Thailand government forges ahead With restrictive anti-competitive trade policies The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday October 22, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday October 17, 2024

Re: "US' protectionist trade policies are backfiring", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday October 14, 2024 and "Balancing geopolitics", Bangkok Post, Business, Monday October 14, 2024.
The ongoing global trade imbalance and restrictions have stemmed from rising geopolitical tensions and inundation of cheap goods imported from China - the world's second-biggest economy saddled with an ageing population, an ill-fated one-child policy, and industrial overcapacity.
Over the past five years, we have seen higher trade barriers like anti-dumping measures implemented to shield certain domestic manufacturers and level the playing field, under the banner of "national security".
Yet such anti-free trade moves could be counterproductive and jeopardise the efficient allocation of limited productive resources, hampering overall growth in favour of a select few industries.
One should also consider if the restrictive trade policies could unfairly narrow down a list of choices for consumers.
For Thailand, many SMEs would be adversely affected if sub-standard foreign products flood the market, but they won't prevail if Thai SMEs continue to strive to offer quality products at a competitive price.
If this is not the case, something is very wrong here.
It is a worrying sign, though, especially at a time when the government with a protectionist mindset forges ahead with restrictive anti-competitive trade policies, which could lead to a further spike in prices and global supply chain disruption, dampen consumer spending, deter foreign capital investment, and lower productivity with too many unprofitable players in the market.
Thailand, still half-way through the FTA with developed economies, should accelerate the process and prepare for even higher international trade standards. Being part of these trade blocs and strategically investing in human resources, Thailand may be able to enhance competitiveness with a marked increase in trade and capital flows, seeing a surge in FDI in a sustainable manner. Otherwise, Thailand may be gradually eclipsed by its rivals in the region.

Ninja Kun in Thailand.
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai legislators reject small brewers and distillers From entering the craft beer and spirits market The Southeast Asian Times Monday October 21, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday October 9, 2024

Re: "House rejects People's Party liquor liberalisation bill", in Bangkok Post Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Once again, the elite rich have worked overtime to protect their own by rejecting legislation allowing small brewers and distillers to enter the craft beer and spirits market.
I fully agree that rigid standards, safeguards, and monitoring are needed when producing strong alcohol for distribution, as improper distilling can result in a dangerous concoction that can be fatal to humans.
There is no similar risk for craft beer, which is produced by brewing, not distilling. If beer is brewed poorly, imbibers will likely suffer nothing worse than an unpleasant hangover.
By continuing to restrict the craft beer industry and fencing off the duopoly of big beer manufacturers in the country, Thai legislators are unfortunately subjecting consumers in Thailand to continued high prices for notoriously low-quality beer.

Samanea Saman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's draft 2024-2037 Power Development Plan Makes no mention of rooftop solar The Southeast Asian Times Sunday October 20, 2024 First Published in the Bangkok Post, Monday October 7, 2024

Re: "Pushing banks towards green finance", Bangkok Post Opinion, Wednesday October 2, 2024.
Sarinee Achavanuntakul is justifiably recognised as one of the country's most astute climate crises analysts, particularly with regard to the top priority, our energy sector's rapid transition to a low-carbon future.
But she is too polite!
She articulates precisely: "As of September, Thailand still lacks a suite of public policies and regulations that are necessary to propel a meaningful economy-wide decarbonisation and just energy transition.
"For example, there is no mandatory carbon pricing regime of any kind, no mandatory carbon accounting, no coal phaseout date, and the net zero goal of 2065 is 15 years behind most countries.
"Finally, the draft 2024 Power Development Plan (PDP 2024) makes no mention of rooftop solar and still makes room for 6,300 MW of new natural gas power plants by 2037, without factoring in the potential added costs from future carbon tax and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology."
More forthrightly, Khun Sarinee might have quoted one leading global climate risk rating agency, which refers to Thailand's decarbonisation efforts as "critically insufficient".
Even more bluntly, the draft Power Development Plan 2024–37 can most accurately be described as a national disaster.
It's a disaster for every citizen, doomed for decades to consume dirty, high-cost electricity, and it's a disaster for every business that needs to use that electricity to compete in the global marketplace.
Moreover, it undermines Thailand's already pathetic international commitment to achieving a low-carbon future, one in which our children can survive.
How is this possible?
Just follow the money, to Big Energy. PDP 2024 is a huge win for Big Energy, the handful of energy conglomerates in cahoots with the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) which together control licensing for our highly regulated power sector.
With licences come Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
With PPAs come huge bank loans to build huge gas-fired power stations which consumers don't need, but end up paying for.
The international standard for electricity grids is to have 15 percent excess power production capacity over peak load and Thailand generally has much more: sometimes about 45% of power glut.
If the draft PDP 2024–37 is not radically amended, by 2037 we could have excess production capacity in excess of 100 percent !
Please, please prime minister, stop this disaster now, and turn on the sun.

Sad Optimist,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Each Asean member state has a unique history Behind its socio-economic, religio-political fabric The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday October 19, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday October 17, 2024

Re: "7 Moves to shape 'Future Ready Asean'", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Tuesday October 15, 2024.
In proposing the analysis of the "7 moves" to shape Future Ready Asean, columnist Kavi Chongkittavorn has overlooked certain features which characterise the Asean nations. To start with, each Asean member state has a unique history behind its socio-economic, religio-political fabric and as such, Asean leaders have to be willing to foster unity in vision and solidarity to address regional and global problems if Asean is to be relevant at all.
Moreover, agriculture with rice as the leading cash crop in Asean is an economic strength which cannot be taken for granted. Trading with other regional blocs and world powers needs to factor in the competitive advantages of Asean agrarian trade trajectories.
The idea of peace and democracy in Myanmar needs to be tempered by the country's complex history of ethnic tribes and indigenous groups which are hard to appease, let alone bring to an even playing field of negotiated settlements. The Dragon Wars, by ATQ Stewart, are a must-read for any "wannabe successful" peacemakers

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Buddhism is the reason MPs rejected the bill To liberalise the alcohol industry The Southeast Asian Times, Friday October 18, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday October 16, 2024

Re: "Temple, state forever tied at the hip", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Saturday October 12, 2024.
It might be true, as Guanxiong Qi a PhD student at Chulalongkorn University specialising in Thai Buddhism argues, that Buddhism rather than trying to protect the monopoly of two major liquor businesses is the reason conservative MPs rejected the bill to liberalise the alcohol industry.
Mr Qi sensibly observes that Thailand's love of the drug alcohol, which kills so many on the roads every year, tearing apart families and imposing massive economic costs, is not at all consistent with the Fifth Precept of Buddhism.
But he overlooks an even more telling guide to the depth of Thai commitment to Buddhist principle: the mass daily slaughter of animals.
When you buy chicken or pork or beef or fish or whatever tasty animal flesh at the market or supermarket, you are paying others to kill on your order.
Legalistic deceits notwithstanding, it is no better morally or spiritually than if you chopped the animals' heads off yourself.
Nor can it be argued that Thai Buddhists consume meat for health reasons.
On the contrary, most would be healthier if they greatly reduced their desire-driven over-indulgence in tasty animal flesh.
That is the fact-based assessment of the Thai commitment to practising the Buddha's First Precept.
So, while I must agree with him that Buddhism is the excuse given to justify rejecting a progressive, just piece of legislation, Mr Qi has certainly not established that that is because the Thai politicians involved have any genuine interest in following any Buddhist principle.
If the unknown percentage of Thais who do genuinely try to live by the Buddha's excellent teachings care for its good name, they will dissociate themselves from such uses of Buddhism for political ends that conflict with justice, democracy, and good morals that respect the rights and freedoms of others.
If only a significant number of Thai politicians did in fact value the Buddha's wisdom, Thailand would be a very different nation.
The corporations getting rich by killing on demand would be no more like that than the alcohol companies raking it in.
And peaceful free speech would be welcomed rather than criminalised as a weapon to silence patriots lest the critical thinking the Buddha encourages lead to informed opinion of worth.
Irrelevant personal note: I am not a vegetarian; I enjoy a hearty range of meats. However, while admiring the Buddha's commitment to rigorous critical thinking and many of his insights, neither do I claim to follow Buddhism.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Small and medium-sized enterprises in Thailand Are in a critical condition The Southeast Asian Times Thursday 17 October 16, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday October 15, 2024

Re: "Stronger SME links 'key' to sustainability", Bangkok Post Business, Saturday October 12, 2024.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand are in critical condition. Despite the fact they make up about 90 percent of business in the country, they receive only 18 percent outstanding credit from commercial banks and contribute 35 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
These statistics highlight the pervasive inequality in Thai economic system. The government must do something to tackle this problem.
If we read and generalise these facts thoroughly, there is a lack of sufficient credit disbursement in the economy. In some countries, central banks have used commercial banks to increase local investment by giving loans to poor borrowers, especially women.
To make rural credit available and accessible, rural banks and borrowers conduct a monitoring mechanism to examine and supervise credit utilisation and public debt servicing capability to obtain an allocation of debt repayment. Communities and borrowers need to have savings.
The successful microfinance bodies show common features about helping cash-strapped SMEs, too.

Regmi Suman.
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for court to take a second look on ruling that Province of Sulu shall not be part Muslim Mindanao The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday October 16, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday October 15, 2024

This is to humbly implore the “gods of Padre Faura” to take a good second look, through the motions for reconsideration (MRs) filed, regarding your unanimous and “immediately executory” September 9, 2024 Decision in Province of Sulu v. Medialdia penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen.
The Court ruled that “The Province of Sulu shall not be part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.”
The latter disposition sounds so absolute as to preclude any return of Sulu to that constitutionally mandated autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao whether under the Bangsamoro organic law or any possible legislative amendment.
A good second look because there appear to be serious constitutional/legal and actually also political and socioeconomic angles that were overlooked even in “the erudite reasoning reflected in the Decision.”
Beyond the substantive merits of the case, there is also the need to judicially and judiciously hear the voices from Muslim Mindanao, including the “differing perspectives within Sulu,” who strongly feel, rightly or wrongly, that they have been significantly impacted again by a decision made by one or 15 persons in “Imperial Manila” without consulting them about Sulu’s exclusion from the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
A good second look might include not only a careful perusal and study of the arguments in the motions for reconsideration MRs but also an opportunity to hear wider, even interdisciplinary, perspectives by way of the judicial processes of calendaring oral arguments and of inviting amicus curiae.
The latter judicial mechanisms have been standard in many important constitutional litigations of the past, but unfortunately not so far in the Province of Sulu v. Medialdea.
In the meantime that is the motions for reconsideration MR stage, can the “immediately executory” not instead be prudently put on hold?
A good second look might result in a better alternative but just as “erudite” reasoning and disposition on Sulu’s part in the BARMM.
After all, the ponente SAJ Leonen, when he was the Government of the Philippines peace panel chair who successfully negotiated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the breakthrough Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2012, repeatedly said that it can be worked out “within the flexibility of the 1987 Constitution.”
Or if this was something like chess, there could be better stratagems in saving, rather than sacrificing, the queen of the BARMM that is Sulu.
For one, the stricken-down proviso in Republic Act No. 11054 “That the provinces and cities of the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall vote as one geographical area” can instead be allowed based on at least two constitutional grounds.
One is the very spirit, intent, and purpose in creating one unifying autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao of which Sulu is a historically, culturally, and socially integral part.
Another is the more expansive constitutional autonomy framework of autonomous regions vis-à-vis the local autonomy framework of the other local government units (LGUs), as discussed in the Decision itself.
In considering the local autonomy of LGUs and the right to suffrage of their constituents, we should consider not only that of one province but also, if not more so, that of its bigger (picture) autonomous region.
The non-diminution principle for autonomous regions pertains to not only its powers but also its territory.
The big majority 89 percent “Yes” vote in the ARMM five provinces and the small majority 54 percent “No” vote in Sulu should occasion some pause.
United States Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes said, “The Constitution is what the judges say it is.”
More precisely, what the Supreme Court says it is.
If the Court says, in the Decision, that “The relationship between the national government and the Bangsamoro is asymmetric,” then it is asymmetric.
But the Court cannot change history like that of Muslim Mindanao of which Sulu is integral, going back to the Sulu Sultanate that “can be traced as far back as long before the early days of imperialism.”

Soliman M. Santos,
Manila,
Philippines

Chiang Mai should look at cause of dramatic Decline in environmental conditions The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday October 15, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday October 11, 2024

Re: "Hotel occupancy rate in Chiang Mai down 30 percent", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday October 8, 2024.
For several years, Chiang Mai has suffered awful smoke pollution that now lasts for two months at the end of the dry season. They have now experienced successive floods, the second being the worst ever.
Now, it's not for me to tell the government its priorities, but perhaps they should start thinking beyond the fall in tourist numbers and room occupancy rates and start looking at the dramatic decline in environmental conditions and what's caused that. Replacing mountain forests with corn plantations for animal feed and enriching an already huge and wealthy corporation may be a good place to start.

Steve Merchant,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Call for United Nations Security Council To limit veto power of established major powers The Southeast Asian Times, Monday October 14, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday October 11, 2024

Re: "Reforming the UN Security Council", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Wednesday October 9, 2024.
Shang-Jin Wei's argument is that effective reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) need not focus only on increasing the number of permanent representatives but also on limiting the veto power that the established major powers have continued to enjoy.
I read this simultaneous proposal of reform with interest.
However, I would like to add an observation on what I think should be included in the UNSC reform discussions and debates.
In indicating the necessity of enlarging the UNSC and its balanced use of veto power, analysts, Wei included, look to potential new members in terms of their economic might, population size, geopolitical position, or unjust colonial past.
Little attention is paid to nations that do not fit this Cold War paradigm of thought.
There are countries that advance by their own way of doing things.
Bhutan, for example, has demonstrated to the world that its gross national happiness model is fundamental and vital to a peaceful life.
Others, like parts of New Zealand and Australia, show us how to rekindle and learn from indigenous populations.
Sustainability and community, not force and aggression, provide the world with peace and freedom.
If the UNSC urgently needs reform, let's not merely restructure it - reimagine it in the present with its new learning and core values.

Cathay Suwicha,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Tak Bai Massacre October 25, 2004 Casts a dark shadow on Thailand security forces The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday October 13, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday October 2024

Re: "Short arm of the law", in Bangkok Post Editorial, Thursday October 10, 2024.
The Tak Bai incident, which led to the death of 85 unarmed protestors during the tenure of Thaksin Shinawatra and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon as the armed forces chief, has resurfaced in public consciousness and casts a dark shadow on the Thai security forces.
Modern Thai history is replete with the violence and utter disregard for civilian lives shown by the country's military, whether it be the massacre of students at Thammasat University or sniper attacks on the general public protesting in the streets.
How do we reconcile this with the image of a non-violent Buddhist society?

Vichai,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand most influential Asean member state To take initiative to solving Myanmar catastrophe The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday October 12, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday October 9, 2024

Re: "Thailand floats new plan for Myanmar crisis", Bangkok Post, Wednesday October 9, 2024.
Finally, as a member of Asean, Thailand has taken a "soft approach" to address the Myanmar crisis.
It has actually floated the idea of building a coalition of the willing among the Asean member states to attempt to assuage the Myanmar impasse.
This is indeed commendable as Thailand is perhaps the most influential Asean member state to take the initiative to begin solving the Myanmar catastrophe. Hopefully, in the long run, Thailand may also contribute to restoring some order in Myanmar by enabling negotiations and peace initiatives within Myanmar's body politic.
This may be possible by advocating solidarity among all Asean member states, creating confidence in Myanmar's ability to reach amity and peace, creating a shared vision for peace and stability, and ultimately helping to encourage political dialogue towards elections as soon as possible.
Let us remain optimistic that the 2024 Laos-hosted Asean Summit will herald a new stable order for Myanmar and solidarity and unity for Asean.

Glen Chatelier
Bangkok,
Thailand

The United Nations's malign vilification of carbon Is fraudulent and extremely costly The Southeast Asian Times, Friday October 11, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday October 9, 2024

Re: "Exploring Thai efforts to cut carbon", in Bangkok Post, Business, October 5, 2024.
Unfortunately, this article is based entirely upon a false presumption namely, that it is a good idea to "cut carbon."
Since the earth is a closed system, carbon, an element, cannot be removed from it. The United Nation's malign vilification of carbon is fraudulent and extremely costly.
There is no reason to support curtailing carbon emissions.
Our food supply depends upon a minimum level of CO2 in the atmosphere, a minimum which the earth barely exceeds compared to historical levels.
What is clear, however, is that we must limit the production of harmful chemicals, poisonous pharmaceuticals, dangerous plastics, particulates, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, GMOs, etc., which are destroying all of the earth's living systems.
Although doing so will severely limit certain multinational corporations' extraordinary profits, it will preserve the planet's living beings' right to life and cost the world's population far less than the required capital spending on physical assets for energy and land-use systems in the proposed "net-zero" transition between 2021 and 2050.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

PM Paetongtarn, past former deputy PM, deputy PM Declare no more poor in Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday October 10, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday October 5, 2024

Re: "Plan won't end poverty", in Bangkok Post, Editorial, Septeber 30 "Prawit vows to lift millions from poverty", in Bangkok Post, February 11, 2023 and "Grand plans mean little to the poor", Bangkok Post Opinion, November 21, 2017.
In the past, former deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon and then-deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak's declaration that there would be no more poor people in Thailand was discussed. Now, the Paetongtarn government wants to end poverty in three years.
It sounds like a broken record on the same old topic.
Wouldn't it be time for Thailand to structurally overhaul the complete economy and do something serious about household debts of more than 90 percent of GDP instead of throwing 10,000 baht of short-term helicopter money at them?

S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Certain Philippines government offices plagued with Questionable budget allocations The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday October 9, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday September 27, 2024

The recent budget deliberations at the House of Representatives revealed information on the misuse of funds by some government offices.
The Commission on Audit’s issuance of the notice of disallowance to the Office of the Vice President for the alleged misuse of P125 million in confidential funds left many of us deeply dismayed and concerned.
It is alarming that certain government offices are plagued with questionable budget allocations and mismanagement while other key sectors, such as health, remain underfunded and continue to face many challenges.
This practice erodes public trust in government institutions.
Worth highlighting is the plight of researchers in the Philippines who do not only face insufficient funding, but also deal with a lack of adequate infrastructure and enabling policies.
These issues make it difficult to attract and retain researchers and innovators in the country who are forced to seek better opportunities abroad.
This is concerning, particularly in the context of universal health care and evidence-based policy making, where local expertise is essential to address today’s myriad of health issues.
If the government continues to overlook the needs of researchers and at the same time ignore questionable budget expenditures elsewhere, we risk leaving critical sectors to struggle without the necessary tools for informed decision-making.
It is high time for our policymakers to review research procurement, hiring, and financing policies to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
By reforming these policies, we will create a more robust and equitable research system that will empower our researchers and allow them to contribute meaningfully to national development, without worrying about insufficient financial and institutional support.

