and management committees councils did not even convene.
Most of the local government’s calamity budget was not released or used on time, leaving communities helpless.
The people have every right, a duty even, to call out the insecure, inept, and self-serving nature of politicians who prioritize their own ego and image, who would pose only for photo ops, at the expense of the citizens they swore to protect.
A true public servant should see a disaster and the people’s anger as a call to act with courage and compassion.
They should take responsibility and focus on helping people recover. The fake ones, however, are exposed in times of crisis.
Typhoon Opong made it clear to the people of Masbate who was genuine and who was not.
At least, I hope so.

Queen Natalie L. Tuason,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Cultural confusion", Bangkok Post PostBag, Saturday October 11, 2025 and "Off to a dancing start", Bangkok Post, Friday October 10, 2025.
Mr Vichai believes tourism should focus on Thai culture and achievements, and suggests Ban Rak Thai should be excluded because it's Chinese.
But the fact is, it's a tourist attraction - try finding somewhere to park your car there at a weekend - and that's because it's Chinese.
But at the same time it is an example of Thai hospitality in action. At the end of the Chinese civil war in 1946 various Kuo Min -Tang losing side - armies were left marooned in Burma.
The United Nations offered to fly them to join their comrades in Taiwan, and Thailand offered to take in those who chose not to go, provided they left their guns at the border.
Ban Rak Thai is one of the consequences. Its name, "love Thai village", expresses the inhabitants' gratitude.

Colin Roth,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Confidence declines as foreigners avoid Thailand", Bangkok Post, Business, Monday September 29, 2025.
Thailand overcomplicates everything.
It prides itself on 98 percent employment, but how many actually work?
People in air conditioned offices give the appearance of work without actually doing very much.
From banking to immigration, there's so much unnecessary garbage.
I am just back from 90-day reporting because I had the temerity to go on holiday and therefore could not do it online despite having a multi-entry permit and a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) certificate!
I had to hand in copies of the same passport pages I have done so many times before for the past 20 plus years.
The data has not changed in decades!
I know all this information is on a computer, yet more trees have to be felled for the appearance of work.
I have waited over one hour in a bank whilst three assistants managed to serve one customer before I walked out, angrily denouncing the poor service.
Both examples are of how badly Thai workers lord it over the customers who pay their wages.
Perhaps this attitude to service across the country may explain why Vietnam's tourism is booming, whilst here it is in decline.

Michael Bell,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Reginald Tamayo tells us in his letter ‘ Philippines is a nation that sings hymns on Sundays but engages in systemic dishonesty on Mondays ‘ that “ a lack of widespread civic engagement and a passive acceptance of corruption as the status quo hinders progress. Citizens often feel powerless to challenge corrupt practices, leading to a sense of resignation and cynicism. This apathy, coupled with a fear of retaliation, prevents the mobilisation of civil society and makes it difficult to foster a culture of accountability” ( The Southeast Asian Times 5 October 2025 ).
Reginald’s sociological insights into “ the intricate societal structures that perpetuate corruption “ would resonate with many critical thinkers in many other countries in the Asia Pacific region.
As would his prescribed solution : “ Religious leaders themselves must play a more active part and vocal role in condemning corruption and promoting ethical conduct. Fostering a transparent and accountable government, strengthening independent institutions, and promoting a culture of civic engagement and crucial steps. Citizens must actively participate in demanding transparency and holding their leaders accountable. Independent media plays a vital role in exposing corruption and holding those in power to account, ensuring a free press is protected”.
Reginald couldn’t have been more succinct in laying out the framework for “ a revitalisation of the moral compass that guides both individual action and public life”.
I have no doubt that what Reginald says in his illuminating letter has special relevance to post coup Fiji and the decay in societal values and standard of governance in the country.

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia

Re: "Prime Minister hails successful drug suppression campaign", in Bangkok Post, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Some pertinent questions for deciding whether a drug suppression campaign was successful or not are all comparative.
Are there fewer drugs on the street?
Are prices higher?
Are there fewer Joe Ferraris in the Royal Thai Police and related agencies involved in drug crimes?
Are there fewer criminal gangs getting rich?
Are fewer people using drugs?
Is there less drug-related crime?
If the answer to one or more of these questions is "no," then it's the usual failure to reduce drug harms to society.
Not a single statistic was provided to substantiate that the answer to any of these questions is "yes".
The statistics given do, on the other hand, effectively establish that drug use remains rampant and that criminal activity remains highly lucrative thanks to law and drug policy that has, for many, many decades, failed to reduce drug use and harms to society.
Boasting of such a blatant failure is perhaps somewhat ill-advised.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Making Cambodia pay for border row", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday October 2, 2025.
As a seasoned economist, Chartchai Parasuk makes a valid point by suggesting that Thailand open its borders with Cambodia.
After all, the closed borders are only hurting this nation, economically speaking.
The above writer makes an astute observation by pointing out that Thailand has a trade surplus of over 280 billion baht with Cambodia, which is about 1.5 percent of its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
But even though the borders have only been closed with Cambodia for a couple of months, both exports and imports to this nation have already plummeted.
So, rather than keeping the borders closed, and to allay the fears of the nationalists here, economist, Chartchai Parasuk suggests that Thailand taxes imported Cambodian goods to the tune of 19 percent, and imposes 5 percent tariffs on goods exported there.
This surely is a better solution to closing the borders with the previously mentioned nation, and making an already suffering economy even worse.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "In an Irish memorial, I see echoes of Palestine", Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday October 3, 2025.
Andy Young's commentary, in which she equates the situation in Gaza with the Irish Famine, the famine in Sudan and Hurricane Katrina, is a litany of nonsensical equations.
For one, we have seen pictures of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Gaza City.
Do they look like emaciated famine victims?
No, they do not.
And the harrowing pictures of children are manipulated Hamas photo ops.
None of their parents looks in the least hungry.
We are led to believe that Jews are colonisers, completely ignoring the fact that half of Israeli Jews fled or were expelled from Muslim countries. Israel has two million Arab citizens, while most Muslim countries now have no Jews.
I could make a more poignant historical comparison:
More than 80 years ago, following years of anti-Semitic propaganda, some six million Jews were murdered while nearly every country in the world, including Ireland, refused to accept Jewish refugees.
Today's massive anti-Israel propaganda, again, justifies the murder of Jews.

Frank Scimone,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "MPs fail Clean Air Bill," Bangkok Post, Editorial, Wednesday October 1, 2025.
Pheu Thai dismally failed its northern core base by boycotting voting on the Clean Air Bill, causing this very important bill to fail due to a lack of a quorum. Northerners suffer most from seasonal haze and PM2.5 pollution, and Pheu Thai chaired the bill's drafting committee, yet only 27 percent of Pheu Thai MPs showed up to vote.
This was in stark contrast to the People's Party 90 percent of its Members of Parliament present and the Bhumjaithai Party 80 percent.
When your party won't even vote on a bill that it authored and that's vital to your family's health - it's past time to switch.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Minister pledges to finally implement B300 tourism tax", Bangkok Post, Business, October 4, 2025.
At a time when holidaymakers have started to look elsewhere, new tourism minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn has proposed levying a tax on new arrivals to the tune of 300 baht, with instructions for staff to communicate the benefits of the tariff to all and sundry stepping off the plane.
We are told that the proceeds will be used to fund insurance and new infrastructure.
So, will this mean personal health coverage is now unnecessary?
The previous four attempts to enact this cunning plan have all failed, presumably due to prospective sun seekers having a negative response once informed.
If this strategy does prove fruitful this time around, I will suggest to my local restaurant to charge an entry fee before handing out the menu.

Ian Dann,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Climate Act, digital tools key to net zero", in Bangkok Post, Thursday October 2, 2025.
Now, the real reason behind climate alarmism is finally coming to light: carbon pricing a tax on life that global planners, World Economic Forum (WEF) NV, have been trying to implement since the 1970s.
I believe a carbon tax is a bad idea for the following reasons:
Carbon dioxide should not be seen as a pollutant but as a life-supporting gas essential to plant growth.
Through photosynthesis, plants create food from CO2 and sunlight.
Rising CO2 levels have contributed to global greening the "aerial fertiliser effect" and increased agricultural productivity.
These benefits may outweigh potential climate risks, raising doubts about taxing CO2 emissions.
Uncertainty undermines the case for aggressive emissions cuts, since the link between reducing CO2 and lowering extreme weather impacts is tenuous.
Cost-effective defensive measures such as infrastructure improvements are more reliable than global CO2 controls.
Policy priorities should be: eliminating harmful energy regulations, pursuing localised defences against extreme weather, and considering Pigouvian CO? taxes only with broad international cooperation.
Otherwise, unilateral emissions reductions risk economic harm and energy insecurity.

Anna Aarts,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Our nation, predominantly Catholic and deeply rooted in Christian values, grapples with a pervasive problem that casts a long shadow over its national identity, rampant corruption.
This stark contrast between professed faith and societal reality presents a profound paradox.
We are a nation that sings hymns on Sundays, but engages in systemic dishonesty on Mondays.
A sociological analysis reveals the intricate societal structures that perpetuate corruption.
Patronage politics, a deeply ingrained system of reciprocal favors and obligations, often transcends party lines and ideological differences. The “utang na loob” debt of gratitude deeply embedded in Filipino culture, though often positive in its intention, can be exploited to facilitate corrupt practices. Individuals feel obligated to repay favors, even if those favors involve unethical actions, creating a cycle of corruption that is difficult to break.
Inefficient and corrupt bureaucracies, coupled with a lack of transparent and effective mechanisms for holding individuals accountable for their actions, create an environment where corruption thrives.
The impunity enjoyed by many corrupt officials only reinforces the perception that ethical behavior is not rewarded, weakening the deterrent effect of existing laws and regulations.
The historical context of colonization also significantly shaped the Philippines’ susceptibility to corruption.
Years of Spanish and American rule instilled a hierarchical system and a culture of obedience to authority, sometimes to the detriment of individual moral agency.
Furthermore, a lack of widespread civic engagement and a passive acceptance of corruption as the status quo hinders progress. Citizens often feel powerless to challenge corrupt practices, leading to a sense of resignation and cynicism.
This apathy, coupled with a fear of retaliation, prevents the mobilization of civil society and makes it difficult to foster a culture of accountability.
The solution does not lie in abandoning faith, but in examining its role in shaping individual and societal ethics.
Religious teachings should be reinterpreted and applied to address the real-world challenges of corruption.
Religious leaders themselves must play a more active and vocal role in condemning corruption and promoting ethical conduct.
Fostering a transparent and accountable government, strengthening independent institutions, and promoting a culture of civic engagement are crucial steps.
Citizens must actively participate in demanding transparency and holding their leaders accountable.
Independent media plays a vital role in exposing corruption and holding those in power to account, ensuring a free press is protected.
Addressing the paradox of faith and corruption in the country requires a multi-pronged approach.
This requires a shift in societal values, a strengthening of institutions, and a revitalization of the moral compass that guides both individual action and public life. The task is complex, but not insurmountable.
The potential for change resides in the very faith that is currently being undermined by the shadow of corruption.

Reginald Tamayo,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Dept quick to dispel vaccine naysayers", Bangkok Post, Monday September 29, 2025.
Unfortunately, this article, in which the Department of Disease Control (DCC) dismisses claims that vaccines are unnecessary or harmful, uses authoritarian declarations.
There are copious testimonies and a recent definitive paper presented to the United States Congress committee investigating vaccine safety.
First, evidence was presented that after thoroughly scrutinising all published scientific papers on vaccine safety, not one study revealed that a clinical trial of any vaccine now administered routinely to children has compared the effects of the vaccine to a genuine placebo, saline being the international standard.
Second, the "Henry Ford Study" was introduced online at "Impact of Childhood Vaccination on Short and Long-Term Chronic Health Outcomes in Children: A Birth Cohort Study".
From a cohort of 18,468 children born between 2000 and 2016, 16,511 received one or more vaccines, and 1,957 had no vaccine exposure.
The results demonstrated conclusively that exposure to vaccination was independently associated with a 2.5 times increased risk of developing a chronic health condition.
These specifically included: asthma, autoimmune diseases, atopic diseases, eczema, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
There were no chronic health conditions associated with an increased risk in the unexposed group.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

As the United Nations (UN) turns 80 years old (1945-2025), sanctions that challenge the authority of international law are becoming more widespread, such as unilateral sanctions.
If the United Nations still wants to continue to function effectively and does not want to suffer the same fate as its predecessor, the League of Nations, then it must make internal reforms to remain relevant.
Various proposals have been put forward for the United Nations and the international system to be reformed and continue to function for the international community.
Among the proposals put forward is China's proposal for the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) as an effort to rebuild a more just and fair international governance system with a shared future for humanity.
It was proposed by President Xi Jinping at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO-Plus Summit in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.
Malaysia also attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO-Plus Summit as the Asean Chair in an effort to deepen Asean-SCO relations.
The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) consists of five main concepts. First, sovereign equality is the most fundamental thing in the relations between states that the United Nations and any international organisation adhere to. It is also among the main premises in global governance.
Sovereign equality means that all states, regardless of size, strength or wealth, will have their sovereignty and dignity respected, their internal affairs be free from external interference, the right to choose their social system and development path freely, and the right to take part as equals in, decide in and benefit from the global governance process.
Second, a commitment to the rule of international law. This means that international law and international norms must be obeyed by all countries equally and uniformly with no elements of bias.
Third, a commitment to multilateralism because this system is at the core of global governance that is built, shared and involves all parties.
This concept is increasingly challenged because of the actions of some countries that act to reject their membership in international organisations and take unilateral action against other countries based on their military and economic strength.
Fourth, a commitment to a people-centred approach. This is very important because people are the fundamental actors in global governance and they are its ultimate benefit.
Fifth is the commitment to ensuring correct and effective decisions. This means global governance that can solve problems effectively. Given the close relationship between various issues, global governance must be implemented in a holistic, systematic manner.
Meanwhile, developing countries, for their part, must unite and do their best for the world.
It is important to emphasise that the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) has received an encouraging response from leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO-Plus Summit.
When interviewed by China Global Television Network (CGTN), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the Global Governance Initiative (GGI)is an initiative that can help reduce or resolve contentious issues that affect us, not only in global politics but also in safeguarding our country's economic interests.
Furthermore, Anwar believes that global governance has reached a new crossroads and calls for "a more just and equitable global governance system, advancing towards a community with a shared future for humanity.

Dr Roy Anthony Rogers,
Head, Department of International and Strategic Studies
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Universiti Malaya

Re: "Safety first in golf", BangkokPost PostBag, September 25, 2025 and "Caddie dies after being hit by lightning on golf course", in Bangkok Post, September 23, 2025.
About 50 years ago I was playing at a course in outer Bangkok, and there was some lightning in the near vicinity.
The caddies looked a bit apprehensive, and a couple of holes later we decided to return to the clubhouse.
Speaking to the caddies on the return journey they were relieved, and told us that a few months earlier a caddie had been killed by lightning, but it hadn't been reported.
The golf course owners had given every caddie 1,500 baht to keep quiet about the incident and not publicise it.
As I have found at many courses in Thailand, big paying customers are always right, and caddies are dispensable.

Michael Sim,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Reviving the China market", in Bangkok Post, Sunday September 28, 2025.
Instead of focusing on increasing the sheer number of tourists, we should tailor different services for different target markets, offering superior value for money to each niche.
Just counting heads is a sure way to over-tourism, zero baht tours and low profits.
The Louvre Museum is a prime example of market segmentation.
To help ensure quality experiences for all, the Louvre requires advance booking of timed tickets to manage visitor flow.
On-site ticket availability is limited and subject to the museum's attendance levels. Admission is free for those under 18, the disabled and their caregivers, and certain other categories like art teachers.
Importantly, there is no highly irritating discrimination by nationality; European Union (EU) residents under 26 enter for free, regardless of nationality.
The Louvre offers standard adult timed-entry tickets, tickets with an audio guide, a combo ticket including Louvre entry and a Seine River cruise, and a priority access guided tour with an expert host, each at a price point suitable for its market niche.
Our Chiang Mai Historical and City Arts and Cultural Centres have expert guides available on demand, dressed in period costumes, and they really know their stuff, eg, my guide majored in Thai History from Chiang Mai University (CMU).
Why can't other tourist attractions be like them?
For instance, Ancient City might offer audio guides or hosts who majored in religion history, or Khao Keo Open Zoo's hosts might be zoology majors, with foreign language skills as an add-on.
Think profit per head, not just heads.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Experts urge focus on short-term gains," in Bangkok Post, Monday September 22, 2025.
Shifting the proven and popular Khon La Krueng programme to focus on boosting productivity rather than mere consumption can empower Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to kill two birds with one stone.
The first "bird" is that Mr Anutin has only 4-6 months to show tangible results, while the second "bird" is that our root economic problems demand long-run solutions.
For instance, we farm as our forefathers did, so our rice yields are only half those of our Vietnamese competitors.
Our average farmer is aged 59, past his peak earning learning years, and only one in five people has a M6 education.
We need a solution that delivers tangible results in both the short and long terms.
Enter the Khon La Krueng programme to the rescue.
Proactively managed, it could empower farmers to buy high-yield seeds, walk-behind tillers, and harvesters, etc., that would immediately save labour and increase productivity.
Another option would be to utilise cooperatives guided by agricultural extension specialists to pool members' Khon La Krueng allocations and invest in larger machinery, water management systems, and other resources that yield benefits.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Trump leads Kirk memorial tribute," Bangkok Post, World, Monday September 22, 2025.
Your propagandistic article on the funeral of Charlie Kirk, again, confuses opinion and fact.
According to the article, Kirk "was a vitriolic critic of transgender people, Muslims and others".
However, Kirk was soft-spoken and convincing and never vitriolic.
His opposition concerned the transgendering of children by chemical means, an irreversible process which can have far-reaching, detrimental consequences.
And he opposed jihad, not Muslims as such.
Could the Post make an effort and refrain from confusing facts with opinions?

Frank Scimone,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "No new world order, only global disorder", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday September 9, 2025.
Columnist John J Metzler's article hits the right note that underscores the turbulent context in which the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
At such a critical juncture, the choice of slogans such as "Better Together" and appeals to "Dialogue and Diplomacy" must be interpreted not as a simple ceremonial rhetoric, but as adequate tools to foster the indispensable solidarity without which the United Nations and multilateralism risk remaining in crisis.
The credibility of the United Nations depends not only on diplomatic statements or festive commemorations but on the genuine will of 193 member states to turn these slogans into shared commitments.
The value of solidarity is no longer an option; it is the real condition for addressing wars, humanitarian emergencies, and the erosion of trust in international cooperation. Without it, the United Nations risks becoming a forum of lamentation rather than a strong platform for solutions.

