Ban Bandit,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Heavy metals in food and
water in Thailand
Start in gold mines in Myanmar Shan State
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 29, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 26, 2025
|
Re: "Unsafe heavy-metal levels in three
northernmost rivers", in Bangkok Post, May 21,
2025.
The subtitle of this article, "Pollution comes from outside
Thailand" is quite misleading.
It suggests two things - Thailand does not pollute its waterways,
and heavy metals in the food and water supply are due to foreigners,
in this case gold mines in Myanmar's Shan State where the river
starts.
The Pollution Control people, the deputy permanent secretary of
Health and the Department of Disease Control all weighed in on the
matter, but who is responsible for cleaning up this nationwide problem?
Of note is the fact the food supply is not checked regularly, particularly
rice and vegetables.
Yes, residues of pesticides, glyphosate, herbicides, and chemical
fertilisers can be remediated somewhat by washing, but a vast array
of poisonous pollutants, nano-plastics and heavy metals are now
incorporated into food.
Water can be filtered to address many of these problems but once
contained in food, little can be done.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand looking for masterminds
behind graft
Leading
to collapse of State Audit Office building
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday May 28, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday May 25, 2025
|
Re: "ACT calls for expanded SAO probe",
in Bangkok Post, Thursday May 22, 2025.
I fully support the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand in
calling for masterminds behind the graft leading to the collapse
of the State Audit Office building being charged.
Go for changes that will make a big difference in fighting the slimy
graft that covers Thai society from head to toe: hold the budget
approvers, project inspectors and others who benefited from actions
leading to this collapse to account, not just contractors or ground
staff.
Follow the money trail and plea bargain to get the whales and sharks,
not just minnows. PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra should report to parliament
every 30 days in progress made and plans for the coming month.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailands
most important banks
Downgraded by Moody to unstable
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 27, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday May 10, 2025
|
Re: "'Asian crisis in reverse' as currencies
soar against dollar", in Bangkok Post, Business,
Tuesday May 6, 2025.
Reuters has put together another fiscal fantasy piece, citing analysts
who unanimously prognosticate a tumultuous Asian fire sale of US
dollars.
This is one of those times when virtually no one cares about economic
fundamentals, but all prefer to sing in unison and profit from hyping
the trend, whether it makes any sense or not.
Reuters labels it a "reverse Asian financial crisis".
So that means the Thai baht will effectively appreciate from 56
to the dollar to 25 to the dollar in the next six months, right?
The Asian Financial Crisis, which began in July 1997 with the disastrous
devaluation of the Thai baht, was unanticipated by this same group
of analysts and institutions, making it a critical case study for
assessing the reliability of financial journalism and forecasting.
Prior to the crisis, East Asian economies were given exuberant fanfare
for their stellar growth based largely upon strong export performance.
The reality was an entirely different matter - high foreign debt,
overvalued currencies pegged to the US dollar, and weak financial
systems were ignored. Reuters, like its mainstream brethren, failed
to recognise early warning signs such as Thailand's growing current
account deficits, overreliance on short-term foreign capital, and
vulnerabilities in banking sectors.
The prevailing narrative was plagued by optimism bias, with financial
news focusing exclusively on the region's economic success.
It took another 10 years for analysts to grasp that Asia's role
as a net capital exporter could contribute to global financial instability
and to identify new risks and weaknesses in the financial sector.
Although Reuters retreated to more cautious reporting of market
trends during the post-crisis period, of late, they have again found
sensationalism to be more seductive than responsible, balanced reporting.
To wit, their article totally ignored Moody's downgrade of Thailand's
most important banks to "unstable" and focused
exclusively upon the short-term and rather minor potential effects
of tariff adjustments on the US dollar in Asian markets.
The fact that China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and
Vietnam meet two out of the three criteria, a significant trade
surplus with the US, a large global current account surplus, and
persistent one-sided intervention in foreign exchange markets for
inclusion on the US currency manipulation watch list is also ignored.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
in for some very unpleasant surprises
With
arrival of Western LGBTQ+ tourists
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday May 26, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday May 21, 2025
|
Re: "Government
banks on rainbow economy", in Bangkok Post,
Monday May 12, 2025.
As an openly gay man nearing 50 years old, I patronise almost no
LGBTQ+ businesses, refuse to attend pride parades, and do little
to no business with most LGBTQ+ organisations and groups.
After three decades of immersing myself in the LGBTQ+ community,
I know better.
Walk into any Chicago LGBTQ+ disc or rave and you'll find many,
perhaps most of those present are on illegal drugs, and engaging
in promiscuous behaviour.
Walk into a public school classroom today with an LGBTQ+ teacher,
and watch them tell your son that he is a girl and or should change
his gender.
Walk into an American LGBTQ+ community centre and you will find
highly radical, often anti-government books, seminars and events,
frequently conducted by very unstable people whose policies' health
consequences tax America's healthcare system and the human body
severely.
I wish the Federation of Thai Industries and others involved with
their project well, but if they are successful in acquiring large
numbers of Western LGBTQ+ tourists, I think they are in for some
very unpleasant surprises because all of the problems and more which
I just wrote of will then be on Thailand's front doorstep.
An economy based on diversity and inclusion is not a driving force
for any nation.
Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Pakistan Embassy in Thailand
says Jammu and Kashmir
Is an internationally recognised disputed
territory
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 25, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday May 18, 2025
|
Re: "Conflict in Gaza and Kashmir on a parallel
track", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Monday May 12, 2025.
The opinion piece by Gwynne Dyer makes sweeping and unfounded allegations
against Pakistan, in connection with the recent tragic incident
in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The statement that "the five terrorists who massacred 28
mostly Hindu tourists over two weeks ago in India's Muslim-majority
state of Kashmir were Kashmiris or Pakistani citizens of Kashmiri
descent…. and their goal…was to trigger a war: in this
case, another Indian-Pakistani war" is speculative.
The suggestion that Pakistan was involved in or complicit in the
recent attack in Kashmir is baseless, as there has been no impartial
investigation into the incident. Pakistan has rejected such allegations
as such claims are entirely unfounded, politically motivated and
part of a reckless propaganda campaign aimed at maligning Pakistan.
The insinuation that the Pakistani government supports militant
activity in the region ignores Pakistan's repeated calls for peace,
restraint, and dialogue.
It also disregards the country's sacrifices and operations against
terrorism over the past two decades, which have been widely acknowledged
by the international community.
It is important to underscore that Jammu & Kashmir is an internationally
recognised disputed territory, the final status of which is to be
determined in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions
and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
To overlook this ground reality while attributing blame to Pakistan
reflects a deeply skewed narrative.
Furthermore, the portrayal of Pakistan as a potential instigator
of a conflict with India fails to appreciate Pakistan's measured
and responsible posture in the face of recurring hostile rhetoric
and military provocations.
Pakistan has always advocated for peaceful resolution of all outstanding
disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, not conflict.
Equating Pakistan's principled stance on the Kashmir issue with
the strategies of non-state actors perpetuates stereotypes, distracts
from genuine human rights concerns in Kashmir, and risks inflaming
tensions in an already sensitive regional context.
We urge media outlets to exercise greater responsibility when publishing
opinion pieces. Articles based on speculation, selective interpretation
of facts, and historical revisionism only serve to undermine efforts
towards peace and stability in South Asia.
Faiza Haseeb
Counsellor
DPR to Unescap
Embassy of Pakistan in Thailand
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Southern Thailand military
has called for 77 extensions
Of emergency decree since 2005
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 24, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday May 10, 2025
|
Re: "Govt 'ready for new talks' on peace in
deep South", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday May 7, 2025.
Our government should overhaul our strategy in dealing with our
southern unrest from top to bottom, inside out.
For starters, it's a domestic affair, as we've not found that another
country has supported the violent perpetrators.
It's the Minister of Interior - not that of Defence - who should
be in charge of restoring peaceful coexistence to the region.
This change in outlook is key, for "To a man with a hammer,
everything looks like a nail".
So, the Interior Ministry will be inclined to look at the unrest
as a domestic quarrel, to be settled by discovering root causes
and negotiation, not as an invasion to be repelled at the point
of a bayonet.
Secondly, if the military had a long-term plan to achieve sustainable
peace, it would have had milestones, timelines, and a budget.
Actual performance would have been regularly compared to the budget,
and needed adjustments would have been made.
Instead, the military has requested a three-month extension 77 times
since the emergency decree was first implemented in 2005, without
analysing why we failed the last time around or how much more time
and money we'd need to reach each milestone to the end.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The
World Health Organisation was the principal agent
Of ineffective lockdowns during Covid pandemic
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 23, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday May 18, 2025
|
Re: "Protectionism will not protect",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday May 16, 2025.
The two autocratic campaigns claim, "defunding public education,
imposing tariffs, closing borders, cutting foreign aid and disengaging
from multilateral cooperation will widen inequalities, and create
the conditions for viruses to thrive."
They also make the astoundingly self-implicating assertion that
"outbreaks of Ebola, mpox, measles and Marburg are on the
rise, partly owing to globalisation and climate change."
No, the truth is climate change has nothing to do with the proliferation
of viruses and there is zero data that demonstrates otherwise.
There are, however, a great many studies which show declining immune
competency results from ill-advised or excessive vaccinations, over
medication, poor diet, lack of exercise, and the widespread use
of experimental m-RNA gene-altering technology on humans.
Let's remember the UN sits at the pinnacle of globalisation efforts,
constantly foraging for more money and power.
They are, not coincidentally, the chief architects and propagandists
of climate change fraud.
The WHO was also the principal agent of disastrously ineffective
lockdowns, masking-up, social distancing, and fear-inducing protocols
during the Covid pandemic.
At the local level, when "medical experts" promote
vaccines, they frequently reference the authority of the WHO as
if they were the sole arbiters of health care.
Michael Setter
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Prostitution is a crime
Under Thailand law
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 22, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday May 21, 2025
|
Re: "Russian sex worker suspect arrested on
Koh Phangan", in Bangkok Post, Friday May
9, 2025.
One of the conundrums of Thailand is prostitution, a crime under
Thai law, as appears from the report of a Russian woman arrested
for allegedly providing sexual services at a charge of 11,000 baht
per hour.
I could understand if the woman was arrested for working without
a permit or for overcharging.
In the street opposite my hotel, there stand dozens of women from
early evening till late at night.
They're offering services. Let alone thousands of bar girls.
I believe they are employed by the bars, but are expected to offer
sexual services as well.
All states of Australia decriminalised prostitution because it was
a prime cause of police corruption.
A second main reason was to promote the health of prostitutes of
both sexes, as is the case in Thailand and customers.
Joseph Zaresky,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Tourist
arrivals to Thailand
From
China have plunged
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday May 21, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday May 20, 2025
|
Re: "Tourism reform call, as foreign arrivals
in Thailand plunge", in Business, May 16.
It does not surprise me that this is the case, given the government
recently required all foreigners to fill in an arrival card online
before entering the country.
It also doesn't help matters that tourists who arrive here without
a visa now only get to stay for 30 days instead of 60, as was the
case a few months back when the Pheu Thai Party had a different
prime minister in power.
The headline is actually a bit misleading, as tourist arrivals in
Thailand have only declined by about 1 percent compared to the same
period last year; its more the case that tourist arrivals from Northeast
Asia have plunged.
I am surprised the overall figure for tourist arrivals has not declined
by more than 1 percent here.
I've always felt that Srettha Thavisin was hanging by a thread as
prime minister; yet he seemed to be a business-friendly leader who
did whatever was necessary to make the economy grow.
Perhaps the mandarins in Pheu Thai should harken back to some of
Mr Srettha's policies and do things, such as allowing tourists to
stay in the kingdom without a visa for at least 60 days, given that
tourists can stay for up to 90 days in other nearby countries.
Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Research
indicates that the m-RNA based Covid vaccines
Might
be incorporated into our genes
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 20, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday May 14, 2025
|
Re: "Covid alert as 6 die last week",
Bangkok Post, Tuesday May 13, 2025 and "Jab-linked
blood clots 'super rare'", Bangkok Post World,
Saturday May 3, 2024.
In Thailand, the effectively mandatory vaccination schedule for
infants aged 0–18 months is part of the Expanded Program on
Immunization (EPI) from the Ministry of Public Health.
The vaccines are free at public health facilities, allowing Thailand
to achieve a 96-99 percent vaccination rate.
From birth until the age of 1.5 years, as many as 16 vaccines and
30 doses are administered to our most vulnerable population.
The Ministry of Public Health continues to recommend an m-RNA based
Covid-19 vaccination schedule for children beginning at 6 months.
Their universal admonition that parents should monitor their child
for post-vaccination reactions and remain at the facility for 30
minutes after shots reveals the risks involved are real, and the
Ministry of Health knows about them.
Both influenza and Covid vaccines have been shown to have negative
effectiveness in protecting against disease or reducing the severity
of symptoms.
Most concerning is current research indicating that the m-RNA based
Covid vaccines might be incorporated into our genes, including spermatozoa.
It should stop now.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Papua
New Guinea designated a failed state
By the global Financial Action Task Force
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday May 19, 2025
|
A concerned citizen wrote a letter to editor titled
‘ Corruption must be attacked ‘ in The National ( May
16/2025 ) saying “ Papua New Guinea ( PNG ) is a failed
State and is now grey-listed by the global Financial Action Task
Force( FATF ) because of rampant corruption in the public and private
sectors of the country “.
Reading that made me wonder what is the state of corruption in Fiji
and other countries in the Pacific region?
And how much damage does it do to development of these countries
and adversely impact on the quality of life of the people by siphoning
off vital revenue and resources?
Rajend Naidu
Sydney,
Australia
|
Financial Hub Act uses
specialised trading software
Not readily accessible to the general public
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday May 18, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday May 10, 2025
|
Re: "Foreign investment to be liberalised
with shakeup of law", in Bangkok Post,
Monday May 5, 2025.
The draft Financial Hub Act, as approved by the Thai cabinet, addresses
a financial services sector which is dominated by highly sophisticated
corporate investors who play the derivatives markets and provide
support by financing derivatives trading internationally using specialised
trading software not readily accessible to the general public.
Liberalising this market sector to entice foreign traders to enter
Thai markets by reducing regulatory burdens is intended to create
an artificial increase in GDP and attract foreign capital inflows.
Estimates suggest the measure could produce a modest increase of
0.1 percent - 0.3 percent over a 5-year period.
The downside of the proposed change is that gains will be concentrated
among a tiny, wealthy, and exclusive group, thus increasing the
already excessive inequalities that are endemic in Thai society.
Furthermore, a derivatives market without strict oversight will
increase systemic risk by encouraging speculative trading, thereby
increasing volatility, which, during already volatile market conditions,
could dramatically decrease GDP by as much as 1 percent -3 percent.
Also worth noting is that overlaps between the SEC, the Bank of
Thailand and the new Financial Hub Committee have not been fully
considered, and discretionary powers are not specifically limited.
Where are the rigorous quantitative studies based upon models designed
for Thailand's unique economic conditions, which show a positive
risk versus reward benefit?
Is it superior to a broad liberalisation of the foreign business
act and foreign ownership, which would reciprocate what is given
to Thai citizens in many other nations throughout the world?
Essentially, this is just another measure created by an elitist
bunch of wealthy politicians and bankers designed to increase their
power and wealth and that of their enablers at the expense of the
rest of us.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Papua New Guinea calls
for urgent reflection
And decisive transformation after 50 years
of independence
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday May 17, 2025
First published in the National, Friday May 16, 2025
|
As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence,
the occasion demands more than celebration – it calls for urgent
reflection and decisive transformation.
Despite a steady rise in tertiary graduates, a growing unemployment
crisis continues to paralyse national progress.
Each year, hopeful young minds leave campuses only to face an economy
unable to absorb their potential.
This is not merely a policy failure – it’s a national
emergency.
Worsening the situation is Papua New Guinea’s rapidly growing
population.
What could be a demographic advantage instead strains limited resources,
deepens poverty, and fuels social unrest.
At the heart of this crisis is an economic model that has failed
to break free from the lingering shadows of colonialism and modern
dependency. Reliance on external actors has stunted self-sufficiency,
limiting the country’s ability to chart its own path.
The golden jubilee presents a pivotal moment to radically reset
– to shift from dependency to self-reliance, from imported
solutions to indigenous empowerment.
Central to this transformation is the cooperative model: community-owned
enterprises built on shared responsibility, collective ownership,
and equitable benefit.
Cooperatives offer a tested and culturally resonant alternative
that can unlock entrepreneurship, provide access to credit and markets,
and spark local job creation across sectors like agriculture, fisheries,
and services.
Unlike top-down economic frameworks, cooperatives empower people
at the grassroots.
They nurture the communal spirit ingrained in Papua New Guinea’s
traditions while fostering resilience, equity, and dignity.
This model has succeeded globally – and it holds promise for
Papua New Guinea.
To honour 50 years of sovereignty, we must confront hard truths
and act with bold vision.
A future of dignity, opportunity, and genuine prosperity demands
an economic reset rooted in our own strength.
Embracing cooperative enterprise is not idealism; it is practical,
powerful, and necessary.
The time for polite conversations is over.
The time for bold, decolonised economic transformation is now.
Our youths demand it.
Our heritage supports it.
Our future depends on it.
John Varey,
Political observer.
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
|
Noise pollution in Thailand
Rarely gets attention from policymakers
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday May 16, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday May 14, 2025
|
Re: "Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
to plant 1m trees in eastern suburbs", in Bangkok
Post, Tuesday March 18, 2025.
Bangkok is a thrilling city to visit, but it is not yet a truly
liveable city, and this is a major problem.
"We must improve the quality of life and the quality of the
city," Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said recently
as he announced his latest plan to improve the city's environment.
But once again, he did not address the one thing that will forever
prevent his vision from unfolding: noise pollution.
Indeed, noise pollution is as detrimental to health and wellbeing
as all the other forms of pollution we suffer here.
Somehow, this pollution rarely gets attention from policymakers.
In some ways it is even worse as we are forced to accept it into
our daily lives because the authorities, including the governor,
continue to ignore it. Liveability means more than just pretty places
for tourists!
As has been stated previously, the three major sources of noise
in Bangkok's public areas are motorcycles, howling dogs and security
guards with whistles.
All of these are easy to resolve, and doing so would have an immediate,
positive impact on the quality of life of all residents.
Furthermore, all are within the power of the governor to address.
Governor Chadchart, if you do not address noise pollution as one
of your first and highest priorities, your vision of Bangkok as
a liveable city is doomed to failure before it even begins.
I and many others would like to hear your thoughts on this subject.
Silence is golden,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Realisation
of truth or happiness cannot be accomplished
By manipulating conditions to reduce the
suffering of others
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 15, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday May 13, 2025
|
Re: "The lost path", in Bangkok Post,
PostBag, Saturday May 10, 2025
Talat Kamal has contributed a benign and helpful letter regarding
the errant ways of nominal Buddhists.
As is the case with all the world's major religions, Buddhism is
in constant need of reform due to the ever-present pressure of egoic
foolishness being superimposed upon the original spiritual teachings
from which these religions arose.
Although the teaching of Buddha Gautama does not promote belief
in hell, such a belief is unnecessary and superfluous.
What is hell if not a place of unhappiness?
Our collective conditional situation is rightly comprehended as
a kind of hell.
The first noble truth, "there is suffering", does
not mean some are suffering or that there is a potential for suffering
while some are happy and have somehow already escaped from this
hell. It is not a relative statement.
It applies to everyone who presumes to be an "I",
a separate self, in other words.
Liberation from suffering is not a conditional matter, something
to be attained gradually by conventional self-effort. Khun Talat
has made the error of conflating unconditional Buddhist Dharma with
conditional contemporary Western social idealism when he suggests
that the Buddha "taught us to pursue" the goals
of "uplifting communities, thereby reducing human suffering".
Realisation of truth or happiness cannot be accomplished by manipulating
conditions to "reduce the suffering of others".
It is only realised through the conscious transcendence of separate-self
in every present moment.
This is spirituality, nothing less.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand internal security
attempts to suspend book
About military infiltration of Thailand
civil society
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday May 14, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday May 11, 2025
|
Re: "The
perils of censorship", Bangkok Post,
Editorial, Wednesday September 18, 2024.
The Internal Security Operations Command's (ISOC's) attempt to suspend
a book by Chulalongkorn University professor Puangthong Pawakapan
is misplaced and hampers political awareness vital to a vibrant
democracy.
Dr Puangthong's book, recognised as one of the best books of 2022
by the prestigious Foreign Affairs magazine, argues that our military
used infiltration to indoctrinate us and maintain its preferred
political order.
ISOC does not argue the professor is inaccurate or that she obtained
her information illegally.
Rather, ISOC claims her research methodology and quality are lacking;
if so, ISOC should debate Dr Puangthong and show what she should
have done and what conclusions she would have reached by so doing.
ISOC's attempted suspension makes it appear as if ISOC is hiding
something from us that we should know to protect ourselves. ISOC
should heed our National Human Rights Commission's reminder that
our constitution and Higher Education Act guarantee academic freedom,
including research.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Former
PM Thaksin Shinawatra sent to 14th floor
Of Police General Hospital to avoid prison
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 12, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday May 11, 2025
|
Re: "Thaksin's troubles", Bangkok
Post, Editorial, Saturday May 10, 2025
The editorial brings new revelations in Thaksin Shinawatra's
"14th floor" saga. We have been in a cuckoo land of
legal manoeuvres of this type since Thaksin Shinawatra's return
on August 22, 2023.
It was only possible for him to avoid serving time behind bars if
there were doctors diagnosing him as needing hospital care.
After investigating, Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) board decided
on May 8 that two doctors unprofessionally facilitated the transfer
from prison and deserved to be suspended; one other was given a
warning.
The board under vice president Dr Prasit Watanapa made the announcement.
When asked how big the majority was, he responded with glee that
it was very big. The board comprised of 70 leading doctors in Thailand.
Thank you to all those doctors, you have not let us down! No wonder
our healthcare worldwide has been voted as among the tops.
Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The political landscape
of the Philippines
Has
become a circus
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday May 12, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday May 6,
2025
|
In the last few years of electoral campaigns, the
political landscape of the Philippines has become a circus where
popularity tends to drown out substance.
Candidates are relying on charisma, hip moves, and viral appeal
to become a hot topic rather than focusing on the pressing issues
that require critical dialogue.
It is a real concern how far this trend will go if media attention
focuses on how entertaining a candidate is or isn’t rather
than on the ability to make an informed choice between the candidate’s
qualifications and integrity.
Candidates present themselves through a popularity-driven campaign
strategy.
Days of political debating and policy discussions take a backseat.
Instead, we see candidates showcasing their brand by doing social
media challenges and choreographed dance routines to connect with
voters.
Though these tactics help to earn buzz and create attention, they
often carry a price dialogues about governance and other issues
that beset the nation are overlooked.
Such emphasis on popularity can be a drawback, as it may result
in voting for candidates who might not lead effectively.
When politics is all about image, voters may turn away from politicians
who possess a thorough understanding of how to run a country.
This is an alarming trend in a country that has its own set of problems
poverty, inequality, and corruption.
The danger that those who have no interest in the public’s
welfare will be elected increases as voters become enamored with
performance.
It can make the electorate less capable of critically appraising
candidates and making choices based on image instead of substance.
This could even further a cycle of misgovernance.
It would be prudent for the electorate to stay alert. Voters need
to choose candidates whom they can trust in terms of accountability,
transparency, and true reform.
This campaign season, let’s not be gulled by popularity.
We should demand more from our leaders.
It is our capability and willingness to make informed choices that
will make or break the future of the Philippines.
Now is the right time to reengage in political discourse and choose
leaders based on their qualifications, integrity, and dedication
to the betterment of the people.
Charles Kenedy.
Manila,
Philippines
|
Thailand wants all peace
agreements with restive South
To be in keeping with Thailand consititution
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 11, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday May 10, 2025
|
Re: "Violence tests peace hopes",
in Bangkok
Post, Editorial, Thursday May 8, 2025.
In the pursuit of talks towards peace in Thailand's restive South,
it is disheartening to read that the Thai authorities require that
"all agreements must be in keeping with the Thai constitution".
The demand for a rejection of all acts of violence is, in contrast,
reasonable and right.
This can be insisted on without expecting "those citizens"
who find significant parts of it unjust.
Open dialogue might be a more constructive approach to peace than
the outright refusal to consider some options, at least for discussion
to get the peace process moving forward.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand's
State Owned Enterprises are exempt
From
the Trade Competition Act
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 19, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday May 7, 2025
|
Re: "Call for major rethink of economic policy",
in Bangkok Business, Monday May 5, 2025.
Although it states the obvious, this article is right on the money.
And without any doubt, the obvious needs to be shouted from the
rooftops. Because the cost of doing business weighs heavily on efficiencies
and stimulus measures are never an option although politicians are
smitten by them, economic reality must be acknowledged and the government
must act accordingly.
Let's look at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's
(OECDs) January 25 report on corporate governance of 52 state-owned
enterprises (SOEs) in Thailand.
Although the OECD has made numerous recommendations for SOE reform,
the government has neglected to implement many of them.
These include establishing a policy framework to ensure competitive
neutrality, improving board autonomy and independence, and enhancing
transparency and disclosure measures.
Noteworthy and troubling is the fact that State Owned Enterprises
(SOEs) are still exempt from the Trade Competition Act, in direct
contravention of public interest. Examples are PTT in the retail
coffee and hotel business, and the SRT leasing retail vendor space.
The Thailand Tobacco Monopoly made 221 million baht in profit in
2023, and the Ministry of Finance gobbles up most of this yearly.
Why are they not contributing a large portion to the National Cancer
Institute?
The Thai government is exceptionally talented at camouflaging public
interest, and this fact lies at the core of all necessary reforms,
economic or otherwise.
Michael Setter.
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Former leader Move Forward
Party
Has
no need of gaudy medals and ribbons
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 9, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday May 7, 2025
|
Re: "Pita vows a comeback in 9 years to be
'best prime minister'" in Bangkok Post, May
5, 2025
It is not difficult to understand why the old guard, conservatives,
Thaksin Shinawatra, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and their rather sufficiently
rich mates abhor Pita Limjaroenrat.
It is because the former leader of Move Forward, the election winner,
is a genuinely moral person.
He has no need of gaudy medals and ribbons to impress.
Pita needs no motorcades or even a single luxury car to awe.
Now a scholar at Harvard, he does not need to protect himself from
peaceful, honest opinion with defamation and other lawfare to suppress
the open dialogue that reveals him as he truly is.
The popular leader's morals need not be veiled by legally forced
ignorance lest the truth be known: truth and openness are friends
to Pita Limjaroenrat.
After the legal machinations following the May 2023 election, can
any other person in the land match the genuine respect that voters
continue to give the leader of Move Forward and the party reborn
as the People's Party?
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
UnrUnrest
and economic malaise in China have reached levels
Not seen since 1989 Tiananmen Square
The
Southeast Asian Times Thursday May 8, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday May 6, 2025
|
Re: "Jets can't fix trade",
Bangkok Post, PostBag, Saturday May 3, 2025.