Reiner Lorenzo J. Tamayo, Mahps, RN
Manila,
Philippines

Gen Prawit Wongsuwon misses 84 sessions of Parliament Without a valid reason for absence The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday October 8, 2024 First published in Bangkok Post, Saturday October 5 2024

Re: "Call to probe Prawit absences", in Bangkok Post, Thursday September 26, 2024.
If we treat the parliament as an organisation, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, of course, would not qualify for the probationary period given that he missed 84 meetings without a valid reason for absence.
Perhaps the fact that he has gotten away with this is because whether or not he attends the meeting makes little difference, or there are no proper house rules to manage attendance.
How can such a hierarchical institution like the parliament have no organised, systematic approach to managing its people or employees?
If Gen Prawit were to be evaluated, who would be his manager?
I can only think of the President of the National Assembly and the House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
If we adopted a performance evaluation system in the parliament, it would be ideal to have Members of Parliamentss and senators assessed by the House Speaker.
By paying taxes for the salaries of these irresponsible individuals, shouldn't we have the right to remove them and replace them with someone who truly devotes themselves to working for us?
As of now, despite his widespread absences, he remains in his position and does not regularly attend parliament meetings.
I am sick and tired of this deep-rooted inefficiency.
A broken-hearted boy who has no time to be sad because of politics.

Weerapatr Lokatekrawee,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand Foreign Policy reflects pitfalls of policymakers Characteristic middle-of-the-road thinking The Southeast Asian Times, Monday October 7, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday September 28, 2024

Thitinan Pongsudhirak's expert analysis is striking in that it reflects the lack of a cohesive policy direction in Thai foreign policy.
While this may be strategic in and of itself, it reflects the pitfalls of policymakers' characteristic "middle-of-the-road" thinking.
Keeping in mind Thai foreign policy's efficacy in moving the Bangkok Declaration of 1967, which heralded the birth of Asean, and the decisiveness of Thailand's persuasive step in 2006 with which AEC 2020 was moved forward to AEC 2015, Thailand's foreign policy regarding the Myanmar crisis may be possible through applying soft power to build a coalition of the willing among Asean members.
This could bring influence to bear upon the Myanmar military junta and its opposition forces to the negotiating table to begin talking about ceasefire initiatives while, at the same time, buttressing global humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Myanmar people.
A first step through soft power persuasion by a few of the Asean members, with Thailand leading them, may not be seen as "deliberate interference" by neighbours in offering a possible humanitarian panacea to an eyesore of a problem within Asean and to Thailand more so.

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry Into child protection services in Malaysia The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday October 6, 2024 First published in the Star, Saturday September 28, 2024

The ongoing child sexual abuse scandal has shocked the nation.
And, it has shaken many of us working in child protection under civil society organisations.
The duration and scale of the abuse by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) is horrendous.
It will take many months to uncover the full scope of the abuse and the possibility of a thousand children that have been severely traumatised over the decades.
We hope attempts will also be made to identify children who have previously been in their facilities and offer them the support they need.
Of serious concern is the lack of oversight and action by the very agencies that we hoped would be child protectors the Welfare Department and the police.
We now hear that such a vast business infrastructure has not even paid taxes, raising concerns about the Inland Revenue Board’s (LHDN) abilities.
It is as though government agencies have had a decades-long blind spot when it came to GISBH.
A blind spot that placed thousands of children into a deep dark hell. This may also be true for other organisations in the country.
This child sexual abuse scandal, and other incidents before this, highlight the large deficits in our child protection services.
Although this scandal involves a religious body, the issue is primarily one of child protection.
As civil society organizations, we have often been expressing our concerns about our weak and inadequate child protection services.
This scandal has shown that they cannot be allowed to continue as is and need a complete overhaul.
We support the call from Children’s Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki of Suhakam for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).
Only a RCI can restore confidence in our child protection services.
Such an RCI should look not just at the disaster involving our services in relation to GISBH but all aspects of child protection.
Our child protection services require an independent audit, a transparent assessment of weaknesses and limitations, suggestions for reform with a workable way forward.
The RCI should involve civil society and be fully available to the public.
Upon completion of the RCI, the findings must be tabled and debated in the next meeting of Parliament, because the care and protection of children must be depoliticised and requires an “all-of-society” approach.
The GISBH child sexual abuse scandal is a ‘line in the sand’.
This is not a two-week media cycle issue.
Our child protection services cannot continue as they are.
If there is no meaningful action and reform then we will continue to fail our children endlessly.
We appeal to our Members of Parliament to support the RCI and be advocates for our children.
The government has overlooked the calls for establishing an independent Children's Commission accountable to Parliament.
Creating a Children's Department under the Welfare Department does not address any of the existing challenges or concerns.
Essentially, this is merely a rebranding of an inadequate and inefficient service, while children continue to endure hardship.
We also ask that the government urgently relook at the Child Commission Bill.
Any and every space that a child is in must be a safe space. We must restore public confidence in our child protection agencies.
Only an independent RCI with comprehensive reform will do this.

Signatories:
Dato' Dr Amar-Singh HSS, Consultant Paediatrician, Child-Disability Activist.Sharmila Sekaran, Voice of the Children.
CRIB Foundation (Child Rights Innovation & Betterment).
The Talisman Project.
Yayasan Chow Kit.
Malaysian Association of Social Workers.
Association of Women Lawyers (AWL).
Women's Centre for Change, Penang (WCC).
Anisa Ahmad - Child Activist.
Pusat Jagaan Kanak Kanak Vivekananda Rembau NS.
Johor Women's League (JEWEL).
Voice of the Children (VoC).
End CSEC Network.
Protect and Save the Children.
Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia.
Childline Foundation.
Toy Libraries Malaysia.
Persatuan Untuk Anak Kita (PUAKPayong).
Pertubuhan Amal Rumah Melor (Meru, Klang).
Purple Lily Social Association Kuching.
World Vision Malaysia.
Montessori Association Malaysia.
Play Unlimited.
Malaysian Hindu Dharma Association.
Kasthuri Krishnan, Lawyer.
Women’s Aid Org (WAO).
Vanguards4Change.
ReHAK (Reproductive Health Association of Kelantan).
Sarawak Women for Women Society.
Lawyer Kamek.
The OKU Rights Matter Project.
Wong Hui Min, President, National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC).

 

 

Is the Pheu Thai party pursuing plans To bring about popular reforms ? The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday October 5, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday October 2, 2024

I appreciate Khun Songdej Praditsmanont's chuckling response regarding Pheu Thai's flexibility on ethical issues.
He usefully cites the Machiavellian view that "the ends justify the means, so long as the end result is good".
In Pheu Thai's case, unfortunately, the end appears ethically dubious, albeit not so morally indefensible as overthrowing your own nation's constitutional democracy primarily to achieve the end of entrenching a status quo that is itself intrinsically unethical, a fact increasingly recognised for some decades at least, as reflected in the voting in May last year.
Or is Pheu Thai secretly pursuing some cunning plan that will suddenly bring about the popular reforms that Thailand has desperately needed for even more decades?
I'm not sure that the plight of voters, yet again denied a voice by a greedy minority diligently serving its own ends by unethical law and any other means they can, whose end goal is reflected in Thailand's gross income inequality, is really a laughing matter, or even one to chuckle over.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Kunming, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xian Are crazy about north-south rail route to ASEAN The Southeast Asian Times, Friday September 4, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday September 21, 2024

Re: "Locals want SEC bills, Land Bridge axed", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday September 18, 2024.
Why do we need the proposed Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge?
A faster or cheaper alternative to the existing all-water Malacca Strait Route for Asian shipments to Europe, the Mid East, South Asia, Africa, and vice versa, perhaps?
Let's take a look at the comparative merit of the Land Bridge vis-a-vis the Malacca Strait Route from the users' perspective by comparing the transit time and probable costing between Shanghai and Colombo in Sri Lanka and similarly, Hong Kong-Colombo based on container vessels with a typical average cruising speed of 20 nautical miles per hour.
Their pros and cons would reflect those of other Asia-Europe/Mideast routings.
The all-water nautical distance Shanghai-Colombo via Malacca is 3,804nm against the combined nautical distances of Shanghai-Chumphon and Ranong-Columbo of 3,278nm.
The proposed Land Bridge scheme indeed helps save 526nm or a sailing time of 26 hours.
Similarly, the all-water nautical distance Hong Kong-Colombo is 3027nm; whereas Hong Kong-Chumphon and Ranong-Columbo combined is 2630nm, with a Land Bridge saving of 397nm and 20 hours.
In short, the Land Bridge would cut about one day off the Malacca Route sailing time on these East-West routes.
Nevertheless, the Land Bridge scheme would normally take one day to discharge containers in Chumphon Port, a half-day to load-rail-discharge Chumphon-Ranong and on average 3.5 days to await reloading onto the next connecting vessel westbound based on standard weekly sailing frequency. Crossing the Land Bridge would thus take an average of five days not to mention additional vessel port expenses and container terminal charges at both ends, plus rail freight Chumphon-Ranong and container costs, to name but a few.
The Land Bridge service may end up costing more and taking four days longer.
What commercial entity on earth would opt to pay more?
There are many politically motivated but financially unfeasible projects, especially in developing countries.
After being commissioned, they are invariably plagued by continuous operating losses and are labelled as 'long-term' investments, implying only God knows when investors will see their money again.
Even without mentioning inevitable damages to some of Thailand's best countryside, how would Thai voters and future generations look at this financial blackhole caused by construction and the billions needed for upkeep as a means to jump-start the slow economy?
Surely, there are other less expensive ways to do so.
On the other hand, Kunming, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xian, and most Chinese inland cities are always crazy about a rail north-south route that promptly rails their cargo to/from more Asean terminals and the Andaman Sea.
Does this deserve a higher policy priority instead ?

Y K Chan,
Hong Kong,

 

Southeast Asian countries Forming a federation-like EU bloc The Southeast Asian Times Thursday October 3, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday September 21, 2024

Re: "Time to regroup?" Bangkok Post, PostBag, Tuesday September 17, 2024.
Ken Albertsen, Asean has been a paper tiger for decades. So why would your utopian idea of Southeast Asian countries forming a federation-like EU bloc with a common currency work better?
Just look at the EU 27 member states as an example.
It's a bureaucratic moloch, interfering and dictating on many levels of national member states' policies.
The common currency (euro) has been a huge mistake due to the admission of Greece and Italy and huge cultural, historical and economic differences between members.
There is only an economic transfer from the well-off north to the poorer south, mid- and eastern members.
Even immigration problems cannot be solved nationally anymore.
The EU still wants to expand to Ukraine, Turkey, Moldova, Albania, and Serbia. But the tide is turning. People have had enough, and Germany is introducing border controls again.
Need I say more?

S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

The latest censorship at Chulalongkorn University Prompts allegory on freedom of expression The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday October 2, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday September 25, 2024

Re: "Bangkok's Chula Uni relocates launch of book critical of military off-campus", Bangkok Post, Online, Monday September 23, 2024.
The latest case of academic censorship at Chulalongkorn prompts me to create an allegory about the importance of freedom of expression.
Once upon a time, a wise old farmer lived in a small, peaceful village in the northeastern Isan.
One day, as the sun slowly set and bathed the fields in golden light, he gathered the village children around him.
With a gentle voice, he began his story:
"Imagine," he said, "there is a great, mighty dragon who rules over our land. This dragon only allows things to be said that he likes.
If anyone says something different, he roars loudly and forbids it.
The owl, who writes wise books, cannot tell her stories because the dragon fears that the animals will learn the truth.
"The dragon has many helpers, little dragons, and other creatures who run around everywhere to ensure that no one breaks his rules.
They fly over the land, listen at doors, and watch the animals to make sure no one says anything the dragon doesn't like.
"But the animals at the edge of the field, the chipmunks, the frogs, and the birds, know that they can only be free and happy if they have the courage to tell their own stories and not be intimidated by the dragon.
They whisper their stories into the night, share them secretly among themselves, and dream of a day when they can speak without fear.
"The old farmer looked into the children's eyes and said, 'Remember, children, true freedom comes from the truth and the courage to tell it. Never let a dragon or his helpers silence you.'"

Nang Tani,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Ecotourism development on Bugsuk, Balabac in Palawan Pushed by Philippines subsidiary of San Miguel Corp The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday October 1, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday September 26, 2024

The National Land Use Act (NLUA), of which a bill had been repeatedly filed since the 9th Congress and declared urgent by several presidents, was closest to becoming law during the 15th Congress.
In February 2013, before the three-month interruption of sessions to give way to the campaign period of midterm elections scheduled in May, then Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was one of three solons who blocked the holding of a bicameral session to pass the NLUA bill, thus reverting it to second reading.
He said he still had 53 amendments to propose.
Yet when asked to present his proposed changes, he said he was not ready to present that day, nor was he prepared to do so during the last session days of the 15th Congress that ended in June 2013.
Such failure to enact the law allowed continuing land conversions and the irrational use of land and water resources.
The worsening effects of climate change, particularly the stronger typhoons and perennial flooding, have exacerbated the loss of lives and damage to properties through the years.
One must only remember Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (2013), Typhoon “Glenda” (2014), Supertyphoon “Rolly” (2020), and most recently, Supertyphoon “Carina” and Typhoon “Enteng,” and the vast destruction wrought by these calamities on lives and properties.
Other land-related issues have caused tensions and increasing injustice to poor communities these past months.
On June 29, 2024, for instance, 16 fully armed masked men came to the island of Bugsuk, Balabac in Palawan, intending to drive away the residents in favor of an ecotourism development project being pushed by a subsidiary company of San Miguel Corp. (SMC).
On June 27, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) officials reportedly went to the area to inform the residents that the latter’s land was unsuitable for crop production, apparently in support of the ecotourism project.
Interestingly, land and water issues in these areas in Palawan date back to the ’70s, thousands were displaced when the late Danding Cojuangco, one of the Marcos cronies during martial law, forcibly took possession of 10,821 hectares of land in Bugsuk, Pandanan, and other islands in Palawan.
An affiliate company called Jewelmer Corp. established pearl farms and closed off two islands, making it difficult or altogether preventing the fisherfolk from carrying out their fishing activities.
Many ended up moving to other barangays, including the mainland, where they could not find regular sources of income.
In 2005, certificate of ancestral domain title applications were filed by the Molbog and Palawan indigenous peoples with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Palawan, but they remain pending to date. In June 2014, notices of coverage (NOCs) were issued to residents of Sitio Marihangin in Bugsuk island under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Nine years later or in May 2023, the director of DAR Region IV-B ordered the recall of the NOCs following a field report that assessed the soil type in Marihangin as not suitable for crop production.
This was affirmed in September 2023 by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, who then issued an order excluding the lands in Bugsuk from CARP.
A notice from DAR in April 2024 upheld the DAR declaration, and a final order revoking the NOCs was delivered to the sitio in June.
With the help of nongovernment organizations led by Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka, the Bugsuk residents went to Manila to seek an audience with concerned agencies, and with no less than President Marcos himself.
Their specific appeal is to stop the SMC plan to establish the ecotourism project, and instead reissue the NOC to the indigenous people (IP) farmers to allow them to till their lands, and the fisherfolk to continue fishing with ease.
Will the President make himself available to listen to the cries of the IPs of Bugsuk? The Bugsuk folk have endured being deprived of land, water, and human rights for the past 50 years.
Can Mr. Marcos now grant their request, and redeem himself from his past shortcomings?
Will he heed the call of these indigenous farmers and fishers, and considerably uphold the name of the Marcos family by addressing these injustices?

Gemma Rita R. Marin,
executive director,
John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues

Thailand has just shot itself in the foot Tourists have to pay 20,000 baht cash on arrival The Southeast Asian Times Monday September 30, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday September 28, 2024

Re: "Explainer: Thailand's new visas", in Bangkok Post Podcast, August 5, 2024.
Thailand has just shot itself in the foot and lost tens of thousands of baht.
The requirement that every foreign tourist has to have 20,000 baht in cash on arrival has upset my friends who were planning to come here for holidays.
They find this rule insulting and demeaning, to say the least.
They refuse to carry so much cash on them as they have platinum credit cards and special travel cards, likewise top-class insurance and more. So they cancelled their trips!
My friends travel extensively and expensively and would have stayed in 4-star hotels.
They would have been frequenting expensive restaurants and bars plus shopping in high-class shops.
They would have spent a minimum of 100,000 baht.
They are business people who work in communications and advertising, and this ridiculous rule and its negative impact will be widely disseminated in their country and beyond.
Thailand, if you are greedy and insulting, it will cost you in the long run.

Miro King, and his friends not amused,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for Philippine Congress to enact into law The Political Parties Development Act of 2015 bill The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday September 29, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday September 19, 2024

This is a reaction to the article by Mr. Segundo Eclar Romero on “Scenarios of the Philippine Future 2050.”
On the Move, August 20, 2024 which, in effect, is a call to action to seriously look to the future in view of the overwhelming problems facing our country.
The initial call to action must first be the need for genuine reform in our political party system, as political parties are the backbone of electoral democracy.
Such parties are meant to build a class of political leaders grounded on vital issues and exposed to governance that is guided by the party’s platform and vision of what it wants to accomplish.
This, in turn, becomes the basis of the voters’ reasonable expectations of what the party’s leaders stand for, and whether the party deserves the public’s trust.
In a commentary by Moira G. Gallaga on “The demise of PH political parties” Commentary, December 25, 2021, she quoted Yale University political scientists Ian Shapiro and Frances McCall Rosenbluth who said: “Political parties are the core institution of democratic accountability because parties, not the individuals who support or comprise them, can offer competing vision of the public good.”
According to Gallaga, political parties should be deemed as essential institutions in a functioning democracy and should be the main avenue by which the collective interests of their leaders, members, and adherents among the electorate, can be represented to the fullest.
They are the means by which competing visions of governance and policies can be pursued and offered to the public.
As it is now, there is no true party system in the country.
Our political parties are not solid organizations steeped in principles, but loose groupings built mainly around personalities, according to Cielito F. Habito in his column titled “The reform we need” No Free Lunch, July 6, 2021.
They exist merely to serve the interest of their leaders, with hardly any platform of governance or principles and policies to serve the citizenry.
The challenge is for us to call on our political leaders, especially the members of Congress, to wake up to the reality that they should be the change they seek, and must have the political will to institute reforms by enacting into law the bill “Political Parties Development Act of 2015.”
The pending bill seeks to strengthen the party system by upholding party loyalty and adherence to ideological principles, platforms, and programs by penalizing turncoatism; reducing graft and corruption by regulating campaign finances through transparent mechanisms, and professionalizing political parties through state subsidies that, in a non-election year, may be used for party recruitment, civic education, research and policy development, and constitutional outreach programs.
Without a strong and principled true political party system, we will remain exactly in the condition we find ourselves today.