Ioan Voicu
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "B10,000 fine for drinking in pubs after hours", Bangkok Post, Online, Wednesday September 17, 2025 and ''Alcohol plans baffle industry", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Sunday September 21, 2025.
I wonder if the Department of Provincial Administration ever thought about what effect it might have on tourism when it threatens tourists with a 10,000-baht fine for "drinking alcoholic beverages after-hours in premises where alcohol is available for either sale or consumption", especially at a time when Thailand's tourist numbers are down as visitors seek other destinations.
Do they not realise that potential tourists will read this and decide perhaps they should holiday in countries where tourists are not treated like children?

Tarquin Chufflebottom,
Bangkok,
Thailand

As the United Nations (UN) turns 80 years old 1945-2025, sanctions that challenge the authority of international law are becoming more widespread, such as unilateral sanctions.
If the United Nations still wants to continue to function effectively and does not want to suffer the same fate as its predecessor, the League of Nations, then it must make internal reforms to remain relevant.
Various proposals have been put forward for the United Nations and the international system to be reformed and continue to function for the international community.
Among the proposals put forward is China's proposal for the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) as an effort to rebuild a more just and fair international governance system with a shared future for humanity.
It was proposed by President Xi Jinping at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus" Meeting in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.
Malaysia also attended the SCO-Plus Summit as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chair in an effort to deepen Asean-SCO relations.
The GGI consists of five main concepts.
First, sovereign equality is the most fundamental thing in the relations between states that the UN and any international organisation adhere to. It is also among the main premises in global governance.
Sovereign equality means that all states, regardless of size, strength or wealth, will have their sovereignty and dignity respected, their internal affairs be free from external interference, the right to choose their social system and development path freely, and the right to take part as equals in, decide in and benefit from the global governance process.
Second, a commitment to the rule of international law. This means that international law and international norms must be obeyed by all countries equally and uniformly with no elements of bias.
Third, a commitment to multilateralism because this system is at the core of global governance that is built, shared and involves all parties.
This concept is increasingly challenged because of the actions of some countries that act to reject their membership in international organisations and take unilateral action against other countries based on their military and economic strength.
Fourth, a commitment to a people-centred approach.
This is very important because people are the fundamental actors in global governance and they are its ultimate benefit.
Fifth is the commitment to ensuring correct and effective decisions. This means global governance that can solve problems effectively. Given the close relationship between various issues, global governance must be implemented in a holistic, systematic manner.
Meanwhile, developing countries, for their part, must unite and do their best for the world.
It is important to emphasise that the GGI has received an encouraging response from leaders attending the SCO Summit.
When interviewed by China Global Television Network (CGTN), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the GGI is an initiative that can help reduce or resolve contentious issues that affect us, not only in global politics but also in safeguarding our country's economic interests.
Furthermore, Anwar believes that global governance has reached a new crossroads and calls for "a more just and equitable global governance system, advancing towards a community with a shared future for humanity.

Dr Roy Anthony Rogers,
Head, Department of International and Strategic Studies,
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences,
Universiti Malaya,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Re: "The baht's troubling rise", in Bangkok Post, Editorial, Monday September 22, 2025.
It is much discussed in the media and on social media about the mysterious inflow of money that causes the Thai baht to strengthen.
Accounting-wise, the inflow is recorded as "Errors and Omissions".
Even the finance minister-to-be said that he would have a discussion with the Bank of Thailand (BoT) about the issue.
It is feared that the inflow is grey money.
There is nothing mysterious or involving grey money with the issue.
It is a problem with the reporting system and accounting standards.
Let me take you through a step-by-step transaction of the speculative inflow.
An investor wants to buy Thai baht say US$100 million (3.2 billion baht) speculating that the baht would soon strengthen in the near future.
The transaction is done in Singapore, which is Southeast Asia's international currency market.
The investor, through a Singaporean broker, posts that he wants to buy $100 million worth of Thai baht.
If there is no offer at the market price, the price of the baht dollar will fall to attract sellers of Thai baht, i.e., the baht strengthens.
To prevent a stronger baht, the BoT jumps in to purchase those $100 million in exchange for Thai baht.
Since the transaction is done in the Singapore market, the Singaporean broker does not report the transaction to BoT, and the $100 million transaction enters our balance of payments as an unidentified inflow under the category of errors and omissions.
The reason is that no transactions are conducted in Thailand, but dollar inflows are added to the foreign reserve.
This phenomenon is common. The World Bank even regularly reports on "errors and omissions" in member countries.
Yet, it becomes an issue in Thailand because of politics.
Vietnam's errors and omissions are twice the size of Thailand's, with $29.18 billion in 2024.
That is because Vietnam's exchange market is inefficient, and Vietnamese traders use the Singapore market instead.
Tax evasion might be another reason.

Uncle Sam,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Industry titans look for continuity", Bangkok Post, Business, September 6 and "Land bridge a disaster in waiting", Bangkok Post, Editorial, June 22.
Among Southeast Asian nations, Thailand alone has a transport corridor project with a truly global impact: the Kra Canal.
The proposed waterway linking the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea has been contemplated by successive governments since 1677, at least 10 times.
Yet its potential to elevate Thailand's international standing has too often been overlooked, especially amid today's combustible geopolitics and changing world order.
During Britain's maritime heyday when it dominated major global shipping routes, including the Strait of Malacca the Kra Canal's disruptive potential was clear enough that the United Kingdom tried twice to dissuade Siam from building it.
In 1897, Thailand and the British Empire agreed not to build a canal so that the regional dominance of the harbour of Singapore would be maintained.
Yet there is little indication that Thai governments have recognised the potential impact this project could have on Thailand's influence on the global stage.
The Kra Canal could easily serve as a flagship project within China's Belt and Road Initiative.
The project has the potential to match the impact and importance of any world-scale infrastructure projects today.
Given today's world geopolitical situation, the need to strengthen Thailand's national security for the coming decades, and a dire need for a major economic stimulus, there is no better time to revive and implement the Kra Canal project.

ML Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "The baht is almost as good as gold", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday September 18, 2025.
Chartchai Parasuk's article on currency is excellent.
I am sure I was not alone in my confusion as to why the baht is gaining strength at the same time as the Bank of Thailand has been cutting interest rates.
It's not as if the Thai economy has been powering ahead.
I knew that gold gains in value when the US dollar is weak but I had no idea the baht is viewed as a safe haven currency because of the strong foreign reserves held by Thailand, which shares this distinction with Switzerland and Singapore.
Thanks to Khun Chartchai for clearing up this mystery.
What do these safe haven countries with strong foreign reserves have in common? Over the years they have all avoided involvement in wars.

Simon Turner,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "ABC pulls plug on Jimmy Kimmel show", Bangkok Post, World, Friday September 19, 2025.
This wire service news article is trying to tell us that a campaign is being waged against free speech in the US.
The opposite is the case: For many years, mainstream media outlets have been flooding the airwaves with diatribes, falsehoods and half-truths, basically telling the public what to think.
The public is fed up with woke indoctrination and one-sided reporting.
Your article fails to point out that Kimmel's ratings have been plummeting for years.
Perhaps the Bangkok Post could learn a lesson in objectivity and stop mindlessly printing mainstream media news.

Frank Scimone,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thailand sees 7.1 percent drop in visitors", in Bangkok Post, Learning, Wednesday September 17, 2025.
Due to lifelong dyslexia, I am fond of putting simple numbers on big equations, and while the title of this tourism crash report does somewhat convey that Thailand's self-inflicted tourism fiasco is getting serious, we need to do some simple math.
Let us suppose that every one of those 7 million tourists who found other places spends about $2,000, or a nice round 60,000 baht, while here on tour.
On your calculators at home, multiply 60,000 times 7,000,000, and I will point out that's money already gone; past tense, as in we already lost it.
I think that's starting to convey the Depression-like implications, but until Thailand has leaders who will meaningfully tackle the cannabis crisis and stop using a LGBTQ+ rainbow cudgel to tell families that the needs of the few exceed the needs of the traditional family, I'd suggest we all brush up on our Vietnamese, "cam on."

Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Last month, President Marcos appealed to health workers, especially nurses and doctors, to stay in the country and serve our people and their growing healthcare needs.
We’ve heard this plea several times from many politicians. What is also not new are the conditions that push our nurses away: inadequate compensation, lack of security, and unsafe work environments.
What is new is where nurses are going.
More nurses are now leaving hospital work, not just for overseas nursing jobs, but for non-traditional roles.
They are now in home care, working as virtual assistants, or handling Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) health accounts, even for foreign-based firms, where they work remotely from the Philippines.
These non-traditional jobs, while some are still considered part of the care economy, provide better pay and flexibility.
However, they expose our nurses to many risks.
Some do not offer an employer-employee relationship or provide limited or no social protection at all.
Some are being classified as “consultants” without any benefits.
We have seen this story before.
Domestic workers aka kasambahays were once treated as outside the bounds of the formal economy, but not until the Kasambahay Law began to recognize their rights to contracts, fair pay, and social protections and benefits.
Therefore, I suppose, we can do the same for nurses in emerging, non-traditional nursing roles.
As the Philippine Nurses Association (FNA) celebrates its 103rd anniversary this month, let us give nurses more compelling reasons to stay.
Nurses and other workers in the care economy need legislation that will redefine who counts as a “worker.”
Regardless of their employment arrangement, they need social protection to close the widening gap between traditional and non-traditional care jobs.
Otherwise, we risk losing more nurses not only due to migration but also to a fragmented labor system that continues to fail to value them where they truly are.

Reiner Lorenzo Tamayo,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Land Bridge to nowhere" Bangkok Post Editorial, Wednesday September 17, 2025.
Congratulations to the Bangkok Post for performing the task of the Fourth Estate in Thailand.
With a budget estimated at 1 trillion baht, but which will surely balloon to more than twice that figure, and an overall cost to Thailand and its 65 million citizens that is incalculably higher still, this big, ugly, boondoggle project is only conceivable by politicians for politicians and their entitled cronies in big business.
Anutin Charnvirakul has always wanted to be prime minister.
He must learn the lesson of good governance if he wants his dream job to last.
Serve the interests of the everyday common people of this land with your every waking moment and to the best of your ability.
Your elitist billionaire friends do not need your help.
Don't even answer the phone when they call. Listen only to those 99.9999 percent you don't already know, and your dream might have a chance of coming true.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "South Korea sends plane to fetch detained workers from US", Bangkok Post, World, Monday September 8, 2025 and "USA raid may hit investment: Lee", in Bangkok Post, World, Friday September 12, 2025.
The handling of the issue concerning illegal South Korean Hyundai factory workers in the state of Georgia by the Trump administration of course leaves much to be desired.
Notwithstanding South Korean President Lee Jae-myung blaming the raid on "cultural differences", saying that in South Korea, American nationals teaching English while on a tourist visa was not seen as a serious issue, one needs to follow the core standards and values of another country by having the proper documents.
The USA, UK and EU are crumbling because of societal ills due to unsustainable immigration illegal labour, refugees and students and related costs, like housing, crime, healthcare, social welfare, education and the list goes on.

S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Canal project has potential", Bangkok Post PostBag, Sunday September 14, 2025 and "Land bridge a disaster in waiting", Bangkok Post Editorial, Sunday June 22, 2025.
As the Post editorial of June 22, "Land bridge a disaster in waiting" made clear and contributors to PostBag have said over many years, the Kra Canal is a bad idea.
When I read that the even sinophile ML Saksiri Kridakorn thought it was actually a good idea because it would enhance security and further facilitate China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it first struck me as amusingly ill-conceived.
Let's put a strategically important target right in the middle of this otherwise strategically unimportant nation so that when war breaks out between major powers, one or more might want to blow it up.
The China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) creates long-term strategic dependence on China among participating countries, is a form of debt-trap diplomacy, expands China's military influence, and broadens its surveillance technology reach.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

We feel compelled to express our concern regarding the recent issues in our public university admissions system.
The case of Edward Wong Yi Xian who achieved outstanding Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) results yet wasn't offered a place to study accountancy at the University Malaya or indeed any interview opportunity has raised legitimate questions about fairness in our education system.
While we understand universities have various admission pathways, the suggestion that a place might be available through alternative channels requiring full tuition payment naturally leads one to wonder about the transparency of the process.
This situation appears to reflect broader challenges within our higher education institutions.
When talented students who have worked exceptionally hard find themselves unable to secure places through conventional routes, it's only reasonable that we examine whether the system remains truly merit-based.
Our public universities have the vital mission of nurturing Malaysia's future leaders through fair and equitable access to education.
We would encourage the relevant authorities to review the admission procedures to ensure they remain transparent and merit-driven.
The potential establishment of a royal commission of inquiry, as previously suggested, might help address these concerns comprehensively.
It's also worth noting that while we appreciate the efforts made to assist science stream students such as the recent successful placement of 69 top scorers through Unit Pengambilan Universiti (UPU) we should extend the same consideration to all high-achieving students, regardless of their stream of study.
Educational equity remains a fundamental value that all Malaysians cherish. Together, we can work to strengthen confidence in our higher education system and ensure it continues to develop talent for our nation's future.

Teik Cheng,
Malaysian Chinese Association MCA
Penang state liaison committee chairman
Malaysian Chinese Association MCA vice-president

We, the University of the Philippines Los Baños Alumni Association (UPLBAA), write with urgency and conviction to express our deep concern over the ongoing dispute between the University of the Philippines and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
This is not a mere institutional disagreement; it is a matter of national sovereignty, stewardship, and respect for the legacy of our country’s premier academic institution.
University of the Philippines Los Baños Alumni Association (UPLBAA), has long stood as the bedrock of Philippine agricultural science and rural development.
It has produced generations of scientists, public servants, and leaders who have shaped our nation’s food security and scientific progress.
The land it occupies is not just property; it is patrimony, entrusted to the university for the benefit of the Filipino people.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), while a respected international research body, exists on Philippine soil through the generosity of the Filipino nation.
Its presence is a privilege, not a right.
That privilege must be exercised with humility, transparency, and alignment with national interests.
Unfortunately, recent actions by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) whether through questionable proposals or legal maneuvering, have shown a troubling disregard for University of the Philippines (UP) autonomy and rightful stewardship of its lands.
We reject any attempt to diminish University of the Philippines (UP) authority over its own resources.
We reject the notion that an international institution can override the will and welfare of a national university and its constituents.
University of the Philippines Los Baños Alumni Association (UPLBAA) is not a junior partner; it is the intellectual and historical foundation upon which IRRI was built.
Therefore, we call for the following:
Immediate reaffirmation of University of the Philippines (UP) full control and oversight over all lands within its jurisdiction, including those occupied by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Transparent renegotiation of all land-use agreements, with full participation of
University of the Philippines (UP) leadership and stakeholders.
A clear commitment from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to support Philippine national development priorities, especially in agriculture and food security.
Respectful and reciprocal institutional relations, grounded in mutual benefit, not dominance or condescension.
We urge the entire University of the Philippines (UP) System, the Philippine government, and the academic community to stand with the University.
We call on International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to honor its host and recommit to a partnership built on trust and respect.
The University of the Philippines Los Baños Alumni Association (UPLBAA) Alumni Association will not remain silent.
We will defend our university’s dignity, its lands, its leaders, and its mission.
We call on all alumni to speak out, mobilize, and ensure that University of the Philippines (UP) voice is heard.

Capt. Mauro Mannie Barradas,
President, UPLB Alumni Association,
Manila,
Phiippines

Re: "Beijing 'centre' of new world order", in Bangkok Post, World, September 5, 2025.
The display of China's latest weapons and what its mammoth military parade means on the world stage could be misconstrued as a cruel celebration of the cast of invited autocrats and despots sans the belligerent and offended Trump.
Let us be reminded that this is, first and foremost, a parade of remembrance on the 80th year of Japan's surrender in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
One wonders whether any attendance by world leaders at the United States Army's grand military parade on the occasion of its 250th birthday on June 14, in the guise of sharing the world stage with the big-noting Donald Trump's 79th birthday, would have incited the same public outrage as their visit to the 80th anniversary marches commemorating China's victory against Japan in World War II.
Xi is not celebrating a personal milestone or the day of his birth like Trump in June, but the defeat of an aggressive Japan that killed many of China's citizens.
Lest we forget, Xi's less-than-desirable heads of state guest list of Putin, Kim Jong-un, Modi and their ilk, representing Russia, North Korea and India, these countries too suffered greatly under fascism in World War II.
It required bristling military might and two atomic bomb deployments to defuse the conquest attempts by the Nazis and Hirohito's Japan in 1945.
To put another interpretation on this, that Trump's threat to take over Canada and Greenland deserves a deterrent of the very visible presence of worthwhile opposition on show at Chang'an Avenue, Beijing.
There are many ways to spin support or opposition to the machinations of those in power, and it's never as clear as daylight.

Joseph Ting,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Fist bumps of hatred", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Sunday September 7, 2025.
Joseph Ting claims to have been victimised by anti-immigrant protesters.
If he dreams of living in a country where his feelings will not be hurt, perhaps he should sign up for Elon Musk's Mars colonisation project.
Oh, wait a minute there will be the same problems there without a doubt.
There is always a course of action that allows one to become responsible for oneself. Gautama Buddha gave relevant instructions.
It involves realising a positive disillusionment with the world and its inevitable disappointment, fear, loss, sorrow, and pain.
This place cannot be made into a utopia, but the human heart always offers a place of perfect respite, much like the refreshment of cool water on a moonlit night.
Your choice, Mr Ting.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Corruption and environmental exploitation is at the root of the recent flooding due to Typhoons “Emong,” “Crising,” and “Dante.”
Illegal logging has felled trees that would parry strong winds and absorb the rain with their roots. Destructive mining of the mountains has rendered the slopes vulnerable to erosion.
Quarrying has brought mountains down to ground zero.
The ongoing reclamation of coastal waters has further intensified quarrying, blocking the natural drainage of water from inland areas to the sea. Conversion of prime agricultural lands has threatened food self-sufficiency.
Estuaries and wetlands, where mangroves and seagrass beds proliferate protecting islands from typhoons and providing breeding grounds for food sources have been decimated to make way for commercial structures.
The national government needs to coordinate local governments and engage communities, businesses, civic organizations, the church, academe, youth, and other sectors to carry out sustainable practices that will minimize garbage along creeks, streams, rivers, and floodways. Among these are home and community-based waste segregation; composting of biodegradable waste; reuse, recycling, and sale of nonbiodegradable waste; chemical-free gardening and farming; refraining from consumerism, and avoidance of single-use plastic.
Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution says: “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”
Corruption has “archived” this constitutional provision.