ML Saksiri Kridakorn, apologist of the Communist Party of China,
had this to say presumably about the US: "Better we should
remember the history of great empires; they are often most dangerous
in their final throes when they are willing to weaponise anything
to hold onto power."
It is clear that he prefers being spoon-fed the Communist Party
of China's propaganda.
It may be a surprise to learn that unrest and economic malaise in
China have reached levels not seen since the 1989 Tiananmen Square
bloody protests.
Young people are crying out for personal freedom amid mounting corruption
and repression. Xi Jinping has been conducting a major purge of
top military officials, some of whom have disappeared or been incarcerated.
The above news is very well documented by independent sources within
China and can be verified by anyone with an interest in these important
developments.
Contrary to what ML Kridakorn would suggest, the US is conducting
a major rebalancing of trade and a concomitant reform of international
institutional structures in a manner which reflects US national
interests.
This is not an "empire in its final throes" by any stretch
of the imagination.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Is
Thailand's PM out of her depth in discussion with
US Trade Representative and US Department
of Commerce
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday May 7, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday April 27, 2025
|
Re: "Trade talks stall over bailed scholar",
Bangkok Post, Saturday April 27, 2025.
Let's get real.
Thaksin said, "Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra need not
be actively involved in these talks as they are designated as a
discussion between the US Trade Representative, US Department of
Commerce and Thailand's Ministry of Commerce".
The valid question is whether the maiden prime minister, who proudly
and openly calls herself "a daddy's girl", can go out
of her depth and face a real gambit in Washington.
Speaking of representation, does the prime minister, who owns many
high-end watches, designer shoes, mega expensive handbags and luxury
cars approve of the government taking away land from poor southern
villagers in an obvious violation of the law?
Meanwhile, her father, a former convict who still awaits more trials,
has again acted in character and stolen United States President
Donald Trump's "MAGA" slogan.
If Thaksin wants to make Thailand great again, he could do it in
a day.
Just buy flight tickets for himself and his family and go back to
Montenegro.
Isn't that a refreshing thought?
However, let's get real.
The recent double-digit bump in Thai exports is not due to a sudden
rise in competitiveness in the local sector, but rather a flood
of fake products from China being transited through Thailand to
avoid Mr Trump's tariffs.
Never mind "MTGA", this is Thailand, the country that
turns a blind eye.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
US academic should not be prosecuted by
Thailand's
Internal Security Operations Command
The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 6, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday May 3, 2025
|
Re: "Scholar not tied to tariff talks",
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday April 30, 2025.
The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC's) denial in the
case of US academic Paul Chambers simply lacks credibility.
ISOC, the national security apparatus, has nothing to do with trade
talks?
It is former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is in a position
to know what trade negotiations are going on.
He has noted that conditionality has been imposed by Washington.
Instead of making up stories, ISOC should recognise that the event
description on the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute think tank website
was written by someone in Singapore, and it was an ISEAS staff member
who was responsible for posting it online.
The fact that Paul Chambers neither wrote nor posted the problematic
event description means he should not be prosecuted for the charges
ISOC has levelled against him.
William K Roland,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The
US has suggested Thailand purchase F-16 jets
To offset its trade surplus
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday May 5, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday May 3, 2025
|
Re: "Arms deals tied to US tariff talks",
in Bangkok Post, April 22, 2025
The US has suggested Thailand purchase F-16 jets to offset its trade
surplus, but this is unlikely to happen due to the lack of a constitutional
framework or procedure for such a purchase.
Thailand's annual budget follows strict guidelines, such as those
established by the Public Debt Management Office.
Even if purchasing F-16s from the US were feasible, Thailand would
be better off recognising that its exports to the US are likely
to decline sharply as global economic powers shift.
Instead of investing in military jets, we would be better off using
such funds to reduce household debt levels, so enhancing consumer
economic power and supporting local investment projects.
Another compelling reason not to purchase F-16s is the long-term
cost of maintenance and upgrades.
The initial cost of an F-16 is estimated to be 30 percent of its
total lifetime expenses.
Further, in selling arms, the US often withholds its latest technology,
opting instead to sell an inferior version to countries it deems
less strategically important.
For example, in the 1970s-80s, the US sold F-16s to both Israel
and Egypt, but the aircraft provided to Israel were superior, and
the US refused to upgrade Egypt's planes, viewing Israel as its
primary regional ally.
This practice is fully in effect today.
Better we should remember the history of great empires; they are
often most dangerous in their final throes when they are willing
to weaponise anything to hold onto power.
ML Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangkok
Thailand
|
Call for Thailand to defer
the TDAC plan
For
a few more months
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday April 4, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday May 1, 2025
|
Re: "New online arrival cards target crime",
in Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 27, 2025.
Wanting to avoid the Songkran rush, I decided to go to Malaysia.
However, I found out just before I left that it was necessary to
register my details online about when I was arriving and leaving
the country.
I did not have the time to get a printout, so I was concerned about
this when I arrived there.
It turned out that I did not need one as I come from a country where
it's possible to get expedited processing.
So I was relieved when I finally passed through immigration.
But then I was worried about having to fill out another form when
departing.
I have been told I would be fine as long as I did not change anything
in my itinerary. Still, I wondered about what would happen if I
were asked to show my registration details to immigration when leaving,
and the net wasn't working on my phone at the airport, or I was
asked to show a printout.
Luckily, all I had to do was put my passport on a machine, and through
I went.
I imagine that people would feel similarly when having to fill out
a digital online arrival card upon arrival. In this respect, the
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is active as of today, May
1.
The government decided to use this measure about a month ago.
It must be asked if enough information has been provided to tourists,
and if they are aware they need to complete online registration
within three days of entering the kingdom.
There is no clear explanation of what is needed to enter the country,
such as the necessity of printing out documents.
And what is going to happen when a tourist cannot speak either English
or Thai, and the immigration officer is explaining about the necessity
of filling out an online form before arriving in the country?
It would be better if the government deferred the TDAC plan for
a few more months to smooth out all the kinks in the system.
Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Inadequate infrastructure
in Papua New Guinea
Increases
the cost of doing business
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday May 3, 2025
First published in the National Thursday My 1, 2025
|
Papua New Guinea, endowed with abundant natural resources
and a rich cultural heritage, continues to face significant socio-economic
development constraints that hinder its growth potential.
Addressing these barriers is very crucial to unlocking sustainable
development and improving the livelihoods of its diverse population.
A foremost constrain a part from other constrains to development
in our country is poor infrastructure.
Many rural areas remain disconnected from main roads, markets, health
services, and educational institutions.
This lack of access not only isolate communities but also suffocates
economic productivity and opportunities for inclusive growth.
According to the World Bank 2020, inadequate infrastructure in our
country increases the cost of doing business and restricts access
to basic services, reinforcing poverty cycles.
Another major challenge is limited access to quality education and
health services.
With high rates of illiteracy and preventable diseases, human capital
development remains weak.
Education, in particular, is a cornerstone of development.
Investing in inclusive and quality education can empower our citizens,
improve employability, and stimulate innovation United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) 2021.
Without a skilled and healthy workforce, Papua New Guinea’s
prospects for long-term growth are significantly compromised.
Corruption and governance issues further exacerbate development
challenges.
Weak institutional frameworks, and political interference often
resulted in poor policy implementations in recent years underscores
the urgent need for governance reforms Transparency International
Papua New Guinea, 2023.
By strengthening accountability mechanisms and promoting ethical
leadership are essential for building public trust and attracting
both domestic and foreign investment.
Additionally, our economic dependency on extractive industries such
as mining and petroleum presents both opportunities and risks.
While these sectors generate substantial revenue they are susceptible
to global market fluctuations and have limited trickle-down efforts
on local communities.
Diversifying the economy through investment in agriculture, tourism,
and digital innovations is key to achieving broad-based and resilient
growth Asian Development Bank (ADB) 2022.
Social inequalities, especially gender-based disparities and marginalisation
of our rural populations, also constrain development.
Empowering women and vulnerable groups through inclusive policies
and participatory development approaches can drive community-led
progress.
Our development strategies must be locally must be locally informed
and culturally appropriate to be effective in our complex socio-cultural
landscape as highlighted by Hammar, 2019.
In summary, by addressing the multifaceted socio-economic constrains
facing our magnificent country can foster inclusive and sustainable
growth.
Through improved infrastructure, better governance, investment in
human capital, economic diversification, and social inclusion, our
country Papua New Guinea can overcome current development barriers
and realise its full potential.
Vincent Tambure
Usino-Bundi District
Madang,
Papua New Guinea
|
China's
economic growth
Risks
stalling
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 2, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday April 28, 2025
|
Re: "Can China fight deflation and tariffs?"
Bangkok Post, World, Saturday April 19, 2025.
Despite China's growing economic footprint and impressive technological
advances, the country continues to grapple with deep structural
vulnerabilities. Persistent deflationary pressures remain a major
concern, with the consumer price index declining by 0.8 percent
year-on-year.
The property sector has been distressed, with new housing prices
falling by 4.5 percent over the past year.
Moreover, demographic challenges are worsening, as the nationwide
birth rate dwindles to 6.7 per 1,000 people and urban youth unemployment
rate climbs to 16.5 percent.
Socioeconomic imbalances further complicate the picture.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the per
capita disposable income of urban households is more than three
times higher than that of rural households.
Chinese financial system vulnerabilities weigh heavily on the country's
long-term prospects.
The equity market remains volatile, dominated by speculative domestic
retail investors who account for 80 percent of trading volume.
This undermines its role as a vehicle for long-term wealth management
for households and efficient corporate capital allocation.
Meanwhile, although China's onshore RMB bond market has surpassed
$US21 trillion in size in equivalence, it remains heavily skewed
towards public-sector issuances, dwarfing a thin and illiquid corporate
bond segment.
Structural deficiencies including inadequate credit risk pricing,
weak governance, and accountability challenges deter foreign investor
participation. In the absence of deep and well-functioning capital
markets, Chinese banks continue to play an outsized financing role
for the broader economy, raising systemic risk if their balance
sheets are not properly managed.
Unless China's leadership confronts these entrenched structural
issues through policy reforms, its growth risks being stalled. Bold
and structural reforms such as easing household registration restrictions
to promote labour mobility, overhauling pension systems, and deepening
capital market development can help boost China's economic development.
Ninja Kun,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
China has been engaged
in a 30-year hybrid war
Against
the US
The
Southeast Asian Times Thursday April 1, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday April 28, 2025
|
Re: "A perilous era of absolute advantage",
in Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday April 25, 2025 and
"Thailand fights back against nominee firms, Plan includes
sharing data, complaint line", in Bangkok Post,
Monday March 3, 2025
Academic Thitinan Pongsudhirak thinks the US has taken a "rightward
turn to protectionism and economic nationalism," and claims
Trump has "a mercantilist worldview."
On the contrary, President Trump has not reverted to centuries-old
economic theory, rather he has designed a contemporary overarching
strategy to pre-empt risk deriving from the likely outcomes of international
conflicts which loom large.
The US must onshore medicines and precursors production to eliminate
long term risk. Similarly, steel production, energy production and
many other sectors must become self-sufficient.
Why?
China has been engaged in a 30-year hybrid war against the US.
Are there any US car dealerships in China or the rest of Southeast
Asia for that matter?
Who makes the precursors for fentanyl and methamphetamine?
China.
The US cannot do business in China without a high risk of failure
due to government subterfuge and protectionism.
Yet there are many Chinese firms listed on US stock exchanges.
Is there a law in the US comparable to the Thailand Foreign Business
Act of 1999? I cannot buy land or own a business of my preference
here, yet Thais are doing both in the US without having to look
over their shoulders to see if they will be investigated.
The second story cited above is a fine example of the hysterical
nonsense the government gets up to when xenophobia is the prevailing
institutionalised motivation of economic law enforcement.
So, I must ask which country is protectionist?
Trump's policies are not ushering in a "perilous era"
despite the ubiquitous fear and hype headlines from the popular
press.
This is an overdue peaceful restructuring of the world trade order,
not a war.
The press and academia should get a grip.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand's restrictive
foreign ownership laws
Undermining trade relations
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday April 30, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday April 28, 2025
|
Re: "Illicit foreign stakes in firms 'widespread'",
in Bangkok Post, Friday April 25, 2025.
The hand-wringing over nominee ownership structures and foreign
stakes in Thai companies misses a broader truth: bad laws are made
to be broken or at least bent.
Thailand's restrictive foreign ownership laws, long criticised as
outdated and protectionist, have created a climate where legitimate
investment is channelled through grey areas simply to operate.
Rather than encouraging transparency, such non-tariff barriers incentivise
opacity.
Now, these very laws are undermining Thailand's trade relations,
particularly with the United States, where the US Trade Representative
has repeatedly raised concerns about market access barriers and
opaque business practices.
If we want to preserve and grow vital trade partnerships, we must
start by reforming the rules that force good actors into bad positions.
Enforcement matters but so does rewriting laws that make compliance
impractical.
SRK,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
US President Trump to
bring back
Religion
to American public life
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 29, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday, April 26, 2025
|
Re: "New
Trump task force aims to root out anti-Christian bias",
Bangkok Post, World, Wednesday April 23, 2025.
I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis during
the end of my tenure at Assumption College, when he visited the
cathedral next to the school during his trip to Thailand a few years
ago.
It is a coincidence that when Pope Francis passed away early this
week, US President Donald Trump held an "Easter roll"
with media just outside the Whitehouse, where he proclaimed
that he was "going to bring religion back into American
public life".
And I say "hallelujah" to that!
It is perhaps extreme for Mr Trump to seek out those who display
an anti-Christian bias in the American government, but the fact
remains that the atheists asked for it. What with their continual
mocking of Christians who profess their faith, regarding them as
mere simpletons who are lacking in any intellect.
Being that it is Easter, and not Christmas, which is the high point
of the Christian calendar, it is perhaps fitting that Mr Trump proclaimed
his intention to bring back religion into American public life the
day after Easter.
Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Indonesia
would back the installation
Of
an Islamic government in Papua New Guinea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 28, 2025
First published in the National, Friday April 25, 2025
|
I write this letter mainly to gauge the view of the
wider audience in Papua New Guinea whether they are aware of the
catastrophic event approaching our shores.
Indonesia has just recently allowed Russia to station their war
planes in Biak Island in West Papua about 500km from our common
border.
They have also last month signed an agreement with Turkey an Islamic
country to manufacture drones in Indonesia that are capable of carrying
missile war heads.
Remember we are the third largest Christian practicing country in
the world where 90 per cent of the population are Christians.
Just beginning of this year, our Parliament passed the law that
Papua New Guinea is a Christian country.
Now Indonesia is recognised as an Islam or Muslim country and the
Islam religion has been practicing their faith in Papua New Guinea
for the last 30 years or so but still that Islam religion cannot
convert many Papua New Guineans or many Papua New Guineans view
Islam negatively.
It is of my view that if the religion of Islam is not successful
in converting Papua New Guinea people they might use military to
install an Islam government and Indonesia will be backing that.
Australia having observed the activities of the Indonesia government
has just recently announced that the Australian army is now making
recruitment of Papua New Guinea nationals directly into the Australian
Defence Force.
The question is with the new President of US, Donald Trump unpredictable
and since American troops are base in Townsville or Darwin, in the
event of an Indonesian invasion into Papua New Guinea I don’t
think Australia will come to our aid because the Australian Defence
Force has its own rules to abide by and approval must be given the
US government.
Sensing all these, can the Papua New Guinea Government start building
its Defence Force, with drone pilots, and capable navy ships and
fighter jets or planes.
Better still as of next year introduce mandatory army cadetship
in all high schools which will form the reserve army in all fields
in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force .
One of the best country to partner with to strengthen our Defence
Force capabilities is Japan who were already in our country in World
War Two and knows the terrain or geography of Papua New Guinea.
Apart from Japan, Papua New Guinea can build its Defence Force with
some countries in Europe like Germany where they have history on
our shores.
The world is heading towards an unpredictable time and our security
and Defence Force must be counted on.
Politicians and warlords time of accumulating wealth is over, it’s
time to protect your citizen and your country.
Morning cloud,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
|
Nasa space programmes
Could
be taken over by SpaceX
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April 27, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday April 24, 2025
|
Re: "Nasa fires chief scientist, more Trump
cuts to come", Bangkok Post World, Thursday
March 13, 2025.
It appears that the Trump government is considering cutting Nasa's
science budget in half for 2026.
This will stop a number of projects, including possibly the Goddard
Space Flight Center.
Support for the Hubble Telescope will continue until it falls apart,
but then no more telescope launches.
One possible reason for the cutbacks might be that the search for
alien life will succeed, and we discover that rather than being
small and green, they are large and orange and want their lost child
back.
On a more serious note, any cutbacks to science funding should be
condemned, given the developments with people losing faith in science
and the rise of pseudoscience.
The appointment of Robert Kennedy Jr, a vaccine sceptic, to lead
America's health departments does not provide confidence in their
support of real science.
Perhaps the space programmes could be taken over by SpaceX, owned
substantially by Elon Musk, President Trump's money saver.
The SpaceX rockets, however, do explode from time to time, which
is worrying.
Dennis Fitzgerald,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Nothing
but horror stories
About Thailand's administration of public
health
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday April 25, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday April 23, 2025
|
Re: "Cracks in the state health system",
Bangkok Post, Editorial, Friday April 18, 2025.
This editorial, measured and well-reasoned, was quite brief. Problems
with the administration of public health in Thailand are endemic.
Ask any Thai citizen, and one will hear nothing but horror stories.
The examples presented in the editorial regarding the resignation
of doctors and the circumstances in which they are required to work
represent egregious abuse and exploitation of those who are most
essential to maintaining public health.
Doctors who toil endless hours for low wages in poorly equipped
and often antiquated facilities are obviously among the most compassionate
people in Thailand.
Why exploit them, especially when the government lavishly appropriates
disproportionate sums on the armed services, which do comparably
little for the Thai people?
Those who are clearly not among the most compassionate people in
this country are often found in government agencies, particularly
at the top.
Most of them are inordinately wealthy and do not give a hoot about
others' welfare.
One would think that the Ministry of Health should at least have
an Master of Public Health (MPH) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) running
the show, and preferably someone with extensive experience working
in a public hospital.
The issue of tariff negotiations pales in significance to the health
of the Thai people.
Michael
Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Pope Francis foresight
to address prescient threats to society
Will eternally resonate
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday, April 25, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post. Thursday April 24, 2025
|
Re: "Pope Francis dead at 88",
Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 22, 2025.
Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical Laudato Si, on Care for Our Common
Home, declares the governing paradigm that "We are the stewards
of creation and have the responsibility to hand on to the next generation,
an earth that is in at least as good a condition as the one we receive".
The intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of
the planet, that everything in the world is connected, the critique
of new technology, the call to seek other ways of understanding
the economy and progress, the value proper to each creature, the
human meaning of ecology, the serious responsibility of international
and local policy and our rife throwaway culture and the proposal
of a new lifestyle remains humanity's calling as well as a clarion
call to arms.
Pope Francis reminds us that the ecological catastrophe of the Anthropocene
that threatens humanity, indeed all life on Earth, is corroborated
by wilfully not acting upon convincing climate change and environmental
science that predict a 'tipping point' from which there is no possible
recovery.
As Richard Horton exhorts from the Vatican whilst reporting for
the medical journal Lancet in 2017: "A rejuvenation in moral
inquiry, leadership, advocacy and activism is needed.
We have to understand that wisdom comes from a broad, inclusive
conversation, from fostering a plurality of voices."
Pope Francis' foresight to address prescient threats to society,
the decline in the quality of human and other life, global inequality,
weak responses, and not soliciting a variety and balanced set of
opinions will eternally resonate.
Joseph Ting,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Delay or hindrance to
blood testing and medicine
Will
be remembered as the footprint of US president
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday April 24, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday April 23, 2025
|
Re: "US funding cuts for Aids-HIV fight",
in Bangkok Post, Thursday April 17, 2025.
The biggest problem is that the most unusual US president has cancelled
both the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief programme,
a legacy of President George W Bush, and closed all USAID programs.
For example, the blood testing services provided have been stopped.
There is no vaccination for preventing HIV/Aids.
But continuous blood testing and new medicines can help the world
win the battle against HIV infections.
Any delay or hindrance to blood testing and medicine will be remembered
as the footprint of the current US president.
John
Kane,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The United States
Is
no longer a global parent
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday April 23, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday April 20, 2025
|
Re: "Workers face fallout",
Bangkok Post,
PostBag, Wednesday April 9, 2025.
Yingwai Suchaovanich echoes mainstream media in whining about US
President Trump's demand for reciprocal trading arrangements with
all nations.
The former soft-power peddling of lenient tariffs and uncontested
protectionism as a US geostrategic policy is no longer viable nor
does it produce mutually beneficial results.
Like the heirs of a tycoon, the grown-up children now presume to
be entitled and cry when their allowances are cut.
Yingwai claims, "Mr Trump is jeopardising the livelihood
of millions of workers in Southeast Asia."
The United States is not a global parent. By requiring nations to
handle their own business and engage in free, fair, and equitable
trade practices, the failures of governments globally will be exposed
for their populations to see.
Already the Thai Prime Minister, rather than proposing zero tariffs,
as Taiwan has done, has decided to pursue arms purchases to lower
the trade surplus.
Of course, this transfers a substantial additional tax burden to
Thais rather than giving them the opportunity to export more to
their biggest customer by lowering tariff barriers.
China and the socialist nations of the world subsidise all business
but also tax their profits heavily. People are getting tired of
this style of greedy top-down authoritarian governance and long
for freedom.
It is often said China raised hundreds of millions out of poverty,
but this supposed economic "miracle" only occurred
because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ceased directing communal
enterprises and allowed foreign investment, thus giving the rural
Chinese a taste of freedom.
That freedom released the power of the people and incentivised them
toward self-improvement and economic prosperity.
Essentially the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) just got out of the
way.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Call for ASEAN enlargement
to enhance leverage
In
an unpredictable global trade environment
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 22, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday April 20, 2025
|
Re: "Bigger Asean could counter tariffs,"
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday April 17, 2025.
There is no doubt that Asean enlargement could enhance the bloc's
leverage in a mercurial global trade environment.
However, such enlargement should not be taken as a strategic move.
It must be a genuine political act that comes from agreement among
current members.
Asean's consensus-based framework means any new accession depends
on solidarity.
This solidarity must pre-exist any formal declarations.
Whether the candidate is Timor-Leste or Sri Lanka, expansion will
only succeed if unity is more than rhetorical.
Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Under
the MAGA initiative
US
fixed on account deficit and public debt
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 21, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday April 19, 2025
|
Re: "Trump has eye on chip, drug tariffs",
Bangkok Post,
Business, Wednesday April 16, 2025 and "The dollar correction
is finally here", Bangkok
Post, Commentary, Wednesday April 16, 2025.
Under the MAGA initiative and national security concerns, the Trump
administration appears fixated on reversing the US current account
deficit and bringing ballooning public debt under control.
Amid the prohibitive cost of bringing manufacturing and factories
home, American manufacturers remain cautious and even contemplate
shifting operations elsewhere. While tariff revenue increases or
corporate tax cuts may in part help offset the reshoring costs,
a sharp drop in US imports could undermine the effort.
As a global destination of capital and the world's leading consumer
market, America has long been able to attract massive investment
into its deepest and most vibrant financial markets, amplified by
the US dollar's role as the dominant global reserve currency.
In terms of real effective exchange rate, the USD has steadily appreciated
by 46 percent since July 2011, further cementing its global standing.
The current account deficit US$311 billion in Q3, 2024 implicitly
suggests national savings less than investment because America provides
attractive returns, or low savings due to its excessive private
and public consumption, or a combination of both.
It makes little sense to argue whether the current account deficit
especially the bilateral trade deficit is "bad". If long-term
investors continue to finance American productive capacity building
for a return higher than the cost of capital, the current account
deficit will likely be sustained.
Ninaja
Kun,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
China
President visits Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia
Strangely not Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday April 20, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday April 18, 2025
|
Re: "I just saw the future. It wasn't in the
US", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Saturday April
12 and "China primes rare earths weapon", Bangkok
Post, Opinion, Monday April 14, 2025.
Since his inauguration on January 20 with the promise of a "Golden
Age of America", President Donald Trump has been having
a field day for two months by causing havoc with his declared tariffs
on all nations trading with the US and threatened leverages.
China was hit with a 145 percent levy on its exports to the US while
China, without wishing to have any dialogue with Mr Trump, retaliated
without fear with a 125 percent levy.
One stock guru claimed the 145 percent rate was not a tax but a
goods embargo.
Mr Trump's bluff has failed.
While visiting Vietnam two days ago, President Xi Jinping hit back,
calling Mr Trump's actions "unilateral bullying"
and called on other countries he is visiting on his Southeast Asian
tour Malaysia and Cambodia to "uphold the stability of the
global free trade system" strangely, not Thailand.
Your articles by the New York Times Thomas Friedman, and Reuters
Andy Home, give rise to the question of why in this game of "poker"
or "chicken", China seems to have more leverage
against the US.
It will be interesting to see how Mr Trump backtracks, most likely
via his Treasury head, Scott Bessent.
Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Orwell's 1984
Still relevant
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday April 19, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday April 16, 2025
|
Re: "I just saw the future. It wasn't in
the US", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Saturday April
12, 2025.
There is usually wisdom in the classics. A recent revisit to Orwell's
1984 provides material to consider in 2025.
The reverse logic of a key theme, "Ignorance is strength",
is being enacted through the imposition of Trump tariffs on so many
countries and a few penguins.
There is a final and serious warning from 1984: "We know
that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing
it."
It could happen, take note of the warning.
If you have the time, reread 1984, it is still scary, and relevant.
Dennis Fitzgerald,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thai
shareholders connected to contractors responsible
For the collapsed of State Audit Office
in earthquake
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday April 18, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday April 11, 2025
|
Re: "Probe seeks answers from Thai partners",
in Bangkok Post,
Tuesday April 8, 2025.
We learn that the Department of Special Investigation has discovered
a number of Thai shareholder nominees allegedly connected to the
contractor responsible for the collapsed State Audit Office building.
So, I wonder: Will the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)
prosecute the principal 40.8 percent Thai shareholder, supposedly
a construction laborer earning just over 10,000 baht ($290) a month,
to the full extent of the law and claim that justice has been served?
Or, will the government risk ruffling feathers and seek cooperation
from China to investigate and prosecute all of the Chinese and Thai
beneficiaries or facilitators in the chain, leading to the very
top, however high that might be?
Oh dear, it's so hot these days.
I think I need another Red Bull to quench my thirst for knowledge.
H Dumpty,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
US
imposes extra tariff rate on Vietnam and Cambodia
Suspected
or known to be a conduit for China
The
Southeast Asian Times Thursday April 17, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday April 13, 2025
|
Re: "Tariff
roulette", in Bangkok Post, PostBag,
Saturday April 5, 2025.