Antonio de Guzman,
Manila,
Philippines

Chulalongkorn University cancels book launch on Thai military Control of TV/radio stations aimed at domestic audience The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday, September 28, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday September 26, 2024

Re: "Chula bars author from using venues", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday September 24, 2024.
By caving in to military pressure and cancelling a seminar and on-campus launch of an award-winning book authored by one of its scholars, our renowned Chulalongkorn University is undermining its 2021-2024 master plan to "position the university as a leader in creating knowledge and innovations from cutting-edge research".
The most effective way to counter misinformation is to prove that what was presented was in error and how it should be corrected.
Thus, the military's Internal Security Operations Command should welcome Puangthong Pawakapan's invitation to speak at a Chulalongkorn University debate and show why her book, Infiltrating Society: The Thai Military's Internal Security Affairs, is wrong and might "stir public misunderstanding and damage the image of the armed forces".
The military's noble mission is to protect us from enemies outside the realm not those within our boundaries. Thus, Thais may ask why soldiers must control so many TV/radio stations aimed at a domestic audience, why they're not stationed mainly at our borders to fight invaders, and why we have the world record for coups against elected governments.
Chulalongkorn University, stand for creating knowledge.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Bank of Thailand (BoT) is a juristic person What or who constitutes that juristic person? The Southeast Asian Times, Friday September 27, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday September 23, 2024

Re: "Central bank legacy", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Thursday September 19, 2024 and "BoT urged to reduce interest rates", Bangkok Post Business, Tuesday September 17, 2024.
Khun Songdej Praditsmanont, who has some expertise in the financial domain, gave a useful brief history of the Bank of Thailand (BoT).
The BoT is a juristic person which is a state agency, but is neither a government agency nor state enterprise under the law on budgetary procedure and other laws. The BoT, as a juristic person, also functions as an institutional investor.
Clearly the juristic person which is at the root of the BoT serves as a state agency enjoying the legal protections offered in that capacity.
However, I found it impossible to discover what or who constitutes that juristic person.
Is it a corporation, a group of corporate entities, individuals, trusts or other parties? The 1942 Bank of Thailand Act reveals nothing, nor does the BoT's website or its balance sheet disclosures. Perhaps Khun Songdej could shed some light on this matter?

Michael Setter,
Bangkok
Thailand

Call for Thailand to fence border with Myanmar With high-teck seismic sensors and high towers The Southeast Asian Times Thursday, September 26, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday September 24, 2024

Re: "Solving the Myanmar migrant surge", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday September 17, 2024.
It's always exciting to read Khun Kavi's articles, which are loaded with information on committees formed and their purposes within our parliament.
With due respect to all the recommendations from Khun Kavi, I would add more to shed light on the root problems behind the illegal migrants in Thailand.
The root cause of the illegal migration from Myanmar, in particular, lies in the weak leadership of our Asean countries, including Thailand.
The Tatmadaw Myanmar's junta remains unchallenged by the so-called world superpowers: USA, Russia, China, India and even the European Union.
None of them has given an ultimatum to junta supremos that democracy must prevail in Myanmar.
The United Nations itself has not taken any realistic action against the junta, aside from issuing warnings.
We must work to reduce inaction on the international stage.
Now we go to the local accomplices in Thailand, who are part of a transnational human trafficking syndicate.
These culprits are believed to be politicians of all levels, officials, law enforcers and security personnel.
We can stop illegal migrants if our government is serious.
For example, after the recent political problems in Bangladesh, thousands fled to India and were shunned at the border as the Indian Border Security Force stood firm and sent them back to Bangladesh.
Our government should fence the border with Myanmar with high-tech seismic sensors and high towers, with security personnel equipped with high-tech night vision tools.

Jayut Jayanandana,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

US politics raises concerns about whether the values That once made America a beacon of democracy are fading The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday, September 25, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday September 14, 2024

Re: "West's stealthy assault on democracy", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Thursday September 12, 2024.
In response to the opinion by Indian scholar Brahma Chellaney, it is true that today, authoritarian regimes outnumber liberal democracies.
Unfortunately, the efforts led by American right-wing extremists to promote democracy in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and various countries in South America and Asia have largely failed.
Meanwhile, the state of democracy in Pakistan, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam seems to receive little attention in the United States.
The US also has significant investments in communist China and Vietnam.
A closer examination of US politics raises concerns about whether the values that once made America a beacon of democracy are fading.
The rise of social media, search engines, and mobile apps innovations created in the US has led to an influx of fake news, conspiracy theories, political manipulation, bullying, and shallow commentaries by the media.
The erosion of fundamental American decency is evident, casting doubt on the health of democracy itself.

Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand

State of South-South cooperation at 79th session United Nations Based on South-South and triangular cooperation The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday September 24, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday September 14, 2024

Re: "Time to boost South-South ties", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday September 12, 2024.
One of the key topics on the agenda of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which commenced on Tuesday September 10, is the State of South-South cooperation.
The debate on it will be based on a report submitted by the United Nations secretary-general that highlights significant developments in which South-South and triangular cooperation have played a pivotal role.
These efforts have been crucial in addressing the collective challenges of recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic while also building resilience to climate change and other development issues.
However, an urgent warning accompanies these discussions: a rescue plan for both people and the planet is needed.
Alarmingly, only 15 percent of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to be achieved by 2030. If current trends continue, 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty by that year.
There is no doubt that South-South cooperation is vital for building capacity and advancing shared development objectives.
At the same time, it must not diminish the responsibilities of the Global North.
It is to be hoped that the upcoming United Nations Summit of the Future in New York will provide a crucial opportunity for renewal and reform grounded in genuine solidarity and justice.

Ioan Voicu
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Malaysian Bar must be applauded For challenging the King's decision The Southeast Asian Times Monday September 23, 2024

As someone who keenly followed the Najib Razak corruption and abuse of office case since I first came to know of it from a Southeast Asian Times report several years ago, I was flabbergasted by the news that the King had halved his 12 year jail sentence in February this year. I thought that was the end of that matter.
So I am pleasantly surprised by the Southeast Asian Times report ‘ Malaysian Bar challenges King’s decision to reduce prison sentence and fine for former PM Najib Razak ‘ ( 20 September 2024 ).
That’s excellent news.
The King is the King and he must be respected for his role in Malaysian society. But the King as a mortal being is not infallible .
There is a perception that his decision regarding Najib Razak is wrong and not consistent with upholding the rule of law without regard to the status of a person. That is a cornerstone of democratic good governance.
Now we await the High Court of Malaysia decision on the Malaysian Bar challenge.
The Malaysian Bar must be applauded for mounting the challenge .

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia

Call for members of Philippine Congress to enact into law Political Parties Development Act of 2015 The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday September 22, First published in the Philippine Inquirer Friday September 20, 2024

This is a reaction to the article by Mr. Segundo Eclar Romero on “Scenarios of the Philippine Future 2050” in ''On the Move,'' August 20, 2024 which, in effect, is a call to action to seriously look to the future in view of the overwhelming problems facing our country.
The initial call to action must first be the need for genuine reform in our political party system, as political parties are the backbone of electoral democracy.
Such parties are meant to build a class of political leaders grounded on vital issues and exposed to governance that is guided by the party’s platform and vision of what it wants to accomplish.
This, in turn, becomes the basis of the voters’ reasonable expectations of what the party’s leaders stand for, and whether the party deserves the public’s trust.
In a commentary by Moira G. Gallaga on “The demise of PH political parties” in Commentary, December 25,2021, she quoted Yale University political scientists Ian Shapiro and Frances McCall Rosenbluth who said: “Political parties are the core institution of democratic accountability because parties, not the individuals who support or comprise them, can offer competing vision of the public good.”
According to Gallaga, political parties should be deemed as essential institutions in a functioning democracy and should be the main avenue by which the collective interests of their leaders, members, and adherents among the electorate, can be represented to the fullest.
They are the means by which competing visions of governance and policies can be pursued and offered to the public.
As it is now, there is no true party system in the country.
Our political parties are not solid organizations steeped in principles, but loose groupings built mainly around personalities, according to Cielito F. Habito in his column titled “The reform we need” No Free Lunch, July 6, 2021.
They exist merely to serve the interest of their leaders, with hardly any platform of governance or principles and policies to serve the citizenry.
The challenge is for us to call on our political leaders, especially the members of Congress, to wake up to the reality that they should be the change they seek, and must have the political will to institute reforms by enacting into law the bill “Political Parties Development Act of 2015.”
The pending bill seeks to strengthen the party system by upholding party loyalty and adherence to ideological principles, platforms, and programs by penalizing turncoatism; reducing graft and corruption by regulating campaign finances through transparent mechanisms, and professionalizing political parties through state subsidies that, in a non-election year, may be used for party recruitment, civic education, research and policy development, and constitutional outreach programs.
Without a strong and principled true political party system, we will remain exactly in the condition we find ourselves today.

Antonio de Guzman,
Manila,
Philippines

New Thailand PM should not be allowed Anywhere near the Bank of Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday September 21, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Re: "BoT urged to reduce interest rate", in Bangkok Post, Business, September 17, and "Paetongtarn: Central bank independence 'an obstacle'?", Bangkok Post, Business, May 3.
The country's new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has said that the Bank of Thailand's independence is an "obstacle" in resolving economic problems.
However, the International Monetary Fund describes quite succinctly why the Prime Minister should not be allowed anywhere near the Bank of Thailand, as "politicians face monetary temptations conflicting with an inflation-averse monetary policy".
The very nature of their position makes it impossible for politicians to be impartial to the short-term benefits of an expansive monetary policy. Politicians may also lack qualifications and expertise in the field.
By leaving it to the discretion of an independent central bank to conduct monetary policy, the focus can be on long-term stability rather than short-term monetary temptations.
Although there is no universally accepted legal framework that specifies the independence under which monetary policy is conducted, central bank independence is generally a feature of the bank's institutional structure, ensuring that stable and effective conduct of monetary policy is maintained.
Finally, it must be understood that central banks are privately owned and only nominally controlled by governments.
Thus, the whining by politicians over fiscal policy has little to do with real news and the central bank's policy committee members could care less about it.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Open Zoo public relations overlook the imprisonment Of gorilla at Pata Shopping Complex for three decades The Southeast Asian Times, Friday September 20, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday September 18, 2024

Re: "Lessons from 'Moo Deng'?", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Tuesday September 17, 2024.
The fate of the imprisoned Bua Noi, the grand dowager of animal superstars, who is a gorilla, that has been caged in a penthouse zoo at Pata Shopping Complex for over three decades, is overlooked in this article.
The editorial states that the efforts of Khao Kheow Open Zoo's public relations team reflect the attempt by Thai public zoos to modernise themselves by promoting wildlife, and environmental conservation and education.
This attempt is most certainly not evident in the miserable case of Bua Noi, the gorilla.

Rose Bellini,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for Southeast Asian countries To form a federation The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday September 19, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday September 17, 2024

Re: "Asean's united front amid global shifts", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Tuesday July 30, 2024.
I have had hundreds of letters posted in PostBag over a 20-year period since 1998. I kept a scrapbook of clippings over 1,500, but it burned in a fire. I was giving Burin competition.
Anyhow, here's an idea that's probably not novel: Southeast Asian countries should form a federation, suggested name: SEA.
It would be stronger than the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is basically a business organisation.
South East Asia would be about half as strong economically and militarily as the European Union yet, as it is now, separate Asian nations are about a 10th as strong as the European. South East Asia could have a common currency and coordinated military and economic (and other) institutions.
China would not be as brazen when confronting South East Asia as it is when bullying individual Southeast Asian countries.
Come on, Asians, quit being so provincial. No Southeast Asian country or its people is better than any other. Strength in unity.

Ken Albertsen,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call to allow foreigners to own land in Thailand To boost productivity and income The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday September 18, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday September 14, 2024

Re: "Thai household debt at record high", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday September 10, 2024.
The average debt per Thai household is now 606,378 baht, up 8.4 percent from 2023 the most since the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce began its survey in 2009.
Ominously, debt owed to loan sharks has soared to 30 percent from 19.8 percent last year as borrowers reached their limits at formal lenders.
Handouts have repeatedly failed to alleviate the situation, yet "Ung Ing" Paetongtarn Shinawatra has blindly pushed ahead with another handout.
We should follow Lao Tze: "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."
In short, sustainably boost productivity and thus income.
This can be done by allowing foreigners to own land on the same basis as Thais, giving farmers the funds to get productivity-increasing training, equipment, etc, by selling part or all of their land.
Many will say that such a step means many of our poor won't be able to own their own homes.
However, rising land values will boost revenues from land transfer fees, VAT, and sales income as the land develops.
Part of this rise should go to subsidise first-time homeowner mortgages.
If we fear land speculation, then ban selling within, say, 10 years regardless of nationality; target the harmful act, not the actor's nationality.
Subsidise training and equipment that will sustainably boost income and raise living standards, e.g., high-yield seeds or growing organic crops.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok Post,
Thailand

 

 

Movie Television Review Classification Board has no right To impose ecclesiastical and religious beliefs onstatecraft The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday September 17, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Saturday September 14, 2024

I refer to your news report, “‘Dear Satan’ offends me as a Christian, says MTRCB chief Lala Sotto,” in Philippine Inquirer September 3, 2024 concerning a controversial movie and the alleged offense felt by the head of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
I will argue that her use of religious beliefs in giving “an X-rating or was not approved for public viewing by the MTRCB” by virtue of her being a Christian is illegal and unconstitutional.
This is illegal precisely because nowhere in the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1986, the law that created the said agency, does it deserve that rating.
In Section 3, the board is authorized to delete scenes and disapprove film prints under specific conditions: if they are considered immoral, indecent, contrary to law and good customs, damaging to the prestige of the Republic and its people or its duly constituted authority, or those that have a dangerous tendency to encourage the commission of a crime or violence.
Further, the decision of Lala Sotto as MTRCB chair is unconstitutional because it violates the constitutional provision on the freedom of expression and the aesthetic freedom of our artists and intellectuals.
Sotto cannot use her being a Christian to deny those who are different or not the same as her. As a public official, she cannot invoke her religious beliefs in depriving others who do not subscribe to her views and opinions.
It is well-entrenched in our jurisprudence that the freedom to believe includes the freedom not to believe.
That freedom to have a religion includes the freedom not to have a religion and the freedom against or from it.
She and the MTRCB board have no right to impose their ecclesiastical and religious beliefs on matters of statecraft.
We all know that the separation of the state and the church shall be inviolable as clearly mandated by fundamental law.
“Shimenet” like the title of the film, “Dear Satan,” but she and her cohorts have no right to deny it solely on their religious feelings.
Their feelings should have nothing to do with their performance of their task as public servants.
In the immortal words of George Orwell, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
Why it is that we allow rubbish and utterly tasteless movies like “Maid in Malacañang” and deny “Dear Satan”?
Are they implying that our people are so stupid and ignorant that they will fail to discern that the movie title is not the movie itself?
Are they so concerned and afraid that our citizens will not succeed in deciphering the value and message of the film beyond its title?
Do we live in an age where smart people are silenced so that stupid people won’t be offended?
This is a feudal mindset and incontestably antithetical to the vision of modernity and cosmopolitanism.

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega,
Asian Center,
Manila,
Philippines

Call for paid advertisements on garbage bags Purchased on entry at Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary The Southeast Asian Times, Monday September 16, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday September 5, 2024

Re: "Popular waterfall reopens after two months of rehabilitation", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday September 3, 2024.
I'm glad that we temporarily closed the popular Thi Lor Su waterfall in Tak to allow it to recover from the damage we've done to it.
But we should do more so that we can enjoy it for decades to come.
Besides limiting road access to Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary to four-wheel vehicles, we should also limit the number of such vehicles and people who can access the falls daily.
Also, require that upon entry, each vehicle's driver must purchase large biodegradable garbage bags, one or more for each type of garbage.
The bags, whether full or empty, can be returned for a full refund at the point of exit.
The sides of the bags should be available for paid advertising.
As the sanctuary is heavily subsidised by our taxes, we should charge for entry to keep it in prime condition. Fee levels should be based on legal residency - not nationality.
Also, teachers of relevant subjects, students in uniform, the disabled, clergy, and the elderly should be given generous discounts.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

South Korea seeks to establish blueprint For responsible use of artificial intelligence in military The Southeast Asian Times Sunday September 15, 2024

South Korea has convened an international summit seeking to establish a blueprint ( read boundaries ) for the responsible use of artificial intelligence ( AI ) in the military, though any agreement is not expected to have binding power to enforce it ( Reuters 9/9/24 ).
That has been the case with existing conventional military weapons and that will no doubt also be the case with AI use in military engagement in war.
Responsible use of military weapons is a myth.
Time and again military weapons have been used irresponsibly and those doing that have got away with it.
It will be no diffent with AI use.
Mark my word on that.

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia

Thailand holds the world record For the number of political parties removed by the courts The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday September 14, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday, September 12, 2024

Re: "Thai politics has turned upside down", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday August 23, 2024.
I was more than a little surprised by the idea of Thailand calmly accepting that democracy would one day arrive and that it's getting nearer as time goes by.
Who was following the mentioned "middle path" when 13 successful and nine unsuccessful armed coups took place in Thailand?
With 20 constitutions in a century, this is not a country in any way at peace with itself.
Holding world records for the number of political parties removed by courts and the longest prison sentence for defamation is not a great sign of an improving democracy, in fact quite the opposite.
If an army killing protesters on the streets is the middle path, I'm sure glad you have avoided extremism.

Lungstib,
Bangkok,
Thailand

When Hugo Chavev Nationalised Venezuela's oil industry The Southeast Asian Times Friday September 13, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday September 10, 2024

Re: "Viva Venezuela", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Saturday September 7, 2024 and "Venezuelan opposition under siege", in Bangkok Post ,World, Friday August 2, 2024.
A few things Colin Roth might not know about Venezuela.
Venezuela now has a national debt of around US$4.2 trillion (142.7 trillion baht) -- and bear in mind the population is only 28 million because of massive corruption and economic mismanagement.
When Hugo Chávez nationalised the country's oil industry, many thousands of vastly experienced Venezuelan oil workers were sidelined, and most left for better jobs overseas.
Key jobs were given to government-friendly military officers who simply looted the national oil company for their own gain. Most of Venezuela's oil is heavy crude, meaning that a lot of effort and infrastructure are required to turn it into an attractive product.
When food became scarce due to this woeful economic mismanagement, President Nicolás Maduro back then used food as a weapon to force people to vote for him: No vote, no food coupons.
Much of Venezuela's oil production goes to pay off "debts" accrued by Maduro to "allies" such as China.
The last Venezuelan election is widely regarded as being fraudulent. Even former Maduro allies Colombia, Mexico and Brazil have demanded proof that Maduro won, such is his suspected losing margin.
Not only did he jail opposition members and make it near impossible for overseas voters to participate in the election for obvious reasons, he also prevented most independent observers from monitoring it.
"Viva" Venezuela indeed, but for the sake of the Venezuelan people, I hope not "Viva" Maduro.