Joey C. Papa and Ana Celia Ver-Papa,
Bangon Kalikasan Movement,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Beijing 'centre' of new world order", Bangkok Post World, Friday September 5, 2025.
The current meeting of global leaders, well, at least three major ones and a few minor leaders, is a great show, but what will it lead to?
The three main actors, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and Xi Jinping, are bullies. They have been involved in wars and have nuclear weapons.
They are likely to release a joint statement about cooperation and world peace, but the reality is that they are consolidating an "Eastern" alliance to challenge the Western version led by the US.
Be prepared for some challenges to the world order.
I must admit, however, that they do know how to stage a military parade with precision and grandeur.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Anti-migrant rallies stir alarm", in Bangkok Post, World, Tuesday September 2, 2025.
This past weekend's anti-immigration March for Australia served to unshackle repressed antagonism towards long-residing non-whites like me.
Australia has been my only home for 40 years since my parents immigrated to Brisbane to escape the pro-bumiputra policy that systemically disadvantaged their Malaysian-Chinese community.
Hopefully, it was only on the day itself that I was heckled by tattooed Australian flag bearers on the street.
A rough-hewn teenager stared violently at me in a lift, cutting across my line of sight with his arm extended in a clenched fist.
When I pointed to a camera that would record any fisticuffs directed my way, he snarled for me to "get out of my country and go home to where you were born!"
The closed fist was a "fist pump of friendship", and the lout was offended that I declined to reciprocate.
My victim impact statement for the post-march acrimony: these gatherings not only release the race-based genie out of the bottle, they serve to dissolve trust and safety accorded all minorities, rendering immigrants acutely fearful and vigilant.
The marchers are like shapeshifters that transform mutually affirming fist pumps into clenched fists of brutality, and we the darker skinned habitants of Australia are at risk of violence so publicly supported by these marches.

Joseph Ting,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "RFK Jr 'endangering' all Americans, health agency ex-chiefs warn", Bangkok Post, World, Monday September 1, 2025.
I would urge those with an interest in their health to view the recent US Senate testimony of Robert F Kennedy Jr on YouTube.
He exposed the lies and incompetence of health authorities from the Centre for Decease Control (CDC) and their role in mandating mRNA vaccinations.
They did not as was relentlessly promised prevent transmission nor cure Covid-19 and caused innumerable deaths around the world.
It is worth noting that Florida, the free state, will now end all vaccine mandates and require extensive safety testing of all vaccines.
Most of these vital studies have never been done.
An example is the widely mandated hepatitis B vaccine which limited testing revealed requires seven million doses be administered to prevent one death.
Why would children be forced to submit to this insanity just to get into school?
It is an obvious violation of personal sovereignty, the foundation of democracy.
Those who fanatically endorse mRNA vaccine technology without knowing a thing about it other than what they have been told by the authorities are going to encounter the reality that they have been routinely lied to.
Those at the Centre for Desease Control (CDC) who chose money over their public health responsibilities have been fired.
More truth is coming out as it inevitably does.
Accountability is the next step in righting the ship of intentional lifelong disease, multiple never-ending prescriptions and forced jabs that characterise the state of public health in Western nations.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "China's lessons from WWII endure", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday September 2, 2025.
In his commentary on September 2, Mr Jiang Tao claimed that since the founding of the People's Republic, China has not initiated a single conflict.
Unfortunately, this is not correct.
In 1967, China launched an attack on India's border in the context of their border conflict.
In 1979, China launched an offensive ostensibly in response to Vietnam's invasion and occupation of Cambodia in 1978, which ended the rule of the Chinese-backed Khmer Rouge.
The Chinese-Vietnamese conflict lasted for about a month, with China withdrawing its troops in March 1979.
Only if historical truth is acknowledged, can cycles of violence be stopped and lasting peace can be established.

Ali Al-Nasani,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thaksin acquittal sparks debate", Bangkok Post, Sunday August 31, 2025.
To prevent abuse of our lese majeste law, S112, we should follow law Professor Olarn Thinbangtieo of Burapha University's suggestion that all lese majeste complaints be vetted by a body of prosecutors, judges, academics, and civil society representatives, operating like a prosecutor's screening panel but with broader representation, before proceeding to court.
As Law Faculty Dean Jade Donavanik of Dhurakij Pundit U noted, it's not S112 itself which is the problem, but rather its application and interpretation.
Many court verdicts leave the public with questions about the court's logic, which can damage the court's credibility.
For example, mega-tycoon Thaksin had been on the run for 15 years yet the court granted him bail while awaiting trial.
But young low-income activists are routinely locked up in pretrial detention despite being active students without funds to flee.
Having a proactive, broad-based vetting body would help develop a consistent and strategic approach to lese majeste cases that most observers, whether they agree or not, could accept.
For instance, in his 2015 interview, when he used the pronoun "he", was Thaksin referring to King Rama IX or the military, privy councillors, or palace officials?
The court acquitted Thaksin.
Will future activists be given the same benefit of the doubt?
The panel could clarify this point.
This multi-party panel, impartial and broad-based, might make it acceptable to keep our S112 as is while preventing political abuse, thus easing constitutional revision.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "The human toll behind your seafood", Bangkok Post Opinion, Monday July 28, 2025.
In this opinion piece, writer Claire Kietduriyakul succinctly red-flagged issue of juvenile fish caught as part of the so-called "bycatch" by destructive fishing gear.
Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of species not targeted by the fishing industry such as dolphins, turtles, seabirds, juvenile fishes, snakes, rays and sharks and is already causing unprecedented declines of non-target species.
These species often die after capture, leading to population declines, especially among endangered and vulnerable species.
Many bycaught species like sea turtles, some shark species, and marine mammals are already listed as threatened or endangered.
It leads to disruption of the natural ecosystem. Predators, prey and competitors are often caught unintentionally.
Removing key species can destabilise food webs and lead to trophic cascades, affecting the entire marine ecosystem.
Bycatch often includes juvenile individuals of commercially valuable species, reducing their chances of reaching maturity and reproducing.
This leads to long-term population declines and less sustainable fisheries. Species like albatrosses, sea lions, and dolphins are particularly vulnerable to certain fishing methods eg, longlines, gillnets.
These species play unique ecological roles and their loss affects coastal and ocean biodiversity.
Many species affected by bycatch migrate across international waters.
Their decline contributes to global-scale biodiversity loss, not just in specific regions.
Solutions to reduce the bycatch include use of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs), adoption of sustainable fishing practices, marine protected areas, and stronger monitoring and enforcement of fishing regulations.
In conclusion, bycatch is a hidden but major driver of biodiversity loss in aquatic ecosystems.
Addressing it is essential for protecting marine life, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring sustainable fisheries.

Saikat Kumar Basu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

On Saturday, August 30, the relentless downpour transformed parts of Quezon City into a watery labyrinth.
My family and I, returning home to Marikina City from an afternoon outing, found ourselves trapped in a seemingly endless traffic jam along V. Luna Road in Diliman. The road, more akin to a massive parking lot than a thoroughfare, crawled forward at a snail’s pace, a stark testament to the severity of the flooding.
The sight before me, streets submerged, vehicles inching through swirling waters,
sparked a surge of frustration and anger.
The immediate cause was the torrential rainfall, but beneath the surface simmered a deeper resentment, a bitter taste of injustice.
My mind conjured images of failed flood control projects, projects marred by corruption, projects that prioritized personal gain over public welfare.
I pictured those responsible, comfortably ensconced in their opulent homes, sipping their coffee, oblivious to the chaos they had helped create.
Their children, I imagined, were likely enjoying leisurely weekend getaways, a stark contrast to the working students who had served us lunch earlier that day, toiling tirelessly to fund their education and support their families.
The disparity was a painful sting.
The stark reality of this inequality gnawed at me, fueling a sense of outrage at the blatant disregard for the well-being of ordinary citizens.
The sheer incompetence and corruption that allowed such a situation to unfold felt profoundly unfair.
We, the hardworking taxpayers, were left to bear the brunt of their negligence, while they remained unscathed, enjoying the fruits of their ill-gotten gains.

Reginald B. Tamayo,
Marikina City,
Philippines

Re: "Buy now, bankrupt later", in Bangkok Post, Business, September 1, 2025.
Little is ever said about the so-called many often Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) listed prolific finance companies here, which charge very high interest rates, levy late fees very quickly, and impose other strict rules that are often, may we say, not very consumer-finance friendly.
Thai consumer usury laws surely should be reformed, brought on by the new Bank of Thailand governor. Better, fairer usury laws would protect consumers by governing the interest charged and other obscure rules on all consumer-related loans.

Paul A Renaud,
Bangkok,
Thailand

In the wake of the public uproar over the dismissal of the petition for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, the Supreme Court may try to change public perception by considering the practical wisdom of lowering the age limit for presidential candidates.
Given the rut we are in, I see nothing wrong with having Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto lead this country, which won’t happen if he can’t run for president in 2028. This is not some self-serving premature political campaigning because personally, we will get nothing from the Pasig mayor being voted as president that every Filipino will not also get a leadership with the wisdom and idealism of youth, and a clean reputation to inspire us and uplift a nation’s sagging spirit.
The minimum age limit of 40 years for a Filipino citizen to be able to run for president is almost a bridge too far for Sotto.
Born June 17, 1989, he may not run for president until after he turns 40 in June 2029.
By then, the presidential election will have been over and there will be five more years to go before he finally gets his chance to run as a qualified candidate.
But then, the extreme urgency and desperation of the times, coupled with the Filipino voters’ inherent fickle-mindedness in making political decisions, indicate that we cannot wait that long.
It’s now or never.
I’d rather that we bend the rules a little bit than choose the next president from among the VP, Speaker Martin Romualdez, Sen. Francis Escudero, Sen. Robinhood Padilla, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, former senator Manny Pacquiao, and not surprisingly, to end up choosing no one at all.

Adel Abillar,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Govt to ramp up drive for migrants," and "UNHCR backs Myanmar refugee work," in Bangkok Post, Thursday August 28, 2025.
I laud Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit for realising that foreign workers are vital to our economy and granting long-term Myanmar refugees the right to work, gaining United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) kudos.
We are a severely ageing society, with our average farmer being 59.5 years old, and farmers are 30 percent of our labour force.
But we need to recruit immigrants who fill our long-term needs, rather than looking only at the short term.
Vetting undocumented workers already here and letting them apply for permits is a good start, but we should aggressively recruit from other sources, such as Myanmar men, women, and professionals fleeing their junta's draft.
We should require that all complete an acculturation programme and offer a merit-based path to citizenship.
Simultaneously, we should upskill Thais so they can compete for higher-paying jobs.
Currently, 64.7 percent of Thais aged 15-65 have trouble reading and following simple medical instructions.
Give tax incentives to upskill, such as in languages or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to Thais, so that low-paying jobs need no longer be reserved for Thais after 2027.
Get immigrants to help us out of our economic morass.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Young farmers take the lead", in Bangkok Post, Monday August 4, 2025.
Agriculture today faces a dual challenge: ensuring food security for a growing population while adapting to the pressing impacts of climate change.
In this context, the role of youth in agriculture has become increasingly vital.
Young people bring innovation, adaptability, and technological skills that can transform traditional farming practices into climate-smart, sustainable systems.
Empowering youth in agriculture means equipping them with access to knowledge, training, land, credit, and modern technologies.
Programs promoting climate-resilient farming methods such as organic agriculture, precision farming, agroforestry, and water-efficient irrigation systems are creating new opportunities for young farmers.
Moreover, digital tools, mobile applications, and drones are helping youth adopt innovative practices to cope with unpredictable weather patterns and resource constraints.

Saikat Kumar Basu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Probe sought into pupil attack on teacher", in Bangkok Post, Sunday July 13, 2025.
Thailand's Education Minister, Narumon Pinyosinwat, has ordered a probe by the Office of Education of Private Commission (Opec) into the shocking incident in which a Grade 11 secondary student at a private school in Uthai Thani started to hit a Thai teacher on the head and body just over the fact that the teacher refused to give him a perfect score on a test.
The parents apologised to the school for the incident, but the school decided to suspend their son, and he subsequently decided to drop out of the school.
Here's my take on the situation.
We now live in an age of grade inflation.
Parents are dishing out a lot of money to get their kids educated.
And you know what?
They are not satisfied with anything less than an "A" score for their children.
So under such pressure, students are doing whatever is necessary to get high grades.
Thus, I think the M5 student from Uthai Thani was under pressure from his parents to get the highest scores possible in school, and simply caved in under such pressure, hitting the teacher in question, since anything less than an A was considered unacceptable by his mother and father.
Even though the parents apologised to the teacher, no real mention was made of what punishment they gave to their son in the news.
So, the problems occurring at schools now are just as much the fault of overbearing parents as they are of the students themselves, I believe.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Recruiters tout opportunities AI offers", Bangkok Post, Business, Monday August 25, 2025 and "Labour and the dynamics of change", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Sunday July 27, 2025.
The arrival of advanced artificial intelligence such as GPT-5 and Gemini 2.5 Pro has brought a profound disruption to education worldwide.
What we are witnessing is not merely the use of new technology to supplement old practices, but rather a paradigm shift: a fundamental rethinking of how knowledge is taught, learned, and evaluated.
In China, the government has mandated AI education across all levels, from primary schools to universities.
Schools in Beijing will be required to provide at least eight hours of AI instruction each academic year, and AI competencies will be factored into student evaluations.
Meanwhile, countries like the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are rolling out broad AI literacy programs.
Google has launched a 12-month free Gemini Pro plan for students in several countries, equipping them with interactive learning tools and vast digital resources.
Yet this transformation highlights a stark inequity.
Thailand has not been included in the global programs offering free AI access for students, nor has it developed a clear national strategy to embed AI into curricula.
Without policy intervention, Thai students risk falling into a "two-tier" system of education where some nations sprint ahead into the AI era while others lag behind.
This should serve as a wake-up call.
Thailand must move quickly to establish pilot programs in medical and technical universities, negotiate with technology providers for equitable access, and design frameworks that balance AI as a learning aid with safeguards against misuse.
The world is rewriting the very grammar of education.
The question is not whether this paradigm shift will come, but whether Thailand will learn to speak this new language of learning in time.

Watcharin Ariyaprakai,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Tip of the iceberg?", ''About Politics'', Bangkok Post, Saturday August 9, 2025.
Exactly the same legal standards which led to the disqualification of PT MP Pichet Chuamuangphan for violating the constitution's S114 must be applied to all other MPs and senators charged with the same crime, for all are equal before the law.
S144 prohibits MPs from altering or adding an item or amount to a budget bill in a way that constitutes a direct or indirect misuse of state budget.
Last year, under then-PM Srettha Thavisin, 309 MPs, 175 senators, and 72 committee members voted to move 35 billion baht from a budget reserved for debt payment to state-run banks to finance the 10,000 baht cash handout scheme, even though our constitution prohibits such reallocations.
If the Constitutional Court applies the same standards across the board as with Pichet, the mass purge would render the legislative branch unable to function.
Permanent secretaries, who are not elected, would govern as caretaker ministers, pending an election in the near future.
No court can afford to relax standards merely because there are a large number of defendants, for that would encourage, rather than deter, crime.
The budget reallocation is a clear and explicit violation of the constitution.
This is an excellent opportunity to show that we have a single standard for all, applied without political bias.
It also gives the electorate the opportunity to select new faces who will put national interests before their vested ones.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Time to act on information warfare", in Bangkok Post, Friday August 1, 2025.
Pawat Satayanurug says Thailand has "an opportunity to shape the future of law itself" and suggests critical thinking should be taught in schools.
He might as well have said Thailand has an opportunity to shape the future of theoretical physics.
Regarding law, everyday Thais know it is seldom enforced when it matters most, and justice is rarely served.
Furthermore, those capable of critical thinking in Thailand have become an endangered species.
On the same day this article was published, we read about seven traffic officers being charged for assault, and in another story, about 10 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in an illegal fireworks factory blast.
It also seems Thaksin is running the country from behind the scenes.
"Shape the future of law", indeed.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Fair probe for 'ATK doctor'", in Bangkok Post, Editorial, Wednesday August 20, 2025.
In probing Rural Doctor Society chair Dr Supat Hasuwannakit, the government must not only render justice, but equally importantly, the public must see that justice has been done.
Otherwise, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will again be accused of waging lawfare against political opponents, and she can ill-afford more public distrust.
During the Covid-19 pandemic Antigen Test Kits (ATK) were almost impossible to find.
Dr Supat successfully supplied such kits, winning government plaudits and awards. The autonomous National Health Security Office, not the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), funded his mission.
Antigen Test Kit (ATK) purchases were made in several lots rather than in one go. Dr Supat says the uncertainty of the Covid outbreak's early days made total demand virtually impossible to predict.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin says "violating regulations is wrong in itself, without having proof of cheating and corruption" implying the Royal Doctor Society should have risked either under-supply resulting in avoidable deaths or over-supply wasting public funds.
But the Hippocratic oath binds physicians to "do no harm" and taking the risk of going short could have led to unnecessary deaths.
Also, the Rural Doctor Society insists the Antigen Test Kit (ATK) it supplied cost less than those of the ministry.
If so, batch buying would have led to fewer deaths and lower costs than buying in one humongous lot.
Perhaps Dr Supat rejected a ministry demand forecast at the time of purchase that hindsight proved was accurate, or the Rural Doctor Society prices were higher than those of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), in which case Dr Supat would have been in error.
That's what the ministry must prove, by posting all documents and meeting minutes on its website. Let justice be seen to be done.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Let's party on", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Tuesday August 12, 2025 and "Welcome, all, equally", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Saturday July 19, 2025.
Absolutely, all tourists should be welcomed equally.
No one group, be it the Chinese, or gays, should be given preference over others. However, sometimes things seem otherwise.
Take the tourist city of Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province for instance.
The city is inundated with rainbow signs around the downtown area, promoting the gay lifestyle.
Slogans such as "be yourself", "show pride", "feel free" and so on are highlighted.
I talked to some tourists about this, and they told me they are questioning whether they want to come back here or not.
Where are the promotions for heterosexual tourists?
There is nothing wrong with welcoming gays here; but so should there be tourist promotions for everyone else.
It almost feels as if the gays want to impose their views upon everyone.
The bottom line is most people remain heterosexual.
There is nothing wrong with being a normal everyday guy who eats meat and potatoes on a regular basis.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thailand's costly political storms", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday August 22, 2025.
Prof Thitinan Pongsudhirak's observations should be read as the continuum of the uncertainties in Thai politics which began with the coup in 1991 and the ensuing trysts with modern democracy in Thailand.
Critics and political commentators bemoaned the heavy symbolism of status play and money as the boon and bane of political parties and yes, status position with regard to respecting the establishment became the indispensable qualifications of would-be prime ministers.
Notwithstanding the skirmishes between the red and yellow factions roughly 15 years ago and with the sensational orange party appeal which almost toppled the traditional structure of the political fabric, the constant attribute which has not changed is the money factor.
Thailand and its political storms not alone; there are political typhoons and earthquakes among all power systems around the world.
The question remains of when the political storms will subside and how soon Thais will get to choose a political leader to lead the country into prosperity and progress.