President Donald Trump's "reciprocal tariff", as
the name implies, simply charges an extra customs duty on goods
coming to America if there is a trade deficit with that exporting
country.
The calculated percentage is simply the dollar amount of that deficit
divided by the dollar amount of goods the US imported from that
country.
The result is to be divided by two.
Hence, there is no round figure for the percentage rate.
In the case of a country suspected or known to be a conduit for
China, an extra discretionary rate is added, like in the cases of
Vietnam and Cambodia.
Countries with trade surpluses, like Singapore or the UK, are still
subject to Mr Trump's 10 percent import duty, which is the new basic
duty imposed on all goods imported into the US at midnight this
Saturday.
It is now reported that he has congratulated himself for creating
economic and financial havoc in the world and is now pleased that
all the countries have called on him and stated how powerful the
United States is, and he has become now.
Obviously, the reciprocal tariff is not the aim.
It is the means to reach the ends - making America Great Again -
starting from the defence in Europe, roping Canada as the 51st state,
taking possession of Greenland, taking control of Panama, and even
changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
His leverage is to call for fair shares of having the largest number
of "able to pay" consumers, being the most powerful
country on earth, and being the most advanced in technology.
China, his nemesis, aggravates him to the level of "bullying"
others.
It is getting to be like a poker game in that we have to determine
whether he is bluffing.
We, outsiders, can only take comfort in the fact that the imperial
power bestowed on him was their country's democratic choice.
Fortunately, it can always be challenged at any time through a democratic
process.
Previously, the timeframe for his rule was another four years to
2029, and now, some who believe in his goodness want another four
years to 2033 despite the US constitution.
Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Call to ignore pronouncement
that 7.7 quake
That hit Bangkok was equal to 334 atomic
bombs
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday April 16, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday April 13, 2025
|
Re: "Quake survival tips", Bangkok
Post PostBag, Friday April 4, 2025 and "BMA wants
quake safety reports filed", Bangkok Post, Monday
March 31, 2025.
In a recent letter, I suggested that amateurs avoid making statements
about earthquake science as it is an arcane science.
But our PostBag's beloved contributor, Khun Burin Kantabutra, couldn't
resist.
His classic, "last week's quake of 7.7 was equal to 334
atomic bombs, and only one Bangkok skyscraper collapsed"
is exactly why the suggestion was made.
It is fine to be proud of one's country, but the 7.7 measurement
of the magnitude of energy released by the earthquake applies to
the epicentre, in this case 1,200 kilometres north of Bangkok and
10 kilometres underground.
Furthermore, "atomic bombs" is not a measurement
seismologists normally use, but it is a phrase used to scare people
especially favoured by CNN, where this specious news originated.
The tremor's strength as felt in Bangkok was significantly lower
than 7.7 on the Richter scale.
If the epicenter had been located here, I guarantee that the damage
would have been unimaginably horrific.
Soils here liquify easily and constantly subside over time. This
makes earthquakes particularly hazardous for structures in Bangkok.
I dare say most of the buildings in Bangkok were built before the
2007 earthquake regulations came into effect; many are similar to
those in Myanmar, which suffered catastrophic damage.
The authoritative pronouncement by Khun Burin should, therefore,
be ignored, and building-specific recommendations should be followed.
Furthermore, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) should
inspect all multi-story structures built pre-2007 and post appropriate
evacuation guidelines for occupants in the event of an earthquake.
Tall buildings preferably have sirens which must be inspected annually.
And most importantly, the much-delayed national emergency warning
system needs to be implemented as soon as possible.
Michael Setter.
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Missing billions of Kina
from PNG improvement programmes
Are real obstacles to development
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 15, 2025
First published in the National, Saturday April 12, 2025
|
Nearly 80 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s Member
of Parliament's have failed to account for billions of Kina allocated
through the District Services Improvement Programme (DSIP) and Provincial
Services Improvement Programme (PSIP).
This is not a mere oversight, it is a profound betrayal of trust,
a disregard for the nation’s future, and a crippling wound
on the promise of progress.
These billions represent the hopes and aspirations of our people,
the chance for new schools, well-equipped hospitals, vital infrastructure,
and economic growth.
These funds could have lifted our people out of poverty, created
jobs, and fostered entrepreneurship.
Instead, the silence surrounding the misuse and mismanagement of
these funds paints a troubling picture: these programmes, designed
to uplift the nation, have become tools for self-enrichment, benefiting
a few while the majority suffer.
Our villages remain without basic services, our youth face crushing
unemployment, and the law and order situation deteriorates.
The failure to account for these funds is not a bureaucratic issue,
it is a barrier to progress, trapping our people in a cycle of poverty
and despair.
The consequences are stark.
Lack of investment in essential services has driven unemployment,
pushing frustrated youth toward crime and worsening the law and
order crisis.
The absence of proper healthcare facilities leaves our people vulnerable
to preventable diseases, while unfinished roads and bridges isolate
communities, limiting access to trade and essential services.
The missing millions are not just numbers; they are real obstacles
to development.
This cannot continue.
The time for gentle inquiries is over.
The scale of this unaccountability demands urgent action.
The Office of Rural Development (ORD) must work with the Ombudsman
Commission and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
to launch thorough investigations.
Every elected member who has failed to acquit these funds must be
held accountable under the law, referred to the Leadership Tribunal,
and dismissed from office.
Failure to act decisively will only reinforce the public’s
belief that those in power are either complicit or too fearful to
act.
There can be no room for impunity.
The people deserve to know where their money has gone, and those
responsible for its mismanagement must face the consequences.
This is not about political point-scoring; it is about securing
the future of our nation.
It is about ensuring that the resources meant to empower our people
are not squandered or stolen.
We must restore faith in our institutions and prove that leaders
are accountable to the citizens they serve. If we fail to act now,
we risk emboldening those who exploit the system.
The future of Papua New Guinea depends on our resolve to demand
transparency, accountability, and justice.
Enough is enough.
Demand accountability.
Reclaim our future.
Concerned Citizen,
John
Varey,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
|
Thailand
PM welcomes head of the illegal government
Of Myanmar to BIMSTEC
First
published in the Bangkok Post Thursday April 10, 2025
The Southeast Asian Times Monday April 14, 2025
|
Re: "Junta chief to attend summit in Bangkok",
in Bangkok Post, Saturday March 29, 2025.
Really disappointing to see Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn
Shinawatra welcoming the head of the illegitimate government of
Myanmar at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical
and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) meeting in Bangkok last week.
This goes against the policy of all the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) to exclude the junta government for not complying
with Asean's 5-point consensus. Prime Minister Paetongtarn must
be hopelessly naive or encouraged by someone higher up in her political
party.
Tony Jackson,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Trump
Derangement Syndrome
Reflected
in Thailand's Bangkok
Post
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April 13, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday April 4, 2025
|
During Donald Trump's first term, the Biden years,
and the pre-2024 election run-in, the average Trump media coverage
recorded by most media outlets was 93 percent negative.
Given that Mr Trump won a resounding victory in November and clearly
earned the trust and support of most US voters, one would have thought
that the media coverage would have at least started to reflect that.
But no, the same outlets, of which your publication is one, continue
the very same anti-Trump reporting through news articles, op-eds,
and cartoons.
Your cartoonist, Matt Davies, is perhaps the worst example of Trump
Derangement Syndrome.
His sketches are not funny, not representative of any balance, reality,
or context, and on an artistic level, very poor.
He really is the worst I've seen, and that very choice clearly demonstrates
the Bangkok Post's totally biased coverage.
Gary Fox,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Author
Michelle Gelfand not qualified to critique
US
President Donald Trump
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday April 12, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday April 10, 2025
|
Re: "Time to dump Trump's flawed negotiation
playbook", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Saturday
April 5, 2025 and "Slanted cartoons", Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Saturday April 5, 2025.
The author of this utterly biased piece is Michelle Gelfand, a cossetted
academic who is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations,
a leftist/socialist think tank whose members have financially contributed
to such luminaries as Kamala Harris and Adam Schiff.
Writing for the leftist, Soros-funded Project Syndicate, she makes
reference to the typical socialist and emotionally based psychology
of diplomacy, long established norms, and employs a variety of emotionally
charged terms like "threats," "retaliation,"
"losses," and "combative" to substantiate
her claim that US President Donald Trump is not a good negotiator.
Providing zero evidence of anything substantive, she imagines the
experience of sitting in a classroom and interacting with students
has qualified her to critique a man with the most extensive experience
at the highest levels the world has to offer.
Meanwhile, I agree with PostBag contributor Gary Fox that cartoonist
Matt Davies is biased.
Michael
Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Communism
Is a fundamentally flawed and failed system
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday April 11, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday April 7, 2025
|
Re: "Why China's marriage crisis really
matters", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday April
4, 2025.
The "marriage crisis" is the least of China's worries.
A major purge of top-level officials is well underway in the country
and Xi Jinping's tenure is seen as fragile.
Many Chinese are not happy with their leadership particularly members
of the young generation who are depressed by the economic situation
and see their future as hopeless.
Social unrest is escalating yet this unfavourable news is rarely
reported by mainstream outlets. However, social media and independent
journalists are doing an amazing job covering these issues. Communism
is a fundamentally flawed and failed system and this is producing
the severe systemic problems currently facing the Chinese Communist
Party (CCP).
Michael Setter
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Seismology is an arcane
science
And one full of controversy
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday April 10, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday April 3, 2025
|
Re: "Jittery workers flee buildings in capital",
in Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 1, 2025.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced, "There will
be no additional earthquakes".
If the all-knowing governor has foreknowledge of earthquake timing,
then why did he not warn us of the first one?
Meanwhile, those who study the matter and forecast seismic activity
professionally indicate aftershocks are highly likely for the next
10 days.
Seismology is an arcane science and one full of controversy.
The occurrence of seismic waves, their energy, and propagation through
the earth is dependent upon a vast array of interdependent systems
which include not only the earth's composition, the presence of
fault lines, moving tectonic plates, and a liquid core, but also
gravitational and electromagnetic forces from the sun, moon, and
tides.
Like climate change science, it is no place for amateurs.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The use of the Lese Majeste
Law in Thailand
Ultimately damages the monarchy
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday April 9, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday April 7, 2025
|
Re: "Army accuses expat US scholar of lese
majeste", in Bangkok Post, Saturday April
5, 2025.
Before we act directly against his royal wishes, we should discuss
the wisdom of our beloved national father before charging well-known
American academic Paul Chambers with lèse-majesté.
As Nicolas Grossman and Dominic Faulder wrote in their palace-approved
book: "Thailand's law of lèse-majesté has one
very prominent critic: King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. In 2005,
King Rama IX used his televised birthday address to convey that:
'The king is a human being and as such should be subject to criticism.
Charges of lèse-majesté should be dropped, those held
in jail for lèse-majesté should be released.
The use of the lèse-majesté law ultimately damages
the monarchy.''
Why did King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great note that our using 112
"ultimately damages the monarchy"?
Does his wisdom still hold?
If so, why do we insist on damaging our monarchy which we say we
love above life itself time and again?
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The total population of
China as reported
By the Chinese
Communist Party is
grossly inflated
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 8, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday April 7, 2025
|
Re: "Why
China's marriage crisis really matters", in Bangkok
Post, Opinion, Friday April 4, 2025.
Another Project Syndicate piece which neglects the real issue with
facts related to China. Many are fake, some outlandishly so.
The total population as reported by the Chinese Communist Party
(CCP) is grossly inflated to support negotiations regarding international
trade by exaggerating the market's strengths, and most importantly
because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wants the world to think
that challenging their country militarily would be a disastrous
decision due to their claimed population size of 1.4 billion.
However, studies by demographic experts using a wide variety of
data sources such as salt consumption, grain imports, population
statistics cited by cities and villages, and overall economic activity
indicate the real population of China is 300-400 million people.
The lingering effect of a one-child policy, surging severe death
rates during Covid, depressed economic opportunity, and many other
factors which were reported in the article make it utterly impossible
for the 1.4 billion number to be factual.
The "marriage crisis" is the least of China's worries.
A major purge of top-level officials is well underway in the country
and Xi Jinping's tenure is seen as fragile at the moment.
Many Chinese are not happy with their leadership, particularly members
of the younger generation who are depressed by the economic situation
and see their future as hopeless.
Social unrest is escalating yet this unfavourable news is not often
reported by mainstream outlets.
However, social media and independent journalists are doing an amazing
job covering these issues.
Communism is fundamentally flawed and this is producing the severe
systemic problems now facing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The
US is historically the most generous nation in the world
In
welcoming immigrants into the US
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 7, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday April 5, 2025
|
Re: "Tesla sparks fly", Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Sunday March 30, 2025
I was astonished - not in a good way - when I read Joseph Ting's
letter claiming that the current climate in the US is "anti-science
and anti-immigrant" and that the Trump-Musk team is "anti-science
and anti-immigrant".
Particularly galling is that Mr Ting resorted to the fatuous, fake,
worn-out, tired trope of conflating illegal immigration with legal
immigration.
The US is the most generous nation in the history of the world in
welcoming immigrants into the country, with 800,000 legal immigrants
admitted to the country every year.
Donald Trump is the most pro-immigration president in US history.
His mother was a legal immigrant, and so was his wife.
Meanwhile, the second lady, Usha Vance, is the daughter of legal
immigrants.
The director of the FBI, Kash Patel, is the son of legal immigrants.
And Mr Trump is pro-science.
He initiated the United States Space Force.
Calling Elon Musk "anti-immigrant and anti-science"
- the claim is beyond ludicrous.
Musk is himself a legal immigrant.
The scientific and technological community in the US includes legal
immigrants, such as Jensen Huang (Nvidia), Sergey Brin, and Sundar
Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), et al.
And to say Musk is "anti-science"? Musk creates
electric cars and rolls out Neuralink, Starlink, SpaceX, and Grok
AI. If anyone thinks that's "anti-science", then I can't
help them.
Ben Levin,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Three groups of Uyghurs
Treated differently after fleeing China
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April 6, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday April 4, 2025
|
Re: " Kannavee sticks by Uyghur letters claim",
Bangkok Post, Editorial, Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
I was more than a little amused at the simple distortion and twisting
of historical facts in this morning's letter regarding the Uyghur
returnees.
When the large group was first discovered in 2015, the women and
children, in total 173 people, were treated as refugees and sent
on to Turkey.
For reasons never explained, 109 men were escorted back to China
just a week later, showing Thailand's reluctance to offer fair treatment
for all.
Even worse, a third group, which, as far as I understand, were never
convicted and sentenced for any crime, were then kept in indefinite
detention for 11 years.
Three groups, three completely different treatments for the same
"crime" of fleeing repression.
So, who was treated correctly?
Steve Merchant
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Papua New Guinea lawyers
Set precedent in our part of the world
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday April 5, 2025
|
Papua New Guinea lawyers march against legislative
shifts towards authoritarianism ( The Southeast Asian Times 3 April
2025 ).
Hats off to them for standing up for democracy.
In Fiji after the 2006 military coup there was 16 long years of
authoritarian rule but no march by the Fiji lawyers mob.
So what the Papua New Guinea lawyers have done is great. It might
be the first in our part of the world and it could serve as an inspirational
model in the region when authoritarianism raises its ugly head any
where else in the region.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
|
The impact of corruption
on Papua New Guinea’s
Economy
and society cannot be overstated
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday April 4, 2025
First Published in the National Tuesday April 1, 2025
|
Papua New Guinea is facing a severe crisis as corruption
allegations continue to rock the government, shattering the trust
of its citizens and undermining the country’s economic and
social development.
The allegations, which span across various government departments
and agencies, have exposed a pervasive culture of corruption that
threatens the stability and integrity of the nation’s institutions.
The recent scandal involving high-ranking government officials and
politicians has brought the issue of corruption to the forefront
of public discourse in Papua New Guinea.
The allegations range from embezzlement of public funds to bribery
and kickbacks in awarding government contracts, casting a dark shadow
over the reputation of the country’s leadership.
The impact of corruption on Papua New Guinea’s economy and
society cannot be overstated.
It diverts much-needed resources away from essential public services
such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, exacerbating
poverty and inequality in the country.
Moreover, corrupt practices erode the rule of law and undermine
democratic governance, leaving the most vulnerable members of society
at the mercy of unscrupulous officials.
The lack of transparency and accountability in the government has
allowed corruption to flourish unchecked, leading to a breakdown
in public trust and confidence in the country’s leadership.
The revelations of corruption have sparked widespread outrage and
calls for accountability from civil society organisations, the media,
and concerned citizens who demand justice and reform.
In response to the allegations, the Papua New Guinea government
has vowed to crack down on corruption and hold those responsible
accountable for their actions.
Prime Minister, together with the anti-corruption agency, launched
an investigation into the allegations, promising to root out corruption
at all levels of government and restore public confidence in the
country’s institutions.
However, the government’s commitment to combating corruption
must be matched with concrete action and meaningful reforms to address
the systemic issues that enable corrupt practices to thrive.
Transparency, accountability, and good governance are essential
pillars in the fight against corruption, and the government must
prioritise these principles in its efforts to clean up the public
sector.
The role of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies is crucial
in prosecuting corrupt officials and ensuring that they are held
accountable for their actions.
The judiciary must act independently and without bias in upholding
the rule of law and prosecuting those responsible for corrupt practices,
regardless of their political affiliations or positions of power.
Civil society organisations and the media also play a vital role
in exposing corruption and holding the government to account.
Journalists and activists must continue to investigate and report
on corruption allegations, raising awareness and putting pressure
on the government to take action against those implicated in corrupt
activities.
Beyond the immediate scandals and allegations, the fight against
corruption in PNG requires a long-term commitment to building strong
institutions and promoting a culture of integrity and transparency
in the public sector.
The government must implement robust anti-corruption measures, such
as asset declarations for public officials, transparent procurement
processes, and whistleblower protections, to prevent and deter corrupt
practices.
As the people of Papua New Guinea call for accountability and reform,
the government must heed their demands and de monstrate its commitment
to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law.
The future of the country’s democracy and development hinges
on the government’s ability to address the root causes of corruption,
restore trust in its institutions, and rebuild the confidence of
its citizens in their leaders.
Only through sustained efforts to combat corruption and promote
good governance can Papua New Guinea overcome this crisis and build
a brighter future for all its citizens.
Romel
Kuman.
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
|
Bank of Thailand is developing
a digital currency
That threatening financial privacy
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday April 3, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday April 2, 2025
|
Re: "More central banks adopt digital currencies
study", in Bangkok Post Business, September
19, 2024.
Do you want the government to have authority over your money?
Know all of your spending all the time?
As a Thai university student, no I don't.
But they are doing it right now!
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is developing a Central Bank Digital
Currency (CBDC) to enhance digital finance and security.
But beyond convenience lies a deeper concern - surveillance.
Unlike cash, CBDC allows the government to track every transaction,
threatening financial privacy.
Worse, it can be used as a tool of control, with authorities potentially
freezing or seizing funds at will.
Even if not abused, can the system truly be secure from cyber threats?
Are CBDCs the future of safe finance, or a step toward government
overreach - something decentralised cryptocurrencies were designed
to resist?
Rhatha Kuanswang,
Bangkom,
Thailand
BIMSTEC
forum to solidify
Its
role as major geopolitical player
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday April 2, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 1, 2025
|
Re: "Bimstec to put regional ties to the test",
Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday March 25, 2025.
The upcoming Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok represents a critical
moment for this forum to solidify its role as a major geopolitical
player.
As Kavi Chongkittavorn highlights, the Bay of Bengal region is no
longer a peripheral concern but a vital hub of trade, security,
and strategic cooperation.
Given its growing economic weight, commitment to connectivity, and
increasing coordination in key areas such as digital payments, cybersecurity,
and crisis response, Bimstec member countries, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka have the potential to emerge
as a strong competitor to China's regional influence.
The forum's emphasis on resilience and cooperation could make it
an alternative model of regionalism, one that fosters economic integration
without the political dominance of any single power.
If Bimstec can practice solidarity and give tangibility to its "Bangkok
Vision 2030" and enhance its collective voice, it may contribute
to redefining the dynamics of the Global South and challenge existing
institutional structures in Asia.
Ioan
Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Islands
far from pollution in Bangkok
Not
visible for weeks
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 1, 2025
First Published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 30, 2025
|
Re: ''Chiang Mai rejoins list of top 10 polluted
cities'', in Bangkok Post, March 26, ''Petition
filed in push for equal citizenship'', Bangkok Post,
Life, March 25, and ''Historic new rights laws fight old bias:
Same-sex marriages shake things up'', in Bangkok Post,
February 16.
I recently flew from home on Koh Samui, where even on an island
far from the mainland, nearby Koh Phangan has not been visible for
weeks because of pollution. I accept that this is a worldwide problem
but that does not excuse inaction.
I arrived in Bangkok and even before leaving the airport my eyes
were already feeling itchy and my nose congested. The pollution
levels are lethal. There is no question that almost everyone living
in the capital will suffer some adverse health effects and have
their life shortened.
Pollution comes from three main sources: vehicles, stubble burning,
and industry, but can be dramatically reduced by government action.
Announce today that only non-polluting vehicles can enter the city
in, say, five years time and no one will buy a petrol car tomorrow.
Buses, taxis, tuktuk and commercial vehicles must not be exempt.
Fine or reduce funding of any local authority that does not stop
stubble burning. Also demote or move any police chiefs in those
areas.
Serve notice to polluting industries that if they continue to pollute
they will be shuttered.
Maybe there are different solutions but inactivity and soundbites
are killing us.
Phil Cox,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand company buybacks
should be published
By
Stock Exchange of Thailand or brokers.
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 31, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday March 28, 2025
|
Re: "Twenty listed firms seen likely to prep
share buybacks", Bangkok Post, Business,
Tuesday March 25, 2025.
Over the past year or so, there have been far, far more than just
20 Thai listed companies which have already announced and regularly
buy back their own shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)
Market for Alternative Investment (MAI).
As is then regularly Stock Exchange of Thialand (SET) news announced,
but never tallied up to actually show how many different companies
are doing this already.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) or their brokers should publish
the number of companies and even their names, as it's a true positive
sign in that these mostly do believe their share prices are oversold
and below intrinsic value.
Sometimes, a company may buy back its shares as it does not see
alternative good investments at present with its cash on hand; however,
most of the time, it's a clear sign that current market prices well
underprice its true value.
It's a positive sign when so many companies announce buybacks, and
this should be published by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)
or brokers.
As it is now, nobody really knows the actual number, which I estimate
to be in the many dozens.
Paul A Renaud,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
A dirty bomb could pass
undetected into Thailand
Without much difficulty
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 30, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday March 28, 2025
|
Re: "Radioactive waste probed", in
Bangkok Post, Wednesday March 26, 2025.
Nothing new here; in 2018, a steel manufacturer in Thailand discovered
over 880 tonnes of smelting waste contaminated with Cs-137.
In the year 2000, workers in Samut Prakan stole a cobalt-60 cylinder
from a discarded X-ray machine and sold it to a scrap dealer.
Five workers at the scrapyard and four waste collectors were hospitalised
with radiation sickness, and over 1,800 people were exposed to harmful
radiation.
In 2023, a 25kg cylinder was stolen from the National Power Supply
Public Co in Prachin Buri and sold for scrap.
The radioactive waste it contained was found at a steel foundry
in Kabin Buri district, 10 kilometers away, in furnace dust and
smelted scrap metal.
The recent report of 10 tonnes of illegally imported Caesium 137
material failed to disclose where it was presently located.
The news included a photo of officials wearing surgical masks while
investigating the site.
This is an illustration of gross misfeasance on the part of authorities.
The public must be informed immediately of the location so they
may ascertain if possible harm might accrue due to exposure.
Additionally, surgical masks provide inadequate protection from
the hazards of radioactive Cs-137 fine dust inhalation. Proper PPE
must be used on site inspections and in handling such material.
If a single incident of illegal importation is discovered, one can
assume there have been at least 10 others which have gone undetected.
Corruption and illegal activity common to these incidents include
theft for scrap, inadequate and inaccurate documentation, importation
and customs irregularities, and lack of port detection of radioactive
containers.
A dirty bomb could seemingly pass undetected into Thailand without
much difficulty.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
More beggars than ever
before in Thailand
People
picking litter out of rubbish bins just to survive
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday, March 29, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday, March 26,
2025
|
Re: "Doom or data", in Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Friday March 21, 2025 and "The economy
is waiting to hit an iceberg", Bangkok Post
Opinion, Thursday March 20, 2025.
Barely had the ink dried on his just-written column when someone
challenged freelance economist Chartchai Parasuk's assertions, refusing
to see the truth for what it is.
Only this time, it was Songdej Praditsmanont who challenged his
view, rather than a foreigner, as was the case previously.
Rather than the Thai economy hitting an iceberg, which could have
been avoided with the right planning, as Mr Chartchai insists, perhaps
it's more apt to say that it has already hit such an object, if
only partially so.
If one carefully reads his previous articles on the subject, one
will find that he believes the economy should already have crashed
and has only been prevented from doing so by interventions in financial
markets.
Just look around you: Does Thailand look like a nation brimming
with confidence, with an economy firing on all cylinders? Hardly.
What you see is more beggars than ever before, and people picking
litter out of rubbish bins just to survive.
Nothing exemplifies the downturn in the Thai economy more, as far
as I'm concerned, than the bankruptcy of my favourite fast food
restaurant, Texas Chicken, in September 2024.
If a worldwide established food chain such as this exits the country,
then what's to stop other franchises from also doing so?
There are rumblings in various business circles that Burger King
or Subway are suffering great distress, not only here, but around
the world.
English language institutes have been big in Thailand, but it appears
that these, too, are now struggling.
For instance.
I know of teachers who had been promised work at language institutes
during the holidays in October and March, only to be told that not
enough students had enrolled to justify the extra classes.
So in summary, I think that Mr Chartchai's view has merit.
Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
ICC arrest of former President
Rodrigo Duterte
Demonstrating that no leader is above the
law
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday March 28, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Saturday March
15, 2025
|
The recent arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte
based on an International Crime Court (ICC) warrant marks a key
moment in the struggle for justice and accountability.
Duterte’s war on drugs was bloody, with extrajudicial executions
estimated between 12,000 to 30,000.
Human rights organizations and the victims’ families have clamored
for justice for years, and his arrest is a sign that impunity is
not eternal.
Duterte’s war on drugs was not only a domestic matter: it was
a human rights disaster that contravened international laws.
His endorsement of vigilante killings and slaying of alleged drug
users made the Philippines one of the worst places for poor and
vulnerable people.
The ICC case against him is not political, it’s about holding
leaders accountable to prevent them from weaponizing law enforcement
for wholesale slaughter with impunity.
Duterte has insisted that his action was in the interest of national
security, but the truth is that his policies disproportionately
affected the urban poor, not drug lords and corrupt officials.
Due process was denied, abuse of power was pervasive, and tolerance
of state-sponsored violence became the new norm in the country.