Tarquin Chufflebottom,
Bangkok Post,
Thailand

Cannabis shops are mushrooming Like 7-Elevens in Bangkok The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday September 12, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday September 10, 2024 Re: "Anutin sees bright future for cannabis", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday September 4, 2024. The way Anutin Charvirakul interior minister and deputy Prime Minister portrays himself as a "champion of cannabis use for medical reasons" only raises eyebrows rather than appreciation. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is banned by 35 countries and in some countries, possession or trafficking of it can even be punishable by death. Tourists from all over the world travel to Thailand to have a good time there. Thailand is the 8th country in the world where cannabis is allowed for medical use and, in practice, for recreational purposes. Khun Anutin surely knows Pablo Escobar and Guzman el Chapo started their lives with cannabis, and later, they went on to become kings of cocaine. Now, cannabis shops have been mushrooming like 7-Elevens, and often, college students have been selling it openly on the streets not far from schools. Let's take a walk on Khao San Road. There's a primary school over 100 years old, and cannabis shops are right there. Local police officers are patrolling at least 20 times in 24 hours. The police station is located right at the other end of Khao San Road. What about the idea of educating kids in schools on the consequences of smoking cannabis? Jayut Jayanandana, Bangkok, Thailand

 

What's good for Cathay Pacific Is not good for Thai Airways The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday September 11, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday September 9, 2024

Re: "No faulty engines, says THAI", and "Cathay halts flights for A350 checks", in Bangkok Post, WednesdaySeptember 4, 2024.
Somehow, THAI's assurances about the safety of their A350 engines do little to instil confidence.
How is it that Cathay Pacific one of the world's best-run airlines deemed it necessary to ground its entire fleet of A350s for safety reasons and has "identified a number of the same problematic engine components that need to be replaced among its fleet", while THAI, operating the same planes with the same engines, has found no reason to be similarly concerned?

Samanea Saman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai politicians hardly use Buddhism As a means of attack or defence The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday September 10, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday September 8, 2024

Re: "Thailand's Dhammacracy", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Sunday September 1, 2024.
That is the most thought-provoking of one's views on Buddhism's role in Thailand's politics.
Though not a scholar of Buddhism or a devout Buddhist, one hardly reads or hears of politicians using Buddhism as a means of attack or defence.
It is almost sacrilege to refer to Buddhism in that arena.
It may be that Buddhist tenets that have influenced politics.
One likes to think that the words mai pen rai (never mind) are influenced by Buddhism as things will be corrected.
One doubts Buddhism is a means of suppressing the thought of democracy.
On the contrary, Thailand may have avoided any civil wars because of calmly accepting that a democratic time would come.
Our democracy may not be full-fledged, but we slowly achieve a better degree of democracy as time goes by.
In our democratic movement since 1932 almost one century there has been only one conflict bordering a civil war, in 1973.
It eventually calmed down and returned to normalcy.
One likes to credit that to Buddhism's belief in the middle way.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Papuans trekk rugged mountains to Port Moresby To see, meet, greet and celebrate Pope Francis The Southeast Asian Times, Monday September 9, 2024 First published in the National, Saturday September 7, 2024

The streets of Port Moresby will be full of people wanting a glimpse of the head of the Vatican State and the world’s Catholic order.
Over the past few days, critics have questioned the faith, the role and titles bestowed upon the Pope and the protocols accorded to Pope Francis at the political level when he arrives at the Jackson Airport today at about 7pm.
I will not debate the Catholic faith against other denominations.
Catholics don’t waste their time doing so, nor do they debate the Christ’s teachings along with the Bible.
Similarly, let those who are doubtful and semi-illiterate on the Pope’s various titles and attrbutes remain as primitive as they have been; no arguments there.
The arrival of Pope Francis this evening will be greeted by crowds of people, starting at Jackson Airport and along roadsides as he is driven on a route that will eventually take him to his place of residence at the Vatican embassy.
Government protocol will also be accorded to the Pope.
For, he is the Head of the Vatican state, make no mistake about that.
As soon as the Royal Australian Air Force plane that he is on from Indonesia coming enters Papua New Guinea airspace, Pope Francis automatically becomes a guest of the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, and of the Prime Minister.
Upon landing at the Jackson Airport, he will be accorded a 21-gun salute.
Furthermore, the importance and recognition given to the Pope’s visit were evident in the amount of work and preparations that had been ongoing through to last night. Two Government departments, Foreign Affairs and Information Communication Technology, have been heavily involved, and so was Finance and others.
Looking around the streets of National Capital District, one could not help but wonder at how Papua New Guineans can come together, unite and work as one to “really and truly clean” the nation’s capital in preparation to receive such a leader.
From the provinces, people have walked and trekked our rugged and mountainous landscapes and sailed the dangerous oceans to come to Port Moresby to see, meet, greet and celebrate the Holy Eucharist with Pope Francis.
It can be done, and it is the churches that can make it happen.

EastWest 961
Konedobu,
National Capital District
Papua New Guinea

 

Regenerating forests naturally has numerous advantages Over planting seedlings or dropping seeds from the air The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday September 8, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday September 6, 2024

Re: "Seed bomb threat to forest ecology" Bangkok Post, Editorial, Sunday September 1, 2024.
The Post editorial is spot-on in warning against the simplistic notion of "seed bombing" for reforestation.
Instead, as the editorial urges, the focus should be on the natural regeneration of forests and protecting regenerating vegetation.
Regenerating forests naturally by protecting and nurturing seedlings emerging from seeds and root shoots already existing in the soil has numerous advantages over planting seedlings or dropping seeds from the air, including lower costs, growth of tree species that are better adapted to each site, improved water-retention capacity, and resulting forest ecosystems that are healthier and more diverse.
The survival rate of planted seedlings is abysmal in many locations, including in Thailand.
It's long past time for forestry officials to pay greater attention to the natural regeneration of forests.
In any case, whether trees are planted artificially or regenerated naturally, success in restoring forests is only achieved when local people see the benefits of trees and work to protect them.
Reforestation cannot be imposed from above either by dropping seed bombs from planes or, metaphorically, by office-dwelling officials.
Effective engagement of local people is the key to success.

Samanea Saman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Dhammacracy suppresses democracy Responsible for dissolution of progressive parties The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday September 7, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday September 1, 2024

Dhammacracy – the rule of Dhamma is an ideology that suppresses democracy while justifying an undemocratic regime.
This philosophy influences the political discourse in Thailand in a way that is deeply rooted in the country's culture and history.
It promotes rule by hierarchy, where a small group of elites, seen as morally superior, are granted the authority to rule over the majority.
This concept has implications for the political landscape, particularly in the way power is exercised and justified.
In practice, dhammacracy has contributed to the traditional establishment, including the military and nobility, playing a dominant role in Thai politics.
This is evident in the suppression of the democracy movement and the dissolution of progressive parties such as the Move Forward Party (MFP), which were seen as a threat to the nobility.
The dissolution of the MFP and the banning of its leading members from political office for the next 10 years is an example of how dhammacracy is used to marginalise political opponents and strengthen existing power structures.
Dhammacracy has also contributed to the fact that demands for more democracy and equality often encounter a backlash from the state, denying people a say in the running of the country.
The disappointment over empty promises of democracy and the drastic counter-reactions of the conservative establishment have led to a hardening of fronts, with the political discourse increasingly determined by a generational conflict.
In summary, dhammacracy influences the political discourse in Thailand by strengthening the power of the elites and suppressing democratic aspirations, leading to a political culture characterised by repression and a lack of genuine democratic participation.
Dhammacracy, Thailand's political philosophy, is the establishment's strategy for the 21st century and a blatant misuse of Buddhism for political purposes.

Nang Tani,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Crime committed outside one country Is not prosecutable in another country The Southeast Asian Times, Friday September 6, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday August 23, 2024

Re: "What do they mean by ethics?", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Wednesday August 18, 2024.
That is an excellent observation on a similar case in which the judgement was not unethical as it was based on the thin line of being jailed abroad, i.e., a person's conduct in life can be separated by territory.
Jailing outside Thailand's jurisdiction is irrelevant to the ethical grounds of the case in Thailand. Crime committed outside one country is not prosecutable in another country.
However, the recent judgement indicates that, in appointing a minister, one has to consider all angles with no excuses, whether not being a lawyer or a seasoned politician.
It should be based on the feeling of a reasonable man to judge another in front of him as being ethical or unethical in his past life.
Impliedly, conscientious considerations should be exhaustive when appointing a man as his minister, especially when the country's fate is at stake.
One likes to think that if that previous case had been brought before the Constitutional Court after the recent case, the judgment could have been different based on the ratio decidendi (rationales behind the judgement) of the current Constitutional Court.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai government to be be sued For failure to take preventative flood measures The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday September 5, 2024 First published in he Bangkok Post, Saturday August 31, 2024

Re: "Chao Phraya River basin raises flood risk", in Bangkok Post, Monday August 26, 2024.
Given the reports of flooding up in the nation's North, which is gradually working its way southward, wouldn't it be proactive for the government to inform Bangkok residents of possible flooding and where it could occur?
Or is it going to be the same old story of dumping large sandbags in northern suburbs and letting the people living in Laksi, Don Muang, and Pak Kret bear the brunt of the flooding as they did back in 2011 so that downtowners don't get their feet wet?
We need to know now so that we can prepare.
No money will be handed out to flood victims unless the water exceeds 30cm, and even at levels below that, extensive damage can be done to homes and businesses.
So, I hereby warn the government that if we are caught off-guard because of their failure to take adequate preventive measures in advance to minimise damage to our homes, then they can expect to be sued for gross negligence.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Get the message?

Laksi resident,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Pacific Island States ready for anything That comes their way for free The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday September 4, 2024

Congratulations to Australian for assuming the role of the pied piper in the proposed setting up of a Pacific regional policing force with a $400m funding for it.
Wonder what China will come up with in the geopolitical chess game?
Pacific island states will of course be ever ready for anything that comes their way free.

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia

Chinese textile prices Are impossible to achieve in free markets The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday September 3, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday August 25, 2024

Re: "Chinese red herring", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Sunday August 25,
2024.
New China online retailer "shop like a billionaire" recently featured parkas for 69 baht and they have a lot of sewn items in their product line.
Colin Roth asks, "Maybe prices are low because Chinese factories are efficient?" and "perhaps the price issue is just an excuse to revive human rights abuse allegations?"
Anyone who understands the textile business will tell you these prices are impossible to achieve in free markets.
So, Colin, how do we get a new 69 baht parka in Thailand or a 39 baht wallet?
Forced labour and child labour answer that question, perhaps combined with heavily underwritten fabric costs courtesy of the CCP.
Labour only makes up to 30 percent of costs, fabric 60 percent, and accessories
8 percent.
Shipping within China, international shipping, packaging, marketing, profit, duties and taxes add make up the rest.
As to Mr Roth's statement, "Reports from people who have been there Xinjiang do not support allegations of human rights abuses", a report released by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in August 2022 detailed various human rights violations in Xinjiang against the Uyghurs.
Let's stop apologising for the CCP, shall we, Mr Roth?

Michael J Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Japan and Thailand face daunting social challenges A dwindling birth rate and ageing population The Southeast Asian Times, Monday September 2, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday August 31, 2024

Re: "New realities in Japan-Thailand ties", in Bangkok Post, Thursday August 15, 2024.
Japan and Thailand share many things in common; in the past, they were exceptions among Asian and African nations in that Western colonisation did not happen.
These days, both countries face daunting social challenges, such as a dwindling birth rate and an ageing population, that will weigh on economic management.
Japan has long suffered from its ultra-low growth since the 1990s, and Thailand may follow suit if the government fails to put its prudent, down-to-earth economic policies in place.
I do believe that the two countries can find ways to further foster economic partnership hand-in-hand to rise to the challenge ahead.
The world knows that Japan has long been a good friend and a true contributor to Thailand's transition to an export-driven economic powerhouse in the region.
Despite being eclipsed by China lately, Japan has consistently been the No.1 foreign investor in Thailand over the past 20 years, and this likely will remain so if Japan finds good reasons to invest in Thailand rather than neighbouring Asean countries.

Ninja kun in Thailand,
Bangkok,
Thailand

There's strong evidence that China Is dumping cheap produce throughout Southeast Asia The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday September 1, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday August 24, 2024

Re: "Flood of cheap Chinese goods 'coming by train'", in Bangkok Post, Thursday August 15, 2024.
The influx of cheap Chinese goods into Thailand presents the full gamut of globalisation's challenges and benefits.
On one hand, consumers benefit significantly from lower costs and sometimes higher-quality products.
For example, as reported by many, Chinese fruits and vegetables "look better than local varieties and are also substantially cheaper".
Not to mention the availability of far greater variety in the market.
On the other hand, it may be increasingly difficult for Thai producers to compete successfully in many product categories.
In cases where China or other countries have a clear comparative advantage, rather than fruitlessly trying to contest market share, Thai producers would be well advised to shift to other products or differentiate goods based on higher quality.
That said, there's strong evidence that China is currently "dumping" excess production selling goods at prices below production costs throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.
Where there is evidence of such unfair dumping, Thailand should press anti-dumping claims through the World Trade Organization and impose anti-dumping duties to level the playing field.

Samanea Saman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

The problem with family dynasties Is that new creative outbursts rarely occur The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 31, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday August 29, 2024

The problem with family dynasties that often determine the fate of this country is that new creative outbursts rarely occur.
With either family X or family Y in power, ideas from people outside the family are almost impossible to solicit.
There is stagnation.
How can a country move forward with that?
If these families then fight each other, this becomes a step backward, with their supporters even being involved in the feud.
At a certain point, you could even talk about a family civil war.
The longer we focus on ourselves instead of on the country’s urgent problems,
the more time we lose and we’d end up lagging behind other countries.
When I look at Vietnam, Taiwan, China, or Indonesia, which is now even building a new capital, I am speechless at how quickly these countries are overtaking the Philippines.
And now there’s the threat of another epidemic like monkeypox, and the possibility of another lockdown.
A military conflict with a neighboring country might be in the offing as well.
But the Philippines has so much potential and certainly deserves better.
However, if we do not exploit our potential, it will remain hidden and forgotten.
We don’t want to end up like those “failed countries” in Africa where vain generals fight their battles on the backs of their civilian population until the bitter end.
Let’s close our eyes and let our imagination run wild: Where do we want to see this country in five or, say, 10 years?
Let’s assume a positive vision and, opening our eyes, start working on this vision. Everything starts with a first step.
Together, we will achieve something.
There is enough time until the election to work on this. Sometimes, history just needs a little push to get rolling.

Jürgen Schöfer, Ph.D.,
Manila,
Philippines

Thaksin Shinawatra return to Thailand Comparable to Eva Peron's return to Argentina The Southeast Asian Times, Friday August 30, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday August 23, 2024

Re: "Time to move on", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Friday August 23, 2024
With all due respect to Khun Chavalit Van, one begs to differ that it is "no time for old men!"
On the contrary, many believe that part of the present scenario is orchestrated by one "old" man with a young heart - Khun Thaksin Shinawatra.
After the judicial fall of Khun Srettha's government, his audacity in calling for a meeting at his home of all coalition leaders that evening was oddly enough helpful to the nation so it did not have a vacuum of uncertainty.
It was his foresight and statesmanship in previously naming his daughter and Khun Chaikasem as eligible for Thailand's premiership that paved the way for his daughter.
That evening, Khun Chaikasem was named as the proposed prime minister.
The turnaround the next morning was inevitable with the Hobson's choice of having to instead name his daughter, Khun Paetongtan, as the next prime minister for parliament's approval.
That was the doing of an "old" man who turned out to be the real prime minister, with his daughter being so in name if only one had listened to his CEO speech on Thursday night.
His vision is timely when the economy is in the doldrums.
Hopefully, this man will do it again but with less greed. His previous downfall was because he cared for his personal wealth too much and, therefore, had to go into self-exile for 15 years.
His return with a brief period of pretended imprisonment was so anti-climactic that it was almost comparable to Eva Peron's return to Argentina, except no song was sung.
But he was welcomed openly by all of his faithful with the enthusiasm of self-indulgence.
The failure of the former Move Forward Party, now branded as the People's Party, with a perfect ideology and economic and social plan from the textbooks, is an example of youngsters being too rash and careless.
Now, in isolation as the main opposition party, it reminds me of the song "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

No one in Thailand has any idea what they are eating If it is imported from China The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 29, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday August 26, 2024

Re: "State urged to widen tax scheme", in Bangkok Post, Business, Tuesday August 20, 2024.
It's well known that the three most significant contributors to poor human health are processed foods, alcohol, and tobacco.
All three are profoundly addictive.
Although they are destroying our health they are not taxed equally, and the taxes collected are not used by the government in a way reflecting a duty of care for citizen's health.
A mere and miserly 2 percent surcharge on alcohol and tobacco excise taxes is allocated to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation ThaiHealth, or around 4 billion baht annually for alcohol and tobacco control and health promotion activities.
The government collected a whopping 224 billion baht from tobacco related taxes in 2020 alone, 11.3 percent of its total budget.
Despite this despicable disregard for people's health, almost nothing is being done to counter the processed food industry's assault upon humans and animals.
A number of harmful chemicals are used by food processors, few of them are restricted and none are tested for on a reliable basis.
Labelling requirements are casually bypassed if not taken for granted.
And no one has any idea what they are eating if it is imported from China. Meanwhile, the government only focusses on sugar and salt, arguing with health advocates and industry representatives over minimal measures that in effect do nothing to help the 40 percent of children in cities who have a myriad of chronic diseases and the elderly who have inadequate public health care.
Why are subs and EVs a government priority when reducing processed food, tobacco, and alcohol use will prolong health, extend lifespan, and save countless lives? Health education and prevention are key.
ThaiHealth must regularly provide educational information not only to the public but also require doctors to study the importance of diet and health in preventative medicine.
To really make a difference they need a far larger budget than the government is currently giving them.
After all, it is the people's money.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thaksin Shinawatra Should stop stealing the limelight The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 28, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday August 26, 2024

Re: "Thaksin not in control: PM," and "Ex-PM outlines national vision", in Bangkok Post, Saturday August 24, 2024.
For his daughter's sake, Thaksin Shinawatra should stop stealing the limelight and let her prove to the nation that "I can think for myself."
Now, he's hogging the news, as shown by the overflow crowd at the Nation Group's "Vision for Thailand" dinner.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn's stumbling even at the start of her tenure, not even knowing who she can rely on at the party.
Thaksin claims Ms Paetongtarn can lead; so, let her show her abilities without his heavy-handed dominance.
If she cannot decisively guide us, it's best to find that out early, to minimise the harm for all including Ms Paetongtarn.
Thaksin, it's your daughter's turn to prove her mettle, not yours. Exit the stage, please.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Studies found 24 studies of 631 surgical N95 masks Exceeded established safety levels for humans The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 27, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday August 15, 2024

Re: "Time to prepare for 'Disease X' ", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday June 4, 2024.
In a review paper published this April in the Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety journal, German and Swiss researchers examined 24 studies evaluating 631 surgical, cloth, and N95 masks to determine their composition and the compounds they released.
The studies found they exceeded established safety levels for humans and alarmingly high levels of nano and microplastics.
Mask-wearing has also been shown to increase rebreathing of CO2, reducing the wearer's oxygen uptake.
The Department of Health should provide regular public service announcements notifying the public that mask-wearing is a high-risk behaviour similar to smoking.
This is especially true in the case of children.