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Douglas Patiken Barbara makes a very valid observation in his letter ‘ PM’s Gaza statement one-sided ‘ ( The National 20/8/25 ).
But the pro-Israeli statement comes as no surprise.
Papua New Guinea is among the few countries that have set up an embassy in Jerusalem when many world leaders said it was not the right thing to do.
So siding with the apartheid Israeli State must come naturally to the Papua New Guinea PM.
But he is on the wrong side of history.

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia

Re: "Diplomacy via education", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Saturday August 16, 2025.
This editorial debates about whether the Thai government should provide education to undocumented workers and Cambodian students at cross-border schools, which offers the opportunity to evoke the United Nations position on the right to education.
The article reminds us about the UN General Assembly which invited all states to consider the adoption of appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures to ensure the full implementation of the right to universal education through, inter alia, free and compulsory primary education, universal and gradually free-of-charge secondary education, equal access to all educational facilities and the access of the young generation to science and culture.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "PP MP sorry for critical comments", in Bangkok Post, Monday August 18, 2025.
I almost choked on my patangko this morning when reading the article.
The so-called progressive legislator was apologising for having earlier criticised a 5-million-baht budget (US$154,000.) to ferry 100 monks to Buddhist pilgrimage sites across the world, including India, Nepal and hold your breath a Thai Buddhist temple in Las Vegas!
The MP Nont Pisarn Limjaroenkit openly says in the parliament fiscal debate, "It costs 50,000 baht per person just to go there and pay respect to something we do not even know about."
Alas, the version of Buddhism currently practised in Thailand would be unrecognisable to Lord Buddha.
Amulets, talismans and fortune-telling have replaced the edicts whereby monks were expected to live a life of renunciation, detached from material possessions and worldly desires.

Vichai,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Re: "Israel's war within", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, August 8, 2025 and "Stick to the facts", in Bangkok Post PostBag, July 19, 2025.
Quite a few letters and comments were published in recent weeks accusing letter writers of reading only Israeli propaganda.
However, the pot is calling the kettle black here, as I accuse these critics of only listening to biased institutions like the UN or HelpGaza they're not neutral as they benefit from the Hamas propaganda.
One prime example is Australian PM Anthony Albanese, who wrote a report on Gaza without mentioning Hamas once and is a documented denier of the Hamas rapes on Oct 7, 2023.
Last week, British daily The Guardian published an article about the lies in Palestinian posts on social platforms.
These critics never mention the reasons why Arab countries don't offer their fellow brothers and sisters domicile in their country.
These critics accuse Israel of not offering olive branches to the Palestinians.
They seem to forget the Camp David Accords, which were broken by Yasser Arafat.
The latest olive branch offered by Israel was in 2005 by giving Gaza to the Palestinians. The Jewish settlers were even forcefully removed!
We all know how that has ended. Instead of living in peace with their neighbour, as two million Arabs do inside Israel, Hamas shot rockets into Israel.
Hamas can end the war today!
I am not a fan of Israel its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has to go, but facts must be acknowledged.
Judge on the basis of all the available information what is most trustworthy, not on your sentiments.

E L Wout,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "US eyes Cambodia", Bangkok Post PostBag, Tuesday, August 12 and "Effort to contain China in Southeast Asia", Bangkok Post,PostBag, Friday, August 8, 2025.
ML Saksiri Kridakorn struggles mightily to find a logical foundation to support his myopic pro-China anti-US geopolitical point of view.
He further states about the recent military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, "The real beneficiary and culprit is the US via the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM)."
Yet try as he may, not one piece of evidence is presented to support his contention.
Reuters reported that it was the "July 26 call by Trump to the leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia that broke the deadlock in efforts to end some of the heaviest fighting between the neighbours in recent history."
The resultant ceasefire was negotiated on July 28.
We are asked to believe the US is so clever as to start a war between Cambodia and Thailand, only to have President Trump a rather busy man spend his time ending it.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Clock ticks as plastic talks drag on", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday August 15, 2025.
While enjoying lunch at a beachside restaurant in Wongamart, Pattaya, a young couple, tourists to the area, approached the staff and requested a garbage bag.
The staff, a little confused by the request, obliged and handed the couple a large black plastic garbage bag.
The couple then proceeded to collect rubbish along the beachfront and within 20 minutes had filled the bag.
Being a resident, I was humbled by such a selfless act, and embarrassed at the state of our beach. It has driven me to join the clean-up.
Beaches are a fundamental component of tourism in Thailand; keeping them clean must be a priority and it should not require our visitors to collect rubbish on the city's behalf.

David Nathan Coppin,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re:: "BoT touts further monetary easing", in Bangkok Post, Business, Thursday August 14, 2025.
All Thai banks have a minimum lending rate of 6-6.5 percent. Investment rates for savings accounts are 1-2.2 percent, a difference of 4-4.5 percent. Thailand's banks announced a 5.8 percent increase in profits.
The Post article on the younger generation not investing for retirement suggests a 30-year investment at a 7.5 percent return.
Where can they invest to get this rate of return?
Household debt in Thailand is at record highs.
Other Asean countries have a difference of 2-3 percent between the lending rate and the deposit savings rate, half that of Thailand.
Banks announce a reduction in loans to low-income earners to reduce non-performing loans.
The establishment continues to be profitable at the expense of the majority of Thais on low incomes.
Government short-term low-interest rate loans are not the long-term answer and are only for popular political gain.

John Rounce,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Art freedom under fire", Bangkok Post Editorial, WednesdayAugust 13, 2025.
The Bangkok Post editorial justly condemns China's intrusion.
It is not for such repressive powers to censor what may be viewed at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, which callowly caved to its insistence on forced ignorance.
It was, however, stunning to read the sentence: "If Thailand presents itself as an open society, it must remain committed to freedom of expression as a principle."
Did the editors write that with faces straight, or with bodies rolling guffawing on the floor?
It must be wondered what human rights advocate Arnon Nampa and other patriotic Thais unjustly imprisoned for peaceful expression would say about the mouthing of so wholesome an ideal in the brute face of a Thai law that can only be, as Hamlet so neatly puts it, "More honoured in the breach than the observance," even for those "native here And to the manner born" (Act I, scene 4).
Is it not, after all, as the current and too many previous Thai constitutions nobly insist, that "sovereign power belongs to the Thai people"?

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Unlikely ally", Bangkok Post, Thursday August 7 and "Cambodia is 'cosying up to US'", Bangkok Post, Monday August 4, 2025.
For the second time in a week, I agree with ML Saksiri Kridakorn's view.
When the recent border fight broke out in earnest, I told my best friends over a long-distance phone call to America that, one way or another, Cambodia would probably have a far more potent military within 24 months, so hearing rumours of Cambodia allegedly trying to woo America comes as no surprise to me assuming the information is accurate.
Yet the more interesting part is Cambodia's alleged attempted serenade to get America to throw down a lock of its hair shows just how far Thailand- formerly America's SE. Asian Cold War "favourite son has fallen. ''
Post World War II until at least when the USSR fell in 1991, Thailand all but walked on water in the eyes of the United States, and Thailand might still have that status if not for relations with the USA which have gradually soured over approximately the last decade.
To conclude, I know my country well.
If another SE Asian nation is willing to give the United States its way, as well as a strategic toe-hold in SE Asia, I fully expect the USA will take the offer and, as with many allies of America, that will likely include all kinds of US technology, and possibly military equipment.
It looks to me like the stage might be set for a new SE Asian favourite son.

Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Cambodia 'cosying up to US'", in Bangkok Post, Monday August 4, 2025.
While Cambodian leaders are being used by the Thai news media to whip anti-Cambodian sentiments into a frenzy, they miss the more important point: the US is subtly expanding its military influence to counter China just next door to us.
In every global conflict, there are hidden motives, and it's essential to consider Cambodia's motivations.
On its own, Cambodia has little to gain by destroying trade and relationships with its nearest neighbour for a few square metres of land with little economic value.
But Cambodia was never alone.
The real beneficiary and culprit is the US via the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
PACOM, established as a post-World War II US initiative, aims to maintain a military presence in Southeast Asia. Thailand was the first Southeast Asian nation to join PACOM in 1954.
Other early members included the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Essentially, the US military runs PACOM, arguably more so than it does Nato in Europe.
Currently, PACOM's primary objective is to contain China. To achieve this, it needs a proxy in Southeast Asia.
Given that the US has not been successful in direct pressure or through political parties with US interest-leaning support to force Thailand to diverge from its current foreign policies, Cambodia emerged as the next viable option a target for proxy engagement.
The timeline of recent events involving Cambodia and PACOM is worth taking a look at. It began with the visit of General Ronald P Clark, the Commanding General of the US Army Pacific, to Cambodia on Feb 26, where he met with Prime Minister Hun Manet a West Point graduate.
It was followed by the May 16 joint military exercise in Kampong Speu, from which Thailand was notably excluded, and advanced to another level in a recent Bilateral Defence Dialogue held on July 24-25.
Given this progression of events, it is reasonable to anticipate that Cambodia is on the brink of signing an agreement with PACOM or directly with the US.
This pact will facilitate increased US military involvement in Cambodia's defence and potentially set the stage for establishing a military base on Cambodian soil.

ML Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Tourism perils", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Saturday July 19, 2025
Frank Scimone, contributor to PostBag, accuses me of saying the only reason why the Chinese are not coming here in large numbers any more, is that they read the Everly Life study, showing that Thailand is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to visit.
However, if he carefully read my letter, he would realise that I was only using the cited study to back-up a prior Post Editorial on the situation which highlighted the reluctance of the Chinese to come here due to their perception of the country as becoming too dangerous to visit now.
Thats all!
Further, I would like to point out that a recent study by Eagle Dumpster Rental has rated Thailand's capital city as being the "7th dirtiest in the world".
So other reasons also factor into why the Chines are no longer coming here in great numbers.
Thailand's total tourist arrivals for this year are projected to be around 33 million at most, far below pre-Covid pandemic peaks.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

SS

Re: "Asean's charm offensive in full swing", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday August 5, 2025.
The US Embassy Bangkok would like to clarify that the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) remains highly active.
This year alone, over 70 Thai participants will participate in YSEALI Fellowship programs in the United States, and more than 50 young Thai leaders will join YSEALI regional exchanges.
Since its launch in 2013, YSEALI has empowered emerging Thai leaders through programs focused on entrepreneurship, workforce development, digital innovation, security, and the rule of law to create a positive and lasting impact for both Thailand and the United States.
For more information or the latest updates on YSEALI, please visit yseali.state.gov or contact us at YSEALIThailand@state.gov.

US Embassy Bangkok
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "WTO at 30 after decades of challenges", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Wednesday July 30, 2025.
As the author Supachai Panitchpakdi rightly notes, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has become emblematic of the tensions that define the global trade landscape today: North versus South, multilateralism versus protectionism, and institutional inertia versus the imperative of reform.
Yet, amid these dichotomies, one central truth clearly emerges the WTO can only be revitalised if it is able to function in a genuine spirit of solidarity.
Revitalising the WTO should therefore not be reduced to technical fixes or procedural adjustments.
It requires a renewed political commitment to a trade system that works for all developed and developing countries alike.
The WTO at 30 has now a choice: to drift into irrelevance or to reinvent itself as a platform for inclusive dialogue and equitable rules.
The latter path is only possible if its members embrace solidarity not just as rhetoric, but as the guiding principle of international economic cooperation.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Cambodia is 'cosying up to US'", in Bangkok Post, Monday August 4, 2025.
While the attention of most Thais is focused on the Hun family in Cambodia, the US Pacific Command (PACOM) is poised to sign a bilateral agreement with Cambodia that would likely lead to US troops' presence on Cambodian soil, which is another step towards the US effort to contain China.
In recent years, the US has been looking for a proxy in Southeast Asia to serve as a bulwark against China.
While Thailand has refused to become a US proxy to avoid a situation similar to Ukraine, Cambodia has agreed to act as a US proxy in Southeast Asia in exchange for an economic lifeline and military parity with neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand.
In the past decade, China has made big investments in Cambodia, particularly in infrastructure development, such as the Sihanoukville Port Project, hoping to win a friend.
However, as a policy, China would not directly assist Cambodia in developing its military capabilities, something Cambodia has long wanted.
The US, on the other hand, has a record of helping to build military capacity and positioning its troops in other countries.
Cambodia obviously sees this as an easy decision to make. By following the US script designed to deflect attention from the real culprits behind the scenes, it gains an economic development path and military parity with its neighbours in one fell swoop. This likely scenario also explains the missing motive behind Cambodia's border actions against Thailand.
There is no need to debate whether this explanation is plausible.
The speed of each step taken by PACOM since February shows this project has high priority.
We will soon enough find out through PACOM's next move with Cambodia.

M L Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Cambodia is 'cosying up to US'", in Bangkok Post Monday August 4, 2025.
While the attention of most Thais is focused on the Hun family, the US Pacific Command (PACOM) is poised to sign a bilateral agreement with Cambodia that would likely lead to US troops' presence on Cambodian soil, which is another step towards the US effort to contain China.
In recent years, the US has been looking for a proxy in Southeast Asia to serve as a bulwark against China.
While Thailand has refused to become a US proxy to avoid a situation similar to Ukraine, Cambodia has agreed to act as a US proxy in Southeast Asia in exchange for an economic lifeline and military parity with neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand.
In the past decade, China has made big investments in Cambodia, particularly in infrastructure development, such as the Sihanoukville Port Project, hoping to win a friend.
However, as a policy, China would not directly assist Cambodia in developing its military capabilities, something Cambodia has long wanted.
The US, on the other hand, has a record of helping to build military capacity and positioning its troops in other countries.
Cambodia obviously sees this as an easy decision to make. By following the US script designed to deflect attention from the real culprits behind the scenes, it gains an economic development path and military parity with its neighbours in one fell swoop.
This likely scenario also explains the missing motive behind Cambodia's border actions against Thailand.
There is no need to debate whether this explanation is plausible.
The speed of each step taken by PACOM since February shows this project has high priority.
We will soon enough find out through PACOM's next move with Cambodia.

M L Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangok,
Thailand

Re: "Thais will not slash all tariffs: Paopoom voices fear of hit to industries", in Bangkok, Monday July 18, 2025.
Thailand's recent success in negotiating a 19 percent reciprocal tariff on exports to the United States down from the 36 percent has been framed as a diplomatic and economic win.
The result places Thailand on par with regional peers such as Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
With the US accounting for roughly 18 percent of Thai exports, this outcome undeniably matters.
But while trade negotiators led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Deputy Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul exercised caution in talks with the United States Trade Representative (USTR), one must ask: Whose interests were they protecting?
Mr Paopoom has argued that fully opening Thailand markets could jeopardise local producers, particularly farmers and Small to Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs).
Yet these very groups already struggle under the weight of monopolistic domestic structures in the hands of a few powerful conglomerates spanning retail, telecoms, agriculture, and more.
This economic reality translates into fewer choices, inflated prices, and limited upward mobility.
In agriculture where nearly one-third of the workforce is employed smallholders are frequently bound by contract farming schemes that limit their independence and entrench rural poverty.
Meanwhile, the close nexus between politics and business continues to insulate monopolies from genuine competition. In this light, Thailand's trade talks with the US offered more than a moment to fend off tariffs they offered an opportunity for economic introspection.
Did we use that moment wisely?
While defending vulnerable sectors is important, real reform demands more than defensive posturing.
It requires confronting the structural inequalities that undermine inclusive growth and hold back long-term competitiveness.
Thailand must ask itself: Is it safeguarding its people, or merely protecting the entrenched interests of a few?

Concerned Observer,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Trump hurting global trade in ideas", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday August 4, 2025.
DC policy wonk Sally Tyler states, "Immeasurable benefits flow to the US and countries around the world from the participation of international students on American campuses."
To clarify, the "immeasurable benefits which flow to the US" are immeasurable because it is so small.
People from all over the world come to study in the US for personal gain, not to contribute to the US in any meaningful way.
Examples are Muslim activists disrupting college campuses and Chinese spies smuggling bioweapons into laboratories where they intern.
Sally Tyler may be unaware that Xi Jinping's daughter attends Harvard, protected 24/7 by an entourage of security personnel.
Is she making a contribution to the subject of psychology, which she studies?
The "global trade in ideas" is not an international right bestowed by the United States, just as USAID is not a guarantee of free money.
Have any of Trump's children studied at Tsinghua University?
Equitable trade, whether in financial assets or intellectual property, is an appropriate cornerstone of international relations.
President Trump is doing what he was elected to do, putting America's interests first.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Adding up the list of Thai concessions", Bangkok Post, Business, Saturday August 2, 2025.
I am writing to express my concern regarding the approach and logic behind the Trump administration's tariffs, which have focused almost exclusively on physical goods traded between countries while all but ignoring the massive and growing role of services in today's global economy.
While much of the public and political debate has centred on tariffs applied to steel, automobiles and agricultural products, little attention is paid to the disparity this creates vis-à-vis cross-border services.
The United States is a powerhouse in digital, financial and software services, generating hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue annually from exports of cloud computing, fintech innovations, e-commerce platforms and all manner of internet-based products.
By implementing tariffs that target only the tangible goods moving between borders, US policymakers have left the far more lucrative and dynamic world of digital, software and professional services largely untouched.
This creates an uneven playing field, benefiting the US services industry tremendously while penalising other countries for goods-based exports.
It also fails to address the modern reality of trade, where intellectual property, proprietary algorithms and consulting services are often far more valuable than manufactured items.
If a fair and 21st-century trade policy is the goal, shouldn't tariffs and regulations also reflect the true nature of commerce today?
To do otherwise is to ignore the very foundation of America's current economic strength, and the interests of its global trading partners.