The Philippines backed out of the ICC in 2019, when the court said
it would open an investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs.
However, the ICC still has jurisdiction over crimes committed when
the country was still a member and Duterte cannot avoid responsibility
merely by withdrawing the country’s membership.
His claim that his case is a test of Philippine sovereignty is disingenuous.
With the ratification of the Rome Statute by the Philippines in
2011, the country voluntarily obligated itself to ensure international
justice.
Duterte’s attempt to back out is not enough; the ICC has continued
with his case, signifying that war crimes do not know borders.
Duterte’s arrest is not only about his destiny, it is a test
of the Philippines’ devotion to justice.
His arrest signifies a change in power relations, demonstrating
that no leader is above the law.
It also revealed the country’s deeper political rift. Daughter,
Vice President Sara Duterte, has labeled the arrest as “politically
motivated,” his supporters said this is a move against
Philippine sovereignty, while the victims’ families and human
rights groups called it a long-sought avenue to justice.
Duterte is not the first world leader targeted by the ICC.
Slobodan Miloševi of Serbia, Charles Taylor of Liberia, and
Omar al-Bashir of Sudan were also brought to international justice
for crimes against humanity.
Their arrests were seen as a human rights victory; leaders must
be held accountable for their actions.
The time has now come for the Philippine government to make a crucial
choice: will it fully cooperate with international justice or will
it do everything possible to protect Duterte from accountability.
This is not only a trial but a message to future leaders: that power
should not be abused.
The Philippines can take the opportunity to demonstrate that it
stands by democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
The ICC’s action reminds us that no leader is above the law
and that accountability is necessary for a truly democratic society.
Viel Andrea C. Manalo,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Thailand ranks 107 out
of 203 in world education
And near the bottom among 10 Asean countries
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 27, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday May 25, 2025
|
Re: "'Back of the Class' graphic",
in Bangkok Post, Saturday March 22, 2025
The Bangkok Post graphics frequently shake up one's fixed thoughts.
From the latest graphic of the World Population Review ranking the
education of 203 countries, there are the following shocking and
surprising revelations.
Among the world's top ten countries is Slovenia, which is fifth.
Formerly part of Yugoslavia, it gained its independence in 1991.
There must be many things happening right there.
Thailand ranks in the world's middle range 107th out of 203 and
near the bottom among 10 Asean countries at 8th, just beating Myanmar
and Cambodia, while Laos beats us at 7th among Asean and 102nd in
the world.
An impressive country in education improvement is Vietnam, ranked
third in Asean and 53rd in the world.
Now, one can surely expect Vietnam to bypass us in the economic
rankings in the near future.
Isn't it there that there is capital punishment for corruption?
It is education that tells us what not to accept, what is wrong,
and to promote what is right and not to bear the unbearable.
Nelson Mandela put it so rightly that "Education is the
most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world".
One can only hope that in the no-confidence debate against PM Paetongtarn
in parliament, there could be some indication from the debate that
challenges Thailand's poor ranking in the World Population Review
findings.
Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thai
household debt so high
Banks refuse to lend money
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 26, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday March 21, 2025
|
Re: "Risk of financial crisis creeps ever
closer", Bangkok Post, Opinion, February
6, 2025 and "Thailand on the brink of financial collapse",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday February 20, 2025.
Freelance economist/columnist Chartchai Parasuk notes in his opinion
pieces that corporate debt has now reached an unprecedented level
of about 130 percent of GDP, while household debt is now so high
that banks have refused to lend money to normal Thai people, causing
Thais to resort to using informal financial institutions with ridiculously
high interest rates for their loans.
This is why the above economist is absolutely sure that Thailand's
economy will soon collapse, but he leaves it up to the reader to
decide for him or herself.
There have been a couple of doubting Thomases who previously mocked
him in this space for his dire economic pronouncements concerning
the Thai economy. These smart-alecs can't accept the truth and have
been unable to challenge Ajarn Chartchai by using facts, but rather
with empty talk.
I suggest that everyone carefully reads what the above columnist
is stating here.
Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Philippines believe drug
war was necessary
Despite
no long-term reduction in crime
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 25, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday January
20, 2025
|
In 1982, televangelist Paul Crouch made a shocking
claim: Led Zeppelin’s song “Stairway to Heaven,”
when played backward, contained hidden satanic messages.
This so-called satanic backmasking led to a moral panic.
Church groups smashed records, politicians proposed laws mandating
warning labels on albums, and a wave of mass hysteria swept through
society, reinforcing fears of widespread Satan worship.
A similar fear gripped the Philippines in the late 1990s with the
“white van” myth—that children were being
abducted in white vans for satanic rituals.
Parents became so terrified that many refused to let their children
out at past 6 p.m.
These two events, though unrelated, reveal that our minds search
for patterns, even when no real threat exists.
This cognitive quirk, which once helped our ancestors survive by
detecting danger in rustling leaves or fresh footprints, now fuels
modern fears and misinformation.
We see this same psychological tendency at play among former president
Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters.
The “Bring Duterte Back Home” campaign, featuring
mass rallies and coordinated social media campaigns, reflects a
belief that Duterte is the only leader capable of protecting the
nation.
His supporters view him as a savior who eradicated the country’s
enemies—drug lords, criminals, and communists.
Duterte’s most ardent supporters believe his drug war was necessary
despite evidence showing no long-term reduction in crime.
Many adopt an aggressive, us-versus-them mentality, labeling critics
as “dilawan” or communist sympathizers.
Their rhetoric often mirrors Duterte’s vitriolic speech.
They tend to reject critical thinking, relying instead on political
vloggers, propaganda, and misinformation.
The concept of brainwashing has evolved—from coercive persuasion
to something far more insidious in the digital age.
Today, people are shaped by the algorithms of social media, which
create echo chambers that reinforce their existing beliefs.
For many Filipinos disillusioned by decades of broken promises,
Duterte’s war on drugs provided a clear, tangible action—even
if it was brutally executed.
This promise of decisive leadership became the foundation of a cult-like
following, where loyalty to Duterte is not just political but almost
religious.
This phenomenon is an example of “kontra-gahum”
or counter-hegemony—a belief system that offers a refuge for
sacred values, such as loyalty to Duterte and his political dynasty.
His supporters consume only pro-Duterte content, social interactions
where their beliefs are reaffirmed, and a shared sense of grievance,
convinced that the International Criminal Court investigation is
an attack on their leader.
This intense loyalty explains why some supporters have resorted
to extreme acts, such as shaving their heads to urge Sara Duterte
to run for higher office.
For them, any attempt to prosecute Duterte is a political witch
hunt, a betrayal by the government.
They see themselves as a powerful force, believing Duterte gave
them a sense of empowerment—whether as former drug users who
turned their lives around or as members of the police and military
who received higher salaries during his term.
Are we merely replacing one form of blind devotion with another?
If change is what we desire, then perhaps it is time to break free
from the cycle of fear-based allegiance and embrace rational, informed
decision-making.
Otherwise, we risk falling into yet another era of misplaced worship—one
that, this time, is political rather than religious.
Sensei Adorador,
Manila,
Philippines
|
False
concept of climate change responsibility
Has crept into farming research funding
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 24, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday March 10, 2025
|
Re: "R & D tax essential for Thai rice,"
in Bangkok Post, Oped, Saturday March 8, 2025.
Your editorial reveals the answer concealed in your summary of the
problem.
The Rice Department's budget for rice research is around 200 million
baht annually. Yet the combination of subsidies, pledging costs,
and guarantees for farmers approaches 1 trillion baht.
Further limiting success, the false concept of climate change responsibility
and so-called "low emission rice" have crept into
farming research funding.
Farming rice sequesters carbon.
The more rice produced per hectare, the more carbon per hectare
is sequestered. Isn't that sufficient?
It is no longer advisable for rice strain development and advancing
farming methods to be the responsibility of the government at a
practical level.
Enough is already known about intercropping crabs, Azzolla, and
rice for example and other efficient rice-farming methods which,
if implemented, would make a huge difference in productivity.
Strain development should be outsourced to companies who are eminently
capable of integrating genetic selection, analysis, and optimisation
at the biochemical level. Seed selection and rice production tailored
for Thailand's specific climate and soil characteristics could advance
Thai rice toward a top-tier world class position in a year or two
by resorting to this strategy.
It should be noted that although the Vietnam Food Association (VFA)
says that Vietnamese rice does not contain Genetically Modified
Organism (GMO)s, Vietnam has no restrictions on Genetically Modified
Organism (GMO) products and there is no certification, testing,
or genetic sequencing information available on their rice.
The government needs to reallocate their enormous budget and eschew
their time-honoured tradition of keeping farmers uneducated and
poor in order to maintain the old political order and perpetuate
farmers' dependency upon the patronage system. Politics is not going
to work that way for much longer.
You just can't lock everybody up for trying to make things better
and expect to get away with it forever.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
has had Ladybirds
For
a long time
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 22, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday March 18, 2025
|
Re: "US DEI curbs spark local fears",
in Bangkok Post, Monday March 17,
2025.
I read the well-intentioned but fundamentally misguided comments
of many local Thai experts, such as Nathineethiti Phinyapincha,
Kittinun Daramadhaj, et al, who lamented the wonderful Trump cancellation
of Western Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies worldwide.
As an older gay American who remembers the pre-LGBTQ rights, pre-Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) era, I have something to say.
First of all, if Thailand really wants air traffic controllers,
pilots, teachers, and other critical experts to be qualified with
your most precious loved ones' lives, based solely upon how they
look, who they are, or have altered their bodies, Thailand indeed
has had transgenders such as ladyboys for a long time and can legally
do that on their own.
Finally, I would suggest President Trump's reversal of Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is wonderful for countries like Thailand
because Western Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) comes from
a country with a culture that is devoid of and lacks any regard
or understanding of Thai culture.
Thailand was appointing unqualified persons into critical jobs based
on arbitrary reasons long before Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
(DEI) anyway, so if these cited experts enjoy that, Thailand can
just appoint people on arbitrary merits without any help from my
country.
Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
loses 10 million Chinese tourists
Due
to massive cyber-scams
The
Southeast Asian Time, Friday March 21, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday March 17, 2025
|
Re: "Group laments lost opportunities,"
in Bangkok Post,
Friday March 14, 2025.
Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn
was spot on the money when he said that Thailand's tourism industry
lacks new supply, is poorly managed on the tourism supply side,
and likely will not see 10 million Chinese tourists again due to
Chinese mainland awareness of our recent, massive cyber-scams.
To add to those comments, I met Bangkok's cyber-crimes division
in their office a few years ago over a case and, at the time, only
one staff member could speak in fluent English with me.
I know not about their Chinese fluency, but if it still is the same
lack of fluency which I encountered five years ago, that presents
quite a problem for cracking down on Thai cyber-crimes in either
the Chinese or English language.
Alas, multiple previous Thai governments did not take cyber threats
seriously, acknowledge the human harm, or realise the real-world
damage such crimes can do until only recently, after enduring damage
was finally done to our precious tourism numbers.
If Thailand only heeded the cyber-security warning signs and human
collateral damage around five years ago, these long-term revenue
losses may not have happened; but now we're stuck with the losses.
Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand
s
|
Communism
didn't work in the UE
The EU's socialism is not working either
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 20, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 16, 2025
|
Re: "Saving Mother Earth", Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Saturday March 15 and "Why global governance
is failing badly", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday
March 14, 2025.
Hans Van Willenswaard refers to the concept of a sovereign nation
as a "myth" which reflects a position embraced
by the UN and elaborated in a book called Reflections on Earth Trusteeship.
The authors seek to replace existing legal definitions of ownership,
determined by personal and nation-state sovereignty with an earth
system governance model which they claim is necessary to address
the "climate emergency" and the "biodiversity
crisis", and thereby save nature from humankind.
In "Why global governance is failing badly", Antara
Haldar criticised the UN saying it "has proven to be generally
ineffectual, overly bureaucratic, and unfair in its treatment of
the Global South", yet failed to mention that the UN is not
trusted to fulfil its mandate to secure peace.
Meanwhile, Prof Haldar claims "the European Union, for all
its flaws, has demonstrated that a supranational federation can
work, allowing previously warring countries to pool sovereignty
in exchange for economic and political stability."
For stunning evidence that this is a lie see the recent independent
news from Romania.
The EU is only succeeding in eroding individual sovereignty and
human rights among member states.
That undermines the foundation of individual sovereignty that modern
civilisation is built upon.
An individual's right to self-governance, encompassing autonomy
over their body, actions and decisions, without external interference
has been asserted as the foremost unalienable human right.
This extends to ownership of oneself and one's property.
The UN, despite proclamations to the contrary, has been seeking
to end the sovereignty of nations and thus personal sovereignty
for almost a century.
Mr Haldar blames sovereignty for the UN's failures while Van Willenswaard
presumes to possess such an excellent paradigm shifting idea that
everyone will voluntarily give up their sovereignty to save the
Earth by embracing it.
This is simply idealistic nonsense.
Communism didn't work, The EU's socialism is not working, and no
one will ever embrace "earth trusteeship" at a
practical level.
Why?
Because everyone relentlessly clings to the self idea.
Everyone is an ego seeking to fulfil self-interest. Governance by
enforced altruism is impossible.
Governance by propagandising fraudulent billion-dollar guilt/fear
programs such as "climate change" and "pandemics"
is also failing. Real altruism requires an evolutionary transformation
of the individual, each one by one.
This is a spiritual matter not achievable by instituting newly minted
governance models.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
President
Donald Trump is an example of the health
Of
the US form of republican democracy in action
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 19, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednsday March 12, 2025
|
Re: "Tax the rich", Bangkok Post,
PostBag, Tuesday March 11, 2025.
Felix Qui imagines that by increasing taxation rates, the US will
be able to pay down the national debt.
Unfortunately, that is not how the financial system works.
He also suggests that his liberal sensibilities will be soothed
by making the rich pay more.
Thus, he hopes to no longer boo-hoo about President Donald Trump
"putting piddling money bags over human lives"
and being "cruel and selfish".
Mr Trump is responsible for the lives and welfare of US citizens.
Period. Pausing USAID payouts while DOGE can eliminate fraud and
waste benefits US citizens.
Mr Trump has said many times that when effective and efficient aid
programs are identified, they will resume.
What liberals need to understand is that Mr Trump is an example
of the health of the US form of republican democracy in action,
and stop crying about it.
Michael
Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thai
leaders should chalk out a solid game plan
To boost productivity
The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 18, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday March 14, 2025
|
Re: "Telecommunications Disaster Resilience
Innovation (TDRI) wants govt to upskill workers", in
Bangkok Post, March 10 and "Indonesia's lack of skilled
youths hinders growth", in Bangkok Post ,World,
Wednesday March 12, 2025.
According to the latest International Labour Organization (ILO)
stats, Thailand's labour productivity, defined as Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) per hours worked, ranks regionally 4th US$18.5 or
625 baht after Singapore US$96.9), Brunei US$71.3, and Malaysia
US$30.4, followed by Indonesia US$15.7, Vietnam US$12.4, Philippines
US$12.1.
The picture remains, by and large, unchanged over the past decade.
Thailand, long mired in the "middle-income trap",
seems to be compulsively unnerved by the emerging economic power
of regional peers, but enhancing productivity has proven to be a
daunting challenge for all.
Thai leaders should chalk out a solid game plan to boost productivity.
Thailand should at least double per capita income if it craves to
join a club of high-income countries within a targeted timeline
before it is too late.
Through structural reforms like cutting red tape and policy stability,
Thailand can prioritise attracting Federal Direct Investment (FD)I
into the targeted sectors, which would help firms invest heavily
in human capital and encourage cross-border technology transfer
to gain competitiveness.
Moreover, Thai firms should offer attractive career development
opportunities for young aspiring talent.
Otherwise, Thailand risks an exodus of discouraged high performers
and capital flight. In the long run, Thailand should invest in R&D
and nurture its unique, innovative startup ecosystem, spearheaded
by local entrepreneurs.
Ninja Kun,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
If a war breaks out
Papua New Guinea will be affected
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 17, 2025
First published in the National Sunday March 9, 2025
|
On February 22, China’s People’s Liberation
Army (PLA) navy’s task group 107, comprising a frigate, a cruiser,
and a replenishment vessel, carried out live fire exercises in the
Tasman Sea in international waters, between Australia and New Zealand.
But the way the Australian media was reporting this, you would have
thought Xi Jinping woke up one day and spontaneously chose to provoke
Australia for absolutely no reason.
Mind you, these are the same type of media heads with their fear
mongering and warmongering rhetoric that convinced everyone that
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was completely unprovoked, that
the Covid-19 mRNA vaccines are absolutely safe, that Saddam Hussein
had weapons of mass destruction, etc.
Do not be fooled by their media.
Australia is 100 per cent the provocateur in this situation.
Since 2015, they have been sending their warships and planes into
the South China Sea, claiming freedom of navigation on international
waters, constantly provoking China.
I commend China for showing incredible restraint over the years.
I don’t support China’s claim over the whole South China
Sea as if my opinion means a thing to Xi.
They are being a bully to their smaller neighbours and it is wrong.
Also I really don’t think it is a good idea to step on the
toes of a nuclear superpower who’s just starting to flex their
muscles.
If you look at a map, China’s access to the open seas, via
the East China Sea, is completely inundated with United States (US)
military bases.
Japan hosts 14 while South Korea hosts eight.
While Japan has the highest US military bases in the world, if one
were to include not only bases but also military installations,
the number goes up to 120, and most of them are on the Ryukyu Islands,
which are small islands and atolls that stretch all the way to Taiwan.
So China is boxed in and they see South China Sea as their only
breathing space.
I’m not trying to justify their actions; I am just telling
why it’s happening.
Superpowers have to have their own stomping grounds.
The US got the Monroe doctrine, Russia got the former Soviet bloc
and the ever-shrinking Eastern Europe exactly why they’re in
Ukraine, even Australia claims the Pacific, and China?
The US and their allies have kind of successfully alienated China
from Asia their own people! so China trying to establish their dominance
in their region is not going smoothly.
I am certain cooler heads will prevail but if a war breaks out,
Papua New Guinea will be affected.
Our strategic location got us a spot in the National Rugby League.
I hope Australia will stop being US’ lapdog and stand up for
themselves.
Stop the warmongering.
Be the leader in the region they claim as their backyard.
Phil Kaizerman,
PoM,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
|
Thai
Men are expected not to discriminate
Against
Thai women
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 16, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday, March 14, 2025
|
Re: "Gender gap won't close without change",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, March 12, 2025
The first gender statistic quoted is that Thai women live for 80
years while men live shorter lives by 11 percent but this massive
inequality is completely ignored.
Fifteen percent fewer women work than men. Not that bad, given childcare
preferences, but Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)
expert Dr Boonwara Sumano then claims a third 35 percent of women
are "prevented" from working and ignores the 25 percent
of men who also don't work. I wonder if Dr Boonwara thinks 25 percent
of men are also "prevented" from working or that they're
just lazy.
Women also hire women, she says. Why aren't women fair and just
hire the best person for the job? Men are expected not to discriminate,
so why not women?
The problem is that what Dr Boonwara suggests as a remedy, such
as gender-responsive procurement or other responses, such as quota-based
recruitment and diversity-equity-inclusion (DEI) policies, is blatantly
and inherently unfair in itself.
Women aren't helped by building preferential treatment, bias and
favoured status into the system. They're helped by being encouraged
to compete on a level playing field.
Dr Boonwara is actually encouraging the notion that women are inferior
and need special help.
Sibeymai,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Green
finance
Is big business
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 15, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday, March 11, 2025
|
Re: "Transition-finance for a green economy",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday March 10, 2025.
It always astounds me to see obviously intelligent and accomplished
people such as Khun Sarinee Achavanuntakul who are active in business
directly related to "climate change" yet know nothing
about it.
Green finance is big business only because the UN and its believers
have converted so many people into climate change fanatics.
To date, 1,977 accredited scientists, among them two Nobel Laureates,
have signed the world climate declaration, "There Is No
Climate Emergency".
Among these scientists is Dr Willie Soon astrophysicist and aerospace
engineer at The Center for Astrophysics, Harvard and Smithsonian,
who stars in a hilariously entertaining, yet educational YouTube
video, "Atlantis, Sea Levels, and Climate Doom," where
he points out that current sea levels are now at their lowest levels
in 500 years.
Richard Lindzen, Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Sciences at MIT
commented: "CO2… it's not a pollutant… it's the
product of all plant respiration; it is essential for plant life
and photosynthesis."
Another signatory, former president of Greenpeace (Canada), Patrick
Moore, said: "The whole climate crisis is not only fake
news, it's fake science."
It seems highly doubtful that Khun Sarinee is aware of this fact.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Malaysian PM invites Fijian
PM
To check out Malaysian development model
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 14, 2025
|
I gather from a news report in The Fiji Times
that Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim has invited Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka
for a visit to Malaysia to allow him to check out the Malaysian
development model.
When Rabuka is there can a good journalist please ask him what percent
of Fiji’s less than one million people are living in poverty
and in the words of a deputy PM in Rabuka’s government “
struggling to survive “?
Please ask him also what he picks up in per diem per day on overseas
trips?
Finally also ask him how come he is wearing a $150,000 solid Rolex
watch and signing his signature with a $1600 Mountblanc gold fountain
pen as PM when just a few years back he was collecting bottles in
the streets of the capital Suva to make ends meet?
Where did these gold items come from?
Thank you in advance.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
|
Call for Organization
for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
To replace North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO)
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 13, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post. Tuesday March 11, 2025
|
Re: "Farewell Nato", in Bangkok
Post, Opinion, Thursday March 6, 2025.
Though Gwynne Dyer's prediction of North Atlantic Treaty Organization's
(NATO) demise is probably premature, I certainly wouldn't mourn
NATO's demise.
Nato has always been a tool of the American Empire, which by its
very nature antagonised the Russians and infantilised the Europeans.
That was perfectly appropriate during the Cold War, of course, but
NATO has now outlived its utility.
A far better approach to security in Eurasia is through the Organization
for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which is inclusive
of all powers.
The unipolar moment is ending, and our emerging multipolar world
will be a lot more stable if we organise a Eurasian security framework
through OSCE instead of allowing Nato to be used as cover for America's
destructive quest to maintain global dominance.
Jeff Gepner,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
UN
recommends Philippines promptly, independently
And impartially
investigate and prosecute corruption
First
published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday March 10, 2025
The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday March 12, 2025
|
A special committee of the United Nations has just
released the results of a review, stating that “corruption
remains pervasive in all branches of government and the wider public
sector” in the Philippines.
It has recommended that the country “promptly, independently,
and impartially investigate and prosecute all cases of corruption,
particularly high-level corruption, including corruption in the
government and the judiciary, and if a person is convicted, apply
penalties commensurate with the offense.”
This observation validates what the Transparency International (TI)’s
Corruption Index had earlier found.
Among 180 countries in 2023, the Philippines ranked 115th in corruption
perception at 34.
The highest score in TI’s Corruption Index is 100; the lowest,
zero. Beyond the numbers, it is not hard to imagine that rampant
and unbridled corruption is one of the major causes of widespread
and abject poverty, which, to its victims, means powerlessness,
marginalization, and exclusion.
These findings made me wonder how and why this situation can happen
in a religious country like the Philippines.
At the heart of this inquiry is the understanding that organized
religion, particularly Roman Catholic, the most predominant Christian
denomination in the country, encompasses and integrates correct
beliefs with ethical living.
Its basic ethics prohibits actions associated with stealing, lying,
and bearing false witness.
Addressing corruption solely through prohibitions is often ineffective;
there must be consequences and enforcement mechanisms to minimize,
if not eradicate cognitively dissonant behaviors.
Several factors must be recognized to explain its prevalence and
persistence to avoid committing what social psychologists call fundamental
attribution error.
These include a culture of impunity, a personalist orientation,
and an increasingly secular and consumerist environment that nurtures
a form of religion lacking a transformative and liberating function
for society as a whole.
Can religion serve as a solution, or is it part of the problem?
Is there a facet of intense religiosity that either impedes or fosters
a culture of corruption?
What messages have church leaders conveyed to their supposed corrupt
members who may not be aware that their actions do not square with
their religious beliefs and shared moral values of honesty, truthfulness,
and social justice?
In this election season, what inspiration and support can the institutional
church provide to its good laymen and women who, without fear or
favor, are waging their uphill battles against high-stakes corruption?
In addition to issuing pastoral letters on public morals and delivering
parenetic homilies, I suggest that the church “promptly,
independently, and impartially” confront the perceived divide
between its beliefs and ethics directly if it aims to “deprivatize”
as J.B. Metz puts it, its convictions and make a meaningful
impact on the lives of the countless voiceless victims of pervasive
and fatal corruption.
Noel Asiones,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Thailand deports Uyghurs
to China
At the request of China as part of bilateral
agreement
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 11, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 9, 2025
|
Re: "Govt
draws flak for deporting Uyghurs", in Bangkok
Post, Saturday March 1, 2025.
After completing 10 years of incarceration for their illegal entry,
and at the request of their country of citizenship China, the Thai
government has returned the Uyghurs to their homeland.
This action by the government follows the bilateral agreement in
place between Thailand and China and should be viewed as honouring
our international agreements.
It is also part and parcel of Thailand receiving assistance from
China to combat call centre scams by Chinese gangs: a criminal and
high human suffering issue that has high priority.
The hysteria displayed by Western governments and their media follows
a familiar pattern that has become tiringly repetitive, clearly
aimed at trying to contain China in every dimension even if only
in Western media.
Despite attempts to link this issue to Thailand's interests in human
rights on the US Department of State's website, it holds no real
Thai domestic political interest and will not win an election for
any politician.
The fact that it was brought up in the recent confidence vote indicates
the opposition party either has no better domestic issues to raise
or is more influenced by Western countries' agendas than we imagined.
Think recent exposure of USAID or NED.
Unlike Chinese call-centre gangs, these returnees will, at a minimum,
be reunited with their families and given a chance to contribute
to society.
Despite vocal criticism from some Western countries regarding Thailand's
execution of this bilateral agreement, none of these countries openly
offered to accept these Uyghurs as immigrants especially those making
the loudest noise.
It's unclear what the specific complaints are intended on the US
Department of State's webpage condemning Thailand "in the
strongest terms".
After completing their sentences, these Uyghurs would become illegal
immigrants if they remained in our country.
Illegal immigrants in the USA today are being rounded up and forcibly
sent home by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The return of these Uyghur was requested by China through diplomatic
channels; they were not forcibly returned by the Thai government.
Thailand's Procedure for Cooperation between States in the Execution
of Penal Sentences Act, which is the basis for this Uyghur returns,
is signed with 38 countries and can be readily found online.
The agreement has been invoked by Australia, the UK, Japan, and
the USA without any objections from China or other non-involved
Western countries regarding the possibility of mistreatment of individuals
repatriated after committing criminal offences in Thailand.