Michael Setter
Bangkok,
Thailand

Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the Move Forward Party Brings international honour to Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Monday August 16, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday, August 24, 2024

Re: "Pita to head back to Harvard Uni", in Bangkok Post, Thursday August 22, 2024
The contrast between not only domestic but global respect for Pita Limjaroenrat and those who have used unjust laws created for such anti-democratic purposes could not be more stark.
Pita Limjaroenrat, the former leader of the Move Forward Party, brings international honour to Thailand.
Could anyone imagine Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prawit Wongsuwon, Thaksin Shinawatra, or the latter's Paetongtarn, or their like, being invited to be a fellow at Harvard or at any other top-tier university in the world?
Thailand's institutions opposing democracy have handed Harvard University a great opportunity.
It is a shame they robbed Thai voters of justice under democracy to do so.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Catholic bishops consistently emphasize That there is no such thing as a Catholic vote The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday August 25, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday August 22, 2024

Some believe that bishops should avoid politics and focus on matters of faith and spirituality. Others argue that bishops have a duty to speak out on issues that impact society’s moral values.
Catholic bishops consistently emphasize that there is no such thing as a “Catholic vote.”
They do not endorse candidates or support politicians during elections.
However, they do assert their moral authority on issues that conflict with Church teachings and Gospel values.
There are certain nonnegotiable issues that bishops refuse to compromise on due to their conflict with Catholic moral teachings.
As the midterm election approaches, it is important for bishops to guide Catholic voters on how to wisely use their right to choose the country’s next leaders. Bishops may highlight the importance of voting for candidates whose government programs align with Catholic faith and morals.
However, it is important to remember that the bishops are not telling Catholics who to vote for, but rather urging them to consider the implications of their choices on the well-being of society as a whole.
In a world where political rhetoric can become divisive and polarizing, the bishops serve as a moral compass, reminding Catholics of the values they hold dear.
Critics may argue that bishops are overstepping their boundaries by getting involved in politics.
However, it’s important to understand that the issues at hand are not just political, but also deeply moral.
Catholic social teaching emphasizes that every person has inherent dignity and worth, and it’s the government’s duty to protect and uphold this dignity.
Is it fair to criticize bishops for trying to protect their followers from what they view as negative influences in politics?
Is it wrong for them to engage with politicians whose proposals contradict Church teachings?
Bishops have a duty to speak out against unjust laws or policies that could harm the greater good or conflict with Catholic principles. In doing so, they act as guides leading their followers away from harm.
The bishops stress the importance of voting based on one’s conscience, which aligns with Catholic teaching.
The Church acknowledges the significance of individual conscience in making moral decisions, including voting.
While the bishops may provide guidance, it is ultimately up to each person to make their own choices based on their conscience.
However, this focus on conscience can lead to a paradox.
On one hand, bishops and clergy discourage voting solely based on party affiliation or popularity, encouraging Catholics to carefully consider candidates and their positions on important issues. On the other hand, this emphasis on conscience allows individuals the freedom to choose candidates even if their policies go against Catholic teachings.
This paradox becomes more noticeable when politicians who claim to be practicing Catholics support policies that go against Catholic teachings.
This inconsistency can cause confusion and conflict for Catholic voters who may struggle to reconcile their religious beliefs with their political views.
Given these complexities, it is understandable why some may believe that there is no unified Catholic vote in the traditional sense.
While the Church offers guidance, each person is ultimately responsible for making their own choices in the voting booth.
This freedom of choice, essential to democracy, can result in differing opinions and outcomes among Catholic voters.
The concept of voting based on one’s conscience is a difficult challenge for Catholic voters.
The Church stresses the need for careful thought and reflection when selecting candidates, but ultimately, individuals have the freedom to make their own choices based on their personal beliefs and values.
This conflict between guidance and independence highlights the complexities of balancing religion and politics in a democratic society.

Reginald B. Tamayo,
Marikina City,
Philippines

Royal Thai Army Kills its own soldiers The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 24, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday, August 19, 2024

Re: "13 soldiers held over recruit death", in Bangkok Post, Friday August 16, 2024.
Once again the Royal Thai Army demonstrates what an efficient killing machine
it is.
Unfortunately, this prowess is again directed at its own soldiers, not enemies of the state.
Recruit Worapratch Phadmasakul, 18, who died after an encounter with his drill instructors on August 2, joins a long and growing list of soldiers killed by their own so-called comrades in arms.
Army spokesman Col Ritcha Suksuwanon offered compensation to the dead soldier's family.
Just how much compensation does he think will cover the death of a much-loved son, who volunteered for the army?
Here is a list of some of the other soldiers slain by other soldiers over the past few years: Pvt Wanyawut Lampapahe, Pvt Songtham Mudman, Pvt Wichian Puaksom, Pvt Yutthakinum Boonnian, Cadet Pakapong Tanyakan and Lt Sanan Thongdeenok.
Responsibility for this egregious culture that allows for the continued abuse lies not just with the 13 drill instructors charged, but right at the top with army chief Gen Jaroenchai Hintao.
When are you, general, going to take positive action to turn this culture around?

David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand

In-person presentation at Thailand immigration office Required for all foreigners to renew 90 day visa The Southeast Asian Times , Friday August 23, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday August 18, 2024

Re: "Immigration updates 90-day online reporting", in Bangkok Post, Monday January 22, 2024.
I was thrilled in January this year to hear the Immigration Department had updated their TM47 90-day reporting system.
To quote your article:
"All foreigners staying in Thailand on various kinds of long-term visas are required to confirm their address with the Immigration Bureau every 90 days. An online system has been available for several years but it was unreliable and most people continued to visit immigration offices in person.
"The bureau has responded by improving the system in hopes that more people will use online reporting, leading to fewer visits and less overcrowding at immigration offices."
I started using this system as the department wished, and even after overseas visits, was able to do my report online using the same passport and address as the last report. It has been a reliable success up until May.
It seems that a change applied for a few months now has the system rejecting such reports with the message:
"For first-time requests of a 90-day notification in each country visit, in-person presentation at the immigration office is required."
There is no need for this change for long-term residents, as there is usually no new information being entered.
May I ask through your esteemed organ: Why has immigration made this change, when it worked just fine before, and there was no logical reason to "fix" it?

Tarquin Chufflebottom
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Thailand's education system should be overhauled To emphasise vocational education The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 22, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday August 19, 2024

Re: "Workers 'need skills upgrade to adapt' to labour market", in Bangkok Post, Sunday July 14, 2024.s
Post-Covid-19, there is a need for a new set of professional skills.
In developing countries like ours, people often acquire knowledge and theory that may not be useful in the workplace.
Our education system has over-emphasised the importance of academic degrees. While there's no doubt that medical students become better doctors and management students better managers because university courses are designed to meet sector-specific skills, this approach is not enough.
The country's education system should be overhauled to emphasise vocational education.
Many social science subjects and their related universities are not based on the actual needs of the job market.
Instead, universities should focus on agriculture, fisheries, forestry, pastoral work, herbal studies, river-based industries, rural technology with a modern approach, and other relevant fields.
Traditionally, academic degrees were highly valued. However, in recent years, the focus has shifted towards practical skills.
Major companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon are increasingly hiring people based on their skills rather than academic qualifications.
This is because academic degrees do not necessarily guarantee that individuals can solve real-world problems.
Therefore, in the post-Covid-19 era, it is crucial to develop professional expertise and skills through education, training, and skill acquisition to tackle the challenges posed by the pandemic's impact.

Suman Kumar Regmi,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Dynastic rule within democratic framework Evident across ASEAN The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday August 21, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday August 18, 2024

Re: "No happy ending after Sheikh Hasina's downfall", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday August 9, 2024.
The persistence of dynastic rule within democratic frameworks is indeed a significant concern, as it often leads to the concentration of power within a few families rather than a broader representation of the populace.
This phenomenon is evident across South Asia, Asean, and other parts of the world, where political power often remains within certain families, creating de facto monarchies within democratic systems.
The rise of dynasties in democracies can erode the very principles of representation and accountability that these systems are meant to uphold.
Instead of prioritising the public good, these dynasties often prioritise their interests, leading to corruption, nepotism, and weakened institutions.
As Mihir noted, the political landscape in India has seen a shift with the rise of the BJP, which has challenged the dominance of traditional dynastic powers.
However, the battle against dynastic politics is far from over.
As seen in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and even in more established democracies like the USA and parts of Europe, the allure of power and wealth continues to draw individuals into politics, often with the backing of family legacies. In Pakistan, the governance has become a family affair.
Thailand also suffers from the same malaise.
The public must remain vigilant and demand stronger democratic institutions that prioritise merit and accountability over lineage.
Only then can democracies truly serve their intended purpose of representing the will and welfare of the people.

Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Royal Thai Army demonstrates What an efficient killing machine it is The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 20, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday August 18, 2024

Re: "13 soldiers held over recruit death", in Bangkok Post, Friday August 16, 2024.
Once again the Royal Thai Army demonstrates what an efficient killing machine it is.
Unfortunately, this prowess is again directed at its own soldiers, not enemies of the state.
Recruit Worapratch Phadmasakul, 18, who died after an encounter with his drill instructors on August 2, joins a long and growing list of soldiers killed by their own so-called comrades in arms.
Army spokesman Col Ritcha Suksuwanon offered compensation to the dead soldier's family.
Just how much compensation does he think will cover the death of a much-loved son, who volunteered for the army?
Here is a list of some of the other soldiers slain by other soldiers over the past few years: Pvt Wanyawut Lampapahe, Pvt Songtham Mudman, Pvt Wichian Puaksom, Pvt Yutthakinum Boonnian, Cadet Pakapong Tanyakan and Lt Sanan Thongdeenok.
Responsibility for this egregious culture that allows for the continued abuse lies not just with the 13 drill instructors charged, but right at the top with army chief Gen Jaroenchai Hintao.
When are you, general, going to take positive action to turn this culture around?

David Brown
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call to make the Myanmar crisis A win-win for Myanmar and Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Monday August 19, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday, August 18, 2024

Re: "Act to defuse depopulation timebomb", In Bangkok Post, Opinion, Wednesday August 14, 2024.
Thailand should move quickly to enlist those fleeing Myanmar's civil war to slow our ageing problems especially in the farming sector.
Farmers are one-third of our labour force, but their income totalled just 8.57 percent of 2023 GDP.
They are poor, swamped with toxic debt, elderly, and poorly educated.
The average farmer had a household income of 57,032 baht a year and average household debt equals 7.89 years' household annual income.
Young Myanmar men and women, plus older engineers and medical staff, are fleeing the Tatmadaw's draft en masse.
They are precisely those we need to kickstart our farm productivity.
Repurpose the digital wallet funds to boost farmer productivity, such as planting high-yielding rice strains or organic crops.
Give these immigrants an acculturation programme and a merit-based path to citizenship so they'll help us develop for years to come. Make their crisis a win-win for them and us.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai students demonstrate commitment To democratic principles and the rule of law The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday August 18, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday, August 15, 2024

Re: "Guest lecturers under fire for MFP dissolution ruling", Bangkok Post, Tuesday August 13, 2024.
The actions of student activists are of great importance for several reasons.
Firstly, they demonstrate the students' commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
The campaigns against the charter court judges involved in the dissolution of the Move Forward Party reflect concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the integrity of the legal education process.
Secondly, these actions represent a form of civil disobedience necessary in a democratic society to highlight injustices and effect change.
By holding the judges accountable, the students promote a culture of transparency and dialogue.
Thirdly, the actions have the potential to initiate a broader discussion on the role of the judiciary in politics and the significance of the constitution for democracy.
The planned live discussion and the invitation to the judge to face questions are crucial steps in raising awareness and understanding of these issues.
Finally, the students' actions could also affect future legal decisions by showing that the public is vigilant and takes the judiciary's accountability seriously.
This could help to build trust in the legal system and improve educational standards for future law students.
Overall, the students' actions send an important signal for the preservation of democracy and legal principles.
They encourage critical engagement with the judiciary and foster commitment to a just and transparent society.

Nang Tani,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Welcome to Thailand Province of China The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 17, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday August 15, 2024

Re: "PM orders tougher rules for imports", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday August 14, 2024
If Thai manufacturers already feel overwhelmed by the influx of cheap Chinese goods at this juncture, just wait until the high-speed rail link to China via Laos is completed.
Any Thai producers who doubt the impacts of a fully functioning high-speed rail link with the northern behemoth should urgently consult with their Lao neighbours.
Welcome to Thailand, province of China.

Samanea Saman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Manila is the fifth riskiest city for tourists Out of 60 international cities The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 15, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday August 14, 2024

It saddens me to read the result of a recent survey by media company Forbes Advisor stating that Manila is the fifth riskiest city for tourists out of 60 international cities included in the study.
The study’s composite ranking is based on the ranks Manila registered under each of the following metrics: personal security risk, health security risk, crime and infrastructure security risks, and digital security risk.
In 2017, there were also equally concerning reports such as that of Zipjet which listed Manila as one of the most stressful cities in the world, and that of London’s The Economist magazine which rated Manila as one of the most unsafe cities in the world.
Whatever their levels of accuracy, I would like to consider the above reports as wake-up calls for us to intensify our efforts in effectively solving the informal settlers problem in our capital city.
However, in the case of the Zipjet report and its negative comments on Manila, then Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada dismissed the report as “fake news.”
But in fairness to him, he set up the Dubai Village Project for 225 informal settler families (ISF) in Baseco, Port Area, in 2016 and was planning to do more projects. In the case of succeeding mayor Isko Moreno, with his soft spot for the poor as a former informal settler himself, he even set up more housing projects such as the 20-story condominiums in the slum areas of Binondo, Santa Cruz, San Andres Bukid, and Quiapo. He also initiated a city-wide clean-up of illegal vendors on the city’s sidewalks.
In the case of incumbent city mayor Honey Lacuna, she is fast-tracking the completion of three housing projects in North Harbor, and in Tondo, San Miguel, and Santa Mesa districts under the government’s 4PH housing program for ISF. President Marcos also declared last June an ISF area in Tondo measuring 2.2 hectares as a location for his 4PH housing program for which he targets the nationwide completion of six million homes within his term.
It is a common observation among Metro Manilans that the highest concentration of informal settlers in Manila is in the North Harbor and Smokey Mountain areas of Tondo, Baseco in Port Area, and the San Andres Bukid district. It is in these areas where most urban social ills are observed.
However, the prospect of house ownership under the 4PH program is expected to address these ills.
It’s good to see that our government officials have given attention to Manila’s most socially problematic areas and that the Department of Tourism has been promoting eco-, sun and beach, dive, and adventure tourism which are the growth engines of our vibrant tourism industry that accounted for 8.6 percent of our GDP in 2023.
However, there is also a need to develop our cultural, heritage, and religious tourism that should be promoted first in our history-rich capital which should serve as the microcosm of these neglected sectors of our tourism industry.
The President has started this with his Pasig River Esplanade project which is connected to our old Walled City of Intramuros in the south and to the Jones Bridge in the north.
But I suggest that, aside from beautifying this old bridge rendered in neoclassical style, the project should continue the promenade concept to the adjoining historic Escolta CBD with its art deco and art nouveau buildings which, incidentally, should be protected against mindless gentrification.

Meliton B. Juanico,
Manila,
Philippines

Call for Thailand to recognise and value Expatriates contribution to the economy The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 15, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday August 13, 2024

Re: "Quest for clarity", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Thursday August 8, 2024.
There are approximately 300,000 Western expatriates residing in Thailand, with a guesstimated average annual expenditure of 1 million baht per expat.
This results in a total spending of about 300 billion baht annually.
In comparison, foreign tourists typically spend around 5,000 baht per day and stay for about 14 days.
Therefore, it would require approximately 15 tourists to match the annual spending of a single expatriate.
Beyond direct spending, expatriates also contribute economically by purchasing items such as motorbikes, cars, and condominiums.
Additionally, some expatriates provide financial support to Thai families in good and bad times, further amplifying their economic impact.
If new Thai tax regulations lead to a significant reduction in the expat population potentially halving it and if attracting new expatriates becomes challenging, Thailand could lose a substantial economic benefit.
To mitigate these risks and harness the full economic potential, it may be prudent for Thailand to adopt an inclusive expat strategy.
This could involve recognising and valuing the contributions of expatriates while developing a premium tourism strategy.
The latter might include implementing a tourist fee that supports the enhancement of infrastructure and could attract higher-spending visitors.
A worried expat.

Peter Haenni,
Bangkok,
Thailand

For HM The Queen Mother of Thailand On her Birthday Monday August 12, 2024. The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday, August 14, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday August 12, 2024

In a kingdom graced with immeasurable joys
The generosity of your giving
Fills our minds with thanksgiving
Across the kingdom art and artistry flourish
Touched by your generosity
Caressed by artisan effort and zeal
Cultural gifts our minds nourish
As years accumulate from valued days
And time is spent in meaningful ways
Your support we remember with joy
Your praises we employ
Thus on this your birthday we invoke in thanksgiving
Blessings and strength for you, unending

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Ask yourself why so many Christian priests Have been accused of engaging in homosexuality The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 13, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday August 9, 2024

Re: "Khelif proves too strong for Janjaem", in Bangkok Post, Sport, Thursday August 8, 2024.
I must say that all the arguments about the politics of sexuality in the Olympics and other competitive sports are symptomatic of human conditions polluted by faith and religion.
The real world is not based on binary logic.
Only computers use binary logic 0s and 1s for convenience.
It is difficult to say which is a male or female bit.
In nature, specifically in the plant and animal kingdom, sexuality is not binary.
Plants and animals reproduce in a variety of ways sexually and asexually.
For unknown reasons, nature also exhibits the law of exceptions.
Let us look at nature carefully.
Hermaphroditism is a condition of having both male and female reproductive organs.
Hermaphroditic plants most flowering plants or angiosperms are called monoecious or bisexual.
Hermaphroditic animals mostly invertebrates such as worms, bryozoans (moss animals), trematodes (flukes), snails, slugs, and barnacles are usually parasitic, slow-moving, or permanently attached to another animal or plant.
In human beings, the phenotype is not completely controlled by XY chromosomes. Social environments (including religions) are key factors in developing human sexuality.
Ask yourself why so many Christian priests have been accused of engaging in homosexuality.
Which chromosome determines homosexuality?
Olympics or any other competitive sport must recognise shades of human sexuality carefully and put contenders in groups beyond binary classification, male or female.

Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Warm-blooded animals living on tropical islands Are more prone to extinction The Southeast Asian Times Monday, August 12, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquiry Wednesday August 7, 2024

The title of the paper could not be more daunting to the layperson, but the publication contains golden nuggets for our country: “Convergent evolution toward a slow pace of life predisposes insular endotherms to anthropogenic extinctions,” authored by Ying Xiong and others. It was published last month in the journal Science Advances.
In essence, the startling conclusion of the paper based on new evidence is that warm-blooded animals living on tropical islands are more prone to extinction than their mainland counterparts.
Turns out that these animals have adapted to cozy island life by having slower metabolic rates.
It’s like people, too, as we can glean from social media quotes like “On island time, nothing is urgent” or “Island life is simple, slow, but full of sunshine and sea.”
Xiong and co-writers assessed the metabolic rates of more than 2,000 island mammals and birds.
Then they compared their findings with the conservation status of each animal as contained in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Through correlation analysis, they demonstrated that the slower the metabolism, the higher the risk of extinction.
In other words, tropical island animals are more vulnerable to environmental changes, primarily those caused by humans.
Because they cannot adapt fast enough, they are in greater danger of extinction due to habitat destruction brought about by deforestation, over-exploitation, and climate change, among others.
The study highlights the need to redouble our efforts in conserving our biodiversity resources since the Philippines is composed of thousands of small islands.
The Philippines has one of the richest biodiversity resources in the world.
The country harbors two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70 percent and 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species. But sadly, more than 700 species are under threat of extinction.
All sectors of society must collaborate to stave off a catastrophic loss of our rich plants and animal life.
The government’s efforts, ably led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and specifically the Biodiversity Management Bureau, must be supported and expanded.
A number of civil society organizations are valiantly trying to conserve our remaining natural resources.
The private sector is also becoming more engaged in conservation efforts, as exemplified by the BINHI program of the Energy Development Corp.
The science is becoming more apparent every day. Humans have altered the earth’s face in ways that could only be described as irresponsible. As stewards of God’s creation, we should do a far better job conserving our rich natural heritage.

Dr. Rodel Lasco,
Author,
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Sixth assessment report,
Manila,
Philippines

Has justice been seen to be done in the MFP case? I suggest not The Southeast Asian Times Sunday August 11, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday August 9, 2024

Re: "MFP takes ruling in stride", in Bangkok Post, Thursday August 8, 2024.
The Constitutional Court's verdict dissolving the MFP and banning its top executives again reminds us of HM King Bhumibol the Great's carefully considered opinion on Section 112.
"Thailand's law of lèse-majesté has one very prominent critic: King Bhumibol
In 2005 King Bhumibol used his annual televised birthday address to convey three concerns:
'The King,' he said, 'is a human being and as such should be subject to criticism.
Charges against those accused of lèse-majesté should be dropped, and those held in jail for lèse-majesté should be released, and the use of the lèse-majesté law ultimately damages the monarchy'" in Grossman and Faulder, in their palace-approved book.
Has justice been seen to be done in the MFP case?
I suggest not.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for Olympics to go back to Ancient Greek Olympic tradition The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 10, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday August 8, 2024

Re: "Fair play achievable?", in Bangko Post, PostBag, Wednesday August 7, 2024.
Michael Setter outlines well the case for sticking with the traditional gender categorisation at the Olympics: it is simple and binary.
He is certainly correct that "the concept of fairness is suspect on many levels".
He is also right that a more sophisticated approach than simple sex discrimination is in fact complex; sophisticated even.
Who would want to be sophisticated when a simple binary option exists?
But sex-based discrimination glosses over a host of dirty little secrets.
For a start, the athletes tend to keep the most explicit sign of their sex concealed under layers of fabric as if it were a dirty little secret.
What is needed is a simple black-and-white divider, one that is clearly seen. Exactly such a traditional marker for dividing humans exists.
That discriminator is the one being revitalised by the current Trump election campaign in the US, namely, identity according to skin colour.
Unlike sex, this is not treated as a dirty little secret.
People in most cultures do not conceal their faces or significant other bits of skin, making it a publicly revealing marker of who someone is, to the delight not only of politicians looking for a coloured card to play to their base.
Rather than making sex the basis for creating categories to allow the less naturally gifted by Mother Nature to have their bit of glory in the shadow of the other category, a better choice for dividing athletes is skin colour.
Of course, there will still be problems: there are murky grey cases that are not plainly, wholesomely, black or white.
And some will doubtless try to pass as white to compete in that category rather than the statistically stronger black category.
There will, accordingly, need to be tests for bleaching and like deceitful practices. Would such an easy black-and-white division of athletes be any less fair than the current system?
If we must stick with sex-based discrimination, at least go back to respecting the ancient Greek Olympic tradition of athletes competing in the nude rather than concealing the bits society deems dirty little secrets.
That respect for venerable tradition might even tempt myself and others to even watch a boxing match.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

No record breaking temperatures By August deadline The Southeast Asian Times, Friday August 9, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday August 6, 2024

Re: "Climate change: the August deadline", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Saturday August 3, 2024
Climate crier Gwynne Dyer reports noted climate modeller Gavin Schmidt has claimed, "By August, if we're still looking at record-breaking temperatures, then we really have moved into uncharted territory."
Well, here it is, August, and everything seems the same.
No record temperatures except in the fake data which is generated by 20 years' worth of climate modeling feeding upon itself, generated by no new measurements, but rather ever new constants inserted into always changing mathematical models designed to predict the doom we are causing by, among other things, breathing.
Such people are never accountable, always promising to get better at spewing scarier news.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Unfairness in the Olympic boxing match Between Angela Carini and Imane Khelif The Southeast Asian Times Thursday August 8 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday August 6, 2024

Re: "Gender woes in sports", in Bankok Post, PostBag, Sunday August 4, 2024.
Miro King, in support of real women, is right to be upset about the Olympic boxing matches.
There seems to be unfairness in the match between Angela Carini and Imane Khelif, who was born a woman, albeit with male-genetic XY chromosomes.
The solution once used is to ban female boxers with such genetic advantage that leads to greater strength, higher testosterone levels, greater muscle mass, and the like.
It is this set of natural physical characteristics, rather than the accident of sex, that are argued to constitute unfairness.
That solution sounds reasonable and right.
Yet, the solution should extend the categorisation system to include the full set of measurable physical characteristics held to be relevant.
Sex is no more one of those characteristics than it is for competing in business, academia, or employment.
Indeed, it is time to end sex-based discrimination in sports and improve the criteria for deciding who can compete against whom.
Therefore, athletes, whether natural-born males or females, should be able to compete fairly against other humans who meet the same qualifying criteria for the category.
Biological females and males will then have an equal chance of defeating their competitors of either sex.
This will resolve the current disputes about who should be allowed to compete against whom by neatly dissolving sports clinging to the old habit of treating women as being so inferior to men as to require a separate category to compete in.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Whopping double standards Enshrined in Thai law The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday August 7, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday August 3, 2024

Re: "Srettha defends integrity in court", Bangkok Post, Wednesday July 31, 2024.
In challenging Prime Minister Srettha's ethical standards in court related to his appointment of a former convict to his cabinet, senators appointed by the Prayut junta spoke of "good morals" and "ethics," while Prayut's cabinet allowed a drug-related convict who'd been jailed in a foreign cell to sit happily in cabinet.
That alone shows a whopping double standard enshrined in the law.
It is unethical.
Also citing the need to suppress peaceful speech, those same senators denied the Thai people the government for which they voted.
That was neither just, nor moral, nor democratic, merely legal: again, the double standard that legalises such bad morals, such unethical practices, is glaring.
Meanwhile, the fact of Prayut being where he is having done what he did, highlights as nothing else does the extraordinary double standards written into the law when it speaks of "good morals" and "ethics".
The pending court cases only emphasise those double standards enshrined in the law.
Such are the messages being consistently sent by the conservative old guard.
Is it any wonder that support for Move Forward and its popular policies continues to grow? I daresay all those who realised so soon after the event that they had wasted their vote by voting for Pheu Thai are looking forward to correcting that mistake.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for Thailand to follow principle of non-refoulment And not return activist Y Quynh Bdap to Vietnam The Southeast Asan Times, Tuesday August 6, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday August 4, 2024

Re: "Govt can't meddle in Vietnamese activist case", in Bangkok Post, Thursday August 1, 2024.
In the court case of Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, who's overstayed his visa but has been granted refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHC), we must follow the principle of non-refoulement.
This "prohibits States from returning refugees to where their lives or freedom may be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. It is a part of customary international law and is therefore binding on all States, whether or not they are parties to the Geneva Refugee Convention and Protocol" (source: EU Glossary).
Mr Bdap seeks freedom of religion for Vietnamese Montagnards, and Vietnam requests his extradition for launching campaigns that break Vietnamese law but evidently not Thai law.
Critics say that Christian Montagnards have long been persecuted by the Vietnamese government, and US Congress members have asked Prime Minister Srettha to release Bdap.
We seek a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHC) seat in this October's elections.
We should show the United Nations (UN) that we follow international law's core principles.
If we extradite Mr Bdap, it must be to a country where his life or liberty will not be threatened, such as the US.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailands

Human rights do not arise under Thailand military Prayut government Or democratic elected Srettha government The Southeast Asian Times, Monday August 5, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday August 3, 2024

Re: "Govt can't meddle in Vietnamese activist case", in Bangkok Post, Thursday August 1, 2024.
Whether under an army-ruled government under Prayut or the current so-called democratically elected Thai government under civilian Prime Minister Srettha, the issue of respecting human rights does not arise at all.
Lest we forget, the Thai government handed over 109 Muslim Uyghur refugees in 2014 to China under tremendous Chinese pressure, knowing the fate of these poor Uyghurs.
They were blindfolded, handcuffed and forcibly put on a China-bound plane and handed over to Chinese authorities.
Their families and children were separated and were deported on a separate plane.
The world does not know the consequences or their fate.
Again, against the request from the UN and human rights organisations across the world, the Thai embassy in Istanbul was attacked and had to close down our consulate.
We had handed over political activists and members of opposition parties from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Hong Kong to their brutal and repressive dictators.
The question of respecting human rights sounds like an alien concept to us, especially when we Thais treat our unarmed Thai brothers and sisters so cruelly by sending them to jail for violating Section 112.
One was arrested for expressing an opinion on inconvenience from a royal motorcade.
Now, is Thailand allowed to stay a member of the UN, or would it be fair for the UN to include Thailand as a member of its human rights committee?

Jayut Jayanandana,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Philippines once again fails to exit Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list The Southeast Asian Times Sunday, July 9, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday July 29, 2024

I refer to the commentary published in this paper about the Philippines once more failing to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “gray list” in “Exiting the ‘gray list’,” July 17, 2024.
A country in the “gray list” means it is under increased monitoring.
As of June 2024, the Philippines counts itself as one of the 21 countries or about 10 percent of countries in the world under the gray list.
Being placed on this list has tangible consequences for a country’s economy and financial system such as restricted cross-border transactions, leading to difficulties for a state obtaining credit, and limiting inward foreign investment.
In other words, they hurt the economy impacting the poor the most.
In January last year, then Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla, who chaired the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), noted the lack of action on easing the bank secrecy law, resulting in the low number of cases filed against violators of anti-money laundering and terrorist financing and their eventual conviction as may be gleaned from most if not all of the blue ribbon committee investigations going nowhere.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) added that the Philippines is one of three remaining countries in the world with ultra secrecy in bank deposits.
Republic Act No. 1405 or the bank secrecy law prohibits any person from disclosing to any person any information relating to the funds, assets, or properties belonging to a depositor except on either of two conditions, when waived by the depositor or when a court order is issued.
A third exception, recommended by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), involves cases where the inquiry or examination is made by the central bank, provided that, there is a reasonable ground to believe that fraud, serious irregularity, or unlawful activity has been or is being committed by persons, and that it is necessary to look into the deposit to establish such fraud, irregularity, or unlawful activity.
Simple.
We need to realize we have far more serious threats internal to our country over and above external threats such as China’s encroachments and near acts of war in the West Philippine Sea.
The revered Douglas MacArthur once said in his speech before the Texas State Legislature in 1951: “Talk of imminent threat to our national security through the application of external force is pure nonsense.
Our threat is from the insidious forces working from within.”
He may have been referring then to deceptive and powerful organizations within the United States using potential global threats as an excuse to put aside founding American principles.
We have deceptive and powerful persons in and out of our institutions who erode the safety and security of Filipinos and taint the country’s image in the eyes of the global community by opening up offshore gaming operations in the country, accommodating Chinese illegal and criminal activities, and by aiding China’s creeping invasion in the form of acquisition of massive chunks of real estate with dummies and assisting the influx of thousands of Chinese, some taking up residence and citizenship and taking over businesses.
This involves corruption on a grand scale and illicit money passing through banks that cannot be investigated.
Worse still, we have institutions that ignore their sworn constitutional duty to establish a government with which we can build a just and humane society by failing to stamp out corruption, which is possibly the biggest bane in our life as a nation and the most pernicious obstacle to our achieving of full human development.
Money always leaves a trail.
Congress must do its part and pass the long-languishing bill easing the bank secrecy law to first and foremost promote the common good and, once and for all, address the preeminent gap in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

Norman V. Cabrera,
President,
Manila,
Philippines

Persistence of female genital mutilation Under Monotheistic religious ideologies is no accident The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 3, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 27, 2024

Re: "Female genital mutilation and the need for Islamic scholars", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Saturday July 20, 2024.
In his opinion piece on the evil that is female genital mutilation, Gwynne Dyer usefully observes that the traditional practice was endemic to the region long before the Abrahamic religions took hold.
Those religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, merely enshrined the cultural norms of that time and place.
They had no concern for good or bad, right or wrong, just or unjust, except to use talk of such things to entrench their despotism.
Although Mr Dyer is correct that a clear statement from Islamic religious leaders and scholars of the Koran that their religion does not, in fact, teach any such thing as a need or even acceptance of female genital mutilation is still not enough.
Even if the Koran explicitly commanded it, that would not make female genital mutilation one whit less evil.
No more does the Bible's explicit command to commit genocide, to kill and to sexually use children make that acceptable to any morally decent human being.
And contrary to the solidly Bible-based arguments of the pro-slavery South in the US Civil War, that book's consistent endorsement of the venerably traditional institution of slavery did not and does not make slavery morally acceptable.
As Mr Dyer also notes, those things are in the ancient sacred texts because they were part of the cultural context at the time the texts were written to serve the ideology of their societies' reigning masters.
It is no accident to take a different example that the first four of those infamous Ten Commandments given to Moses just after the slaughter of the innocent children of Egypt and as a reminder before the imminent genocide of the Canaanites, including the divinely commanded slaughter of their children, the divine one handed over those commandments.
And they were commands.
They were not reasoned moral arguments.
Monotheistic religion, as both its sacred texts and its well-known history consistently attest, is no place to look for decent moral guidance.
The persistence of female genital mutilation in areas still under the thrall of such religious ideologies is no accident.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Your trash Your responsibility The Southeast Asian Times, Friday August 2, 2024 First Published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday July 30, 2024

President Marcos recently did an ocular inspection in the affected areas of Metro Manila after the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Carina.”
He pointed out that the main cause of the flooding is the improper garbage disposal on top of climate change.
The President stressed that we have more flood control now than before increased number of pumping stations, “Pero talaga you have to put it trash somewhere,” he said “Marcos: People should learn as climate change, trash caused flooding,” Inquirer.net, July, 26, 2024.
He reminded Filipinos to properly dispose of their garbage to keep the drainage system free from clogging and hence prevent flooding.
I remember, as a Grade 1 student, our school principal would stand in front of the flagpole to make her announcements and reminders to everyone.
This had been her habit after every flag ceremony.
I could no longer remember the rest of what she said, except for this: “Basura mo, pananagutan mo”
Your trash, your responsibility.
As the principal leaves the stage, we would then pick up the “flowering plastic” on the grounds, throw them in the trash can, then go inside the classroom.
The principle from the principal is simple, but practical.
If every Filipino knew their responsibility including distinguishing biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste “nabubulok” vs “hindi nabubulok” then they would be prepared to meet the responsibilities as a youth, later as a parent, and a leader in the community.
Every Filipino should be responsible for their choices, in what course to take, who to marry, and what role to play in building the nation.
While inside the jeepney with my mother, as a little child, I once threw a cellophane out the window after I’d consumed my bread.
But my mother told me that it was not good and threatened me that the policeman might catch and reprimand me.
How thankful we are to our parents and teachers!
A pumping station is what the government can provide, but a clogged drainage is what the people can prevent.
People can do more, for prevention is better than cure.
We get to choose what to plant: real flowers, fruits, nuts, and vegetables that will benefit our health, or “plant” plastic or throw garbage anywhere in the city street and clog the drainage system.
Your choice.

Ham Geg G. Manggasang,
Manila,
Philippines

Chinese are thriving In the West Philippine Sea The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 1, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday July 30, 2024

Territory is very important to every nation.
As James Garfield, 20th American president quotes, “Territory is but the body of a nation. The people who inhabit its hills and valleys are its soul, its spirit, its life.”
I am a pure-blooded Filipino and proud to be one.
My husband and I work in the United Kingdom as nurses and are currently on vacation in Laguna. Filipinos are peace-loving, friendliest, the best, and warmest people on the planet.
While we are working in a peaceful country, I can’t help but be boggled and somewhat scared by news about the Chinese activities in the Philippine waters which to me are an infringement on our territory.
The Chinese have been thriving in the West Philippine Sea as they claim it is their territory.
The West Philippine Sea consists of islands and islets that are very rich in marine life natural gas, and oil reserves, among others.
News revealed their creeping invasion in the country as they have built infrastructures, stolen fish catch from our fishermen, and exploited and harvested our marine fauna.
This year, a series of unlawful activities were perpetrated by the China Coast Guard purportedly to have their footing in the West Philippine Sea.
How many more of this aggressive behavior will these Chinese nationals lodge against Filipinos?
How long can Filipinos endure their infringement on our territory?
While we Filipinos are peace-loving people, are we going to allow China’s infringement on our sovereignty which was won through decades of hard struggle?
I appeal to our lawmakers and policy planners to defend our territory peacefully with the intervention of other international states who also stand for peace.

Name withheld on request,
Manila,
Philippines

Primate, Bua Noi, deserves a better life Than behind bars in a Thailand department store The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 31, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 27, 2024

Re: "A new zoo vision?", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Wednesday July 24, 2024.
While most people are repulsed at the conditions under which primate, Bua Noi, has lived for the past 30-odd years, Rose Bellini should not try to impress us by using obscure words.
An oubliette from the French "oublier", meaning to forget is a dungeon accessible only through a trapdoor in the roof.
It was a particularly evil form of imprisonment and torture used in the Middle Ages, with prisoners thrown down through the trapdoor into a dark and airless cell and often left to starve to death.
Having said that, let us not forget that primate, Bua Noi, is a sentient being and deserves a better life than to be confined behind bars in a department store, gawked at daily by human apes.