Burl Ives,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Supreme Court’s decision declaring the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional is both disappointing and disheartening.
It was a ruling grounded in legal technicalities.
Had the Court taken a broader and arguably wiser perspective, a different interpretation might have prevailed.
This is not merely about Sara Duterte as an individual.
It is a matter of public accountability.
The impeachment process exists to hold public officials accountable for the decisions and transactions they make.
These actions must be aligned with the mandate of their office and must ultimately serve the people.
The impeachment complaint filed by the House of Representatives, which stemmed from allegations of corruption, are serious charges that merit scrutiny, not dismissal.
Corruption in government is often viewed by the public as routine a sad norm. Allowing the impeachment process to move forward could have challenged that perception.
It would have sent a powerful message: that no official, regardless of rank, is above the law.
Such a precedent could have promoted a culture of accountability, discouraging abuse of power.
The larger context is the state of the Filipino people, many of whom face daily struggles: lack of decent housing, persistent hunger and malnutrition, and limited access to stable employment.
These hardships are often the result of corrupt and negligent governance. Communities suffer when infrastructure projects are mismanaged, when ancestral lands are seized under the guise of progress, or when farmlands are converted into lifeless concrete landscapes.
Corruption strips citizens of their dignity and robs them of opportunities for a better life.
Curbing corruption is a critical step.
It empowers the people and instills a sense of justice.
It can give ordinary citizens the courage to demand not just what is due them, but what they truly deserve.

Julie L. Po,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Gaza Strip pantomime ending at last", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday July 29, 2024.
In his commentary justifying Hamas' refusal to release its hostages, Gwynne Dyer regurgitates the terror organ's lies as facts.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was established in order to free Gazans from dependence on Hamas.
For years, Hamas has been expropriating United Nations food for itself as well as selling it at exorbitant prices.
Hamas threatened to kill Gazans who accepted aid from this foundation.
Hamas operatives routinely fire into crowds and then release statements blaming Israel.
If Israel wants to wean Gazans from depending on the UN, which cooperates with Hamas, the last thing it would do would be to kill Gazans accepting this aid.
Hamas and its supporters are again repeating the famine narrative.
But there is not a single photograph of crowds of starving people.
Videos from social media do not support this narrative.
Dyer forgets that Hamas started the war, butchering over 1,200 people, raping and mutilating women, and strangling babies.
The group openly states that it intends to do this to all Jews living in Israel.
They must not get off scot-free.
Hamas does have a choice: Release the hostages and leave Gaza. This will end the suffering.

Frank Scimone,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thai army condemns Cambodia for breaking ceasefire agreement", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday July 29, 2025 and "Ulterior motives" Bangkok Post PostBag, Tuesday July 29, 2025.
As much as I like and admire President Donald Trump, I have noticed in his second term that he seems to think that every geopolitical problem can be solved with money.
His trade deal phone calls to the leaders of both countries in this conflict as well as a ceasefire agreement which has already been broken underscores that not everything is for sale.
The simple fact of the matter is the sacred structures and border in question a border drawn through the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907, that marked the border between Siam and French Indochina were devised in colonial times by colonial leaders who probably either did not know, or did not care that these sacred historic buildings were there.
I was not surprised to read the ceasefire may already have been broken because the temptation of lower tariffs does not address the root cause of the problem.
I agree with ML Saksiri Kridakorn in that we Asean must not only be careful about allowing involvement from non-Asean countries, but moreover that the best possible solution should come out of Asean itself, which has all of the local and cultural knowledge no American president has.
Sorry, Mr Trump, money can't buy everything.

Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Underage girls working in bars", in Bangkok Post, In Brief, Saturday January 9, 2025.
Is Thailand the Land of Smiles?
Not for the vast majority of the girls that work the bars.
They have no other choice as they did not stay at school long enough to achieve any qualifications.
They have children and there are no laws to make the father pay towards the child's upkeep.
The salaries if any are pitiful.
Then they have to have huge numbers of exorbitant "lady drinks" bought for them. Some of them sleep in rooms with up to 16 others sleeping elbow to elbow.
It is the low season but many bars have put the lady drink numbers up.
In a bar I drank in the previous requirement was 50 drinks during a 10-day contract.
It has been put up to 100.
If they do not achieve that target they have to pay the full price on the numbers not achieved.
Most have to send money back home to take care of their children.
They have nothing and are easy prey for ruthless bar owners.
It's virtual slavery as they do not qualify for the minimum daily wage as casual staff.
It is ruthless.

Farlie Chost,
Bangkok,
Thailand

On Friday and Saturday the Post published no fewer than three photos of hungry children in Gaza, lending credence to the media's campaign of outrage against Israel.
For one, Hamas has photographers choreographing pictures and videos of crying babies.
Secondly, two of these photos were of children suffering from diseases which cause emaciation, and two were from last year.
Conspicuously absent are photos of Hamas operatives staging these scenes.
Nor do we see photographs from regions such as Sudan, where there is a real famine. Perhaps the lack of a photo can also be worth a million words?

Frank Scimone,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Restoring people's faith battered by bad monks", in Bangkok Post, Sunday July 27, 2025.
The scholars cited by the Post are correct to "say change must come from within" if Thailand Buddhism is to be saved from its business-as-usual failures. They are mistaken to put faith in the watchdog of Thai law.
On the contrary, get the politicians and political players out of running the religion. It is irrational to think that any institution or its members could have better morals than those running it to serve their own purposes.
Thailand Buddhism is exactly what it is because it has traditionally been run by Thai politicians and other political players bent not on allowing the Thailand version of Buddhism to serve the dissemination of the Buddha's wise teachings but, rather, on bending it to serve the agenda of those political overlords.
Abolishing the National Office of Buddhism would be a healthy start to saving Thai Buddhism from the state domination it yet suffers under.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Wartime requires a prime minister with full authority,'' InQuote, Friday, July 25, 2025.
Pheu Thai's list-MP Korkaew Pikulthong has the gall to urge the Constitutional Court to remove the suspension of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra because we are in "wartime".
Oh, please.
We have to admit that Ms Paetongtarn is no Margaret Thatcher during the Falklands War.
Worse, her conduct towards Hun Sen resembled that of a lion and a lamb, especially with her childlike criticisms of the Thai army general who is protecting the country's sovereignty.
As a lawmaker, Mr Korkaew must let our court decide what is right!

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Signs and symptoms of Thai stagnation", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday July 18, 2025.
I am trying to pinch my thin skin every time I read Dr Thitinan's column, searching for the purpose of the subject and who the readers are that he targets, especially on these domestic issues, written in English.
Dr Thitinan dares to expose, dares to be vocal and expressive, and honestly talks about the elite and juntas.
Everything he mentions is pinned on the untouchable elites of Thai politics, Thai juntas, incumbent technocrats, unethical and selfish Thai conglomerates with close ties to the government.
His targeted readers, I presume, are foreign diplomats in Thailand and elsewhere, and locally based foreign expats in the UN.
I really wonder if his article reaches those Thais who are behind this "Thai stagnation".
The root of the problem lies in us, our teachers, our schools, our parents, our upbringing in Thailand in Thai society.
Teachers in kindergarten and secondary schools are abusive, violent and discourage kids from asking questions, making toddlers scared and never making the subjects fun.
Our Thai parents do not encourage us to be brave, verbal and expressive.
We are forbidden to smile when we deserve to, we are forbidden to protest, forbidden to speak our minds.
Our parents consistently remind us of possible arrest and imprisonment if we say or do what is considered to be "taboo", for example, talking about our constitutional rights or "right" and "wrong".
In colleges and universities, we are not given examples of Thai role models of scientists, environmentalists, social reformers, thinkers, philosophers or revolutionaries who dared to sacrifice their lives for freedom of speech, for fighting to protect forests, who fight against mafias and the powerful who encroach on public and forest land, except the role model of our revered late King Rama IX.
It all starts with the old maxim: "Everything begins at home."
Here, in Thailand, our parents, our neighbours, our friends' circles project rich and wealthy people as idols, no matter how their wealth is earned.
That education and teaching at a grassroots level until we graduate mould us as a specific type of species, where we reject compassion and patriotism.
I wish to read Dr Thitinan's opinions on these issues.
Otherwise, we will keep on producing clans of Thaksins, Anutins and Chidchobs, who keep their personal interest as a priority.
Dr Thitinan, as a professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University, is the right person to influence the Education Ministry to train teachers to teach students about the French Revolution, European Renaissance, the philosophy of the ancient Greeks like Plato and Aristotle, and the resilience of Nelson Mandela.
These all continue to inspire modern-day statesmen and women.
I can end with the example of the People's Party, which was formerly known as Future Forward and the Move Forward Party.
To me, over the past five or six decades, they seemed like the light at the end of the tunnel, giving hope to millions of youth.
They routed red-shirt areas and strongholds.
They also routed "blue" areas, earning the respect of middle-aged members of the middle and working class.
Yet, these progressive politicians lack "maturity" and political shrewdness, failing to understand the harsh reality and underlying power of the mighty elites in their olive and beige uniforms, who are really pulling the strings.
Their core leaders failed to mould leaders at the bottom of the ladder so they can remain as captains of an ice-cutting ship in the frozen Arctic and continue to sail.
These new leaders should be trained to steer the ship and dock at the port with the aim of mobilising people and students to create awareness, to leave the comfort of their homes and take to the streets, and to target parliament and stop those in power from destroying the nation.

Jayut Jayanandana,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "PP backs public criticism of ruling in cadet's death", in Bangkok Post, Thursday July 24, 2025.
I fully agree with the People's Party that the military court system needs reform, for it has failed to effectively police itself.
Our military has been above the law, as shown by the historical Tak Bai case 85 casualties, zero accountability, and Pheu Thai let the commanding general escape abroad until the statue of limitations expire; Nong Chik four deaths of unarmed villagers going to a funeral, again zero accountability, and now the death of cadet Pakapong "Moei" Tanyakan, assaulted by two senior cadets.
In the latest case, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) returned the corpse but switched its internal organs without permission, raising suspicion of a cover-up, then merely gave the perpetrators suspended sentences.
For starters, allow civilians to sue military personnel directly rather than go through military prosecutors and shift torture-related cases in military camps to civilian corruption courts.
Put our military under the law.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Army culture of impunity" in Bangkok Post, Editorial, Wednesday July 23, 2025 and "Monastic discipline in the digital age" in Bangkok Post, Wednesday Opinion, July 23, 2025.
Whatever pious claims they make to value justice under democracy for the Thai people, the Royal Thai Army's known acts contradict that.
To believe the army's claims to the contrary is as rational as believing that Thai Buddhism could have better ethics than the politicians and political players who have traditionally run that religion: that is not a recipe for purity, although a sufficiency of suppression whether by law or social sanction can foster a hollow "image or purity" as cited by the very pragmatic Assoc Prof Dr Watcharin Ariyaprakai in his thoughtful opinion piece.
Liberating it from political control is the only feasible path to Thai Buddhism becoming a true expression of the Buddha's wise insights for those Thais who genuinely value those excellent teachings.
This includes the Buddha's Kalama Sutta, which is contradicted by imprisoning people for healthy, peaceful, free speech in order to suppress right understanding on any topic.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Clergy in need of control, not reform", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Sunday July 20, 2025.
The Post's editorial is critical of the proposed legal remedies to Thai Buddhism's enduring ethical failures, but does it go far enough?
The underlying problem corrupting Thai Buddhism is that it has traditionally been a tool of political players.
Hardly what the Buddha taught, those players give out gilded temples and other goodies in return for a version of Buddhism that serves the interests of its sufficiently rich endowing masters.
In weightier matters, monks should not be treated differently from any other person under the law.
If two people, for example, engage in consensual sex, that is not a matter for the state to concern itself with.
Whether one or more of the parties in the consensual sex is a monk or not is irrelevant.
If the religion wants to disrobe monks for engaging in consensual sex, that's fine, but it's not a criminal matter for the state.
When monks commit crimes, such as fraud or worse, they should be imprisoned as monks. The law should not wait for them to be disrobed.
It is not for the state to say who can or cannot be a monk or to treat some criminals differently merely because they hold a religious position.
There is no good reason why monks should not be imprisoned while they are monks.
Temples handling money should be treated exactly as any other institution soliciting funds from the public.
Thai Buddhism deserves to be liberated from the legalised state feudalism
binding it.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Taking stock of nation's climate finance", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Thursday July 17, 2025.
While I commend the government's commitment to addressing climate change and its substantial investment in various initiatives, I urge policymakers to remain attentive to the full scope of contributing factors.
Scientific research consistently shows that a significant portion potentially more than half of Thailand's air pollution is actually attributable to open biomass burning.
For comparison, emissions from vehicles and industrial activities are secondary contributors.
Satellite data on hotspots from the past three years reveal little to no decline in the open burning activity.
Alarmingly, some of these fires have taken place within our national parks, highlighting both environmental and regulatory challenges.
In my view, directing more resources and strategic focus towards mitigating biomass burning -- through stringent enforcement, public awareness and sustainable alternatives -- could lead to more measurable improvements in both air quality and climate outcomes.

Borvornchai Chirachon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

It is quite amazing, to say the least, that the Bangkok Post has published pro-Palestine or anti-Jewish letters, based on lies, lack of knowledge, yet refuses to accept factually presented letters.
The continuous hammering of Jews in letters to the editor needs some more perspective.
Israel is fighting every day for its existence.
The myth of the occupation of Palestinian lands is just like that: a myth.
Never ever was there a Palestinian state.
In 1948, the Palestinians were offered their own land, but this was not accepted by the Arab countries, causing the wars instigated by these countries.
In 2005, they got a second chance from Israel itself, which gave full autonomy to Gaza.
Israeli settlers were forcefully removed from Gaza.
Instead of developing the economy, they chose war, and Israel reacted.
Talking about a real genocide is in the Hamas charter, which states, "kill all Jews".
How many terrorist attacks have taken place in Israel on false grounds of occupation?
To be clear, I am not a fan of Israel, but the facts speak for themselves.
Moreover, is there even one Arab country that offers the Palestinians a domicile? Must be a reason for that.
The critics are lopsided in their view on the conflict.
They seem to forget Hamas started the war, committing acts not seen in recent times.
Moreover, there is no genocide.
War crimes don't equal genocide.

E L Wout,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Asean importance", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Friday July 18, 2025
Ioan Voicu has hauled out his flowery spray can of fluff stuff and painted his favourite topic of multilateralism on the backsides of the United Nations (UN) and Asean in a hopeless effort to make them look lovely.
"Asean's voice and action are expected to consistently support the world organisation's United Nations (UN) thesis that global solidarity remains essential to safeguard progress and save lives."
The United Nations (UN) is corrupt at its core. Remember their oil-for-food programme that suffered from widespread corruption and abuse?
"Save lives"?
Right. Since 2015, there have been 209 accusations across all United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions, according to Al.
These involve 346 peacekeepers, both military and civilian personnel, and 388 survivors, including 171 children, according to Al Jazeera's report "Why do some peacekeepers rape?"
The full report was released in Aug 10, 2017.
Then there is the World Health Organization, which has been trying to usurp the sovereignty of free nations since 2020 with their "pandemic treaties".
Contrary to the authoritarian globalist import of Ioan Voicu's letter, Asean member states would be better off staying as far away from United Nations UN "doctrine" as possible.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Russia shines", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Monday July 14, 2025
The debt-to-GDP ratio is a poor indicator of a good country to live in.
Japan has the highest of almost any country at 255 percent compared with Russia at around 15 percent yet Japan is rated as having about the same "quality of life" as the USA. Russia is about the same as Brazil. Russia may produce its own cars, but they either compare badly to Western models or are re-badged Chinese models.
Perhaps Mr Jellison can explain why more than 800,000 have recently left what he sees as such an idyllic place to live?
I don't think Thailand has anything to learn from the Russian economy.

Drahid,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Brics members reject Trump's accusation", Bangkok Post, World, Wednesday July 9, 2025.
It is beyond my grasp how President Donald Trump cannot see himself in the mirror.
As Brazilian President Lula da Silva told reporters at the Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 8: "The world has changed we don't want emperors."
But history and reality show that the emperor departs, only to be replaced by a new one often in different forms.
One of those forms is the debt trap diplomacy employed by China's Xi Jinping, targeting poor and vulnerable nations across Asia, South America, Africa, and the tiny island countries of the Asia-Pacific.
Mr Trump has declared that Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) nations are anti-American.
The truth is, Brazil, India, the UAE, South Africa, and Egypt are not anti-American. India, for instance, is a defence and trade partner of the USA and a member of the Quad alliance in the Pacific, aimed at countering China's influence in the South China Sea.
Indeed, India is one of the USA's closest allies. Mr Modi is considered a trusted friend of Mr Trump and previously supported his campaign by rallying the Indian diaspora in the United States.
Here's the catch: it is no secret that China and India are adversaries, yet both are members of Brics even though China funds, supports, and arms Pakistan, which harbours terrorists and is responsible for attacks on innocent civilians in India.
The original five Brics nations represent the largest economies in their respective regions and account for 40 percent of the world's population some 3.3 billion people even before including Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the UAE.
In short, with the addition of Nigeria, Africa's second-largest economy, Brics expands to represent 54.6 percent of the global population and 42.2% of global GDP.
Brics is growing now consisting of 10 full members and nine partners.
These are the nations that dared to stand up, refused to bow, and fought back against Mr Trump's trade tariffs.
But readers should understand the deeper reasons behind Mr Trump's hostility towards Brics nations:
Brics' initiative for de-dollarisation promoting trade in local currencies instead of the US dollar.
A majority of Brics nations are strategic adversaries of the US.
The alliance of Brics nations especially India, Russia, China, and Brazil signals a shift towards a new world order that the US perceives as a threat.
India's rise as a leader of the Global South, calling for reforms to the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank.
India's refusal to sign the US tariff agreement by the July 9, 2025, deadline.
This means India may lose access to the US market but the impact may be limited, as India has already established strong footholds across Africa, the Arab world, and South America, particularly in automobiles, steel, and pharmaceuticals. India has long been developing alternative markets.
Brazil, South America's largest economy, had its Congress pass a law on April 2, 2025, authorising the executive to respond to trade barriers after Mr Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on Brazilian exports. This so-called "Economic Reciprocity Law" was approved unanimously by the House after receiving Senate approval on April 2, 2025.
It demonstrates Brazil's resolve as a sovereign nation to push back against American economic intimidation.
Surely, Mr Trump is not pleased.
Likewise, the entire Brics bloc, along with many EU member states, is dissatisfied. Even some of the US's traditional allies are now taking bold steps to seek alternative markets and manufacturing hubs in India and beyond.
So, what is the new world order?