Notwithstanding the fact that Muslims in Gaza were carpet-bombed
by US-supplied arms, resulting in the deaths of 50,000 people, including
18,000 children, and leaving 100,000 more injured and all of Gaza
homeless, Western media are still professing their love for Chinese
Muslims and bringing up the "possibilities" that
these 40 Chinese may suffer persecution, forced labour, and torture.
Despite zero evidence shown no mass graves, no pictures of torture,
only satellite images of buildings these Xinjiang allegations continue.
Last month, a US District Judge ruled DOGE has the right to carry
out its duties because the baseless anticipation of possible wrongdoing
is not a sufficient basis for a cease and desist court order.
While the US court gives no weight to baseless allegations, the
US-led media continues to poison the well worldwide with its Xinjiang
narratives.
It is in our interest to honour our bilateral agreements with all
countries, including this one with China.
Non-involved countries have no right for their self-interest to
condemn or threaten Thailand for carrying out its international
and humane obligations and building regional relationships.
ML Saksiri Kridakorn
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Is
Thaksin's Houdini act going to bolster
Economics, principled politics, security
and culture
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 10, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday March 6, 2025
|
Re: "Thailand's tense dance of diplomacy",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Kavi Chongkitthavorn's discussion on recent diplomatic moves by
Thailand zeroes in on the role of former prime minister Thaksin
Shinawatara's "Houdini Act" theory or protracted strategy.
It raises the question that, given the current economic stagflation
in Thailand, and uncertainties surrounding US President Donald Trump's
tariff imposition and destabilisation of global economies, is Thaksin's
"Houdini act" in regional and global politics going
to serve any purpose to bolster the three strongly needed pillars
of Thailand: sound economics, principled politics and security and
an alluring culture?
Thailand has long been considered a moderate and peace-loving Indo-Chinese
and Asean heartland. Thailand's "middle-of-the-road"
attitude to many global issues also makes it an attractive ally
in negotiations and deal-making.
Now is the opportune moment for the hand-wringing to stop and decisiveness
to take hold of Thailand's decisions to move forward. After all,
you cannot catch two fish with two hands.
Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Europe
has become complacent
In
its reliance on the US
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 9, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday February 7, 2025
|
Re: "The
empire wobbles", in Bangkok Post, PostBag,
Tuesday February 4, 2025.
David Brown is spot on. The time has come to let go of Nato and
for Europe to frame a new self-defence structure.
If Donald Trump is right about anything, it is that Europe has become
complacent in its reliance on the US both financially and militarily.
The tragedy is that none of this can happen in time to save Ukraine.
Vice President JD Vance has already confirmed Russia will not be
required to relinquish any of the 20 percent of Ukrainian territory
it now controls, and Mr Trump will have under his arm the memorandum
of understanding allowing him to plunder US$500 billion (16.8 trillion
baht) of the country's natural resources.
Rather conveniently, many of the largest deposits of rare earths
and other critical minerals are in the eastern regions occupied
by the Russians, so the aggressors also get their share of the action.
Ray Ban,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Phuket
is 65 percent the size of Singapore
But does not have a single highway
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 8, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday March 6, 2025
|
Re: "Phuket
'needs new growth strategy'", in Bangkok Post,
March 4, 2025.
The Post reports on Phuket like it's a foreign country. Phuket is
65 percent the size of Singapore but the island doesn't have a single
highway.
Nor does Phuket have a single traffic flyover.
Despite Phuket's love of billboards, flyovers were deemed unsightly
so Phuket got busy building tunnels.
Tunnels use a lot more cement, cost a lot more, and take more time.
The last tunnel was completed about 10 years ago.
Phuket doesn't need a study.
We need a flyover going past Thalang for starters.
We need a second north-south road which has been proposed from way
back to run the route of the power pylons that bring electricity
in from far away Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The PM's visit this year and her poorly informed suggestion of travelling
by sea omits the fact that we get hit with two monsoons here on
the island, one big, and one small.
AM,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Are
Thai prisons up to housing AIs
That violate Section 112 of the Criminal
Code?
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 7, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday March 3, 2025
|
Re: "AI
has potential, but care needed", in Bangkok
Post, Editorial, Sunday February 23, 2025.
Few, I think, would dispute that AI has great potential to radically
transform our lives at least. Nor would many dispute that care is
also needed: we do not want to be turned into paper clips by an
AI model.
But a concern specific to Thailand has been overlooked.
Current AI models, such as ChatGPT, will, when asked, give informed
answers to questions about taboo topics.
Worse, when asked to support those answer, the response provides
solid reasoning, not the entertainingly weird hallucinations that
AI was once famous for. This must pose a threat to those Thai institutions.
Are Thai prisons up to housing AIs that violate Section 112 of the
Criminal Code? And what if an AI duly imprisoned in strict accord
with the law starts chatting with the likes of globally honoured
rights advocate Arnon Nampa?
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand can't sweep illegal
activities carried
out
By illegal immigrants under the carpet
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 6, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday March 3, 2025
|
Re: "Lax border tech invites crime",
Bangkok Post, Editorial,
Sunday March 2, 2025.
I'm concerned about the scores of immigrants who process their documents
every day at the immigration office in Si Racha, where I live.
A lot of them come from other areas to get their permits to stay
and work legally in the country.
These days, a lot of foreigners come to our country to visit or
work as a result of more lax border policies, but I have not seen
any steps on the part of the government to curb illegal activities
carried out by some of these individuals.
The government can't sweep these problems under the carpet forever,
and one of these days, the situation will deteriorate beyond remedy.
Somwut S,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Whining around the world
As US cuts USAID
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 5, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday March 3, 2024
|
Re: "USAID workers rocked by US foreign aid
cuts", in Bangkok Post, Sunday World, March
2, 2025.
It is no surprise to hear the whining around the world about the
US attempting to end its role as the world's Sugar Daddy.
The US has a national debt, which as of this morning stood at 36.509,770,000,000!
In case you can't count that high a number, it is over US$36 trillion
and counting. We cannot even pay the interest!
If spending continues at this pace, it will not be long before the
US will go bankrupt.
It is that simple.
Would the rest of the world bail us out? Not likely!
We, the people, finally elected a president who has the nerve to
actually try to do something about it.
Thank you, President Trump.
Dr Jan,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Avoid
America's mistakes
Listen
to Thai complaints
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 4, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday February 28, 2025
|
Re: "Condo rentals face probe", Bangkok
Post, Thursday February 27, 2025
As the government reportedly considers raising foreign ownership
beyond 49 percent, and as per a recent Post letter our islands are
suffering mounting trash and environmental problems, and as the
people of Pai vent anger as they allege they are overrun by certain
tourists, the Thai government would be well-advised to look to America
in 2024 for constructive ways of resolving these problems before
a real social crisis truly takes hold.
In 2024, after 40 years of frustration, Americans finally hit the
year when they overwhelmingly demonstrated they have had it with
being overrun by outsiders, unbridled globalisation, and losing
jobs and property to foreigners.
Now, they have taken dramatic, destructive, and expanding actions
to undo the problems and retake several million jobs in the next
few years, and those actions are not pretty.
Avoid America's mistakes.
I suggest the government listen to Thais who complain about being
overrun by too many foreigners and foreign ownership legal concerns
now, as well as not raising foreign ownership beyond 49 percent
while corrective action need not be as destructive as in America
today.
Jason
A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Israeli embassy in Bangkok
warns compatriots
Instead
of keeping quite about their misbehaviour
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday March 4, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday February 24, 2025
|
Re: "Israeli
embassy urges tourists to be respectful", in Bangkok
Post, Sunday February 23.
It is refreshing to read about an embassy publicly warning its compatriots
in Thailand to behave following the outcry from Thais in Pai district
of Mae Hong Son instead of keeping quiet about the misbehaviours
of its citizens.
The action of the Israeli embassy has literally reversed one's negative
feelings towards Israelis, and other embassies should also follow
up on the conduct of their countrymen.
One ambassador used to say to me: "In general, Thais are tolerant
and kind but do not ever step on their corn."
Songdej
Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Former PM Thaksin apologises
for mistakes
In 2004 Tak Bai massacre southern Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday March 2, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday March 1, 2025
|
Re: "Thaksin says sorry for Tak Bai",
in Bangkok Post, Monday February 24, 2025.
Please tell me Thaksin didn't actually state that he apologises
"for some mistakes in the Tak Bai case"?
Therefore, by implication, he's not sorry for other mistakes that
were made.
Were his Public Relations people on a day off?
Shane,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Science diplomacy should
serve
As
a real bridge between nations
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 29, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday February 27,
2025
|
Re: "Pundits
tout Globalisation 3.0 strategies", Bangkok
Post,
Business, Tuesday February 25, 2025.
Science diplomacy must be seen as a global imperative, not only
as a tool for one country's geopolitical positioning.
In the current era of shifting supply chains, trade tensions, and
technological competition, science diplomacy should serve as a real
bridge between nations, fostering collaboration in AI, clean energy
and climate change.
Countries worldwide are expected to integrate scientific cooperation
into their foreign policy strategies in order to successfully navigate
the complexities of economic decoupling and emerging markets.
Science diplomacy should not be confined by limited national or
regional interests.
Ioan
Voicu,
Bangkok Post,
Thailand
|
What's
there to admire about
The Communist Party of China
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday February 27, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday February 26,
2025
|
Re: "The lies we fund", Bangkok Post,
PostBag, February 22, 2025 and "Ask me about it",
in PostBag, February 25.
I beg Michael Setter not to name me as a China Communist Party "sympathiser"
all the time but instead call me an "admirer" of
the China Communist Party.
I admire that China, under the China Communist Party, has become
a world economic powerhouse that will eventually break away from
US hegemony.
I admire that China has, under China Communist Party, lifted 770
million of its rural population out of poverty as of 2024.
I admire that China, under the China Communist Party, has built
up one of the most fascinating and effective infrastructures and
railway systems, benefiting and connecting so many rural areas in
China that were once unreachable.
I admire that China's universities under the China Communist Party
are now at the top of the world rankings, according to a comprehensive
survey of scientific output across over 18,000 universities and
colleges around the world.
Although the China Communist Party has liberated and built up a
modern China, many elderly Chinese can still remember the sufferings
from past invasions by the Western bloc during the Qing Dynasty
or the slaughter of Chinese civilians during the Japanese invasion.
But we should let history be history and move forward.
However, history is different from misinformation. The latter can
cause confusion and unnecessary hatred among people.
Michael Setter should back up his anti-China Communist Party allegation
with facts. Otherwise, it would be just like any other of his many
misinformation. And not many readers would react humorously like
Przemo Kranz.
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand's plan to increase
medical tourism
Expected to have lacklustre results
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday February 27, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 25,
2025
|
Re: "Somsak says health sector will boost
economy", in Bangkok Post, Saturday February
22, 2025.
I think it is wonderful that the doctors highlighted in this article
are trying to retool and advertise Thailand's excellent medical
system to increase essentially medical tourism.
Alas, I must say, as an American who is often in Thai hospitals,
that I think this plan is probably going to have lacklustre results.
First, former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha was 100 percent correct
when he warned that skyrocketing costs sometimes far beyond inflation
at Thailand's premiere private international hospitals would eventually
dissuade people from coming, almost clairvoyant.
I go to the biggest international hospital, and years after the
pandemic, business has never returned to normal.
The entire cashier and pharmacy counters on high-rise floors are
still closed, so when I see my doctor on Floor 20, I have to pay
on Floor 19 and get my medications there; neither business nor their
express elevators ever recovered, and it is years later.
But finally, where is the huge budget and foreign expertise to advertise
this abroad on large news and entertainment providers going to come
from?
They will not come if they do not know, and what about possible
tariffs on Thai exports?
Could that affect this plan now that the US has a $46 billion 1.5
trillion baht) trade deficit per Google with Thailand, which the
US is unhappy about?
Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
fails to collect biometric data
On
17 million travellers
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 26, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday 24 February 2025
|
Re: "System limit means biometric data
lost", in Bangkok Post, Saturday February 22,
2025.
The failure to collect the biometric data of about 17 million travellers
who entered left Thailand is the latest fiasco to need a quick,
thorough, transparent investigation and decisive action by Prime
Minister Police Commissioner Paetongtarn.
The Immigration Bureau is to be lauded for having brought up the
issue with the House's National Security Committee not once but
seven times and the Immigration Bureau presumably informed their
superiors also.
However, higher authorities sat on their hands, even though "This
was a complete failure of police organisation and likely explains
why so many transnational criminal groups continue to operate freely
in Thailand" People Party's deputy leader Rangsiman Rome.
We keep stonewalling vital cop reforms making the stink worse.
For instance, in October 2020, ex-graftbuster Vicha Mahakun submitted
his report on police reform to then Prime Minister Prayut, who buried
it and never made it public.
Then, last year, top cops Big Joke and Big Tor each accused the
other of being on the take.
The findings evidently were so explosive that no probe committee
member dared face the press to present their incredible finding
that "nothing was amiss".
Prime Minister Police Commissioner Paetongtarn, help honest policemen
do their noble duty.
Clean up the police force and public prosecutor's office, starting
with sending Khun Vicha's report to parliament for updating and
implementation and investigating the biometric fiasco.
Burin
Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
History
Is written by the victors
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday, February 25, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday, February 23, 2025
|
Re: "Trump bashes Zelensky, 'confident' on
Ukraine deal", in Bangkok Post, World, February
20.
A quote attributed to Winston Churchill, "History is written
by the victors", needs an update for the world of social
media and "alternative facts".
The most recent statement from President Trump, "We want
to end it. It's a senseless war. It should have never happened",
is at best half right, in that this and other wars should never
happen.
He also said: "You Ukraine should have never started it.
You could have made a deal."
History will, or should state that Russia started it and "a
deal" to prevent the war would have been only achieved
by Ukraine surrendering immediately, and no country would do that.
The real concern for negotiating a solution is does the "we"
refer to Russia US or Russia Ukraine or all three?
History will not remember President Trump well unless he can completely
change his approach, and the first month of his second presidency
does not suggest this will happen.
Dennis Fitzgerald
Bangkok.
Thailand
|
Bridge from mainland to
Koh Samui
Opens tourist Island to mass traffic
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 24, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday February 14, 2025
|
Re: "Seabed test drilling starts",
Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 11, 2025.
Exploratory drilling has started on the bridge from the mainland
to Koh Samui.
This is madness for so many reasons.
First, the government has always maintained that it wants upmarket
tourism, not mass market.
Samui is the best example of upmarket tourism largely because the
Bangkok Airways monopoly on flights makes it several times more
expensive to get to than any other Thai location.
The bridge would open up the island to mass market traffic with
cars, buses and coaches pouring onto the single-track road.
Just look at the state of Phuket to see the effect of a bridge.
The second reason is there is only one major road, which runs around
the coast, most of which is effectively single lane in each direction.
Traffic with school pick-up and workers going home, means that most
days traffic is at near walking pace around Maenam, Bophut, Bangrak
and Chaweng.
The roads just cannot take a greater volume of traffic.
This road already has one of the highest fatality rates per kilometre
in the world! During peak season, you already have more chance of
winning the lottery than finding a parking space.
Thirdly, Samui has a major garbage disposal problem and already
struggles to cope with the influx of visitors.
We are facing an unmanageable influx with the White Lotus programme
effect. Fourthly, the water supply is inadequate, and during high
season, it is common for many areas to ration or have no water.
Lastly, the same applies to the electricity supply, which is overloaded.
I experience outages on an almost daily basis.
I cannot see what advantages there are in destroying the only truly
upmarket holiday destination in the country.
It is better to spend the money developing the mainland, which has
beautiful beaches and is served by an airport in Surat Thai province.
Phil
Cox,
Bangkok Post
Thailand
|
Hundreds
of media personalities in China
On
USAID payroll is circulating on TikTok
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 23, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday February 16, 2025
|
Re: "Influence Seeker", Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Thursday February 13, 2025.
Michael Seeker's relentless and baseless attack on China's Communist
Party China (CPC) rings the bell of the influence and shadow of
USAID worldwide.
USAID, in the past decades, has used the media as a propaganda machine
with the aim of advancing America's interests.
While Elon Musk is shutting down USAID, news that the organisation
has been subsidising journalists around the world has come to light.
True or not, a list of over a hundred media personalities in China
on USAID's payroll is circulating on TikTok.
Some famous international news outlets have now softened their stance
on China because the subsidy is no longer there.
Mr Trump and Mr Musk are saying to all the journalists and media
under the umbrella of USAID, you are fired!
Yingwai Suchaovanic,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
USAID has helped Southeast
Asian countries
To stand on their feet
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 2, 2025
First published in Bangkok Post Monday February 17, 2025
|
Re: "Aid freeze a blow to global efforts",
in Bangkok Post. Opinion, Friday February 7, 2025.
The latest move by President Donald Trump to dissemble USAID is
a big blow to Thailand and other developing Asian countries, particularly
South Asia.
Needless to say that during the past few decades, developing and
least developed countries in this region have been helped to stand
on their feet by USAID.
It remains to be seen how far and wide the effect will be for poor
nations, where healthcare and education rely on USAID grants.
It can only be hoped that economists urge US policymakers to revitalise
and restore USAID.
Regmi Suman,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Papua
New Guinea
Continues
to face challenges in managing corruption
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday February 21, 2025
First published in the National Wednesday February 5, 2025
|
Papua New Guinea, a diverse and resource-rich country
in the Pacific region, has long grappled with issues of good governance,
transparency and accountability in its political and administrative
systems.s
Despite its wealth of natural resources and potential for economic
growth, Papua New Guinea continues to face challenges in managing
corruption, ensuring rule of law and promoting effective public
service delivery. The struggle with good governance in Papua New
Guinea has profound implications for the country’s development,
social cohesion and democratic governance.
One of the central challenges facing Papua New Guinea’s governance
is the pervasiveness of corruption and mismanagement in both the
public and private sectors.
Transparency International ranks Papua New Guinea as one of the
most corrupt countries in the world, with issues of bribery, embezzlement
and nepotism undermining trust in institutions and eroding public
confidence in the government.
Corruption not only hampers economic development and deters investment
but also perpetuates inequality, injustice and social unrest.
Another key issue in Papua New Guinea’s struggle with good
governance is the weakness of the rule of law and accountability
mechanisms.
The judiciary and law enforcement agencies often face challenges
in upholding the rule of law, ensuring access to justice and combating
impunity for corrupt practices.
Moreover, accountability mechanisms within the public sector, such
as audit institutions and oversight bodies, are often under-resourced,
politicised or ineffective in holding officials and institutions
to account for their actions.
The challenges of good governance in Papua New Guinea are further
compounded by issues related to public service delivery, such as
poor infrastructure, limited access to basic services and bureaucratic
inefficiencies.
Despite efforts to improve service delivery in areas such as healthcare,
education and infrastructure, many Papua New Guineans still face
barriers to accessing quality services, particularly in remote and
marginalised communities.
The lack of transparency, accountability and coordination in public
service delivery hinders efforts to address the underlying social
and economic needs of the population. The fragmented landscape of
political parties in Papua New Guinea also contributes to the country’s
struggle with good governance, as coalition governments often lead
to political instability, policy inconsistencies, and governance
challenges.
The fluidity of political alliances, the influence of money in politics,
and the prevalence of patronage networks further complicate efforts
to promote effective governance, inclusive policymaking, and responsive
public administration in Papua New Guinea.
The lack of a shared vision, consensus, and accountability among
political actors and parties’ hampers progress towards sustainable
development and democratic governance in the country.
Despite the challenges facing Papua New Guinea in its struggle with
good governance, there are opportunities for reform and renewal
that can help strengthen democratic institutions, promote transparency
and accountability, and enhance public service delivery.
Building a culture of integrity, ethics, and anti-corruption within
the public and private sectors, investing in capacity building for
governance institutions, and fostering civic engagement and oversight
of the government are critical steps towards promoting good governance
in Papua New Guinea. Strengthening the rule of law, promoting transparency
in decision-making processes, and enhancing public participation
in policymaking can also help address the structural challenges
of governance in Papaua New Guinea.
Papua New Guinea’s struggle with good governance is a multifaceted
and complex challenge that requires sustained efforts, political
will, and stakeholder engagement to address effectively.
By confronting issues of corruption, strengthening accountability
mechanisms and improving public service delivery, Papua New Guinea
can move towards a more transparent, accountable, and responsive
governance system that serves the needs and aspirations of all its
citizens.
Only through collaborative and concerted efforts can Papua New Guinea
realise its potential as a prosperous, inclusive and democratic
nation that upholds the principles of good governance for the benefit
of all.
Romel Kuman,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
|
There have been no public
Islamophobic episodes
In Australia since the Gaza war began
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday February 20, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday February 17, 2025
|
Re: "Australian health workers suspended for
threatening Israelis", in Bangkok Post, World,
Friday February 14, 2025.
The article, which I believe was first published in the New York
Times, also correctly identifies various anti-Semitic episodes and
attacks in Australia since the Hamas terrorist attack started the
war in Gaza.
However, the piece also states "...the war in the Gaza Strip,
which has also spurred Islamophobic episodes in Australia".
That is a false claim; there have been no public Islamophobic episodes
in Australia since the war began.
There have been some pro-Israeli and pro-Jewish demonstrations,
which have been peaceful in character.
Unlike the pro-Hamas and pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which have
been threatening Australian Jews, they have been held away from
heavily Muslim districts.
They have simply been held to show solidarity and concern for the
Jewish population.
There has been zero Islamophobia, and no organised attempt to provoke
or threaten Muslims in Australia.
Leo Bourne,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Dismantling USAID is a
devastating blow
To
Thailand and Southeast Asia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 19, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday, February 13,
2025
|
Re: "Aid
freeze a blow to global efforts", in Bangkok
Post, Opinion, Friday February 7, 2025.
The dismantling of USAID is a devastating blow to Thailand and Southeast
Asia. Thai families who worked for USAID and its partners now face
job losses, threatening their livelihoods and economic stability.
The impact goes beyond employment - USAID funded scholarships for
Myanmar scholars studying in Thailand have been lost, stripping
young people of the opportunity to rebuild their country.
For decades, USAID has supported Thailand's development, from fighting
human trafficking to funding renewable energy projects.
It has provided life-saving vaccines, humanitarian aid, and critical
education programmes.
Shutting it down not only weakens Thailand but also strengthens
authoritarian forces in Myanmar by crippling pro-democracy efforts.
This decision will have long-term consequences for Thailand, Myanmar,
and the region. I urge US policymakers to reconsider and restore
USAID before more lives and futures are lost.
Ramon
Phisitsiri,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Call
for reform of Royal Thai Police
And
Office of the Auditor General
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 18, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday February 15,
2025
|
Re: "Chinese-led scam gangs leave Payathongzu",
and "Police tighten screws on call centre gangs",
in Bangkok Post, February 13, 2025.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra deserves high praise for working
closely with China and forcing Chinese-linked scammers on the Thai-Myanmar
border to move out and free their staff.
But the impressive progress to date is just the beginning for locals
report that the masterminds have just moved down the road.
With China's strong support, Ms Paetongtarn needs to strike while
the iron is hot and rid us of this scourge.
If your predecessors had the guts to reveal ex-graftbuster Vicha
Mahakun's proposals to reform the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and Office
of the Auditor General (OAG) the current scam fiasco would probably
not have been possible. So, send Khun Vicha's report to parliament
for updating and immediate implementation.
Act now, while the public and China back you.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Capitalism, growth, prosperity
Associated with infinite progress
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 17, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday February
5, 2025
|
We can still avert the climate catastrophe, says philosophy
professor Kohei Saito from Hamburg, Germany.
But saving the world will only be possible if society redistributes
the resources that are in the hands of the rich.
This topic of “redistribution” could also be important
for the election campaign in the Philippines.
We have a problem here, where wealth is distributed unfairly.
We need a tax on the rich.
The wealthy must help the poor.
I have had a vision for a better life for a long time.
No wonder, after all, I criticize some of the fundamental concepts
of our society: capitalism, growth, prosperity.
These are things that we associate with infinite progress, infinite
growth.
Criticism must be allowed as long as it helps to transform a negative
situation into a positive one.
Creative ideas must be contributed by everyone; this is what brings
a nation together.
I criticize our love of the concept of infinity.
We want to live forever.
We want faster cars, faster internet, faster AI.
This concept of infinity is part of our modern civilization.
I criticize that.
There are limits that we have to accept.
I see that our children’s lives often revolve around the media
world of TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and whatever.
This leads to dependent and stupid thinking.
Imagination is lost.
We should limit certain media content or block it for children under
18.
We also don’t allow children to legally consume alcohol or
nicotine, which are also drugs, albeit legal ones.
The candidates should not only show “how great and good-looking
they are” but present concepts and political programs instead
of just smiling from billboards and showing the public nonsense
family films.
What is of interest to the voter is the respective philosophy that
a candidate follows and what goals he wants to achieve.
Goals not for himself and his family members but goals for the Filipino
people.
It may be a little out-of- date but a quote from Fidel Castro is
as relevant today as it was then: “After several decades
of growth, the rich have become richer and the poor poorer. We need
a Nuremberg tribunal on the world economic order now!”
I still firmly believe that a better world is possible.
For this, we need better politicians and more love and less hate.
Jürgen Schöfer, Ph.D.,
Doctor of Philosophy,
Manila,
Thailand
|
Call
for White House to release gorilla
Caged in Bangkok shopping complex for 40
years.
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 16, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday 10, 2025
|
Re: "Bua Noi's fate", BangkokPost,
PostBag, Saturday February 8, 2025
Prisana Nuechterlein writes far more eloquently than my past piffling
efforts to support Bua Noi.
However, I fear Bua Noi's fate has already been determined unless
the White House, which is currently turning the world upside down,
can be lobbied to intervene.
Anything seems possible nowadays.
The photo accompanying K Prisana's letter says it all.
Rose Bellini,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Make
no mistake the Chinese Communist Party
Is
taking aim at all of Southeast Asia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 15, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday February 13,
2025
|
Re: "Chinese tycoon's abuse claims rejected",
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 29, 2025 and "5
more China 'spies' in custody,'' Bangkok Post, Wednesday
January 1, 2025.
The Philippines early this year arrested five Chinese spies.
At the same time, She Zhijiang, the gambling tycoon arrested by
Thai police, told them he was a Chinese spy, after being incarcerated.
That should be an exemplary lesson for PM Paetongtarn, who has just
met Chinese President Xi Jinping.
That reflects the footprint of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
here while the government is so open to being bought that political
subversion may merely take the form of a gradual increase in influence,
which corresponds to growing Chinese direct investment in infrastructure
and an influx of Chinese nationals on corporate sponsored visas.
Make no mistake, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is taking aim
at all of Southeast Asia.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Straw chippers for Thailand
farmers
Can be purchased for the cost of a Chinese
submarine
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday February 14, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday February 9, 2025
|
Re: "Thailand chokes while promises fade",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday February 3, 2025
Hooray for Danny Marks who wrote: "Embracing affordable
technology like straw collectors and mobile chippers, would help
farmers manage crop residues more efficiently."