David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Long-stay expats in Thailand Are not the lynchpin of the Thai economy The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 30, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday July 27, 2024

Re: "Expat explains", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Sunday July 21, 2024.
First, Phil Cox misrepresented my view on a mass exodus of expats.
Never in my mind, irrespective of the outcome of the issue, could there be a mass exodus.
The view of the mass exodus came from those expats who wished for that result because of the thought of the Revenue's head of taxing world income to follow the global trend of closing tax loopholes.
Secondly, even when world income is applicable, in my humble opinion, there could only be a trickle of outward-bound expats, only a drop in the ocean because of prior commitments, attachments to the land irrespective of the country's faults, and easy solutions to the hassle of its rules by googling on the treaty of the country that income is originated from or paying a small fee to any respectable international tax advisers in town.
Thirdly, the property market in Phuket is already tilted mainly towards buyers from Russia and Eastern Europe. In Bangkok, from the business pages of the Bangkok Post, surprisingly, China and Myanmar are two big buyers.
Just like Russia, because of authoritarianism, they seek to protect their assets by taking refuge in the safe land of Thailand.
Both property markets are flourishing, and their citizens need not fear a world income rule since its effectiveness depends on the cooperation of signatory members on disclosing income to each other's tax territories.
China, Russia and Myanmar are not signatory members.
Finally, long-stay expats are not the lynchpin of the Thai economy.
They are important, but not to the degree that some expat writers have claimed.
If one has to choose either the inward funds per year from 40 million tourists or from a few hundred thousand long-stay expats in Thailand, a sane man will always pick the 40 million tourists anytime.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Rotenone to control invasive fish species Is not feasible due to its toxic properties The Southeast Asian Times Monday July 29, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 27, 2024

Re: "Chemical solution", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Thursday July 25, 2024 and "Halting tilapia invasion 'a priority'", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday July 23, 2024
First let me say that the use of rotenone to control invasive fish species is not feasible due to its toxic properties, it is harmful to humans, animals, and lethal to fish and insects, while remaining active for up to four weeks in the environment.
Second, after reviewing Thailand's Department of Fisheries website, it is apparent that its primary focus has been on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing for decades, and its capacity to use modern genomic methods to control invasive species has not been developed.
Compare this with the US National Fish Hatchery System, which raises and stocks 100 million fish each year "to support the recovery and restoration of imperilled species, recreational fishing, and Tribal subsistence fisheries. National fish hatcheries use aquaculture to raise threatened, endangered, or at-risk species in a safe captive environment for eventual release into a natural setting. This work, along with habitat restoration and other federal protections, can help boost and support wild populations of fish and aquatic wildlife."
The fish and seafood market in Thailand is valued at US$8.57 billion (300 billion baht) in 2024.
Surely, this would justify the Thai Fisheries Department's establishment of a state-of-the-art aquaculture and genomics facility on a large site capable of adequately fighting the ever-present hazards of invasive species and protecting national resources.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok.
Thailand

Call for the Philippines Presidential Action Center To be expanded to the United Arab Emirates The Southeast Asian Times Sunday July 28, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday July 22, 2024

How about expanding the Presidential Action Center or PAC under Executive Order No. 15 in regions where there is a large concentration of overseas Filipinos (OFs) such as Europe, Middle East, and Africa,( EMEA), North America, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Austraila-New Zealand-United States territories (ANZUS0?
Presidential Action Center (PAC) serves as the command center and liaison unit of the Office of the President with various agencies on all requests for assistance, complaints, and grievances from the general public.
Let’s face it, almost all OFs will not be reintegrating back into Philippine society as overseas opportunities are better than living and working in the Philippines.
OFs have significant contributions in every country they are in.
Every host country and every employer will tell the world that OFs are excellent, talented, friendly, and, most of all, caring skilled workers, artists, professionals, or entrepreneurs.
As so-called modern-day heroes because of the remittances that have helped keep the country economically afloat, OFs should also be heard where they are.
The presence of embassies, consulates, and migrant workers offices in the major countries that host OFs does not guarantee that all requests for assistance, complaints, and grievances will reach the president’s ears or his inner circle at Malacañan Palace.
President Marcos can first start establishing the global PAC in the United Arab Emirates, either in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, covering the EMEA region which has over three million OFs, who are mostly migrant workers compared with the OFs in North America who are considered immigrants.
It will make a lot of sense to have the PAC in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where there are two international aviation hubs. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are eight flight hours to London and Johannesburg, seven flight hours to Milan, more than five flight hours to Kenya, four flight hours to Cairo and Tel Aviv, three flight hours to Jeddah and Amman, two flight hours to Riyadh, almost two flight hours to Kuwait, and one flight hour to Doha. This would be practical in case of an emergency response to any major incident involving OFs in the region.

Art Popoy Los Banos,
Manila,
Philippines

US Constitution's Second Amendment States the right to bear arms in an organised militia The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 27, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday July 21, 2024

Re: "Trust deficit", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Sunday July 21, 20224 and "Guns on US streets", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Thursday July 18, 2024.
Michael Setter seems to have forgotten that the US Constitution's Second Amendment, influenced by the English Bill of Rights of 1689, states the right to bear arms in an organised militia.
At the time of writing the Constitution, the US had no army or navy, so an organised militia was needed for defence.
The founding fathers were concerned about external threats and could never have foreseen the military might that the US now has.
I would suggest that Michael downloads the Letter from America of Alister Cooke (1993) to see how far the bearing of arms and the power of the National Rifle Association (NRA) has led to the carnage in the US relating to gun ownership with no organised militias in sight!!

KMAC,
Bangkok,
Thailand

State intolerance and repression in Hong Kong Since China's takeover from British The Southeast Asian Times Friday July 26, 2024

We read in The Southeast Asian Times 25 July that ‘ Hong Kong spectator at volley ball match found guilty for covering his ears against China’s national anthem.
Wow!
Has it reached that level of State intolerance/ repression in Hong Kong since China’s takeover?
Well clearly the people of Hong Kong are free no more the way they once used
to be.
We from the outside can only empathise with them for their predicament under China’s control.

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia

Thailand police often committing horrific crimes While bearing arms legally The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 25, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 22, 2024

Re: "Guns on US streets", in Bangkok PostBag, Thursday July 18, 2024
Dennis Fitzgerald wants to restrict "gun access to those protecting us, mainly the military and police".
The right to bear arms is enshrined in the US constitution for a reason.
Those "protecting us" in Thailand however, in case Dennis may not have noticed, have overthrown duly elected governments 13 times and tried nine additional times to do so without success.
The police seem to be in the news frequently for all the wrong reasons, often committing horrific crimes while bearing arms legally.
The constitution of the US is a truly remarkable document which at root presumes adults are capable of being fully responsible for themselves and their families and so provides a governmental structure under which they are enabled to exercise that responsibility lawfully.
It is children who cry for protection from "authorities" because they are not capable of being responsible for themselves.
This is the European Union model of "woke" government. How is that working out, Dennis?
Try a visit to Canebière, Noailles, and Belsunce, in Marseille at night, or how about a stroll around London's Westminster which had 463 crimes per 1,000 people last year?

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

UPIHR report showes former president Rodrigo Duterte's War on drugs has not yielded any notable success The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 24, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Thursday July 18, 2024

The editorial of the Philippine Daily Inquirer last July 14, 2024, about the Philippine Drug Policy and Law Reform Summit in 10-12 July 2024 detailed a significant occasion for human rights defenders and drug reform advocacy groups nationwide. The event was jointly hosted by the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime under the UN Joint Programme for Human Rights in the Philippines with the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law serving as academic partner.
Many of the participants, especially those who faced demonization under the previous administration, claimed that they could not have imagined the event a few years ago.
Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) executive director Earl Saavedra and DOJ Undersec.
Jesse Andres went through the UP Law Center Institute of Human Rights (UPIHR) prepared Rapporteur’s Outcome Report that included the lived experiences covered by national dialogues that showed the perspectives of over 434 who participated in various sectoral and regional dialogues across the country and 23 position papers and studies from chief security officers and drug policy experts.
It was explicitly provided that former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs has not yielded any notable success.
Instead, it only resulted in grave human rights violations, limited access to drug treatment programs, and severe jail congestion.
The 2024 forum was in sharp contrast to the UPIHR and Free Legal Assistance Group’s Policy Forum called “Drug Issues, Different Perspectives” on May 5-6, 2017, where then President Duterte sacked DDB chair Benjamin Reyes after sharing government statistics that contradicted the president’s unsupported figures. Dr. Carl Hart, a neuroscientist who also spoke in the forum, was then insulted and cursed by Duterte. Meanwhile, the keynote speaker, UN special rapporteur for extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, was banned from entering the Philippines.
The gathering allowed the participants to echo the Outcome Report, as they urged the government to put an end to the prohibitionist drug policy in favor of a rights-based approach that treats drug use as a health issue starting by repealing “Oplan Tokhang,” abolishing the arrest-based and quota system used by the police, and ensuring accountability. Instead of focusing on street-level peddlers and nonviolent users, they called on the government to focus on the socioeconomic roots of the issue and divert funds to poverty alleviation.
While remaining critical, the participants recognized that the forum is the crucial first step toward transforming the carceral and punitive drug policy.

Raymond Marvic
C. Baguilat,
Manila,
Philippines

 

Call to shift Thai auto parts manufacturers Towards medical device production The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 23, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday July 16, 2024

Re: "Auto parts makers nudged towards medical devices", in Bangkok Post, Business, Friday July 12, 2024.
I strongly agree that shifting Thai auto parts manufacturers towards medical device production is a strategic and wise move. Leveraging their existing manufacturing capabilities, these companies can efficiently enter a growing industry, offsetting the decline in automotive demand and boosting Thailand's self-sufficiency in essential medical equipment.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, making domestic production of items like ventilators and PPE crucial.
With government support and incentives, this pivot allows auto parts makers to diversify revenue streams and ensure long-term sustainability, aligning with Thailand's economic interests and market adaptability.

Boonyisa Pamonbut,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Survey conducted by Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation is worthless The Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 22, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday July 20, 2024

Re: "Residents slam survey result on Thailand's Thap Lan National Park", in Bangkok Post, Monday July 15, 2024 and "'Save Thap Lan' campaign just a ruse", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday July 12, 2024.
As the Post's well-informed columnist Sanitsuda Ekachai explains in her excellent opinion piece "'Save Thap Lan' campaign just a ruse", the online survey done by that highly interested party, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) is as flawed as is that department's ill-considered plan to maintain another traditional area of unjust state control over people.
The way the survey was done makes it worthless.
No one expects, no one should suspect, a self-selecting group to be unbiased.
It is too unsurprising that a Thai government department would think that conducting such a survey might be of some worth.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) should apologise for conducting such a silly survey, and admit that they might be seriously in the wrong to oppose the proposal to turn a chunk of the national park into farmland that its traditional residents have a legally protected right to use.
Putting the adjective "national" in front of a noun does not magically confer on the thing that noun phrase points to any magical right to override considerations of what is just.
No adjective has that magical power; however, often state authorities wielding bad law presume it.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's Koah Chan Island Will sink under tourist invasion The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 21, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 20, 2024

Re: "Koh Chang bridge 'likely to cost B10bn'", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday July 17, 2024.
I read the proposal to build a bridge to Koh Chang with utter dismay.
Starting with the enormous financial and environmental cost, it is a disaster in the making. I have been a regular visitor to this once tranquil, pristine and most beautiful island for over 25 years.
In that time, the island has been overrun by hordes of tourists, uncontrolled building, beach encroachment by holiday resorts and above all, rubbish.
Plus, the dangerous macaque monkeys!
Koh Chang, like most Thai islands does not have a proper waste disposal structure.
There are many enormous heaps of rubbish that are hidden in the once pristine forest.
The beaches are polluted.
The road and transport infrastructure is woefully inadequate, with deadly extremely narrow roads with numerous hairpin bends, upon which there are countless accidents, many fatal, every year, never reported in the press.
Even the proposed terminal at Koh Chang Hospital is ridiculous as it is so far from the main beaches and would exacerbate the traffic problem even more.
Please scrap the plan to build the bridge to Koh Chang.
Otherwise, it will sink under the tourist invasion and become rubbish like Venice and Barcelona!

Miro King, loves Koh Chang,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Philippines vaunted attachment to religion Has been a death blow The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 20, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday July 11, 2024

Eleanor Pinugu’s “What hinders creativity” in Undercurrent, June 24, 2024 describes the invisible gorilla as not just an interesting experiment but a crucial metaphor for the country’s current regressive path.
This experiment, which demonstrates “selective brain attention” demands our attention and engagement.
Our vaunted attachment to religion has been a death blow to our natural innovative capacity and vision.
The Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) results show that even our young people are beginning to exhibit signs of falling into the abyss of religious paralysis, unable or unwilling to find answers beyond what the padre says on a Sunday morning.
Generations before have forsaken them to be submissive and accepting.
Deep in his hippocampus, a voice says, “Stifle yourself!”
As a boomer who has experienced 14 years of Catholic education, I can attest that critical thinking skills were never a priority.
It has never been in the interest of the ruling class (aka government) and the Church to encourage clear and rational thinking among the citizenry.
Our institutions, like our undernourished school children, have long suffered from the “stunting” effects of a “fixed mindset.”
Pinugu’s article rightly points this out, but she doesn’t address the source of this ongoing national decrepitude.
It all started when Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross on the shores of Cebu in 1521.
Why do we fall to a single spiritual narrative and immediately “take it to the bank”?
We take all kinds of time, listen to all views, and study the opposition on the most mundane issues but would not spend a minute to question what the padre is saying. He tells you, “You are going to hell,” and without batting an eyelash, you are down on your knees, asking for forgiveness.
Think about it: how did humanity cease to be rational at the mere mention of spirituality?
Why do we behave so differently as soon as Joe puts his “collar” and a giant cross around his neck?
So now, besides showing our youth’s illiteracy, Pisa also indicates a fallback on our intuitive affinity for ingenuity, one of many adverse consequences of dogmatic overexposure.
Absolutism and fixed religious ideology are a bane to creativity.
Our movers and shakers are tone-deaf to the realities of a sectarian influence. Many things we dislike in our country today are a cumulative fallout of generations of our preoccupation with an afterlife, an “intersubjective reality” at best.
Our childhood attachment to theological fantasies has tenaciously clung to our consciousness.
We cannot learn from the ongoing volatility of the intolerant Abrahamic-inspired Middle East.
It takes seeing the elephant in the room and witnessing a populace determined to rid itself of this albatross to bring us to a forward-thinking mindset.
Are we too dense to learn from Scandinavia, or now, how about a secular Vietnam?

Edwin de Leon,
Manila,
Philippines

Not too many Americans surprised by Assassination attempt on former President Donald J Trump The Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 19, 2024

Many important figures in American politics and leadership have said quite categorically that violence of the kind in the shooting attack on Trump has no place in America’s democracy.
Every right thinking person anywhere would agree.
But with the kind of gun possession and access available to American citizens gun violence is to be expected.
I believe at one level not too many Americans would be too surprised by what happened.
It’s happened before with far worse outcome.
Gun violence is a logical extension of the American gun culture .
That’s the fundamental problem that needs to be addressed.

Rajend Naidu
Sydney,
Australia

Is suspended mayor Alice Guo A Chinese spy ? The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 18, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday July 16, 2024

Suspended mayor Alice Guo has become the center of attention for Filipinos due to her questionable identity.
Senate hearings gradually answered the questions that fed our curiosity about her. But how did she become so powerful in Bamban, Tarlac?
Are influential figures involved in the falsification of her papers?
Are the claims of her being a Chinese spy true?
It’s alarming to think that some undesirable aliens can freely roam the Philippines without legal and proper documents.
This involves falsification.
There are illegal Chinese workers in Philippine offshore gaming operators, an unexpected boom of Chinese students in Cagayan, and Guo’s questionable identification.
These instances emphasize that the Chinese presence has been gradually creeping into the Philippines - perhaps it is connected to the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea?
However, these underground Chinese plans can be prevented if those in service have the integrity to stand by what they have pledged.
Why do they exchange the Philippines’ safety for wealth that will put us in danger? It is selfish and disheartening to see these people betray the Philippines. I hope this is not the case.
As we slowly grasp the concept of China’s mystery, we can anticipate combating the challenges we’re facing right now.
This is not a drill or a joke.
This situation threatens our national security and puts us on the edge of a cliff.
Let us not despise the country that crafted our identity.
Moreover, let us remain vigilant, for the traitor may be among us.
Philippines, wake up!
The ongoing challenges call for a reevaluation of our immigration policies and border control measures.
Strengthening these systems can prevent the infiltration of individuals with questionable motives.
Additionally, promoting transparency and accountability among public officials is crucial.
Corruption not only undermines national security but also erodes public trust in the government.
Education and awareness are also key in combating these issues.
By informing citizens about the potential threats and encouraging a sense of national pride and vigilance, we can create a united front against those who seek to exploit our nation.
Encouraging community involvement and fostering a culture of patriotism can serve as a powerful deterrent against internal and external threats.
In conclusion, this situation is a wake-up call for Filipinos.
It is a reminder of the importance of national unity, integrity, and vigilance.
By standing together and addressing these challenges head-on, we can ensure the safety and sovereignty of our beloved Philippines.
Let us remain awakened and proactive in safeguarding our nation’s future.

Crixus Cai,
Manila,
Philippines

Philippines embarrassed and freaking out that students Are in the 10 lowest in maths, reading and science The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday July 17, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday July 12, 2024

Economists say that you wouldn’t know individuals by their race or the environment they grew up in.
They can be greatly influenced by the institutions and culture in their new place of adaptation.
The late Mancur Olson Jr., an American economist in a 1996 lecture entitled “Big Bills Left on the Sidewalk,” noted to what extent cultural practices in a society affect human behavior, and mindsets can be changed quickly in a new environment.
He made a profound observation of an individual coming from a poor country, Haiti, who migrates to a richer country with no carried-over acquired skills, becomes more productive overnight, and earns a far higher wage than before.
The individual’s cultural attributes remained the same so this cannot account for the improved performance, except for the influence and demands of his new environment.
Now, we’re embarrassed and freaking out that our students are among the 10 lowest ranking in math, reading, and science, based on new findings of the Programme for International Student Assessment, with recent test scores showing no significant improvement from the country’s performance in 2018.
Compounding our embarrassment is that most of us, senior citizens, were taught by the products of the American Thomasites who taught sixth and seventh graders after the war to be our teachers in the elementary grades in the ’50s.
And look at how many have become today, not mindful of what their beginnings were, but what they have made of themselves in society.
New Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s priority first and foremost, we suggest, is skills training for the teachers.