Jayut Jayanandana,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Las Vegas in Laos: the riverside city awash with crime", Bangkok Post World, Monday July 14, 2025.
Agence France Presse writes about this horrible situation at the Kings Romans Group with a 99-year lease on the Mekong riverbank in Laos.
Yet, the report fails to point out its fundamental cause - Chinese organised criminals.
Thailand should be advised of this when inviting foreign direct investment from China and some Chinese-owned businesses.
The collapse of a large building in Chatuchak, substandard steel manufacture, and numerous hazardous waste scandals are merely a harbinger of things to come.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Piyabutr slams MPs over S112 amnesty", in Bangkok Post, Saturday July 12, 2025.
Responding to Piyabutr Saengkanokkul's sensible comments regarding the inclusion of lese majeste offences in any amnesty, the comments by Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a list-MP from the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, seem, on the most generous interpretation, to be gross hypocrisy.
If the grounds for concern are threats to national security, how is plotting and actually committing a coup against Thailand's form of constitutional democracy not a far graver violation than any peaceful criticism and comment that counts as a violation of Section 112 of the lese majeste law?
United Thai Nation (UTN) has demonstrated no problem embracing those who have resorted to that radical extreme of committing a coup.
Why does the United Thai Nation (UTN) man think Thailand and its institutions are so much more delicate?

Felix Qui
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Safer tourism needed now", Bangkok Post Editorial, Friday July 11, 2025
Can the Post try to push back on this "safety" issue about Chinese travel to Thailand?
Why is Thailand "unsafe?"
If you are silly enough to wander into Myanmar, then you are a danger to yourself. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) roadshows in China are not going to be effective.
Chinese tourists have less money these days.
There are fewer Chinese tourists in Phuket because Phuket is expensive. The Russians can afford it.
The Chinese will prefer Phangnga.
Thais are visiting China because China is highly affordable.
Why not run that story?
What's rarely mentioned is that the communist Chinese government doesn't want its people going overseas and spending money with local tourism, too.
If you work in a state-owned enterprise, your passport will be taken by the government, which may decide not to renew it.
You may be questioned on why you are going overseas.
It's got nothing to do with safety.

AM,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is heavily dependent on imports of goods and services for its economic and social development.
It means the country needs a sustainable source of income to fund its consumption and development going forward.
The development of the country’s abundant natural resources would provide a sustainable source of revenue to finance consumption and social and economic development going forward.
It is imperative to note that some of the natural resources, such as mineral, oil and gas are non-renewables.
It means that when they are depleted, they cannot be replenished forever.
Therefore, revenues derived from exploitation of such resources must be managed and used in a sustainable way.
The key issue is how Papua New Guinea can manage the revenues it gets from the commercial development of all of its natural resources in a sustainable way.
The first critical thing is to replace the current licensing regime with production sharing arrangement (PSA), for commercial development of natural resources.
The production sharing arrangement (PSA) will ensure that the Government receives its share
of revenues upfront, rather than from profits after expenses are paid under the licensing regime.
The second critical thing is to find a method of saving revenues from the commercial development of natural resources that will ensure a sustainable income stream for Papau New Guinea into the future.
This requires the establishment of an independent sovereign wealth fund (SWF) for the country.
An independent independent sovereign wealth fund (SWF) that is managed by a competent board and management will ensue that Papua New Guinea can save its revenues and has a sustainable source of income to fund its social and economic development for generations into the future.
The sad reality now is that Papua New Guinea is incompetently managed, and poor governance is breeding corruption resulting in wasteful use of resources and revenues from the commercial development of our natural resources.
The current International Monetary Fund sponsored reform programme is a clear manifestation of corruption and economic and resource mismanagement in Papua New Guinea.

Concerned Citizen,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Re: "Locals bear the brunt of Thailand's economic woes", Bangkok Post, Sunday July 6, 2025
There are few economies anywhere which are not to some extent feeling this global economic slowdown.
However, I think there's one place it might be wise for Thai leaders to look at for economic inspiration: Russia.
After the fall of the USSR in 1991, Russia's economy was weak in the early 1990s and the country was poor.
But under President Putin's leadership, only a few decades later, Russia is almost completely self-sufficient, builds much of its own products and cars, and has a stunningly low debt-to-GDP ratio of only 19.9 percent down from over 92 percent at its height in 1999.
I am not a Russia expert, but in comparison to today's many economies which are in crisis in the global economic downturn, while inflation in Russia is a little high due to the Ukraine situation, Russia's efforts to pay down debt, modernise and diversify its formerly communist economy and build such a thriving, beautiful nation are looking impressive.
Perhaps Thailand's economists should take a trip to Moscow?

Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "MPs take up amnesty proposals", in Bangkok Post, Thursday July 10, 2025.
It is sensible to screen allegations of criminal conduct before filing charges, which is all that the People's Party is recommending that we do for Section 112, known as the lese majeste law.
This would help ensure Section 112 serve its purpose to protect our monarchy, rather than muzzle dissent.
For instance, ex-Naresuan University Professor Paul Chambers was charged under Section 112 recently for a brochure advertising an event in which he was a speaker.
He neither authored nor approved the document and could not have been found guilty.
Yet by the time the case was dismissed, Thailand had again been held up for unwelcome attention before the world, with even the US government objecting to the charge.
The timing couldn't have been worse, with Trump deciding on tariffs for our goods. Naresuan University fired the distinguished scholar for an act he didn't do, depriving us of his expertise.
Having a multi-faceted committee of judiciary, parliamentary, and government representatives vet allegations as the PP proposes will reduce perceptions that we use the law to silence opponents.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thai pig farmers raise alarm about possible US imports", Bangkok Post, Tuesday July 8, 2025.
The subheading. "Government warned not to use pork market as a bargaining chip to secure tariff reductions," says it all.
The pig people are threatening the government before tariff negotiations get underway and claim the US will dump porky products in the precious Thai market and drive local producers out of business.
The absurdity of this claim is rather astounding given the high cost of pork production labour in the US, which averages $15-$20 per hour compared to $1-$3 per hour in Thailand.
Highly industrialised and efficient production methods in the US are offset by higher land prices and initial investment costs.
Average total production costs in the US range from $1.50-$2.00 per kg of live weight. In Thailand, pork production costs are $1.20–$1.80 per kg of live weight, although oversupply and smuggling consistently depress prices in the marketplace.
Factor in the large differential in tariffs and transportation costs, and US products don't currently offer much competition.
The Swine Producers Association of Thailand wants its protected market to stay that way.
The same is true of all those active in the protected markets in this country. But competition benefits consumers (ie, the majority versus the few).
Welcome to the real world, Thailand. It is time to level up.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Andaman provinces to ramp up disaster planning", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday July 8, 2025.
As a Thai, I appreciate seeing officials preparing for tsunamis and earthquakes, especially following recent shocks.
However, I believe public education is still behind. Many Thais, particularly those in high-risk locations, lack a clear understanding of how to respond in an emergency. Furthermore, predictions made by fortune tellers, which are common in Thai society, frequently cause public worry despite the absence of a scientific basis.
While spiritual beliefs are part of who we are, disaster preparedness must be based on facts.
Authorities must improve not only technological systems but also public understanding through clear, science-based communication.

Pang,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Protecting culture is key", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Saturday July 5, 2025
One wishes this editorial had been much longer because it addresses such an important and almost universally overlooked subject.
Culture, in certain ways, resembles science.
We would not have seen the surface of Mars if Newton's Laws of Motion had been forgotten.
In the West, culture often owes its preservation to the methods commonly used to record it.
An original manuscript score for Beethoven's 9th Symphony when posted online received this comment: "Every time in my life that I lose my reason, my conscience, the motivation to even live, I can never help but hear the Ode to Joy echoing. And although I don't express it, I always break into tears of happiness remembering every word and every letter that the choir makes great".
I consider the greatest example of Thai culture to be perhaps the most intangible and difficult to preserve.
Particularly among rural Thais, the norm when people gather in friendly groups is for people to speak about themselves in the third person.
They eschew the word "I" and instead use their own nickname.
Avoiding argument, Thais prefer to cooperate to achieve a consensus view or decision.
Such cultural behaviours and values pertaining to social interactions form the foundation of a rapidly changing society which is being overwhelmed by the West.
Of course, it is important to preserve exemplary old buildings, especially ancient temples.
But how will the roots of Thai tolerance and harmony, something the West desperately needs to learn and actively embrace, be preserved?
Where is the record of it that brings one to tears of joy?
Is Ms Paetongtarn, with her MSc in hotel management from the UK, capable of preserving the treasure that is Thai culture when her stated goal is to "commercialise" it?

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Phumtham vows drug blitz", Bangkok Post, Saturday July 5, 2025.
News of Phumtham Wechayachai becoming interior minister in the new cabinet brings hope for a crackdown on narcotics and local mafias.
Whenever a new cabinet is formed, the interior minister plays the same broken record.
In the end it's business as usual, as local police ignore shops selling illicit drugs under the cover of fake pharmacies, and so on.
We will see if Phumtham will really act tough if he is allowed to do so or if he will act like Thaksin Shinawatra, who only acted against petty drug pushers on the street rather than the main drug cartels.
One thing the new minister can do right away is improve security to protect citizens who give tip-offs to police on drug activities.
Usually, reports are offered via hotline numbers in which the identity of the caller and phone are recorded.
Citizens are scared when they make reports to police officers could be moles planted by a drug lord at the local station.
The narcotic report system should include email or other safeguards to ensure samaritans will not be tracked by drug dealers.
Last but not least, the Bangkok Post and other media must follow up on whether promises by the new minister bear fruit or are simply just more hot air.

Jayut Jayanandana,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Liquor limits", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Thursday July 3, 2025.
I read Felix Qui's passionate and poetically written defence of outright drug abuse.
Thailand's young already get hooked on cannabis and there is a weed shop on every corner of the block.
Under this law change, people now will invent any illness in the world to get a "traditional Thai doctor" as in, let me lie and self-report a fake illness to a make-believe doctor to get that magical weed drug and light up to giddy myself.
So I have something simple to say in response to drug supporter Felix Qui:
Misused and poorly regulated, cannabis becomes a gateway drug, and what comes next for those millions of new recreational "booze + weed" users, including those underage, is crack/cocaine and God only knows what synthetic drugs; and it will happen and their lives will be ruined.
Legalising weed for everyone resulted in a free-for-all which was a disaster for Thailand.
Thailand has walked into a massive drug crisis, the Thai public seems to want it undone, too late.
Other nations are tired of seeing their citizens as tourists in Thailand come back a weed-smoking mess.
So, either Thailand will reign in the "weed for everyone" policy enacted a few years ago, or face the unfolding consequences because responsible tourists are no longer arriving anyway and the sink rate on their arrival just increased.
Congratulations Mr Qui, you got what you wanted and the country is now a "narco nation" for the world to see.

Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Protecting culture is key", Bangkok Post Editorial, Saturday July 5, 2025 Referencing Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram as a model for modern cultural policy is not a harmless historical aside it's a rhetorical short circuit with a political aftertaste.
Field Marshall Plaek didn't use culture to promote diversity, but to enforce uniformity.
His so-called "cultural mandates" were not preservation programmes but instruments of discipline: dress, language, behaviour all standardised, all subordinated to a nationalist ideal.
To romanticise this as "media savvy" is to ignore the authoritarian logic beneath it.
The real danger, however, lies not in the name of Field Marshall Plaek per se, but in how he is introduced: without context, without critique, as a casual footnote in a hymn to soft power.
But soft power that invokes strongmen forfeits its legitimacy.
When cultural policy begins to emulate authoritarian figures whether out of ignorance or intent memory turns to revision, and cultural policy becomes a project of control.
What's particularly troubling is that the article emphasises the commercial exploitation of culture while omitting its political instrumentalisation.
Culture here becomes a commodity, not an expression of social plurality.
Anyone who declares Field Marshall Palek as a role model while speaking of
"soft power" isn't promoting culture they're engaging in unaesthetic authoritarian politics dressed up as a creative economy.
Cultural policy begins with critical memory.
Those who replace it with nostalgic references to authoritarian modernisers are not preserving culture they're staging ideology.
And that, especially in an editorial, should not go unanswered.

Nang Tani,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Policy for final days", Bangkok Post Editorial, Wednesday June 25, 2025.
This editorial's focus on paid leave for employees faced with the need to provide end-of-life care for family members glosses over the myriad regulatory problems this approach invites.
The writers acknowledge that "while certain elements of the proposal may remain debatable for example, how to ascertain that illnesses are terminal or how to define 'close ties' beyond immediate family for eligibility these can be further discussed."
While developed countries with seemingly infinite resources may have the option to provide 60 days paid leave for compassionate care, if one combines this policy with parental leave systems in the socialist EU and OECD nations, couples with large extended families could conceivably never have to go to work while getting paid to care for their family members year-round.
Obviously, from a practical viewpoint, the impact upon GDP and employers of similar policies would be catastrophic in Thailand.
The Western medical model of treating debilitating illness with multi-drug administration and expensive hospital visits exacerbates demands upon families for both time and resources.
Simply calling for more money to throw at this failed system does not cut to the root of the problem.
Just as public health care is subsidised in Thailand, end-of-life care needs to be regulated and subsidised at an institutional level.
The elder-care industry in Thailand needs help from the government and universities.
This policy will not shift professional workers from making important contributions to society to indeterminate occupations that do just the opposite.
End-of-life care is a professional occupation, best served by those who are trained and certified, just as hospital nurses are. The benefits of this approach are self-evident.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "'Graft to blame' for police air crashes", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 24, 2025.
We need Prime Minister Paetongtarn to cleanse our police force of its extensive corruption.
The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) says the two police aircraft crashes this year, which claimed six lives, weren't caused by human error but substandard maintenance due to corruption.
Agricultural Cooperative Thailand (ACT) president Mana Nimitmongkol claimed the Royal Thai Police (RTP) aircraft maintenance budget has been kept too low because boosting it would subject it to cabinet scrutiny.
He also claimed that up to 90 percent of maintenance work has to be subcontracted to third parties, with opaque contractor selection being controlled by senior police officers.
The result is that kickbacks have been common throughout the entire maintenance chain. Royal Thai Police (RTP) corruption keeps getting worse.
In October 2020, ex-graftbuster Vicha Mahakun's panel submitted its report on reforming the Royal Thai Police (RTP) andOffice of the Auditor General (OAG) to then-PM Prayut, who promptly buried it.
Last year, top Royal Thai Police (RTP) generals Big Joke and Big Tor accused each other of being on the take, claiming court-worthy evidence.
Then-PM Sreetha quickly whitewashed the matter. Prime Minister and Police Commissioner Paetongtarn, open the way for a clean Royal Thai Police (RTP) and Office of the Auditor General (OAG).
Send Khun Vicha's report to parliament for updating and implementation now.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

In the ever-evolving global security landscape, the strategic importance of the Pacific cannot be overstated.
Democratic nations such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, though small in size and defence capacity, occupy critical geostrategic positions.
As emerging threats from heavily militarised states – including authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, Russia, China, and North Korea – continue to grow, it is imperative for regional democratic powers such as Australia and New Zealand to deepen their defence collaborations with the United States (US).
Together, they can form a bulwark of stability by supporting the defence capabilities of smaller Pacific democracies to maintain balance, peace, and deterrence.
Over the past decade, authoritarian regimes have invested heavily in military modernisation.
Nations such as Iran, Pakistan and North Korea, often empowered by technological and political backing from Russia and China, have pushed for greater influence through both hard and soft power strategies.
The rapid buildup of arms and naval strength in these regions presents a risk of power projection into vulnerable areas, including the Pacific.
For small island nations with limited defence budgets and modest personnel, these shifts can translate into heightened exposure to coercion, illicit resource exploitation, or sovereignty challenges.
Australia and New Zealand share not only geographic proximity with these island nations but also longstanding diplomatic, cultural, and historical ties.
The US, with its global reach and security resources, is a natural partner in any Pacific defence initiative.
By forging structured defence partnerships – through military aid, joint training exercises, technology transfers, and infrastructure development – these democratic allies can enhance the resilience of Pacific nations against foreign encroachment.
Such collaboration would not constitute aggression but rather a proactive posture to ensure regional stability.
Investments in early warning systems, maritime patrol capabilities, cyber defence, and coast guard support could empower small nations to independently monitor and protect their own territories.
This strengthens deterrence while reinforcing democratic values and rule of law across the region.
While democracy and communism represent distinct ideological systems, a balanced coexistence grounded in mutual respect and strategic restraint is essential.
Neither system should dominate unchecked, as extreme imbalances often foster resentment, proxy conflicts, or arms races.
A multipolar world – where democratic coalitions act in concert not to dominate but to stabilise – can serve as a counterweight to unilateralism.
By supporting Pacific democracies, Australia, New Zealand, and the US would be preserving the autonomy and agency of smaller nations, rather than allowing them to become pawns in global power plays.
This strategy not only bolsters regional peace but also upholds a broader vision of global equilibrium between governance systems, reducing the potential for large-scale conflict.
The Pacific is not just a collection of scattered islands – it is a strategic frontier for democracy, peace, and cooperation.
If Australia and New Zealand, with US support, act decisively to empower their Pacific neighbours, they can nurture a resilient alliance that reflects shared values and mutual security.
In doing so, the Pacific can become a pillar of democratic stability, counterbalancing authoritarian influence and fostering a safer, more equitable international order.