I've said it before and I'll say it again: banning rice stubble
burning and other crop residues is a great idea only if farmers
have alternatives. Indeed, there are some, and here they are, listed
briefly:
Plough in the straw the problem is that there is a lot of it, so
won't rot quickly, and it needs ploughing in twice.
Next, bale it: fine if you have access to a baler and you or someone
needs the bales not always possible on both counts.
Finally, when the rice is harvested use a chipper instead of a baler,
which cuts the straw into tiny pieces and blows it round the field,
making it easier to plough in and it rots much faster. Problem:
I have yet to see a straw chipper in Thailand, although they are
available on the open market.
We managed to bale our straw this year due to there being a new
baler in the area, but we are still left with the problem of selling,
disposing of or finding another use for the bales.
Straw chippers are the answer in my opinion, and a maybe cynical
view is that a great many could be purchased for the cost of a single
Gripen fighter jet or a Chinese submarine.
Johnny Thoyts,
Korat,
Thailand
|
What
are the reasons for the drop
Of
the GBP and USD against the baht
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday February 13, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday February 3, 2025
|
Re: "Currencies", in Bangkok
Post, Business, Saturday Feb 1, 2025.
I am surprised there have been no comments recently in PostBag about
the steady depreciation of the Great British Pound (GBP) and United
States Dollar (USD) against the mighty baht.
What are the reasons for the drop?
Someone better get their act together as citizens of these countries
and others will most likely think twice about reaching into their
wallets and spending more on increasingly expensive holidays here,
despite seductive government hoopla in the arena of international
competition.
They will opt for cheaper Southeast Asian countries, which are far
more welcoming and less polluted. But Thai hubris refuses to accept
this fact.
Moreover, long-term expat residents, especially retirees, are being
adversely affected, which also has a knock-on effect on the economy
although this is probably dismissed as trifling.
Bill Renoise,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
US
invokes International Emergency Economic Powers Act
Asserting
the United States' drug problem
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday, February 12, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday February 9, 2025
|
Re: "Trump says tariff 'pain' will be worth
the price", in Bangkok Post, World, Sunday
February 2, 2025.
Donald Trump's zealous MAGA fans are doubtless thrilled that they
"may feel economic 'pain' from his tariffs on key trading
partners".
They did, after all, vote for higher egg prices, right?
But Mr Trump's excuse is specious. In order to implement his economically
costly tariffs, Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic
Powers Act, asserting the United States' drug problem, especially
the deadly desire for fentanyl, justifies such an act to force China,
Canada, and Mexico to reduce the supply of the drug.
But that ignores the salient point.
China is not forcing Americans to use drugs, nor are Canada or Mexico.
The United States has a serious drug problem because millions of
Americans are desperate to use drugs.
They are so desperate to avoid the reality of life in the United
States that they will even risk their life using fentanyl.
Something is seriously amiss, diseased even, in US society that
so many feel that sobriety is to be so avoided.
If Mr Trump were genuinely concerned about the drug problem, he
would be looking to discover those reasons driving people to drugs
that are literally killing many.
If US citizens are no longer demanding to buy such drugs, they will
cease to be imported for the simple economic reason that drug suppliers,
whether big pharma or criminal gangs, will not waste money providing
a product that is not in strong demand.
America's drug problem is exactly that: America's drug problem.
He should start solving America's drug problem where it in fact
exists: at home in the United States of America, not in China or
Canada or Mexico or other foreign lands.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The US government has
inadvertently exposed
The
covert activities of USAID
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday February 11, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday February 9, 2025
|
Re: "It's 'difficult to defend USAID':
Rubio", in Bangkok
Post, World, February 7, 2025.
Elon Musk's recent efforts to assist President Trump in streamlining
the efficiency of the US government have inadvertently exposed the
covert activities of USAID, an agency unfamiliar to most Americans.
Few are aware of its involvement in covert foreign regime-change
operations targeting countries deemed hostile or obstructive to
the interests of the US deep state.
USAID was established by President John F Kennedy in the 1960s with
the noble vision of improving the world.
In its early years, the agency made significant contributions to
global development.
However, during the Vietnam War era, its trusted relationships and
networks abroad made it an ideal tool for the CIA's covert operations.
This role expanded during the Cold War, and since the 9/11 attacks,
it has grown even more entrenched.
Today, as the great power struggle intensifies, Thailand finds itself
under increasing pressure from the West.
One manifestation of this pressure is the accusation that USAID
has fostered political unrest in Bangkok by supporting street demonstrations
led by small groups of youths and students.
Thailand narrowly avoided Western colonisation in the 1860s, though
at the great cost of territorial concessions.
Yet despite this historical escape, the country remains a pawn in
the Great Power struggle.
The recent exposure of USAID and other Western-backed organisations,
such as the National Endowment for Democracy, has revealed their
true intentions.
This revelation should serve as a wake-up call for Thai None-Government
Organisations (NGOs) and activists to critically assess the funding
they receive from Western institutions under the guise of democracy
and freedom of speech.
ML Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The fight to legalize
same-sex marriage
Is
still at a dead-end in the Philippines
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 10, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Friday February
7, 2025
|
Decades have passed, yet this topic is still being
debated even in schools, the media, and politics.
Almost everyone has a say in this issue, but we haven’t come
to an agreement up to this day.
Many writers and journalists have repeatedly tried to bring this
to light, yet many of us still won’t pay attention or even
think of it.
The movement for same-sex marriage began between the 1980s and 1990s.
People marched and held rallies to speak up for the rights of same-sex
couples due to the AIDS epidemic.
Some US states have taken action, such as Berkley, California, which
became the first city to offer partnership benefits for gay employees
in 1984.
In 1989, Andrew Sullivan, a former editor of The New Republic, published
an article advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in
the US.
Despite the efforts of advocates and activists, the fight to legalize
same-sex marriage is still a dead-end.
When violence against gay people started to rise, they didn’t
have the law on their side.
They were forced to hide themselves to avoid being ganged up on
the streets only for wanting to express themselves for who they
really are.
In the following years, violence and harassment against gay people
continued to rise in every part of the world.
There was homophobia and violence on the streets, and who can say
for sure that these people even felt safe inside their homes?
The number of people who feel invalidated, invisible, and unheard
just keeps on rising.
Every one of us has the right to choose who to love, without being
questioned or hated for doing so.
Since when did we gain the “power” to hinder a
person from expressing their love to another freely? We may have
different experiences, views, perspectives, and beliefs, but we
are all just human beings who wish to experience unconditional love.
Ehla
L. Lazarte,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Thailand
should rethink
It's
attitude towards China
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 9, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday February 1,
2025
|
Re: "Thailand to lose $29 million from China's
syrup import ban", in Bangkok Post, Business, Friday
January 24, 2025.
Thailand should rethink its attitude towards China. Recently, they
refused Thai sugar products, costing Thai exporters $29 million
(976 million baht). Yet there is a flood of cheap, low-quality products
from China.
Now, fruit and veg are being dumped on the market; are they being
tested for toxin levels? Next, the Chinese are "cooling"
the property market out of safety concerns. Maybe that's good if
it makes property more affordable for Thais. China has a grand expansion
plan, which is always favourable to them. An example is in Laos,
where the government is bankrupt now from borrowing for a fast rail
project.
Beware China!
Tony Jackson,
Australia
|
China's
Hong Kong CK Hutchison Holdings
Operates
53 ports spanning 24 countries
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 8, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday February 6, 2025
|
Re: "Rubio makes debut trip abroad to Panama",
in Bangkok Post, Monday February 3, 2025
The phrase "My word is my bond" implies that a
man's word is as good as when he signs his name on a piece of paper.
Such was the case with the Panama Canal Treaty when the United States
ceded control of this lucrative waterway, allowing Panama to take
it over on December 31, 1999.
However, when even a signed contract can be rescinded on the flimsiest
of excuses, such as by claiming that China controls the port because
Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings operates it, that seems somewhat
feeble and heavy-handed.
The company says on its website that "the Hutchison Ports
network of port operation comprises 53 ports spanning 24 countries".
That seems to be a fair choice as Hong Kong was handed back to China
in 1999, and the concession was given to the Hong Kong conglomerate,
long before President Donald Trump arrived on the scene.
Songdej
Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Washington
DC will be the centre of the universe
For
the next few years
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday February 7, 2025
First published in the National Wednesday, February 5, 2025
|
President Donald Trump has won, folks.
The highest position in the Federal Government is his, most criminal
charges against him have been dropped by fearful politicians and
bureaucrats alike.
The power and influence of the Oval Office will cleanse Washington
DC and drive out all Democrats for the next two years, at least.
Within that time, the Democrats should have a plan of attack which
probably goes like this.
Sit back and watch as Donald Trump performs for his followers, financial
supporters and the Billionaires Club that financed his return to
glory. Sit back and make notes.
That is it.
Perhaps his administration has been managed better than his previous
one with a legislative whip present to maintain order and legality.
Perhaps his administration will be more professional in practice
and appearance. Who knows for sure.
The Democrats will have to catch Trump or his minion with their
hands in the Federal cookie jar, make a case and show the public
why Trump really wanted to return to power, security, financial
gain and a clean bill of judicial health.
Find a candidate the Democrats can build upon, who is professionally
clean of any accusations, political or financial dirt.
Good luck.
Perhaps a newbie to the political game, someone who actually believes
in the system and is willing to put themselves out before the public
honestly.
Not seeking to better themselves as much as better the lot of average
Americans, their fellow citizens.
A recent migrant that made something of themselves and their family,
who supports a system that presently preys upon the many illegal
migrants in America.
Washington DC will be the centre of the universe for the next few
years, forever trying to guess what President Trump’s administration
will do next.
The preferred weapon of the administration, tariffs, will be threatened
and possible used against everyone from financial and political
enemies and allies alike.
Get used to it.
Learn how to differentiate between bluster and reality.
Steven Kaszab,
Bradford,
Ontario
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
|
US
Republics freeze
US
federal spending under Democrats
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 3, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 31, 2025
|
Re: "Media stirs the pot", in Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Friday January 31, 2025
In yet another piece of pro-Trump sycophancy, Michael Setter chooses
to gloss over the chaos caused by Donald Trump's ambiguous and ill-advised
freeze on federal spending, and instead criticises the press for
reporting it.
It caused the expected howls of derision from the people charged
with managing federal funding, and the press have a responsibility
to report this to the public.
It's not what "We the People" expected in America,
any more than Mr Trump attempting to subvert the constitution by
trying to outlaw birthright citizenship.
As an aside, "We the Trump people" represent less than
a third of the American voting population. As even one Republican
senator put it, the directive was "overreaching and created
unnecessary confusion and consternation".
Just imagine, we have another four years of the amateur in the White
House ahead of us, and presumably another four years of Mr Setter
trying to make excuses for him or blaming the nasty press, the Bangkok
Post included, for telling people about him.
Tarquin
Chufflebottom,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Myanmar
military extends state of emergency
To
hang onto power
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 5, 2025
|
It is hardly surprising to read that Myanmar’s
ruling military has extended a state of emergency ( Reuters 2/2/25
).
That’s what a rogue regime does almost invariably to hang onto
power. We have had some experience of that phenomenon in post coup
Fiji.
The junta in Myanmar “ plans this year to hold elections
which critics have derided as a sham to keep the generals in power
through proxies”.
Again this too is a familiar pattern of behaviour of a rogue military
regime.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Austrlaia
|
Water
based generated hydrogen powered vehicles
Far better than social cost of mining lithium
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 2, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday February 2, 2025
|
Re: "Jockeying for pole position",
Bangkok Post, Business, Monday January 20, 2025.
Thailand's National EV Policy Committee incentivises electric vehicles
and pegs incentivisation against CO2 emissions. It is noteworthy
that winter's annual assault on national public health is not due
to CO2, which is a gas efficiently respired by humans, but by harmful
particulates and toxic chemical aerosols suspended in the air.
EVs affect public health in complex ways which their adherents often
fail to consider.
Whether in your phone, a garage, storeroom, battery factory, recycling
centre, or on the highway, high energy density lithium batteries
are causing a worldwide epidemic of explosions and fires.
People die not merely because of rapid incineration or explosions,
but also from inhaling the copious amounts of highly toxic fumes
such fires produce.
E-bike battery fires are the leading cause of fire in New York City.
There were 270 blazes last year claiming 18 lives.
A recent fire at a battery recycling centre in Kilwinning, Scotland
burned for several days requiring the government to warn nearby
residents to remain indoors with windows closed.
Buses and trucks require much larger batteries and when they combust
the results can be truly horrific.
A Tesla truck which crashed into a tree near Sacramento last year
burst into 1,000-degree flames which required 15 hours and 50,000
gallons of water to extinguish.
Firefighters had to disperse fire retardants over the site from
the air.
The risk of disaster increases exponentially with grid-scale storage
batteries often associated with solar generating arrays.
In May 2024, a fire at the Gateway Energy Storage facility in San
Diego burned for 11 days, leading to evacuation orders and calls
for a moratorium on new battery storage facilities.
Heavy metals leach into the ground and water after EV battery fires
and resulting toxic fumes are nearly impossible to mitigate.
While EV's generate no particulates from burning diesel fuel, their
tyres produce substantial air pollution of a more complex and hazardous
nature, just like their IC cousins do.
A rigorous cost-benefit analysis of EVs, which includes the environmental
and social cost of mining lithium, shows that their batteries are
highly problematic.
Far better are the water based, in-situ generated hydrogen powered
vehicles proposed by Toyota and others.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Commercial fishers purse
seine catch 3000 kilos per hour
Municipal fishers hook and line catch jalf
a kilo per hour
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 3, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Wednesday January
29, 2025
|
''When we attend to the needs of those in want more
than performing works of mercy,'' we are paying a debt of justice.
This quote associated with Pope St. Gregory the Great is an apt
reminder in the midst of moral questioning why we should give preference
to the poor.
Take for example the Supreme Court ruling allowing Mercidar Fishing
Corp. to enter municipal or marine waters up to 15 kilometers from
the coastline.
The fishing corporation filed a case in October 2023 before the
Malabon Regional Trial Court (RTC) questioning the constitutionality
of municipal fishers’ preferential access to municipal waters.
The corporation appealed to the court to grant it access to municipal
waters, which under the Fisheries Code is for the exclusive use
of municipal fishers.
In December 2023, the Malabon RTC decided in favor of the corporation.
The Supreme Court First Division upheld the RTC’s decision
in August 2024.
An editorial, see “Treading on dangerous waters,”
January 1, 2025 in Philippine Inquiry, describes some of the legal
technicalities in the court’s decision.
This piece delves into the second petition to intervene, this time
filed by fishers, before the Supreme Court.
The petitioners are Justino Dacillo, fisher from Quezon Province
and chair of Lamon Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Management Council; Roberto Ballon, a fisher from Zamboanga and
a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2021; Jessie delos Santos,
an authorized fish examiner of BFAR and a member of Bantay Dagat
from Batangas; and Erlinda Ferrer, a mother and fisher from Cavite
City.
Their petition echoed the call of previous petitioners Oceana Philippines
and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, among others to
reverse the decision of the lower court.
The NGOs for Fisheries Reform, a network of civil society groups
working in the fisheries sector, and Katipunan ng mga Artisanong
Mangingisda sa Pilipinas, an alliance of artisanal fishers in the
country, emphasized the great inequality between commercial and
municipal fishers.
They argue that commercial fishers, using a purse seine, can catch
more than 3,000 kilos per hour, while municipal fishers, who usually
use hook and line, can catch a measly half a kilo per hour.
A commercial fishing vessel’s harvest for a day is the total
catch of 1,500 municipal fishers, they added.
Such unequivocal disparity points to why a preferential option for
the poor is a necessary requirement for social justice.
They are victims of deprivation from opportunities and resources
that would have allowed them to thrive and have a dignified life.
This is why our Constitution states that we should “protect
and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity by equitably
diffusing wealth and political power for the common good”
Section 1, Article XIII. In other words, public policies that give
preference to the poor attempt to level the playing field.
Municipal and artisanal fishers’ preferential access to municipal
waters is a way of acknowledging and rectifying the injustice done
to them.
Marvee Anne M. Ramos,
program officer,
John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues (ICSI)
|
It
is not only the Jewish people who have suffered
The
earth is a place of unhappiness
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday January 30,
2025
|
Re: "Ripe time to end hatred to create a better
future", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday January
27, 2025.
Israel Ambassador Orna Sagiv is a regular contributor to the Post
and often succeeds in providing quality content to the opinion section.
Readers should note that the editorial department provides the headlines
for most articles, and in this example, their efforts have missed
the mark.
Why?
It is self-evident that an end to hatred and realisation of a better
future is not attainable through top-down measures instituted by
government policies intended to achieve idealistic goals.
Referring to the holocaust and recent attacks by Hamas, Ms Sagiv
laments, "We are compelled to face the painful truth: the
world has failed to honour the pledge of "Never Again".
Unfortunately, the ambassador addresses this issue from a myopic
perspective, as if the world has made a singular promise to the
12 tribes of Israel.
The article also blames Hamas in a manner that will be construed
by some to legitimise hatred for Islamist organizations as opposed
to the realities suffered by the people in Gaza.
It is not only the Jewish people who have suffered. The earth is
a place of unhappiness.
There are an infinite number of examples littering the landscape
of history with needless human suffering, torture, and death.
Where is the "Never Again" for all of them?
For all the ubiquitous separation and beings howling in pain?
The truth is that it can only be found in the hearts of those who
forgive completely (until the heart aches unbearably), who have
thereby realised tolerance and thus can live cooperatively with
others.
This is only achievable individually, each one by one, and never
through political promises and mandated cooperation.
After eight decades of failure, Ms Sagiv and the government she
represents so well should understand this first principle and act
accordingly.
If the Tibetans have managed to do it, so can the Jews.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Fate of six Thai hostages
Abducted
by Hamas is unclear
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 1, 2025
First published by the Bangkok Post, Thursday January 30,
2025
|
Re: "Fate
of Thai hostages is unclear as 6 still held", in
Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 8, 2025.
While most of the world celebrates the peace deal that has finally
brought about the release of the first seven Israeli hostages abducted
by Hamas on October 7, 2023, it is sad and extremely disappointing
that most people in Thailand have either forgotten or seemingly
don't care about the fate of the six missing Thai hostages.
For the record, Bannawat Seathao, Watchara Sriaoun, Pintha Nattapong,
Surasak Lamnau, Sathian Suwannakham, and Pongsak Tanna should be
released immediately.
What was their crime?
Pursuing a better life for their families.
Why have Thais not been out protesting their illegal abduction and
inhumane incarceration?
Could it be because they are only agricultural workers from the
Northeast?
Paul Bromberg,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Mars is terra nulius
Australia wasn't
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday January 31, 2025
|
Is it true that an Australian state official Susan
Ley, the deputy opposition leader, claimed that British colonialism
was no invasion and that it is like Elon Musk going to Mars? ( Susan
Ley compares First Fleet landing to Elon Musk’s Mars Mission
‘ SBS News 26/1/25 ).
Well she conveniently forgets that Mars is terra nulius.
Australia wasn’t.
At the time of British colonial invasion it was peopled by the Australian
Aboriginal inhabitants.
Ley draws an erroneous analogy.
She needs to educate herself on authentic Australian history.
I recommend she reads David Hill’s 1788: The Brutal Truth of
the First Fleet: the Biggest Single Overseas Migration the World
Had Ever seen, David Day’s Claiming A Continent, and Henry
Reynold’s Truth Telling. History, sovereignty and the Uluru
Statement which is “ an important history book as Reynold
confronts and subverts the hegemonic Anglocentric Australian history
that has been dominant for such a long time “.
Ley attempts to perpetuate that distorted history.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
|
Commission on Audit's
jurisdiction over private entities
Threaten public-private partnerships development
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 30, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Monday January
27, 2025
|
The Philippines for decades has relied on public-private
partnerships (PPPs) as a cornerstone of infrastructure development
and economic progress fostering cooperation between the government
and the private sector to enhance public services and stimulate
growth.
When President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took office, the significant
contributions of PPPs to our country’s economy were further
highlighted as part of his 10-point agenda for economic renewal
and long-term growth. President Marcos Jr. emphasized the need to
“encourage private sector engagement and investment for the
benefit of the public above all” and “provide legal and
regulatory support to public-private partnerships” a laudable
move to address infrastructure gaps and drive economic progress.
The Philippines pioneered the involvement of the private sector
in public infrastructure and development projects in Asia.
According to a report by the Asian Development Bank, around 116
PPP projects from different sectors from 1990 to 2019 have successfully
achieved financial closure.
The total investment made in these PPP projects is estimated to
be around USD44 billion.
While we have repeatedly seen how PPPs have become instrumental
in bringing to life large-scale projects, particularly in the fields
of infrastructure, transportation, and social welfare the contributions
of these collaborations are facing a significant threat with the
proposal to expand the Commission on Audit's (COA) jurisdiction
over private entities.
Senate Bill 2907 seeks to expand COA’s powers to audit private
entities engaged in partnerships with the government as well. Aside
from the fact that the proposal goes beyond the COA’s constitutionally
prescribed limits, it also encroaches on the autonomy of private
entities.
These risks discourage key investors—local and foreign—threatening
priority PPPs of the country.
At its core, the proposed amendment jeopardizes the very essence
of PPPs.
While the intent of legislative oversight and transparency is laudable,
the implications of such a proposal could adversely impact investments
by the private sector and potentially stall developments in major
infrastructure projects and key partnerships.
Moreover, PPPs clearly define the roles of the involved parties
the public and the private sector.
Subjecting the private sector to government audits effectively blurs
lines of distinction and creates an environment of uncertainty for
both parties.
This also creates a chilling effect on the private sector, potentially
discouraging them from supporting the government’s agenda and
thus derailing years of progress.
Private sector confidence is nurtured and sustained by consistent
rules in a stable regulatory environment.
Subjecting private entities to unwarranted and unnecessary scrutiny
creates a discouraging environment for business and investment activity.
It has long been established that PPPs thrive in an environment
of mutual trust and confidence.
Under these partnerships, the public and private sectors take on
complementary roles, working together to facilitate growth and development
for the benefit of the public.
By altering the framework under which PPPs operate, the proposed
legislative amendment risks damage to years of progress and collaboration.
Passing such an amendment also goes against the priority agenda
of the Marcos Jr. administration, which has made significant strides
in promoting PPPs.
On a global scale, this could also hurt the Philippines’ reputation
as a lucrative and stable investment destination.
Time and time again, we have seen how collaboration between the
public and private sector has enabled national progress.
With the Philippines aiming to become an upper middle-income country,
such legislative amendments are not only discouraging for investors
but also potentially damaging to the years of development and progress
both the public and private sectors have worked so hard to achieve
together.
I appeal to our policymakers to consider the broader implications
of such amendments and ensure that legislative action works to enable
nation-building instead of derailing it.
Joe Zaldarriaga,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Will we ever see headlines
Identifying
individuals with Chinese heritage
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 29, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday, January 27, 2025
|
Re: "Why racial labels?" in Bangkok
Post, Postbag, January 25, 2025 Re: "Indian man 'kills
delivery man'", Bangkok Post, January 23, 2025,
I support Vichai's thoughtful letter, "Why racial labels?"
in Bangkpost, Postbag, January 25, which raises an important concern
about the Bangkok Post's headline, "Indian man kills delivery
man."
As Vichai rightly pointed out, such a headline not only misrepresents
the individual's identity but also perpetuates a divisive and unnecessary
focus on race.
It is evident from the article that the accused is a Thai national
of Indian heritage. By singling out his ethnicity, the Post risks
alienating its diverse readership and undermining the inclusive
values that Thailand has historically upheld as a multicultural
society.
Vichai's reference to the Post's own editorial, "Ending
the Thai citizenship limbo" November 10, 2024, highlights
the contradiction between promoting inclusivity in one instance
and publishing racialised headlines in another.
Would we ever see headlines identifying individuals with Chinese
heritage in this way?
Or are such labels selectively applied?
As a respected publication, the Post has a responsibility to ensure
its reporting is free from racial bias.
Headlines should focus on the actions of individuals, not their
ancestry, unless directly relevant to the story.
By doing so, the Post can better reflect the values of fairness
and equality that it champions.
Let us move beyond these outdated racial labels and work toward
building a society that celebrates diversity without discrimination.
VB.
Bangkok,
Thailand s
|
ASEAN's
youth population
Projected to surpass 420 million by 2045
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday January 28, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday January 22,
2025
|
Re: "Youth, media 'play key role' in boosting
Sino-Thai relations", in Bangkok Post, Monday
January 20, 2025.
The insights shared at the "One River, One Family"
seminar underscore the vital role youth and media play in shaping
Sino-Thai relations.
However, this dynamic extends far beyond bilateral ties.
By 2045, Asean's youth population projected to surpass 420 million
and make up 60 percent of the region's total will be pivotal in
fostering deeper cooperation with China's younger generation.
Youth are not just beneficiaries of policies; they are always active
drivers of change.
As highlighted during the seminar, education and cultural exchanges
are crucial in building mutual understanding and shared goals.
By strengthening these exchanges, Asean and Chinese youth can successfully
address significant challenges such as climate change, technological
innovation, and sustainable development.
The role of media and think tanks is equally crucial.
They serve as bridges, facilitating true dialogue and offering platforms
for collaboration at the regional and global levels.
Initiatives like establishing joint databases and youth-led think
tanks can further harness the collective potential of Asean and
China's young leaders.
The seeds of friendship and cooperation planted today must be nurtured
by future generations.
Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
General Prawit Wongsuwon
can whine as much as he wants
Open dialogue is required by democracy
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday January 27, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday January 24, 2025
|
Re: "Thaksin, Prawit in new war of words",
in Bangkok Post, Tuesday ssJanuary 21, 2025.
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra may not be very likeable, certainly
not a shining moral example, but sometimes even Thaksin speaks telling
truths. In this case, that famous former convict (not inmate) who
should be in prison not for the dubious coup-maker's political charges
but for his murderous drug war killings is right that "the
havoc in politics can be traced back to the general's door",
except that it should be the plurals: "generals' doors."
Meanwhile, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon can whine as much as he wants. His
right to do so must be respected. It is unfortunate that he and
the entire current government, including the party of Thaksin, deny
their fellow citizens that same right to peacefully speak honest
opinions in the open dialogue that is not only required by democracy
but is a necessary condition for informed opinion of worth on any
topic.
Wars of words are not inherently bad things. Such fruits of open
dialogue are natural and healthy if there is to be any informed
opinion of worth on a topic, and democracy does require that opposing
views be allowed a voice. All Thais deserve both voice and informed
opinion, not only the whining Prawits and Thaksins.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
U.S. end of participation
in WHO is refutation
Of corrupt policies put in place by United
Nations
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday, January 26, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 24, 2025
|
Re: "Roosevelt revisited" and "Cult
of Trump", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Thursday
Jan 23, 2025 and "Trump weeding out critics", Bangkok
Post World, Thursday January 23, 2025.