Marvel K. Tan,
Manila,
Philippines

The antipolitical dynasty law in the Philippines Has become ill-fated if not doomed The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 16, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday July 12, 2024

One way to sap the greed or the propensity of corrupt politicians to amass excessive wealth, ill-gotten or otherwise, that can be handed down and used from one generation to another to perpetuate themselves and their families in power is to finally get rid of political dynasties as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.
Unfortunately, the legislative branches of government tasked to enact the enabling laws required to enforce the Charter’s antipolitical dynasty provision have been teeming with family dynasts and “trapo” traditional politicians, if not crooks, who naturally would not give up their hold on power and easy access to public funds and perks to the detriment of good governance and people’s empowerment.
Thus, the antipolitical dynasty law in this country has become ill-fated, if not doomed.

Manuel A. Collao,
Manila,
Philipines

Small and medium-sized enterprises Make up 99 percent of business in Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 15, 2024 First Published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday June 26, 2024

Re: "Loans, guarantees part of 'Ignite' vision", Bangkok Post, Business, Friday June 12, 2024.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand are in urgent economic overview.
Despite the fact they make up 99 percent of businesses in the country, SMEs in Thailand receive only 18 percent of outstanding credit from commercial banks and contribute 35 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This is an outcome of insufficient credit disbursement in the economy.
In other countries, commercial banks, with the direction of central banks, limit credit access in the non-productive sectors to stabilise the economy.
The commercial banks concentrate on rural investments for the extremely poor, especially women.

Regmi Suman Kumar,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Does the predominantly Catholic Philippines Have particular neo-Confucian values as in tiger economies The Southeast Asian Times Sunday July 14, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Monday July 8, 2024

Looking at the pattern of our development after our independence from American rule, we had one of the highest real per capita GDP levels and growth rates among our neighboring countries in East and Southeast Asia from 1950 to the 1960s. During the period, the real GDP of the Philippines expanded 1.68 times.
Between the 1950s and 1990s, the economies of South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong underwent rapid industrialization and high growth rates of more than 7 percent a year. By the early 21st century, these countries had developed into high-income (HI) economies and came to be called “tiger economies.”
All along, however, the Philippines experienced an economic downturn in the ’70s and ’80s when the gains we made earlier were lost to corruption, cronyism, and mismanagement.
The good news is that from 1987 when the World Bank started its current economic classification system up until 2023 the Philippines has rebounded and has been assigned a lower-middle-income category with a gross national income per capita of some $3,950.
A study by Mathur et al. released this year by Australia’s ANZ Research, pointed out that the Philippines can attain an upper-middle-income (UMI) status after seven years if it accelerates reforms such as allowing more investments, reducing red tape, and eliminating non-tariff barriers.
However, even as our neighboring tiger economies keep on enhancing their development, it is still conjectural if we can soon attain and maintain a upper-middle-income UMI status unless we consider the political and cultural dimensions of economic development that also factor in the development of the tiger economies.
An article by Yap and Balboa in 2008 pointed out that the constraints on economic development are not purely economic.
There is the political dimension where there is an inability to establish a credible, strong, and selfless political leadership; then there is the cultural-religious dimension where long-held social values have adversely affected economic growth in less tangible ways.
Studies done by Kaplan in 2003 and by Gyawali in 2020 have also echoed the above observation that the rise of modern Asian states was marked by strong leadership that was also guided by cultural values particularly contained in the Confucian rulebook.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam are sometimes referred to as the “tiger cub economies” because, while they have developed more slowly than the four Asian tigers in the decades since the 1950s, they have nonetheless grown generally at a steady rate.
But do they have - especially in the case of predominantly Catholic - Philippines - the particular neo-Confucian values that are seen among the tiger economies?
We will see if the years ahead will bear this out.
The economist Robert Nelson pointed out in 2007 that the Confucian ethic that is analogous to the secular Protestant ethic is largely missing in the Philippines’ predominantly Catholic culture where there was Latin American feudal hacienda mentality, poor leadership, pervasive political oligarchy, and a value system based on harmony instead of mastery over man and nature.
A promising way to counter these persistent failings is to embrace the neo-Confucian values that stress the following: frugality and savings that can lead to expanded investments and entrepreneurship; high educational attainment that equips one with wealth-creating skills; and work ethic that stresses creativity, achievement-orientation and seriousness about tasks.
To reiterate, we need to protect and enhance our current economic gains by always considering the desirable political and cultural dimensions of development.

Meliton B. Juanico,
Manila,
Philippines

 

 

The Sangguniang Bayan plays a quasi-judicial role To check on the power of elected officials The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 13, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday July 5, 2024

The Sangguniang Bayan plays a crucial role in local governance in the country, performing three key functions.
These functions include the legislative function, the quasi-judicial function, and legislative inquiry in aid of legislation.
Each of these functions serves a unique purpose in ensuring efficient and effective governance at the local level.
The legislative function of the Sanggunian involves the authority to draft and pass local laws through ordinances or resolutions.
These laws have the force of law within the jurisdiction of the Sanggunian and are essential for regulating various aspects of community life.
By creating ordinances, the Sanggunian can address specific issues affecting the community, such as public safety, health regulations, and environmental protection. Through this function, the Sanggunian can respond to the needs and concerns of the local populace, creating laws tailored to the unique circumstances of their jurisdiction.
The quasi-judicial function of the Sanggunian allows it to preside over administrative cases involving elected local officials who have committed offenses. This function is crucial for holding public officials accountable for their actions and ensuring ethical behavior in government.
By adjudicating cases involving misconduct or violations of law, the Sanggunian upholds the principles of good governance and maintains public trust in the integrity of local government officials.
This quasi-judicial role serves as a check on the power of elected officials, ensuring that they are held to account for their actions.
Legislative inquiry in aid of legislation empowers the Sanggunian to gather information to make informed decisions when creating or amending ordinances. This process, known as remedial legislation, allows the Sanggunian to conduct research, hold hearings, and gather input from stakeholders to inform their legislative decisions.
In order to carry out these functions effectively, the Sanggunian must establish internal rules of procedures (IRP) that align with their responsibilities and guide their proceedings.
By adhering to established internal rules of procedure IRP, the Sanggunian can ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in their decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of local governance.
By establishing and adhering to internal rules of procedure IRP, the Sanggunian can carry out these functions effectively and contribute to the improvement of governance at the local level.

Reginald B. Tamayo,
Manila,
Philippines

 

No appearance of army tanks In the change of government in Britain The Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 12, 1014 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 8, 2024

Re: "Sunak poised to leave office", in Bangkok Post, Saturday July 6, 2024.
The speed of the recent change of prime minister in Britain is a model for any democratic country to emulate.
After tendering his resignation to King Charles as the UK's prime minister, Rishi Sunak had to vacate the Prime Minister's Office at 10 Downing Street just a few hours before the arrival of the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Within 24 hours, under the label of the mother of parliamentary democracy, the change of government in the United Kingdom was complete.
No haggling, no excuse not to go, or the appearance of army tanks!

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Maritime dispute between Philippines and China Must be resolved through diplomatic dialogue. The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 11, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday July 5, 2024

Recently, supporters of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program have been poking fun at those who are using the slogan “Atin ang West Philippine Sea,” while also opposing the ROTC’s revival.
What I find funny if not disturbing, though, is how some people are led to believe that the West Philippine Sea issue with China can be resolved through armed confrontation, and that asserting our sovereign rights is futile without preparing for war, i.e., having a mandatory military training that teaches students blind obedience and instills in them a culture of violence.
The maritime dispute between the Philippines and China can, and must be resolved in a peaceful manner through diplomatic dialogue.
But first, we must reject the notion that the Philippines is under the protection of the United States, whose business is to preserve its hegemony and dominance in the Asia-Pacific region.
Allowing the US to intervene would only escalate the situation.
Instead, the Marcos administration, if it’s not really in the business of instigating wars, should demand that both China and US withdraw their military presence in the country, and call upon China to abide by the 2016 ruling of the international arbitral tribunal.
The last thing we need is to be led into a war situation not of our own choosing - a war between two imperialist powers.

Daniel Aloc,
Manila,
Philippines

PM Srettha Thavisin welcomes non-Thai long-term Land ownership too boost the real estate sector The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday July 10, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday June 27, 2024

Re: "PM allays foreign lease fears", in Bangkok Post, Monday June 24, 2024.
The report covers well, in brief but comprehensively, the controversial issue of the rights of non-Thai ownership of land and condominium units. Immediately, the words of former prime minister Chartchai Choonhavan, a proponent of foreigners' right of ownership in 1988, that the land once sold still remains in Thailand; so, why object?
That logic seems to hold true, but it survived only a few years. Words of traitors and a large portion of poor Thais still without landownership have returned with full force.
PM Srettha Thavisin is courageous enough to welcome non-Thai long-term lease ownership to boost the real estate sector. Long-term leases are also offered in some Asean countries.
However, his proposal of increasing the proportion of non-Thais buying condominium units from 49 percent to 75 percent is the least objectionable since the land situated thereon is relatively insignificant.
But the objectionable part is the increased portion of 26 percent who shall not have voting rights - that is not democracy in a community.
It is somewhat distasteful, similar to the two-tiered pricing of entrance fees for Thais and non-Thais, or the cry of the settlers in America when taxed by King George III in "being taxed but without representation".

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for urgent job review of performance Of UN permanent security Council members The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday 9, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday June 27, 2024

Re: "Job reminder for the 'permanent five'", in Bangkok Post, Opinion,
June 26, 2024.
Kasit Piromya commendably outlines the deep crisis of a polarised world today. He aptly calls for an urgent job review of the performances of the United Nations five permanent security council members.
By whom?
The United Nations?
I doubt the United Nation's capacity or capability, as its current role is that of an aged corporate-style bureaucrat with grandstanding speeches and little else to show in crisis situations.
On the other hand, angst seems to be gripping the world when the rich can do whatever they fancy and the oppressed slouch in silence in multitudes of scenarios where the "might is right" ethos thrives.
Humanity owes it to itself to discover a new moral voice to speak up and speak loud against the plagues of injustices and misdeeds, or else in the seemingly never-ending wars, deterioration of nature and with death and depravation rampant, we might find ourselves ending in a whimper of woe.

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The inability to sell leasehold property or pass it to heirs Will limit foreign buyers' interest in Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 8, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday June 26, 2024

Re: "PM allays foreign lease fears", in Bangkok Post, Monday June 24, 2024
Given that attempts by previous governments to allow foreign land ownership and the moribund condition of the property market, Prime Minister Srettha's initiative to introduce 99-year leases as an alternative to freehold is laudable.
This development would probably benefit far more Thais than foreigners and could make financing of leasehold property more attractive to lenders.
However, I see several caveats.
Firstly, Thai leasing laws are rather basic and do not allow for automatic transferability of leases, which means there can be no secondary market in leasehold property and that heirs have no automatic right to inherit leases.
Lease contracts can deceptively be made to look as if lessees have these rights, but since they are not supported by statutory law, they cannot be enforced by the Land Department without the lessor's consent at the time of transfer.
Even the lessee's rights under the original lease are not binding on a new lessor if the freehold has changed hands.
This means that banks cannot be expected to offer mortgages on leasehold property, even with 99-year leases.
The inability to sell leasehold property or pass it to their heirs will limit foreign buyers' interest.
While I consider this a step in the right direction, the announcement by the Revenue Department in September 2023 of a tax on foreign remittances, followed up more recently by another announcement that it will introduce a tax on global income, whether remitted or not, is utterly counterproductive to the government's efforts to attract more foreign investment to the property sector.
In conclusion, 99-year leases with appropriate supporting legislation would definitely be a positive for Thais, but it might not be enough to offset the destruction of foreign demand for Thai property caused by new tax laws on foreign remittances and income.

George Morgan,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The quasi-judicial function of the Sanggunian Bayan Is to uphold the principles of good governance The Southeast Asian Times Saturday July 6, 2025 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday July 5, 2025

The Sangguniang Bayan plays a crucial role in local governance in the country, performing three key functions.
These functions include the legislative function, the quasi-judicial function, and legislative inquiry in aid of legislation.
Each of these functions serves a unique purpose in ensuring efficient and effective governance at the local level.
The legislative function of the Sanggunian involves the authority to draft and pass local laws through ordinances or resolutions.
These laws have the force of law within the jurisdiction of the Sanggunian and are essential for regulating various aspects of community life.
By creating ordinances, the Sanggunian can address specific issues affecting the community, such as public safety, health regulations, and environmental protection. Through this function, the Sanggunian can respond to the needs and concerns of the local populace, creating laws tailored to the unique circumstances of their jurisdiction.
The quasi-judicial function of the Sanggunian allows it to preside over administrative cases involving elected local officials who have committed offenses. This function is crucial for holding public officials accountable for their actions and ensuring ethical behavior in government.
By adjudicating cases involving misconduct or violations of law, the Sanggunian upholds the principles of good governance and maintains public trust in the integrity of local government officials.
This quasi-judicial role serves as a check on the power of elected officials, ensuring that they are held to account for their actions.
Legislative inquiry in aid of legislation empowers the Sanggunian to gather information to make informed decisions when creating or amending ordinances. This process, known as remedial legislation, allows the Sanggunian to conduct research, hold hearings, and gather input from stakeholders to inform their legislative decisions.
In order to carry out these functions effectively, the Sanggunian must establish internal rules of procedures that align with their responsibilities and guide their proceedings.
By adhering to established internal rules of procedures, the Sanggunian can ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in their decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of local governance.
By establishing and adhering to IRP, the Sanggunian can carry out these functions effectively and contribute to the improvement of governance at the local level.

Reginald B.Tamayo,
Manila,
Philippines

Coups cause more drawbacks Than positive results The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 6, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday July 3, 2024

Re: "Bolivian general arrested after coup attempt", in Bangkok Post, Thursday June 27, 2024.
I am grateful to the Bolivians for the failed coup and for maintaining the democratic system in the country.
Once again, I am really happy that they have such great officers to enforce the rule.
There are many places on earth where coups are common.
Throughout generations, it has been proved that coups cause more drawbacks than positive results, and residents are the victims of it.
Have these people ever thought of civilians before committing them?
As a Thai who has lived through two coups and with my belief more will happen in the near future, I never want such a thing to corrupt the system.
If only they could let the prime ministers do their job as they were elected by the people, our country's citizens would see democracy as a reliable system rather than a title to name our political system.

Karawat Saijanyon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Philippines President Marcos urged to certify The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Equality bill The Southeast Asian Times Friday July 5, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Monday July 1, 2024

June is universally recognized as Pride Month, a colourful time of the year dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the multifaceted journeys, contributions, victories, and ongoing fight for civil rights of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus) community.
While Pride Month has been progressively celebrated in the Philippines, there remain reports of discrimination, mistreatment, and the need to bear the brunt of societal attitudes that persist in the country where tolerance is widespread but full acceptance remains difficult to achieve.
Over 200 groups have urged President Marcos to certify the Sogie bill, or the “Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression” Equality bill, as urgent “Marcos urged to certify SOGIE bill as urgent,” Inquirer.net, Friday June 14, 2024.
This initiative is especially vital as it aims to secure fundamental rights and protections for the LGBTQIA+ community—rights and protections they rightfully deserve, just like any other community across the social spectrum.
I fervently hope for its enactment into law as soon as possible so that Filipinos do not have to wait for another Pride Month for this bill to be realized. As articulated by Harold Sarmiento (“Pride, and how allies can help LGBTQIA+ fight for equality, fair treatment,” Letters, 7/14/23): “To delay the passage of the Sogie bill is to do injustice to Filipinos who deserve a better life.”

Jhon Steven C. Espenido,
Surigao City,
Philippines

Most expats in Thailand would belong to one of 61 countries That have a treaty with Thailand to avoid double tax The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 4, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 25, 2024

Re: "Ease foreign tax burden", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Monday June 24, 2024.
That is an excellent call for the authorities to ease fear among expats.
It will be sad for them to move elsewhere because of misinformation.
It is not because of their wealth but more of their wisdom and reflection on us that we will miss.
The normal excellent presentation needs three corrections.
First, the revenue head believed that taxing world income on tax residents was to lift up the Thailand tax regime to the level of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD's) tenet and not about budgetary concerns.
Secondly, with 61 countries having a treaty to avoid double taxation with Thailand, one can almost say that most expatriates in Thailand belong to one of these countries except for income coming from tax-haven countries.
Thirdly, claiming for double taxation relief is simple.
The Thai tax system on individuals is based on self-declaration of income and relief.
One simply fills in the self-declared income tax form.
The declaration can be challenged subsequently by the Revenue Department, legally within ten years but in practice far less than that and less frequently.
One can forget the idea of bankers conducting examinations on behalf of the Revenue Department.
It is not based on an examination on the spot, as customs officials and Thai bankers have many times ruled out this irrational idea.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Lack of focus on critical problems in the Philippines Is holding back Philippine society’s development The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 3, 2024 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday June 27, 2024

The excitement surrounding the highly anticipated 2025 election has set in, with many politicians and their family members announcing plans to run.
This early campaigning takes attention away from their important work to serve the public, as these politicians are more concerned with election strategies.
Starting such political posturing early is harmful to our nation’s progress.
Instead of addressing urgent issues like the situation in the West Philippine Sea, concerns about Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), the declining quality of education, inflation, unemployment, and traffic congestion, politicians are more focused on securing their position in the upcoming election.
This lack of focus on critical problems is holding back our society’s development.
For instance, the situation in the West Philippine Sea is a critical national security issue that needs immediate attention.
The ongoing territorial disputes in the region have major implications on our country’s sovereignty and economic well-being. Politicians who prioritize campaigning over addressing this issue are putting our nation’s security and prosperity at risk.
Similarly, the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have been a contentious issue for years.
The increase in the number of Chinese workers in the online gambling industry has raised concerns about national security, money laundering, and the exploitation of workers.
Despite the need for decisive action to regulate this industry and implement necessary reforms, politicians choose to prioritize their electoral campaigns.
The declining quality of education in the country is another urgent issue that should not be overlooked, given such problems as overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and inadequate facilities.
By neglecting this crucial sector, politicians are putting the future of our youth at risk and impeding the country’s progress.
Poverty, inflation, and unemployment are other significant challenges that need immediate attention.
The wealth gap is widening, prices of basic goods are rising, and job opportunities are scarce, making life harder for many Filipinos.
Moreover, the constant traffic congestion in Metro Manila is a daily struggle for millions of daily commuters.
The inefficient public transportation system, lack of infrastructure development, and poor urban planning have led to long hours stuck in traffic and decreased productivity.
By not prioritizing solutions to these problems, politicians are neglecting the well-being and economic productivity of the people they should be serving.
In sum, the cycle of stagnation caused by early election campaigning is blocking progress and development in our society.
If politicians would only shift their focus to the needs of the people and address the urgent challenges facing the nation, they can work toward creating a better future for us Filipinos.

Reginald B. Tamayo,
Manila,
Philippines

 

Visa application to South Korea from Thailand Rejected without explanation The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 2, 2024 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday June 27, 2024