Amos Kandato,
Wabag,
Papua New Guinea

Re: "Adding fuel to the fire", in Bangkok Post Business, Monday June 30, 2025.
Thailand's heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil is a serious issue.
Thailand should balance energy imports from multiple countries to prevent the impact of unpredictable geopolitical or political tensions, both now and in the future.
The heavy reliance on oil imports from the Middle East causes higher oil prices for Thailand, which worsens the economy both directly and indirectly.
For example, an easy and simple case: when oil prices increase to a high point, citizens will tighten their expenses in this area by going out less and staying home.
It makes the GDP worse.
No one goes out, no money flows into businesses, and the economy slows down due to reduced money circulation.

Hummingbird,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "New weed stance misses the mark", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Sunday June 29, 2025.
The Post's editorial also misses the mark.
Thailand, like the rest of the world, urgently needs science to be less political and health policy to become more scientific.
In Thailand, there is effectively no independent laboratory safety testing of cannabis, food, alcohol except to collect tax on the alcohol content, tobacco, or consumer products such as cosmetics and household cleansers.
Without comprehensive testing, there is no practical basis for regulating these industries, and so the law is rendered useless for protecting people.
Tobacco is a highly lucrative government monopoly that causes death and disability.
On the way to their demise, smokers pour money into the pockets of hospitals and doctors for cancer cures that seldom work the cures that do work are illegal and painkillers that are addictive.
Alcohol kills, too, but a tax on alcohol fills government coffers, so let's encourage drunk drivers by not policing our roads.
Smoking cannabis is also obviously harmful, but don't look too closely because certain politicians garner votes from it.
Plastic is killing us, yet we only have nominal regulations limiting its use. Refined sugar and processed foods cause severe harm and retardation in our children, but hey, they're a sweet deal!
One could go on and on, but the point is obvious.
If wealthy people profit, we cannot stop them under our corrupt system of government.
The protesters are right change is urgently needed!

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "PM's rookie moves", Bangkok Post PostBag, Friday June 25, 2025
PM Paetongtarn's controversial phone call to Cambodia's Hun Sen dramatically shows the need for much more thorough vetting of cabinet candidates.
Such screening should be public to increase our government's credibility.
For example, does the candidate have sufficient top-level negotiating experience, and with what results? If nominated to be education minister, does he know that "Education is the lighting of a fire, not the filling of a pail" (Plutarch) and how will he implement that belief?
Will candidates divest or place assets in blind trusts to prevent conflicts of interest?
Now, our screening is basic, resulting in high turnover after unacceptable results.
In contrast, for instance, the US Senate conducts committee-specific hearings to decide whether each nomination should advance or not, and the FBI investigates allegations, including criminal history checks, which may include crimes committed overseas.
Give us ministers we can believe in.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Respectful intention?", Bangkok Post PostBag, Friday June 27, 2025 and "Clip scandal grows by day", in Bangkok Post Editorial, Wednesday June 23, 2025
In his letter in PostBag, Joseph Ting suggests Hun Sen should be held in the same esteem that symbolises the Confucian adage of "older age piety," and that "the respectful term 'uncle' is not inappropriate for the elder Hun Sen."
Cambodia's former prime minister 1985-2023, Hun Sen has been linked with human rights abuses.
He was a Khmer Rouge commander in the 1970s. In the 1980s, he oversaw the K5 forced labour programme which has been accused of systematic torture of dissidents.
He went on to oppose Khmer Rouge tribunals and helped conceal past atrocities.
A dim recollection of the Analects brings to mind that Confucius emphasised self-reflection and learning such that a foundation of humility can move individuals to recognise their limitations and thereby develop morally.
In my view, "older age piety" ranks as the least of Confucian values, a fact well illustrated by Mr Ting's letter.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Conflict between religion and the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals-plus) community was going to publicly appear soon enough.
In every community, there are members who are hidden and others now out and proud of who they are.
This community continues to challenge all traditional community and religious attitudes.
Catholic Church doctrine welcomes the person but also points out the sin.
Reformed Christian churches firmly oppose the gay lifestyle, while the United Church is firmly supportive and accepting.
It is Islam with Christian fundamentalist allies that will bring the fight to public administrations, school boards and even private board rooms.
Islam protects itself, its Quran, its Prophet Muhammed, and Islamic traditions.
I lived in North Africa and saw what hard line religious ideology is capable of, how it views the stranger, those who challenge its precepts, and how it treats and punishes them.
Religion often sees the world with a tunnel-vision mentality.
The Pride flag represents to many of us a rightful acceptance and respect for the “other” to live freely and lovingly.
We are experiencing a tightening of public purses, of lower budgets and denied social experiences such as parades, festivals and gatherings.
Can the Pride community, an umbrella group of many withstand the subtle yet definitive attacks of conservativism and fear of ‘the other’ found in various cultural prejudices?

Steven Kaszab,
Bradford,
Ontorio,
Canada

I am a US attorney who has lived and worked in Cambodia and Thailand for over two decades. I have witnessed political dissent and controversy on both sides of the borders.
But I’ve always seen the love and respect for each others’ countries dominate to overcome.
I am disheartened by the recent skirmishes and truly saddened by the unnecessary death of a Cambodian soldier who was a brother with ancestral ties to his brothers in Thailand.
I am an independent lawyer with affinity and indebtedness to both Cambodia and Thailand for hosting me for 27 years.
My sincere thanks to both countries.
Notwithstanding the above, I want to comment on the current border disputes taking place between Thailand and Cambodia.
We all as a global society abide by international laws. Cambodia respects and upholds:
Rule of Law Vs of Rule of Force - Cambodia chooses international law, Thailand chooses delay, why fear the ICJ if you are right?
Finality of the 1962 ICJ judgement - ICJ ruled in 1962-Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia
Respect for treaties and borders-maps matter, treaties matter, borders matter. Cambodia respects them, so should everyone else.
Cambodia - a responsible global actor - Cambodia small in size but strong in principle. Cambodia turns to law; not war.
Protecting heritage - not provoking conflict -we defend our temples with law, not troops. Preserving Preah Vihear is preserving peace.
International solidarity - if one country can ignore the ICJ - any country can. Cambodia stands for justice - for all small nations.
For 27 years, I have called Cambodia and Thailand my home. I pray that the two will reconcile and adhere to the Rule of Law as adjudicated by the International Court of Justice.

Bernard Scott Bolls, Esq,
Attorney at Law
SK and Scott Law Firm PC.,
Washington, D.C.

Re: "Srettha: Pride events show equality not here yet", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday June 18, 2025.
It never ceases to amaze me how misguided people's priorities can be.
In the same interview where former prime minister Srettha Thavisin talks about a declining birth rate and the possibility of Thailand's population falling from 66 million people to "just 37 million within 50 years", he also talks about making Thailand a global leader for LGBTQ+ people; a "global beacon for diversity and equality".
Finally, I would point out that "diversity and equality" Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are finally being scrapped in America because the results of defining a person's career qualifications based upon skin colour or what gender a person has sexual intercourse with arguably led to unqualified American air traffic controllers, a slew of recent American plane crashes, and an uncountable myriad of disastrous workplace outcomes which now simply have to be undone by returning to a merit-based system which selects the most qualified person and ignores Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
I politely wonder why would the results be any different in Thailand?

Jason A. Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Radiation, particularly ionising radiation, poses a profound threat to human health due to its ability to alter the very building blocks of life.
When high-energy particles or electromagnetic waves pass through the body, they can strip electrons from atoms and molecules, converting them into ions.
This process – known as ionisation – can damage DNA, disrupt cellular function, and trigger mutations that may lead to cancer, organ failure, or death.
If the DNA in a cell is damaged beyond repair, the cell may die or become cancerous.
The destructive power of nuclear bombs stems not only from their explosive force but also from the intense radiation they release.
Fallout from nuclear explosions can contaminate the environment for decades, affecting ecosystems and human populations far from the blast site.
Given these catastrophic consequences, the international community has taken steps to regulate and prohibit nuclear weapons.
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, adopted in 1968, aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote disarmament, and encourage peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
More recently, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, adopted by the United Nations in 2017, explicitly bans the development, testing, production, and use of nuclear weapons for its signatories.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is deeply rooted in ideological, strategic, and nuclear concerns.
Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran has refused to recognise Israel and has supported militant groups opposed to it.
Israel, in turn, views Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat.
Although Iran claims its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, its history of uranium enrichment and lack of transparency have raised international alarm.
This month, tensions escalated into open warfare following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks.
The conflict has drawn in global powers and raised fears of a broader regional war.
Analysts suggest that both nations are motivated by deterrence, regional dominance, and the legacy of failed diplomatic efforts, such as the collapse of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Radiation is a silent, invisible force with the power to alter life at the molecular level. International law seeks to curb this danger, but geopolitical rivalries – such as the one between Israel and Iran – continue to challenge global peace and security.
Addressing these tensions requires not only legal enforcement but also renewed diplomatic engagement and a shared commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons.

Amos Kandato,
Wabag,
Enga,
Papua New Guinea

Re: "Cambodians flood Thai border to buy fuel", Bangkok Post, Saturday June 21, 2025.
Why not reverse what seems deadlocked?
Instead of clinging to territorial claims and interpretive sovereignty, Thailand and Cambodia could set an example, by jointly developing disputed border regions.
Not by neutralising them, but by sharing them functionally: as spaces of economic, cultural, and ecological cooperation.
The key lies in a shift of perspective from "who owns the land," to "what can we make of it together."
A cross-border special zone could link markets, education, and tourism, under multilateral observation but with shared benefits.
It wouldn't erase the border, but it would soften it.
What's needed: institutional courage, clear legal frameworks, safeguards against power asymmetries, and a communication strategy that mediates rather than provokes.
Where once fault lines ran, spaces of encounter could emerge as a model for a region defined more by what connects than what divides.
It could become an Asian example of how cross-border cooperation not only defuses conflict, but inspires both sides.

Nang Tani,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Call leak leaves PM on brink", in Bangkok Post, Saturday June 21, 2025
Prime Minister Paetongtarn's political future should be up to us voters, not a court, as we aspire to be a democracy.
She has been exceedingly naive and incompetent as Prime Minister but that's no crime, so justice will not be served if a court finds her guilty.
Rather, parliament should debate the People's Party motion for a vote of no confidence on her ability to lead us out.
If she wins, she stays in office; if she loses, then she may resign, dissolve the House, or try to press on.
Given that her policies were really those of her coalition and not hers personally, she should call for new elections, but that's not a given.
Put our confidence in her and her coalition to the vote.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Rift in coalition deepens", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday June 18, 2025
As the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties feud over control of the Ministry of Interior, neither of them is putting the country's interests first.
If they were, they should show us what they would do if they held this key cabinet seat: what, specifically, would they achieve, when, and at what cost? Why should voters believe them?
Then put the matter to a vote in parliament.
Instead, voters and parliament are completely out of the picture.
We're a pie to be divided, not people to be guarded from wolves.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re :"Asean+3's role in a rapidly fragmenting world", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday June 20, 2025
The insightful commentary by Hoe Ee Khor and Jae Young Lee underscores Asean+3's potential to reshape globalisation in a time of alarming fragmentation.
However, technical coordination and institutional frameworks alone are insufficient. Without strong political will and exemplary solidarity among member states, Asean+3 initiatives risk becoming fragmented themselves - mirroring the very global trends they seek to counter.
Common interests must be matched by shared commitments. Only through authentic solidarity can Asean+3 ensure its projects are inclusive, resilient, and really transformative.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The leaked phone conversation between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen revealed one cardinal rule in management that one should never have broken - ridiculing key personnel of a national security organisation to anyone, and worse, to the country's nemesis presently in hot border issues with. Even worse, the ridiculed figure is currently the key person in defending our country's border.
What Ms Paetongtarn might perceive as a clever negotiation tactic - having Hun Sen open up and talk more - is what the English call being too clever by half.
The result will have immediate political repercussions for her family and their relationship with Hun Sen, which will never remain the same.
That is also a lesson in avoiding nepotism when electing our leader, especially when a father is in the shadow.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "N Ireland town hit by second night of unrest", in Bangkok Post, World, Wednesday June 11, 2025 and "Trump deploys Marines, raising tensions in Los Angeles", in Bangkok Post, World, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Both articles include similar images of destruction and violence.
The situation in Northern Ireland is described by Agence France Presse AFP as: "This violence was clearly racially motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and police", and "It was racist thuggery, pure and simply, and any attempt to justify it or explain it as something else is misplaced".
But when it comes to Trump, the socialist/communist Agence France Presse AFP says the five days of rioting in Los Angeles, which included looting, firebombing, attacks upon immigration officers, graffiti tagging and beatings, were "largely peaceful demonstrations".
They noted with their characteristic political bias, "The unrest was sparked by a sudden intensification of Trump's signature campaign to deport illegal migrants".
Agence France Presse AFP strenuously avoids telling the truth.
The riots in LA were well organised.
One can find the schedule of protests or riots to be held across the US on June 14 at NoKings.org.
Protesters are equipped with training and communications equipment, and are told where and when to act and when to move to another location.
California looks to be the target of riots in at least 20 locations.
Politically organised violence could be the last resort of those who are addicted to power but did not get chosen.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Just the habit", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Saturday June 7 and "Proud to be out", in Bangkok Post, Post Bag, Monday June 2, 2025.
I write to ask frequent PostBag contributor, Felix Qui, if he can explain why, for same-sex unions, the term "marriage" was necessary.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-gay or homophobic.
Marriage was formerly the exclusive domain of religion, forming a legal and sanctified bond between people of opposite sexes.
Then, non-religious people demanded to be "married", and civil union was the result, with the same legal status as religious marriage.
And now we have legal same-sex "marriage".
Civil unions could have been called something else, as could same-sex unions.
To refer to unions not sanctified by religion as "marriages" devalues religious marriage, a justified complaint expressed by religious people at the time.
Yet those demanding civil and same-sex "marriages" disregarded the views of religious people and demanded "marriage" anyway, while at the same time calling those who objected to civil or same-sex unions intolerant, or worse.
If the objective was for equality before the law, that could have been achieved without civil or same-sex unions being called marriages.
Call the unions whatever you want, but they are not a marriage in the sense of what marriage was created to be, exclusively between opposite sexes and sanctified before God.
And no, I'm not a religious nut either.
I simply believe that using the term marriage for something it was never intended to be is a form of cultural misappropriation.
It was unnecessary and insensitive.
Perhaps, Felix, the gay community can give the term "marriage" back to those it belonged to.

Sibeymai,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Why faith is indispensable to global development", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Wednesday June 4, 2025.
Alaa Murabit aptly highlights the transformative role of faith-based actors in advancing global development.
Yet even with such strong engagement, global sustainable development will remain an elusive ideal unless it is grounded in genuine solidarity across generations, communities, culture and beliefs.
Without meaningful solidarity, development is merely aspirational.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Be firm on subs deal", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Tuesday May 20, 2025.
Why is Thailand buying submarines?
The Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea are too shallow to make them useful. The USA somewhat allowed China to create its defence islands in the South China Sea because it was considered non-strategic by Robert Gates, former secretary of defence under George W Bush and Barack Obama.
Thailand's Indian Ocean coast used to come under attack from the Burmese in the old days.
Locals used to live well inland in Thalang and Takuapa lest they get caught on the beach and taken into slavery.
The traditional response was to run into the jungle and hide.
More robust defences where further inland at places like Lan Saka in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Submarines will be stationed in Sattahip, not in Krabi or Ranong.
If Thailand signs to buy Chinese submarines, it's likely to make Donald Trump a lot less flexible on trade discussions.
The Thai navy needs fast, flexible vessels to stop smuggling and conduct disaster response.
New improvised naval drones as seen in the Black Sea have the current fleet looking like sitting ducks. Ukraine has managed to sink Russia's flagship and push the Black Sea Fleet off Crimea back to Novorossiysk.
The times… they are a-changin'.

AM,
Phuket,
Thailand

Re: "PM wants standardised smoking areas at airports", in Bangkok Post, Thursday June 5, 2025.
I want to point out that doing so will be dangerous to smokers and non-smokers and not cater to passenger needs.
There are three primary reasons why this proposed move poses dangers.
First, evidence from studies of designated smoking rooms indicates that these rooms, regardless of their standardisation likely including air conditioning and filtration, do not provide adequate protection from exposure to particles produced by burning cigarettes.
Thousands of chemicals are produced from smoking, and studies in Thailand show that high levels of these toxins and gases accumulate in enclosed areas.
A 2013 study in Thailand, which led to the initial removal of smoking rooms in airports, showed the average Particulate Matter 2.5 levels in designated smoking rooms and adjacent to them were 532.5 and 50.1 microgrammes per cubic metre, respectively, dangerously above the World Health Organization's standards for short-term exposures.
In addition, experts who have studied the ability of smoking rooms and areas to provide safe exposures have found that the only way to ensure safe air quality is to remove smoking from rooms and areas.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE0), who design air conditioning, ventilation, and filtration systems, in 2023 noted that "The only means of avoiding health effects and eliminating indoor environmental tobacco smoke exposure is to ban all smoking activity inside and near buildings."
Finally, the lived experience of persons exposed to tobacco smoke, even when they are not smokers, shows that tobacco smoke exposure can cause harm and death.
Many airline flight attendants, before smoking was banned on airplanes, suffered from respiratory diseases like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. (COPD) and lung cancer.
This also occurred among workers in restaurants and casinos, where they were exposed to high levels of tobacco smoke in their workplace.
The rejection of designated smoking rooms by the National Tobacco Control Committee is critical advice for a healthier and less costly result at Thai airports.

Dr Naowarut Charoenca,
Director of Thailand Health Promotion Institute (THPI)
National Health Foundation,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Thailand rejects International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction", in Bangkok Post, Friday June 6, 2025.
Every day there is news about the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
"Protect Thai sovereignty!" screams the headline and the Prime Minister.
You can easily imagine the same thing happening in reverse in Cambodia.
Thailand says, "Do not accept the International Court of Justice as an arbitrator!"
First, the Post needs to do a better job of explaining what this is all about.
What is the earth-shattering significance of these 200 metres of land?
Why should we care who owns the grass, or the trees, or even a temple as long as everyone is allowed to visit the area?
Second, when is the world including Thailand going to accept some better way than military force to resolve border disputes?
First Russia, then Israel, and now Thailand is joining the chorus of militaristic nationalism.