The US election results were not merely a political victory for
Donald Trump but a profoundly moral one.
Just so the executive order ending US participation in the World
Health Organization was not simply a public health statement but
a refutation of the corrupt and deadly policy schemes put in place
by the United Nations.
From the numbers, it would seem that most contributors to PostBag
do not like Donald Trump.
But it does not matter whether his persona qualifies for anointment
as a virtuous priest or pop star, opinions the letters often reflect.
It is moral governance, just policies, and fidelity to the electorate's
wishes as constrained by the constitution that are of utmost importance.
The voters have spoken. May their voice become a beacon of light
in these dark times.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thais
concerned about keeping children warm
Inside shopping malls
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday January 25, 2025
First published at the Bangkok Post Tuesday January 21, 2025
|
Re: "Power tariff faces trim of 17 satang",
Bangkok Post, Business, Friday January 17, 2025.
Thai electricity is already cheap. Few homeowners care about weather-stripping
doors and windows.
There is more public concern about keeping children warm inside
shopping malls.
Thailand is an energy importer.
To suggest that the government can dictate energy prices is a fantasy.
Dropping prices from 4.15 to 3.70 baht per kilowatt hour means less
incentive to use electricity wisely and less incentive to be proactive.
Solar installation in sunny Thailand needs to be a priority if we
are serious about clean energy.
My Phuket solar installation has an estimated payback period of
7 years.
This is too long.
Meanwhile, PEA quickly smart-metered my house so that my rotating
disk was gone.
Any surplus is taken gratis, and no credit given.
Eighteen per cent of the SET market cap is made up of companies
that generate electricity in creative ways like LNG combined cycle
units in industrial parks, reservoir-based floating solar, wind
power on the Isthmus of Kra, biomass in Krabi, or plans for burning
green ammonia.
To reward this risk and creativity, electricity must be priced at
market, not at a level that gets three cheers at the mor lam in
Sakhon Nakhon.
Subsidising energy consumption is the opposite of the sustainability
Thailand loves to talk about.
However, Thailand is now a Brics partner, joining the world's preeminent
coal-burning association.
AM Phuket,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand needs perhaps
millions of employees
For proposed casino entertainment complexes
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday January 24, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday January 22,
2025
|
Re: "Govt bets on casinos", in Bangkok
Post, Tuesday January 14, 2025
Amongst all the pie-in-the-sky estimates of potential economic benefits
and tax hauls from proposed casino entertainment complexes, I was
flabbergasted to see that advocates were only anticipating the creation
of 9,000 to 15,000 new jobs should the proposals be approved.
This seems to be a pitifully and unbelievably small number of jobs
to be created and points to the lack of proper analysis by supporters.
If the new casinos and entertainment complexes are to attract the
fantasised 5-10 percent increase in tourism, surely the country
will need hundreds of thousands perhaps millions of new employees
to staff the needed hotels, restaurants, transport facilities, spas,
theatres, and bars to cater to the 2 to 4 million additional tourists.
This is not to mention all the new government officials required
to count the incoming loot and receive the requisite brown envelopes.
Samanea Saman,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Where
did Commission on Audit 2023
Findings
and recommendations in the past end up
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday January 23, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquiry Tuesday, January
23, 2025
|
We are appalled by the recently released Commission
on Audit (COA) 2023 report on the Department of Education’s
(DepEd) projects worth P1.064 billion down the drain.
The implementation of the DepEd Enterprise Resource Planning System
interrelated projects, some dated 2019, meant to connect and automate
the data systems in the department were found inefficient and ineffective.
It is “tantamount to the wastage of government funds,”
according to the COA.
Despite failing to deliver on key milestones of the project, payments
were made to the contractor, and worse, there was obvious undercapitalization
of the contractor to cover any financial accountability. Moreover,
it had records of failing to deliver projects in the past.
As in similar COA audit findings on inefficiency in government procurement
systems and their related recommendations to rectify them, we raise
the practical question: Where did all such COA findings and recommendations
in the past end up?
After-the-fact audit reports have already raised irascible reactions
and frustrated expectations among many of us as well as the utter
helplessness to bail out this country from the gross inefficiency
seen in financial governance, happening year after year.
Some COA audit reports ended up being forgotten in the dustbin.
It is imperative now to intervene in the government financial system
and create an independent Internal Audit Office (IAO) apart from
the COA but charged with oversight over financial transactions in
the three branches of government to thwart fraudulent transactions
and inefficiencies before they happen and walk through the whole
control process.
We cannot expect self-regulation in graft-ridden government offices
to close the valve on huge unabated waste of public funds. The cost
of creating an IAO is justified by the estimated 20 percent of the
national budget lost to corruption.
Marvel
K. Tan,
Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
Manila,
Philippines
|
Call
for Thailand to vet nominees
For cabinet and top agency posts
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 22, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday January 21, 2025
|
Re: "Trump's cabinet picks come under US Senate
spotlight,'' in Bangkok Post, Tuesday January 14, 2025.
Thailand badly needs to vet nominees for cabinet and top agency
posts, where Senate committees evaluate nominees for fitness for
their posts.
This is essential to the Senate's advice and consent role, balancing
the executive branch's power.
In the US, for instance, defence secretary nominee Hegseth has been
described as "being so drunk at work events that he needed
to be carried out on multiple occasions… and who wasn't fit
to be called at 2am to make life-and-death national security decisions."
Had Thailand had similar vetting, we might have discovered those
who were merely puppets for their families and who, by contrast,
had the ability and courage to carry out the many reforms we badly
need.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Papua
New Guinea stands at a crossroad
''We
must rethink how we measure progress''
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday January 21, 2025
First published in the National Saturday January 4, 2025
|
As Papua New Guinea enters a new year and approaches
its 50th anniversary of Independence, we stand at a crossroad.
The golden jubilee is not just a time to celebrate; it is a call
to deeply reflect on our journey as a nation and redefine what progress
truly means for our people.
For too long, we have been constrained by outdated economic measures
such as gross domestic product (GDP), which fail to capture the
full spectrum of our nation’s wealth and potential.
As we mark this milestone, it is time to adopt a development framework
that reflects the unique realities and aspirations of Papua New
Guinea.
When we assess our progress through the lens of GDP, we see only
a fraction of the picture.
GDP focuses solely on economic transactions and output, ignoring
the intrinsic value of our natural resources, cultural heritage
and traditional knowledge systems.
Papua New Guinea’s true wealth lies in its strategic assets:
the world’s third-largest rainforest, pristine marine ecosystems,
abundant biodiversity and vibrant cultural traditions.
Meanwhile, the costs of protecting them – borne by local communities
– are overlooked.
To honour our unique position as a nation and to secure a sustainable
future, we must rethink how we measure progress.
Papua New Guinea needs to adopt a holistic development index that
captures all aspects of development.
An alternative development framework should begin with valuing our
environment.
Human development must also take centre stage.
A holistic index would measure progress in terms of access to quality
education, healthcare and infrastructure.
It would track improvements in life expectancy, literacy rates and
living standards, ensuring that development benefits all Papua New
Guineans, not just a privileged few.
Social equity is another critical component. Too often, the benefits
of Papua New Guinea’s natural wealth are concentrated in the
hands of a few, while the majority remains marginalised.
Our cultural heritage, which has sustained us for generations, must
also be included. Traditional knowledge systems, community networks
and cultural practices are not just relics of the past – they
are essential tools for resilience and sustainability.
A development index that values cultural preservation would recognise
these contributions and ensure they are safeguarded for future generations.
Finally, good governance must underpin this new framework. Corruption,
weak institutions and lack of accountability have long undermined
our progress.
As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of Independence, we must
also look to the future.
Kaupa
A. Kale,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
|
Pollution
Puts
Thais off outings
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday January 20, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday January 11, 2025
|
Re: "PM2.5
tipped to worsen until Monday", in Bangkok
Post, Friday January 10, 2025
I am a Thai citizen. I feel sorry for visitors who experience pollution
problems in our country.
I feel like losing face as a host.
Actually, pollution puts us off from outings, and we have missed
out on lots of events we'd like to attend.
Our household is now zero waste.
It took us five years.
It's really hard to achieve because there are no recycling facilities
here, a lack of awareness, and no support from the council or the
community about waste management.
I hope our authorities read your paper and do something tangible
soon.
JJ,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Persecution
of Hong Kong newspaper publisher
Proof of dictatorial nature of China regime
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday, January 18, 2025
|
There is only one thing to be said about the charges
brought against former Hong Kong Apple Daily newspaper publisher,
Lai Chee-Ying also commonly known as Jimmy Lai, 75, under the Beijing
new national security law : it is political persecution, pure and
simple ( re : ‘ Hong Kong publisher denies sedition and collusion
with foreign powers charges at West Kowloon Court ‘ The Southeast
Asian Times 12 January 2025 ).
This veteran media man had the courage of his conviction to speak
truth to power and even the audacity to describe the leader of the
ruling Chinese Communist Party, Xi Jinping, as a dictator.
That is simply unpalatable to the ruling elite in China.
That has always been the case.
Dissent, criticism and the questioning of the status quo is anathema
to the China Communist Party (CCP).
It has ever been tolerated and often brutally crushed. Remember
Tiananmen Square massacre.
What the dictatorial regime in China want is a cesspool of conformism
and obedience to the dictats of the ruling mob.
Jimmy Lai clearly did not give the conformism required of citizens.
Instead he did what an honest independent media must do and that
is to critically analyse what the rulers were doing.
That is the reason - the only reason - for Jimmy Lai to be arrested
and hauled to court.
His persecution is proof of the dictatorial nature of the regime
in China .
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
|
The
prospect for Vice President Sara Duterte
To
be impeached appears huge
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday January 18, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Friday January
10, 2025
|
No matter how you look at it, Vice President Sara
Duterte has a bleak political future as she faces and hurdles at
least four impeachment complaints lodged against her at the House
of Representatives.
If the impeachment complaints prosper and she is impeached by the
House, the Senate, in accordance with the 1987 Constitution, will
convene as an impeachment court to hold a trial. If proven guilty,
the Vice President will be removed from her office.
She will exercise no power and cannot replace President Marcos in
case he dies in office or gets incapacitated. She will also face
perpetual disqualification from holding any public office.
The prospect for the Vice President to get impeached by the House
appears huge, because she has failed to explain adequately her side
on allegations that she has misused the P612.5 million in confidential
funds given to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department
of Education (Deped), while she was its concurrent secretary.
Her cocky attitude did not in any way endear her to the inquisitive
lawmakers, who now appear to look at her with disdain because of
the condescending treatment she gave them.
From all indications, the required votes of at least a third of
all House members will be met and lead to the elevation of the impeachment
complaints to the Senate.
The complaints submitted to the Senate would lead to a trial that
would likely happen when the new Senate convenes after the May elections,
or in July.
Key question: What if the new Senate acquits Sara after a trial?
Impeachment is essentially a political process. Senators, as judges
in an impeachment court, hardly decide on the persuasive power of
the evidence presented.
They decide on the basis of their political orientation and alliance.
Nevertheless, the political dynamics in the impeachment trial can
arguably be expected to trigger surprises.
Given the declining quality of senators, it could be argued that
the Vice President will not only be the one subjected to a trial.
The Senate itself will undergo a sharp examination before the bar
of public opinion. Senators will be scrutinized, too.
The judgment the public renders on the Vice President will depend
largely on how the senators behave and talk before the Senate as
an impeachment court.
Duterte will be in a no-win situation.
Assuming she gets acquitted, she will still be a loser. The close
public examination will render her powerless, helpless, and defenseless
in the ensuing dynamics after any acquittal.
The impeachment trial will not in any way beef up her political
capital. On the contrary, it will dissipate whatever is left of
support for her from a political standpoint.
Her foolish refusal to explain the loss of the P612.5 million confidential
funds will have telling effects in the long run. She will reap the
whirlwind of what she had sowed earlier.
Not even an acquittal would enable her any recovery in lost political
stock.
Most likely, she will be a spent force in the next presidential
elections.
She will pay dearly for her dismissive attitude.
Philip M. Lustre Jr.,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Human-caused
global warming results from
Data
generated by mathematical models
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday January 17, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday January 12, 2024
|
Re: "Who's to blame?", and "Climate
Clowns", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Wednesday
January 1, 2025.
I read Tarquin Chufflebottom's remarks that "2024 was the
hottest year on record, global sea temperatures are the hottest
on record and atmospheric CO2 levels are the highest ever recorded".
As a scientist, I might have found it amusing if it weren't so pathetically
uninformed.
Similarly, Songdej Praditsmanont relies on the most hated source
in news, CNN, which conflates anthropogenic climate change and wildfires.
Catastrophic chaparral fires have been occurring in California for
20 million years. As for the "highest ever recorded"
levels of CO2, it is just more UN-sponsored propaganda and fear
mongering.
Historical CO2 levels range from 4,000 ppm to 180 ppm.
We are now at the very low end of this range.
The only scientific "evidence" which supports human-caused
global warming results from "data" generated by mathematical
models.
If one reads the scientific papers on this subject, the overwhelming
preponderance of ever-changing modelling is the one constant among
them.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Climate
change is undeniable
However
there is no climate crisis
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday January 16, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday January 13, 2025
|
Re: "Climate clowns", in Bangkok
Post PostBag, Saturday January 11, 2025.
Actual weather records show that climate change is indeed undeniable,
as your correspondent asserts.
However, Micheal Setter is also correct in claiming there is no
climate crisis.
Given that humans have no chance of preventing climate change 30-plus
years of trying with zero results, to say we are in a "crisis"
implies we have the power to avoid it.
Indeed, proponents of the climate crisis narrative promote this
viewpoint as justification for various environmental, economic and
social policies, all of which give some truth to Mr Setter's claims
of a hidden agenda.
The sooner humans concentrate their efforts on adapting to whatever
changes happen to the climate, naturally or otherwise, and reducing
the pollution of our environment, the more successful our survival
will be.
While human activity continues to affect nature, nature's climate
responses to human activity will continue.
However, nature itself will continue to make far greater changes
to the climate, regardless of whatever humans do.
Seeking to prevent the human component of climate change, while
being able to do nothing about natural changes, is like tilting
at windmills.
By concentrating on adapting to climate change instead of the futile
exercise of preventing it, humans can be better prepared for the
inevitable changes nature has in store for us and, since nature
constantly changes the climate anyway, we can dispense with the
claims of being in a perpetual "crisis" of our
own making.
Nature is undoubtedly capable of creating climate crises for humans
without the need for us to do anything.
Sibeymai,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Should
Thai's be allowed to buy
Exemption from military conscription ?
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 15, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday January 13, 2025
|
Re: "Payment for military exemption touted",
in Bangkok Post,
Saturday January 11, 2025.
I hope that Territorial Defence Command chief, Lt Gen Taweepool
Rimsakom, had his tongue firmly planted in his cheek when he mooted
that young Thais should be allowed to buy exemption from military
conscription.
The fact is that a system of bribes has operated under the table
for years.
My understanding is that as little as 10,000 baht delivered in a
brown paper bag to the recruiting officer is sufficient to buy exemption.
Of course, 10,000 baht is a lot of money to a poor Thai lad or his
parents, so once again it is the rich who benefit at the cost of
the poor.
David Brown
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
China dumps faulty products
and contaminated food
Into Thailand without recriminations
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday January 14, 2025
First published in Bangkok Post Tuesday January 7, 2025
|
Re: "China rejects B400m in Thai syrup shipments",
in Bangkok Post, Business, Tuesday January 7, 2025.
It's a poor way to raise concerns once the shipments have reached
Chinese ports. Surely, there is a better way.
Meanwhile, China is quite happy to dump faulty products and contaminated
food into Thailand without facing recriminations.
Tony
Jackson,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The prospect for Vice
President Sara Duterte
To
get impeached by the House appears huge
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday January 13, 2025
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Saturday January
11, 2025
|
No matter how you look at it, Vice President Sara
Duterte has a bleak political future as she faces and hurdles at
least four impeachment complaints lodged against her at the House
of Representatives.
If the impeachment complaints prosper and she is impeached by the
House, the Senate, in accordance with the 1987 Constitution, will
convene as an impeachment court to hold a trial.
If proven guilty, the Vice President will be removed from her office.
She will exercise no power and cannot replace President Marcos in
case he dies in office or gets incapacitated.
She will also face perpetual disqualification from holding any public
office.
The prospect for the Vice President to get impeached by the House
appears huge, because she has failed to explain adequately her side
on allegations that she has misused the P612.5 million in confidential
funds given to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department
of Education (Deped), while she was its concurrent secretary.
Her cocky attitude did not in any way endear her to the inquisitive
lawmakers, who now appear to look at her with disdain because of
the condescending treatment she gave them.
From all indications, the required votes of at least a third of
all House members will be met and lead to the elevation of the impeachment
complaints to the Senate.
The complaints submitted to the Senate would lead to a trial that
would likely happen when the new Senate convenes after the May elections,
or in July.
Key question: What if the new Senate acquits Sara after a trial?
Impeachment is essentially a political process.
Senators, as judges in an impeachment court, hardly decide on the
persuasive power of the evidence presented.
They decide on the basis of their political orientation and alliance.
Nevertheless, the political dynamics in the impeachment trial can
arguably be expected to trigger surprises.
Given the declining quality of senators, it could be argued that
the Vice President will not only be the one subjected to a trial.
The Senate itself will undergo a sharp examination before the bar
of public opinion. Senators will be scrutinized, too.
The judgment the public renders on the Vice President will depend
largely on how the senators behave and talk before the Senate as
an impeachment court.
Duterte will be in a no-win situation.
Assuming she gets acquitted, she will still be a loser.
The close public examination will render her powerless, helpless,
and defenseless in the ensuing dynamics after any acquittal.
The impeachment trial will not in any way beef up her political
capital.
On the contrary, it will dissipate whatever is left of support for
her from a political standpoint.
Her foolish refusal to explain the loss of the P612.5 million confidential
funds will have telling effects in the long run.
She will reap the whirlwind of what she had sowed earlier.
Not even an acquittal would enable her any recovery in lost political
stock.
Most likely, she will be a spent force in the next presidential
elections.
She will pay dearly for her dismissive attitude.
Philip M. Lustre Jr.,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Call
for Thai PM to target big cooks
Not
get distracted by small fry
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday January 12, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 8,
2025
|
Re: "Cop
course for Chinese investigated", in Bangkok
Post, Saturday January 4, 2025.
The media and public should sustain pressure on Prime Minister Paetongtarn
Shinawatra to target the big crooks and not get distracted by small
fry like those accused of teaching Chinese to be police volunteers.
Jailing a shark is 1,000 times more rewarding than netting a small
minnow.
For example, focus on those behind the transfer of ex-head of the
Department of Special Investigation, Pol Maj Suriya Singhakamol,
right after he searched Makro headquarters for evidence of smuggling
161 containers worth 460 million baht into Thailand or ex-top cop
Big Tor's assets of 209 million baht, equal to at least 217.7 years
of salary. Go for sharks, not minnows.
Burin
Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Police
patrol vehicles are never seen on Route 2
Unless
escorting a VIP
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday January 11, 2025
First published in Bangkok Post Wednesday January 8, 2025
|
Re: "New Year road toll", Bangkok
Post, Monday January 6, 2025
Seven, 10 dangerous days?
Why not 365?
For the last 12 years, I have lived 50km north of Nakhon Ratchasima
province, about 100m to the west of the Mitraparp Road Route 2.
From my patio, I have an excellent view of the road.
Over these 12 years, the two greatest changes have been the speed
at which almost all vehicles travel and the sheer volume of traffic.
On long weekends, traffic heading north is heavy for a day before
and two days after the holiday; at New Year and Songkran, add another
day or two at each end. Ambulances and rescue vehicles are frequently
seen; police patrol vehicles are never seen unless escorting a VIP.
The sheer diversity of illegal vehicles is mind-blowing: lorries
with extensions almost half the length of the vehicle so their front
wheels barely touch the road surface, pickups loaded so high that
they sway from side to side, cars with their rear number plates
sprayed white to foil the speed and traffic light cameras to list
just a few.
But the dangerous vehicles are nothing besides the dangerous drivers
of all vehicles; excessive speed, fishtailing, undertaking, and
lane changing without signalling are just a few of the faults.
Dangerous vehicles and dangerous drivers will remain features of
Thai roads until the police get out of their "boxes"
and checkpoints, get into police cars, patrol the roads and stop
offenders.
It isn't rocket science.
Thailand will remain among the top-tier countries with the highest
road deaths until this happens.
Jaytee Korat,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Malaysia's Constitutional
Monarchy
Creates Orwellian Animal Farm style democracy
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 8, 2025
|
The Southeast Asian Times article ‘ Malaysia
awaits court ruling on purported addendum that would allow former
PM Namibian to continue jail sentence under house arrest ‘
( 7 Jan.2025 ), informs us that ,“ Former Prime Minister Najib
Razak began serving a 12 year prison sentence in 2022 for the misappropriation
of RM42 million from the 1 Malaysia Development Bhd ( 1 MDB )”.
Malaysia is a democracy.
In a democracy everyone is suppose to be equal before the law.
So why is Najib Razak “ more equal “ Orwellian Animal
Farm style?
Why has his sentenced been halved and now before the court for consideration
for the remaining time to be served under house arrest?
Would an ordinary citizen have this privilege.
This is a mockery of the rule of law in Malaysia.
For defrauding the people and abuse of power the former PM Najib
Razak should serve every day of his 12 year sentence behind bars.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
|
Thailand is the 5th worst
plastic pollutor
By
country
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday January 10, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday January 7, 2025
|
Re: "BMA
explores new ways to curb harmful dust particles in city",
Bangkok Post, Sunday January 5, 2025 and "Full
plastic import ban faces hurdles", in Bangkok
Post , Sunday January 5, 2025.
"Harmful dust particles" in Bangkok don't surprise
me.
I've had a sore throat with lung irritation the last week. I've
started wearing N95 Covid masks again because they filter most of
the particles.
I hope the 300 tonnes of CO2 (dry ice) help.
Changing engine oil and air filters is mandatory in nearly all civilised
countries.
In the UK, where I'm from, it is illegal to drive any polluting
vehicles in cities.
I spent more time in Thailand than in England this year and noticed
the air quality had deteriorated.
Tourism will be affected without improvement, never mind health.
Also published on your front page yesterday was the difficulty in
securing an import ban on scrap plastic.
Plastic waste distribution is featured in Buy Now on Netflix.
Also, it mentions that 12m tonnes of plastic are manufactured every
second.
Our oceans are full of these polymers. They've even made their way
into drinking water!
Last week, the Bangkok Post published the worst plastic polluters
globally by country; Thailand was 5th.
However, as you pointed out, per capita head, Thailand's citizens
consume the most plastic in the world!
Come on, Thailand, you can do better!
I love this country enough to have visited here for 26 consecutive
years.
Please lessen your pollution so my children can follow in my tourist
footsteps.
Howard Carter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
should copy Milan's policy
To
ban smoking on streets
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 8, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday January 5, 2025
|
Re: "Milan says no to all outdoor smoking
in Italy's toughest ban" in Bangkok Post,
Wednesday January 1, 2025.
Italy's Milan ban on smoking in public spaces, that is, state-owned
areas to which all citizens should enjoy equal access, is just.
Thailand and other nations should copy that policy to ban smoking
on streets, parks, public hospitals, government offices, and so
on.
In contrast, consenting adults have a right to engage in behaviour
that is harmful to themselves and consenting others on private property,
such as homes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and the like.
In those places, the owner's right to determine what guests may
and may not do to themselves and others who consent to enter under
the stated terms should be respected.
There is no just reason why a restaurant, pub, or club should not
adopt a smoking-allowed policy.
Those who do not want the toxic stink as they eat or socialise will
sensibly take their custom to non-smoking venues, as is their right.
I suspect the normal operation of supply and demand will make the
great majority of private venues non-smoking, with smoking venues
being a well-supported niche market, like those for film photography
and vinyl music.
Similarly, the state should not be dictating how people dress, or
not, on privately owned property; again, owners have the right to
set dress codes, also speech codes, for their premises.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Policy
proposed by OECD amounts to
Western-style
socialism
The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday January 7, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday December 27, 2024
|
Re: "Thailand's proposed tax to be tiered
system", in Bangkok Post, Business, December
27, 2024 and "Decree to ring in top-up tax in 2025",
in Bangkok Post, Business, Tuesday December 24, 2024.
Thailand seems determined to adopt Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD) policies wholesale, with little or no debate.
Along with the well-publicised OECD policies of residency-based
taxation, and broad-based value-added tax (VAT), there are a raft
of other OECD policies such as a tax on salt, fat, and sugar.
To be clear, not all OECD policies are bad.
However, outsourcing policy-making to the OECD merely to obtain
membership seems dangerous and somewhat undemocratic.
Thailand, in its bid to join the OECD, is being forced to adopt
a range of policy settings the OECD believes will reduce inequality,
increase productivity and growth, fight climate change, and encourage
better health outcomes.
These are noble causes.
However, the policy proposed amounts to no more than Western-style
socialism. In essence, aggressive broad-based taxation to support
social programmes, and punitive taxes to influence choices, such
as a proposed tax on salt.
Ideology aside, serious questions remain as to the effectiveness
of such policies in Western countries, let alone their appropriateness
for an emerging Asian economy such as Thailand.
The European Union (EU) and other Western countries, which make
up the bulk of the OECD, can afford to experiment with these socialist
policies.
Harmonisation of policies ensures no one country will be held at
a disadvantage for adopting what are uncompetitive policies for
the greater good.
However, Thailand is located in a fiercely competitive region, where
each country adopts its own policy settings to gain a competitive
advantage, and can ill-afford to adopt a set of inappropriate policies
that tilts the playing field in favour of its regional peers.
Moreover, Thailand should not hold itself out as a test bed for
OECD policies in emerging Asia.
A policy misstep could be quite catastrophic.
One need only look to Sri Lanka to see how a Western-inspired agriculture
policy caused a crisis or Nigeria, where the adoption of a Western-inspired
digital currency caused social upheaval.
As with other OECD polices, the tax on salt is good in theory. However,
in practice it is ill-suited to an emerging Asian economy like Thailand.
Such a policy is unlikely to dramatically improve health outcomes,
as much as it will increase the costs of consumer staples and make
life for ordinary Thais all the more difficult.
Rather than rush to harmonise with OECD policies, Thailand should
take the time to carefully consider the appropriateness of OECD
policies and OECD membership itself.
M PFoscolos,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Raised
taxes for PNG police
Led
to unrest in Port Moresby
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday January 6, 2025
First published in the National, Saturday January 4, 2025
|
In the heat of the Jan 10 looting and destruction
last year, the statement ''Politics has associated costs to the
economy and development'' by Prime Minister James Marape would be
a gross understatement.
Politics was blamed for the events at the beginning of last year.
A government announcement was made of an imminent change to the
personal income tax to raise the threshold higher.