Randy Hurlburt,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Foreign investors seeking clear policies amid volatility", in Bangkok Post, Business, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Stock Exchange Thailand (SET) President, Asadej Kongsiri, is absolutely correct in that there are many hidden investor gems here.
There are reputable long-standing Stock Exchange Thailand (SET) or Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) listed companies that are profitable, while paying very high dividends, often 20 times more than Thai bank savings deposit accounts, and double many Thai corporate bond yields.
And this is in Thailand, which, of late, has reportedly had one of the world's lowest or none at all inflation rates, along with its firm baht currency.
The problem is and remains: Most brokers only follow the glorious top 20 or so companies, which are, alas, viewed with a trading bias.
Hence, these high-yielders are most often off the radar screens and well under researched or even known, all to the detriment of the Stock Exchange Thailand (SET), these forgotten companies, and investors.

Paul A Renaud,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "It's time to go geoengineering on climate issue", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Thursday June 5, 2025.
This is one of the most distorted columns that Gwynne Dyer has ever written. Geoengineering involves deliberate large-scale interventions in Earth's natural systems to counteract imaginary man-made climate change or its supposed effects. There are two main approaches: solar radiation modification (SRM) and carbon dioxide removal.
Dyer is only pitching solar radiation (SRM) in this case.
Solar radiation modification (SRM) typically employs high-altitude planes or drones to spray chemicals into the atmosphere or into clouds.
Those who have been to Western nations will have seen the evidence in the skies - crisscrossed lines not contrails as the copious propaganda would have us believe or, less frequently, in the weather - cantaloupe-sized hail, frothy particulates accumulating on the ground, etc.
The chemicals used are toxic.
The consent of living things, including humans, has not been given and never will be.
This is an attempt to further poison the earth and reduce its human population.
Of note is the fact that recent attempts to reduce our numbers using lab-altered bird flu and monkeypox have failed.
However, the UK is spending £50 million (2.2 billion baht) on solar radiation modification (SRM) , which involves trying to thicken Arctic sea ice and make clouds more reflective.
Other governments have been at it for decades, but clandestinely. Geoengineering is complete insanity.
The sun has recently entered a 30-year solar minimum cycle, and we will soon be praying for more sunlight. Dyer and his enablers must be stopped, or most living beings will die.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The article ‘ Review of “ No Further Action “ decision wanted in death of former reporter at headquarters of Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission in 2009 ‘ in The Southeast Asian Times ( 10 June 2025 ) reminded me of the saying '' Something is rotten in the state of Denmark ''.
The reporter was summoned to the headquarter.
He was subjected to “ unscrupulous interrogation “ .
And he died.
Was the reporter given third degree treatment during the interrogation ?
There is something very fishy about the reporter’s death.
And further action is clearly indicated to get to the bottom of what really happened .I hope the family of the reporter Teoh Beng Hock, 31, succeed in their quest to get a review of the ‘ No Further Action ‘ decision by the Attorney General.

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia

Re: "Military to take lead at border", Bangkok Post, Saturday June 7, 2025
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra - not the military - must take the lead in our border dispute with Cambodia.
It must be her, and our cabinet, that weigh the risks and act, assisted by the military.
In a democracy, our government is accountable to the population as a whole, and Ms Paetongtarn was directly elected, while our generals were not.
Thus, her decisions must take into account much more than just military aspects.
Overreliance on military solutions can distort foreign policy by prioritising force over diplomacy, escalating conflicts unnecessarily, or undermining long-term political or economic goals.
For instance, in the Vietnam War, US leaders relied heavily on military escalation rather than understanding Vietnam's political and nationalist dynamics.
Our military is trained to be experts in the use of force, which may or may not be in our long-term interests.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn, to the fore, please.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The continued waste of public funds by the Jiwaka government and the Government on endless management appointments and ineffective top-down restructuring of Waghi Mek Plantation is both irresponsible and unsustainable.
While millions have been spent on salaries, allowances, vehicle purchases, and office setups for so-called ''boards'' and ''management teams'', the actual plantation remains under performing and neglected.
No tangible development has reached the grassroots level – the true landowners who live on and depend on this land.
Funds are being consumed by bureaucracy, not productivity.
The plantation has become a breeding ground for politically motivated appointments, where cronies, non-landowners, and outsiders are given high-paying positions under the guise of reviving Waghi Mek.
Instead of investing in actual coffee production, rehabilitation of trees, tools, seedlings, and worker support, the funds are exhausted on management structures that produce no results on the ground.
How many roads have been rehabilitated?
How many coffee trees have been pruned, planted, or harvested?
How many locals have been employed or trained?
The answer remains: very few, if any.
There are surviving plantations already managed by landowners.
Across Jiwaka, especially in Waghi Valley, there are plantations still operating under landowner management, even with limited support.
These groups are committed, resilient, and understand the land.
Why not channel government funds directly to these productive and committed local groups?
Why pour money into a broken system when there are already existing models that are working?
Landowners should be empowered through Incorporated Land Groups (ILGs) and land groups.
Instead of creating expensive boards and executive positions, the government should help landowners:
Register their ILGs; and,
Organise themselves into cooperative societies or landowner companies, provide funding directly to these ILGs for plantation rehabilitation, tools, and labour, and monitor them through transparent accountability mechanisms.
This approach would be cheaper, fairer, and more effective.
The people will take ownership, and the results will speak for themselves.
Invest in processing infrastructure, not bureaucracy.
If the government truly wants to support coffee production, then build factories and processing plants in Jiwaka where cherry can be processed locally.
This would create jobs for locals, add value to the product, encourage productivity from smallholder and landowner-run plantations, and ensure income stays within the province.
Such investments have long-term impact unlike short-term, politically driven management setups that disappear with the change of government.
The current strategy is flawed – it focuses on control, not empowerment.
The government must shift its focus from top-heavy political control to grassroots economic development.
Support those who are already working the land, not those sitting in offices managing empty plantations.
The revival of Waghi Mek Plantation and the broader agricultural economy in Jiwaka does not require more boards, managers, or political influence.
It requires a bold shift in thinking: Fund the landowners, support existing working plantations, help them organise through ILGs, and build local factories.
Only then will we see real change, real production, and real development.
The time to act is now – before all public funds are wasted and the opportunity for true landowner empowerment is lost forever.

Coffee believer,
Banz,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Re: "Thailand's false sense of tariff security", in Bangkok Post Opinion, May 30 and "Asean countries are facing their own 'China shock'", Bangkok Post Opinion, May 20.
No country can escape the effects of China's rise even the United States' economy, historically the most successful nation.
China's gigantic economic size and manufacturing capabilities are affecting all countries around the world, not only the US.
Thailand is merely a bump along this new Silk Road.
Despite Western anti-China warmongering rhetoric, China has shown no sustained military aggressive postures, but the sheer force of its economic power through the private sector can easily overwhelm an economy like ours.
What China has introduced in less than a decade is a chaotic factor never before seen by the world.
Just through the sheer proximity to this epicentre of technology and manufacturing revolution, there is a danger of our economy stalling and, just as importantly, our culture being assimilated in this process unless we develop a well-thought-out strategy and enforceable action plan.
Many economists have identified a major failure of the Western world to cope with China's rapid ascent as stemming from a lack of strategy and a coherent plan to compete effectively.
What the West thought would take over a century only took China 30 years to accomplish, leaving it without a plan to compete.
Recently, the US, as the leader of the Western world and the very country that has played a significant role in China's rise, has demonstrated no coherent strategy, evident in numerous failed sanctions and President Trump's "let's-run-it-up-the-flagpole" approach.
Amid the clash of titans, the pertinent question is what a medium-sized country like Thailand can do.
In Thailand's case, rather than competing at a level beyond our capabilities, we should rely on a cooperative approach to maximise mutual benefits while safeguarding our sovereignty, independence, internationally balanced position, and key traditional industries that genuinely define our "Thainess".
For instance, China may hold the answers to reducing our dependence on energy imports or improving agricultural yields through modern technology.
However, we need to also protect some of our vital and prominent industries, such as food processing, agriculture, and the service sector including hotels and restaurants through strict regulations and rigorous enforcement.
The National Economic and Social Development Council, the government's planning arm, last issued the 13th Plan (2023–2027), which was written as long ago as it was, is no longer in sync with rapidly changing technology and the timeframe of China's recent development.
The 13th Plan did not take into account China's rise and the direct effect it would have on our economy and culture.
In other words, we are flying blind into the most chaotic world changing decade ever. We need an immediate, actionable, and clearly stated short-term plan, as well as a long-term strategy for how to address China's rise.

M L Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Govt tips 0.8 growth boost from casino complex", in Bangkok Post, Thursday June 5, 2025
The casino idea is flawed from A to Z and should be dropped.
If the entertainment complex is so good as an integrated project, put it somewhere that needs a development magnet, like the northeast or south, not a highly developed city like Bangkok.
How will a corrupt society like Thailand avoid using the casinos for money laundering on a grand scale?
Former prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha asked ex-graftbuster Vicha Mahakun to recommend reforming our police and attorney-general's office.
It is difficult to understand why neither Prayut nor his successors dare even let us know what Vicha proposed.
If we can't even discuss reform, what hope do we have for meaningful change?
Back to the casino project, the Paetongtarn government says the profits will go towards education, yet hardly any of our governments know that "education is the lighting of a fire, not the filling of a pail," (originated from Plutarch).
No to casinos.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "...legalising casinos will clean up the underground economy", Bangkok Post InQuote, Friday June 6, 2025
Former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva said that the hope of legalising casinos to eradicate the underground economy is wishful thinking.
That is because, under the government's guardrails, Thai gamblers can enter a casino only when they have records showing six months of having 50 million baht in a bank.
Not only wishful thinking, but typical incoherent rationales by the proponents of this lobby group.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

To partake in nation-building is not just admirable, it is necessary.
Yet, many of our countrymen today are trapped in a limbo of inaction and despair. They are dismayed by the many long-standing problems of our land, such that their desire to play a part in making our nation great and strong is wanting.
There is strife, there is avarice, and most of all, there is brazen and unbridled cunning that overshadows hard work, honesty, and diligence.
They feel ambivalent about engaging in civic endeavors, lest their noble efforts be subverted and prove to be in vain.
I feel the profound disappointment of these fellow countrymen; their deep-seated rancor and terse remarks of resignation are appalling.
“Your good intentions will be “eaten” by the system,” and “The upstanding ones are subverted by the undeserving, ”why waste your time?”
With these comments, I fear our country’s outlook is far from encouraging—our patriotic passion, which is the bedrock of a “healthy” nation, is slipping away.
On the surface, we have a nation today that strives to reach its potential.
But underneath the facade of positivity lies a hideous fundamental weakness our people’s apathy toward civic involvement that dampens the eagerness to pursue our nation’s ideals and aspirations.
If our countrymen do not have the heart to partake in building our nation, no one else will. It is us who shape the future of our nation and make it great.
What should we do?
I cannot blame these fellow countrymen.
I esteem them highly their ambivalence shows they have the compunction to resist the pressure of rampant impropriety and wickedness in our country.
However, I regret to say that nonchalance and inaction are not the answer to our problems.
Our people’s muddled perspective, on account of being inured to the culture of iniquity and duplicity, has emboldened a sinister social atmosphere so that standing for what is right is often viewed as “punishing,” thus, ignored and thus, dismissed.
For those of us who believe and adhere to the principles of propriety, we thus become the voice that could restore order, strength, and stability to our nation.
We should not hesitate to rise to the occasion where and when propriety is absent when we do, we advance ourselves and our nation a step forward toward progress.

Julius Turgano,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Can Thailand engage with Trump's US?", Bangkok Post Opinion, Tuesday June 3, 2025.
With the thought-provoking summary of Thailand's special relationship with the US since 1833 from Kavi Chongkittavorn, and the reported feedback from four former diplomats, one should have hope for the outcome of the coming negotiations with the US in reducing Trump's reciprocal tariff of 34 percent on Thailand.
The 192-year-old oath of the longevity of the friendship, "as long as heaven and earth can endure", will now be tested.
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, we have seen many earth-shaking events caused by his hyper tariffs and extreme nationalism, worse than the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which was designed to protect American industries and farmers from foreign competition.
It is worse because this time he has risked the world's stability starting from wanting Canada as a 51st state, his Panama claims, his naming of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, his desire to take over Greenland, and his worsening of Ukraine's sensitive position amid his reducing Nato's credibility in Europe.
One can only hope one is wrong in questioning the sincerity of that friendship, and the coming outcome could be near rosy.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "The price of demanding justice", in Bangkok Post, Editorial, Sunday June 1, 2025
The Post's cited examples are all pertinent; however, the telling point in Sunday's editorial on the traditional failure of Thai legal bodies to deliver justice is the failure to mention even once Thailand's internationally honoured human rights advocate, Arnon Nampa.
That genuinely patriotic Thai citizen knows too well the high personal cost that intrinsically unjust law, created to ward off democracy, imposes on Thais seeking justice.
The Thai nation has these many decades paid a very high price politically, socially, morally, and economically, in forced obeisance to such a law created at the behest of those who commit coups to further a plainly anti-democratic agenda that is inherently unjust, especially when the rule of such law is strictly followed.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "It's time for Paetongtarn to step up", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Saturday May 31, 2025.
The 2017 junta-drafted constitution is a prime example of the strategic use of lawfare.
It was designed to shift the balance of power in favour of the ultra-conservative elite and control democratically elected governments.
A new constitution must limit the court's role to its fundamental duty as the guardian of the constitution.
Beyond the judiciary, powerful independent institutions such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Election Commission (EC) benefit from the shifted power balance.
They play a key role in political actions against parties and politicians. Instead of serving as tools for political influence, their functions must be restricted to their core responsibilities anti-corruption efforts and election oversight.
The constitutional section on the legitimisation of coup orders (Section 279) is the clearest expression of lawfare.
It states that all orders and actions of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) junta and its leader are deemed constitutional, lawful, and effective.
This provision shields the coup leaders from retroactive legal prosecution and solidifies the power they gained through the coup.

Nang Tani,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "Be firm on subs deal", in Bangkok Post, Editorial, Tuesday May 20, 2025.
Why is Thailand buying submarines?
The Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea are too shallow to make them useful. The USA somewhat allowed China to create its defence islands in the South China Sea because it was considered non-strategic by Robert Gates, former secretary of defence under George W Bush and Barack Obama.
Thailand's Indian Ocean coast used to come under attack from the Burmese in the old days.
Locals used to live well inland in Thalang and Takuapa lest they get caught on the beach and taken into slavery.
The traditional response was to run into the jungle and hide.
More robust defences where further inland at places like Lan Saka in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Submarines will be stationed in Sattahip, not in Krabi or Ranong.
If Thailand signs to buy Chinese submarines, it's likely to make Donald Trump a lot less flexible on trade discussions.
The Thai navy needs fast, flexible vessels to stop smuggling and conduct disaster response.
New improvised naval drones as seen in the Black Sea have the current fleet looking like sitting ducks.
Ukraine has managed to sink Russia's flagship and push the Black Sea Fleet off Crimea back to Novorossiysk.
The times they are a-changin'.

AM,
Phuket,
Thailand

The midterm elections have come and gone.
The Commission on Elections has sworn in a new or old-new?
batch of 12 senators; House representatives, including party list members; mayors; and other local officials.
The strong surprise placements of former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan caught everyone off guard, especially since survey firms showed a different poll scenario.
For us progressives, their reinclusion in the Senate is a welcome breath of much-needed nontoxic air that, with fingers crossed, provides a more credible, less partisan, and more substantial legislative agenda ahead.
The inclusion of lawyer Chel Diokno and former senator Leila de Lima as party list representatives radiate hope and substance for accountability and transparency of erring government officials.
The midterm elections yielded another welcome surprise in the person of Heidi Mendoza, #45 on the ballot.
The former commissioner of the Commission on Audit ran a national campaign sans political machinery or backing of a major religious group, among other major organizations.
Organic volunteerism and free space on social media, combined with her integrity, passion, and concrete platforms oxygenated her campaign.
She may have lost in her campaign for a Senate seat, but what a tremendous show of force at 6.3 million votes!
In Gen Z-speak, that is 6.3 million votes of woke voters. Voters who are not swayed by popularity, patronage politics, and political dynasties.
She may not have won this time, but there is victory in defeat.
She has a three-year runway to increase her numbers.
Until then, her purple sticker remains plastered on my car’s dashboard, a tangible reminder that there are still a few good men or women who are willing to fight for a better Philippines.

Pamela Claveria,
Manila,
Philippines

Re: "Smart tax move", Bangkok Post PostBag, Saturday May 24, 2025.
Like letter writer Member of Parliament Foscolos, investors should be overjoyed with the proposal from the Revenue Department, under the Ministry of Finance, to have foreign income earned before the two years remitted into Thailand be exempt from Thai tax.
This represents a 180-degree reversal of the trend of taxing any foreign income that comes into the country.
The ministry can naturally envision the benefits of this fund flow, rather than being protectionist or nationalistic, like the man in the world's news right now.
However, Member of Parliament Foscolos's forewarning of being selective on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD's) fiscal rules, like global minimum tax, and not surrendering Thailand's fiscal sovereignty is well-intended.
However, what needs to be considered is the OECD's goal, which is to develop fair and transparent taxation worldwide.
Our economy heavily depends on international trade, especially with OECD countries, which limits our ability to protect our fiscal sovereignty fully.
Thailand has been in touch with the OECD since 2018, and last year, it became the second country in the region aiming to become an OECD "partner" - not a full member, but actively collaborating to offer its perspectives and contribute to policy debates.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Re: "SMEs the saviour", Bangkok Post,PostBag, Tuesday May 27 and "SMEs look to each other for funding", Bangkok Post Business, Wednesday May 21.
In a recent PostBag letter, Ninja Kun hit the nail right on the head with his dire observation on how the Thailand stock market suffers from imbalances that have been ongoing for years.
Yet his comments are incomplete.
The major continuing industry problem is the Stock Exchange of Thailand brokerage industry, as it views itself as obsessed with day-trading for commissions versus longer-term viable wealth creation for its participants.
Day trading is a form of speculation and is very different from responsible investing; the two must never be confused.
It has been amply shown, again and again through long studies, that most traders or speculators lose capital over time and then leave discouraged or worse, only to spread the word that they will never invest in stocks again.
Over time, most retail investors give up due to poor investor experiences or worse.
It's high time for brokers here to reinvent a more viable, longer-term business model.
Anything less will continue to result in the ongoing failure of this important industry, as Ninja rightly points out.
In the meantime, many viable listed companies here are investment bargains which go begging.

Paul A Renaud,
Bangkok,
Thailand