When police personnel saw heavy deductions to their salaries, in
the first pay period of the year, they set in motion a string of
events that led to one of the darkest days of doing business in
Port Moresby.
The repercussions of those events were to be felt throughout the
year and well into 2025 and beyond.
Speaking at the New Year event at Port Moresby’s Ela Beach
on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the cost of
politics, and might we add, bad politics, on the economy and overall
development.
In his words, 2024 has been a ‘heavy year’ of politics
Taken in the context of the history of governments in the country,
there has been a mixed bag of successes attributed to political
stability.
Marape has come out victorious after two attempts at overthrowing
him from office.
The history of votes of no confidence looks like this. The first
general election following Independence in 1975 was held in 1977;
first vote of no-confidence was in 1980. The second election was
in 1982, the vote of no confidence was in 1995. The third election
was in 1987 and the following year saw the third Vonc. Those have
been successful one.
It took 27 years between 1975 and 2022 to change government 12 times.
The only time that we had stability was during the term of the late
Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s nine years, thanks to the
Organic Law enacted in the late Sir Mekere Morauta’s time.
A high court ruling that deemed certain provisions of the Organic
Law unconstitutional had pushed politics back to the days when a
prime minister look constantly look over his shoulders to forestall
any attempt at overthrowing it.
This is the situation Marape had found himself in after his 2019
ascent to power and more so following the 2022 general election.
And thus far he has defeated all attempts by the Opposition and
from within his ranks.
The stability which he has so far enjoyed and will possibly continue
to do so for a good part of this year will be judged best not by
politics but in a significant manner by the business community and
ordinary consumers and taxpayers.
The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reported
that at the end of 2024, only K50 million out of the promised K386
relief packages has been paid to businesses affected by the Jan
10 unrest.
The Government’s relief assistance package was welcomed, but
its dispensation of funds has been slow.
As the losses suffered by businesses, amounting to around K785 million,
were an unwanted result of a political decision and a government
payroll error, and based on a government undertaking, it would have
been proper to include the remainder of the relief package as an
item in the 2025 national budget.
That was not to be, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry considered
that “a noticeable omission” but has nonetheless
been assured that the relief assistance would continue through some
other provision of the national budget.
Businesses will continue to be affected by matters that are best
left to political leaders to deal meaningfully with. Issues such
as unreliable power, inflation, law and order, access to foreign
exchange and the high cost and inefficiency of domestic air travel
add to the cost of business in the country.
As a reminder to political leaders, we echo the words of Papua New
Giunea Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ian Tarutia: “Strong,
decisive leadership is critical at this juncture of our country’s
history and we encourage our political leaders to lead the way by
making the right decisions that benefit us all, not decisions that
benefit a few.”
The National,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
|
Call for Thailand to decouple
From the $250 billion cancer industry
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday December 5, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 3, 2024
|
Re: "Cancer treatment reimbursement changes
postponed", in Bangkok Post December Wednesday
25, 2024.
One suspects that apart from administrative and logistics problems,
there might be financial challenges for the government in meeting
the ever-rising expenses of being reimbursed for chemotherapy, hormone
medications, radiation therapy, and the lab tests required by modern
cancer treatments.
A simple solution would be for the National Health Security Office
(NHSO) and the Ministry of Public Health to decouple from their
clannish relationships with big pharma and the $250 billion cancer
industry and embrace with great energy and intention the prevention
of cancer and the introduction of cost-effective treatment regimens.
There are a tiny handful of highly profitable corporate retailers
responsible for the sales of a huge percentage of toxic processed
foods in this country.
They should be heavily taxed, and the proceeds should go to cancer
prevention, education, and treatment subsidies.
Furthermore, very low-cost repurposed drugs, which have proven far
more effective than their modern, highly profitable counterparts
in the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer, must be embraced.
One example is the combination of ivermectin and fenbendazole, which
outperforms chemotherapy and radiation and does so with zero side
effects at less than one-tenth the cost of conventional treatment
protocols.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Keeping
foreign criminals out of Thailand
Is
good for all
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday January 4, 2025
First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday, December 28,
2024
|
Re: "Three foreigners held on drugs charges",
in Bangkok Post, Saturday December 21,2024 "14
nabbed over call centre scam", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday
December 4, 2024 and "Police bust two Chinese syndicates",
in Bangkok Post, Saturday November 23, 2024.
Crimes committed by foreigners frequently appear in newspapers and
TV news broadcasts, and as a person who loves and often travels
to Thailand for my holiday, I am concerned about foreign gangs operating
there to commit crimes and illegal activities and dragging local
people into their operations.
Thai police are busy tracking those criminals and doing a good job
of smashing their illegal activities, arresting and putting them
in court.
I think the press and TV stations can do their part to help eradicate
those activities by telling Thais that such crimes cannot be condoned,
and asking them to keep an eye on their communities for any unusual
activities in their surroundings.
They should also report any suspicious people in their area.
Fights and altercations often occur in tourist areas where bars
are congregated, and intoxicated people get into trouble by getting
into fights and getting hurt in the process.
This is one area of concern, and the authorities should look into
the matter.
Thailand is well known for its warm hospitality, welcoming tourists,
and coming to their aid when they need help. I have many fond memories
of my travels to Thailand over the past 50 years, and it will always
have a place in my heart.
Keeping foreign criminals out of Thailand is good for all, and I
wish the kingdom every success in its endeavours.
Shih Kiat Chia,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The
Philippines government is building up more debt
Than the economy can bear
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday January 3, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday December
20, 2024
|
Our government debt has broken the ceiling, hitting
P16 trillion as of October 2024, just two months to go till the
end of 2024, from only P6 trillion in 2016.
The propensity of our lawmakers is to look at the budget expenditure
and not the matching revenues to cope with the obligations.
We have not been careful in handling the economy.
No matter the efforts to control rising debt, the National Expenditure
Program (NEP) goes up by an estimated 10 percent a year, but the
increase in revenues has been very minimal, resulting in gaping
yearly deficits.
As long as we have willing lenders, the government is not jolted
anymore that we are building up debt more than the economy can bear.
Our borrowing has hit 60.2 percent of debt-to-GDP ratio, breaching
the 60 percent limit set by international lenders, as well.
Fortunately, we have reduced the proportion of our foreign debt
to 37 percent of the total.
The deficit of P1.6 trillion in 2022 was gradually reduced to P1.5
trillion in 2023.
It might be reducing the gap a little bit, but at that rate we would
be staying within the perilous realm of having P1 trillion a year
in operating deficit, increasing total debt by an average of P1
trillion a year.
This means that the next two or three generations will have this
debt yoke to bear. We cannot be lulled into continuing with deficit
spending that we have been used to, mostly for the social and health
services of a growing population and not for infrastructure geared
for economic development.
If the head of the family is earning a salary of P50,000 a month
and yet must spend P55,000, how can one survive without resorting
to borrowings to go on living? Our generation would be pawning the
entire future of the country in hand-to-mouth existence for our
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
We will all have to sit down and count the cost of the ongoing political
noise and division.
This move for impeachment of the Vice President in Congress, and
the ongoing International Criminal Court-related congressional investigations
of drug war killings of the Duterte years could be a righteous way
of redress for victims of grievances. But let the Department of
Justice, law enforcement agencies, and the courts handle criminal
cases and not leave the whole country divided and the economy shattered
over them.
The government must focus on the nation’s economic survival.
We realize how politics has thwarted controls in the anomalous spending
seen in government offices estimated at 20 percent of the NEP wasted.
How can economic managers do enough to enforce financial accountability
and discipline?
This, even if the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget
and Management know how and are at the forefront to implement such
financial controls in ending corruption at its roots, where it starts.
People heading government offices are the ones likely involved and
engaged in corrupt practices, or at the very least should be made
directly answerable for them, but most are political appointees
of the sitting administration. It does not serve political dominance
under the presidential system.
Marvel
K. Tan,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Birth
control measures
Are now forbidden in China
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday January 2, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday December 28,
2024
|
Re: "Feast of feuds", in Bangkok
Post, Postbag, Thursday December 26, 2024 and "Population
puzzle", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Wednesday December 25,
2024.
The number of children in China is extremely low, and the workforce
is dwindling while the economy is declining.
To counter the enormous implications which a declining population
has for the economy, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has resurrected
former "birth control officers" who are now called
"birth promotion officers."
Indeed, it was reported in October this year the Chinese government
has decided to implement a "menstrual police" system
at the local level to monitor the reproductive status of women of
childbearing age who have not yet given birth.
Birth control measures are now forbidden; women both single and
married are closely monitored by the menstrual police to ensure
they are conceiving as many children as possible.
And the men are being forced to marry and work to create and support
large families.
The popular anti-marriage and anti-childbearing sentiments which
dominate social media are now being heavily criticised by China's
digital authorities.
Combined with extensive social unrest, the extreme listlessness
of Chinese youth, homelessness, the large number of unemployed college
graduates, and the structural weaknesses of the economy, there are
new sentiments swirling in social media that are hinting at regime
change and how fragile things are at the Zhongnanhai - a compound
that houses the offices of and serves as a residence for the leadership
of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the State Council.
It should be self-evident that false claims by the Chinese Communist
Party (CCP) of having a population of 1.4 billion people when it
is probably 800 million or less have important ramifications for
geopolitics and the global economy.
This news from independent online sources does not make it to mainstream
media, and I thought it would interest PostBag readers. Apologies
to those who did not find it.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The world is facing wars
and the Philippines
Is
busy with itself instead of taking care of itself
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 1, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday December
25, 2024
|
Some politicians are irresponsibly putting the livelihoods
of the Filipino people at risk through their selfish behavour.
The world is facing wars in different parts of the world and the
Philippines is busy with itself instead of taking care of itself.
The innovative approach of “hybrid warfare” is
apparently still largely unknown among leading politicians here.
The phenomenon is not new, but the methods are becoming increasingly
sophisticated.
Hybrid warfare is the expansion of a purely military combat operation
with the help of espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks, election interference,
propaganda or disinformation campaigns, or with auxiliary measures
such as chemical and biological warfare and weapons in enemy territory,
long before a conflict breaks out at the military level, with the
aim of weakening and destabilizing the enemy from within.
An artificially created wave of flu, for example, can paralyze the
country’s leadership and scare the civilian population, which
can lead to chaos and anarchy. COVID-19 sends its regards, but is
100 times stronger.
In fact, targeted killings of enemy leaders are also a means of
hybrid warfare.
This was not only the case during the so-called “Cold War.”
It is actually forbidden by the Geneva Convention, but is a perfectly
acceptable method in the event of war.
Who wouldn’t have liked to see Adolf Hitler dead before the
end of the war?
Or the hundreds of failed attempts by the CIA to eliminate Fidel
Castro, who was disliked by them?
Therefore, we must expect a very broad spectrum of attacks in the
Philippines in the future also because of the stationing of certain
US troops.
Anything else would be negligent irresponsibility toward the population.
The flexibility with which one must react to such attacks should
also be correspondingly high.
It is difficult to overlook the disunity of domestic politics here.
A situation that is no longer quite peace, but not quite war either,
and moves back and forth in this gray area.
This could also be the outbreak of a civil war within the country.
This includes testing how far one can go.
Therefore, one should limit oneself to the training of experts and
specialists for civil protection and critical infrastructure rather
than to political intrigues among politicians and their families.
National security falls by the wayside here.
Jürgen Schöfer, Ph.D.,
Manila,
Phiippines
|
Thailand's
duopolies and or monopolies
Have
severely harmed consumers
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday December 31, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday December 24,
2024
|
Re: "Thaksin
eyes raising GDP to 5 percent", in Bangkok Post,
Sunday December 22, 2024.
I heartily support Thaksin and his daughter in freeing consumers
from monopoly profits.
Our Trade Competition Commission has never blocked a merger in its
seven years of life.
So, we have near-monopolies in many industries, including telecom,
energy, banking, retail especially convenience stores and healthcare.
These duopolies and or monopolies have severely harmed consumers.
For instance, the Thailand Consumers Council estimated the then-proposed
True-DTAC merger would raise average revenue per user by as much
as 244 percent if players fixed prices, yet the merger proceeded.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn last week you promised us prosperity.
Back your welcome words with prompt, decisive action against the
monopolies.
Burin
Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
PM Paetongtarn's pledge
of prosperity for all
Is so vague it could be a mirage
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday December 30, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday December 22, 2024
|
Re: "New initiatives launched in Northeast",
in Bangkok Post, Saturday December 21, 2024.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn's pledge of "prosperity for all
the people" sounds nice, but is so vague it could be a mirage.
For example, she could have said, "In 2019, both Vietnam and
Thailand had 6.2 percent of its population living under the poverty
line, which was, for us, earnings of B2,762/month.
"Today, Vietnam's figure has plummeted to just 1 percent,
but ours has risen slightly to 6.3 percent. By 2026, ours, too,
will be 1 percent or less - and will stay there."
Speaking at that event, she also should have outlined the strategy
by which she would achieve that objective.
For instance, she could have noted, "Today, 64.7 percent
of Thais aged 15-65 can barely read and understand short texts to
solve simple problems.
"Also, today, 74.1 percent of these Thais cannot perform simple
tasks like finding
product prices in an online shopping site. By 2026, these figures
will be halved, and halved again by 2027."
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand generals can
tear up
And make up new constitutions at will
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday December 29, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday December 22, 2024
|
Re: "Senate refuses to back down on referendum",
in Bangkok Post, December 18, 2024.
The dance about regulations for changing the constitution is laughable
considering with what ease generals can tear up and make up new
constitutions at will.
It should be clearly understood that a dictator's constitution should
be scrapped at once by a freely elected parliament.
But unfortunately, parties aligned with the generals for influence
and money hinder this, while those representing the people are being
serially disbanded.
The political system is a shambles and development of the country
is going nowhere.
But the "elites" are sitting pretty on their money
piles.
Karl Reichstetter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Letters
to Bangkok Post PostBag
Argue
China's true birth rate
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday December 28, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday December 26,
2024
|
Re: "Population puzzle" and "Crossing
the line", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Tuesday,
December 24, 2024.
Not a great deal of cheer and goodwill in my PostBag stocking this
Christmas Day!
First up was Michael Setter struggling to keep up his record of
a letter-a-day with a jumble of incomprehensible statistics about
China's birth rate, seemingly just to contradict a letter from Ioan
Voicu.
Following that was a missive from Songdej Praditsmanont in support
of Mr Setter's appeal for letters on all topics.
Somewhat surprisingly for many of us, he praised the Post for having
disabused him on misleading information from other dubious sources
over the years.
This was all the more ironic given that Mr Setter has been the most
prolific purveyor of disinformation in PostBag in the six years
I've been a reader.
Khun Songdej didn't hesitate to remind us that, regardless of the
criticism he has received for previous threats of libel action,
he remains poised to sue for defamation.
That's the moment he perceives that disagreement in a letters column
constitutes character assassination.
It's looking like 2025 is going to be more of the same, same.
Ray Ban,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
May the shine of the lights
of Christmas shine
Upon better times in our world
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday December 27, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday December 26,
2024
|
The lights of Christmas are meant to reflect beauty,
peace and celebration.
We cannot overlook the rich symbolism of the festive occasion by
allowing war, hatred, vile political connivance and hypocrisies
to eclipse the radiance of love, peace, hope and the joys of humanity
at Christmas time.
May the shine of the lights of Christmas shine upon better times
in our world.
Let there be true peace, understanding and amity.
Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
All right thinking people
applaud ICC arrest warrant
For
Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing
First
published in The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday December
26, 2024
|
It has come belatedly but it is still welcome news
that the International Criminal Court has applied for a warrant
of arrest for Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces ( Tatmadaw
) of Myanmar President , Min Aung Hlaing, for crimes against humanity
of Rohingya Muslims Wednesday November27, 2024 ( The Southeast Asian
Times 24 December, 2024 ).
The crimes in question the ICC claims “ were committed during
the 2016 and 2017 waves of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
and the subsequent exodus of Rohingya muslims from Myanmar to Bangladesh
“.
The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan KC said “ this is the first
application by the ICC for the arrest of a high-level Myanmar government
official. More warrants of arrests will follow “.
That must happen to send a strong message to all rogue state officials
everywhere that no matter how high level your position if you commit
low down acts of crimes against humanity you will face justice under
international law.
All right thinking people would applaud the ICC decision to seek
the aforementioned arrest warrants for the Myanmar state officials.
Rajend
Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
|
A
dictators constitution should be
Scrapped at once
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday December 25, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday December 22, 2024
|
Re: "Senate
refuses to back down on referendum", in Bangkok
Post, Wednesday December 18, 2024.
The dance about regulations for changing the constitution is laughable
considering with what ease generals can tear up and make up new
constitutions at will.
It should be clearly understood that a dictator's constitution should
be scrapped at once by a freely elected parliament.
But unfortunately, parties aligned with the generals for influence
and money hinder this, while those representing the people are being
serially disbanded.
The political system is a shambles and development of the country
is going nowhere. But the "elites" are sitting pretty
on their money piles.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
"Don't it always
seem to go''
That you don't know what you've got 'til
it's gone?"
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday December 24, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday December 23, 2024
|
Re: "Eye on Washington", Bangkok
Post, PostBag, WednesdayDecember 18, 2024.
I first came to Thailand in 1979 and discovered there were two English
language newspapers, the Bangkok Post being by far the better choice.
The Post's Sunday edition was an absolute delight; monumental in
both size and the quality, as well as the amount of effort that
went into producing it every week.
With the advent of the internet and now AI, one must congratulate
the Bangkok Post for being able to navigate a tsunami of economic
challenges and continue to offer its invaluable print edition.
Its intermediate and advanced English language learning content
is a wonderful education resource for the many keen students who
are so woefully underserved in this nation.
I would therefore suggest to John F Kane that rather than trying
to tell contributors what not to write (as so many others have done),
that he tries to pen something original and informative that contributes
value to the PostBag forum.
As Joni Mitchell sang, "Don't it always seem to go. That you
don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?" -from Big Yellow
Taxi.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Sharp of PM of Malaysia
to tap former PM of Thailand
As informal advisor for Malaysia ASEAN chair
2025
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday December 23, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday December 21,
2024
|
Re: "Anwar taps Thaksin for Asean role",
in Bangkok Post,
Wednesday December 18, 2024.
It was sharp of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to tap Thaksin
Shinawatra as an informal adviser when Malaysia assumes Asean's
chairmanship next year.
He presumably believes that Khun Thaksin is a former fellow controversial
"jailed" premier and likely admires him as a great
survivor and success story in the economic and business world.
After being in self-imposed exile for 17 years, Khun Thaksin served
time in prison for only a few hours when he returned.
Prime Minister Anwar actually had to serve six years in prison and
he was also cruelly treated.
Thaksin's great success in economics and business, not to mention
dealing with so many accusations and lawsuits for corruption, must
have impressed everyone, not only Prime Minister Anwar.
Songdej
Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Pardon
issued by President Biden for Anthony Fauci
Is
unprecedented and probably unconstitutional
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday December 22, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday December 20, 2024
|
Re: "Pardon me?", in Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Thursday December 19, 2024.
Indeed, I did write that preemptive pardons are "unprecedented
and probably unconstitutional".
Tarquin Chufflebottom claims that I conveniently ignored Ford's
pardon of Nixon and Bush Snr's pardon of Casper (sic) Weinberger.
As we shall see, these two pardons were not without antecedent crimes
established by legal process.
Regarding the pardon received by Nixon, there were antecedent crimes,
which were three in number as determined by the House of Representatives
Judiciary Committee: obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and
contempt of Congress. These were included in the committee report
which detailed articles of impeachment against Nixon. Congress was
overwhelmingly in favour of impeachment.
Preferring to resign rather than face further humiliation, Nixon's
resignation was followed by statements from special prosecutor Leon
Jaworski that Nixon must face federal criminal charges.
Forty-eight people were convicted of crimes related to the Watergate
scandal, and Nixon was recorded on tape conspiring to commit those
crimes.
It is widely believed Nixon received a pardon from Ford in exchange
for his resignation.
Weinberger was pardoned by Bush Snr while Weinberger was under an
indictment for crimes committed during the Iran-Contra affair.
Although many believe Anthony Fauci should face prosecution for
crimes against humanity and despite abundant evidence, no legal
action has been undertaken by the US Department of Justice.
Therefore, a pardon issued by Biden in his case would be without
antecedent criminal charges and would thus be unprecedented and
probably unconstitutional.
Michael
Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
It
is naive to think Thailand's economy will benefit
By
adopting OECD ascension policies
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday, December 20, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday December 20, 2024
|
Re: "A taxing question", in Bangkok
Post, Business, Monday December 16, 2024.
There are good reasons why many of Thailand's regional peers have
shown little interest in joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD).
For all the talk of the OECD being a consensus-based organisation,
it is not an Asean-style body with a strong doctrine of non-interference.
The policies imposed on Thailand by the OECD may well harmonise
Thailand with other OECD member nations, but it equally risks making
Thailand much less competitive in its own region.
Malaysia, free from OECD residency-based taxation policies, is already
luring Thailand's long-stay tourists by actively promoting their
country's tax exemption on foreign-sourced income and stable remittance-based
taxation system.
Singapore and Hong Kong, unconstrained by OECD policy, have retained
their territorial taxation system and have cemented their positions
as regional financial hubs.
Vietnam, in the absence of incompatible OECD labour, climate, social
policies, is poised to overtake Thailand as one of the region's
main manufacturing hubs.
As to the suggestion that OECD ascension process is likely to reduce
Thailand's dependence on tourism, there seems little evidence for
that.
If anything, the adoption of OECD tax policies is likely to erode
Thailand's lucrative long-stay tourism and retirement hub that has
been decades in the making and generally makes Thailand a less attractive
tourist destination.
Greece's membership of the OECD did not save it from total economic
collapse in 2009.
Turkey's OECD membership did not help it avoid an economic and currency
crisis in 2018.
Colombia's OECD membership did not deliver it from a credit rating
downgrade earlier this year.
It is naive to think Thailand's economy will benefit by adopting
OECD ascension policies. As for increasing inward investment, it
is laughable to suggest that Thailand will somehow attract more
inward investment by adopting OECD tax and other policies.
These are the very policies that drove many companies and high-net-worth
individuals to flee the West.
Of course, Thailand needs policy reforms. But forcing Thailand to
accept ill-suited policies imported directly from a western supra-national
body like the OECD sells Thailand short.
It is administratively lazy, undemocratic, and does not serve the
best interest of Thailand.
M P Foscolos
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
can learn from South Korea's President
Announcement of martial law and army mobilisation
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday December 20, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday December 5, 2024
|
Re: "South Korean president declares martial
law", Bangkok Post Online, Tuesday December
3, 2024.
Thailand's civilian and military leaders can learn much from South
Korea's handling of President Yoon Suk-yeol's announcement of martial
law and army mobilisation. Reaction was swift, decisive, and effective
- as all followed the rule of law.
MPs raced to the National Assembly and, with 190 of its 300 members
present, quickly passed a resolution demanding Mr Yoon lift his
order while protesters opposed to martial law gathered outside the
building and the nation's powerful unions threatened to go on strike.
I note that (a) the general public and unions quickly and peacefully
protested; (b) the authorities did not use force to prevent peaceful
protests; (c) the military did not take sides and was always under
civilian control; (d) there were no reports of tanks or soldiers
on the street in Seoul or elsewhere in South Korea.
Soon after parliament's resolution against martial law, soldiers
left parliament and its grounds, and (e) all sides followed the
rule of law, including Mr Yoon, who complied with parliament's will
and withdrew his declaration of martial law.
We should learn from SK, which escaped military rule 37 years ago
and has soared economically since then.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Essential markings on
Bangkok roads
Obliterated for road resurfacing
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday December 19, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday December 10, 2024
|
Well done to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(BMA) for the excellent resurfacing of many roads in the Suan Luang
area by using tarmac to eliminate all the recently installed red
pedestrian crossings, white road markings and lane dividers.
The ensuing havoc of cars and bikes driving all over the flipping
place and pedestrians having no crossing facilities on On Nut 17
and other sois as a result of those essential markings being obliterated
is marvellous.
Congratulations!
Bob Kneale,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
There
is never a good enough reason
For
the military to organise an armed coup
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday December 18, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday December 11,
2024
|
Re: "Anutin says no to coup bill",
in Bangkok Post, Tuesday December 10, 2024.
What an extremely sad and sorry state of affairs when Anutin Charnvirakul
- a leader of a major political party and Minister of the Interior
thinks so little of the parliamentary system and the citizens that
he is quite happy to allow the possible intrusion of the military
into political affairs.
There is never a good enough reason for the military to organise
an armed coup and depose an elected government, and any bill that
reduces that risk is worth voting for.
Does Mr Anutin really think so poorly of his past political friends
and party members that they deserved to be ousted by men in uniform,
and more importantly, did the generals improve the situation and
improve the democratic system that he purportedly stands for?
But then, as a man who once apologised for a statement that he insisted
he did not post, he may not be the best example for aspiring politicians
to follow.
Steve
Merchant,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
''Christmas wonder'' by
Anna Cristina Tuazon
Helps reconnect with what Christmas truly
means
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday December 17, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday December
10, 2024
|
I was filled with delight and nostalgia alike after
reading Anna Cristina Tuazon’s article “Christmas wonder,”
in Safe Space, December 5, 2024.
Growing up as a child in a practicing Roman Catholic family, Christmas
was always a time of joy and tradition.
I remember the happy memories peppered with the excitement of decorating
our old Christmas tree, hanging our parol near the door, and stringing
up Christmas lights on the facade.
I remember the feeling of being able to fully immerse myself in
the moment, to just feel the Christmas spirit, with all its glee.
However, as time went by, I began to experience what many call the
”Christmas blues'' a sense of nostalgia mixed with longing
and the ambivalent realization that the magic of the season isn’t
what it once was.
The joy of the season mellowed over time.
No more Christmas tree.
No more parol. No more Christmas lights.
It became more apparent to me that I was slowly losing touch with
the magic of Christmas, as life became more demanding and I felt
less sheltered by the traditions I once cherished.
But thanks to Tuazon’s article, I was given the impetus to
bridge the gap between the past and present and challenge myself
to rediscover “a sense of wonder,” helping me reconnect
with what Christmas truly means.
We may not have a Christmas tree, parol, or Christmas lights, but
in my heart lives the true spirit of the season, thanksgiving.
Jhon Steven C. Espenido,
Surigao City,
Philippines
|
Who
says sports and politics don't mix?
It mixes alright
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday December 15, 2024
|
Australia to limit China’s security ambitions
in the Pacific with rugby and security training in PNG ( The Southeast
Asian Times 14 December 2024 ).
It aims to do that “ with funding of A$600million over 10
years to support Papua New Guineas’s entry to the Australian
National Rugby League ( NRL ) competition and funding of A$200 million
in security support for Papua New Guinea “.
So says sports and politics don’t mix?
It mixes alright.
It often mixes big time as the Australia example demonstrates.
Rajend
Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
|
Brick
bloc comprises 45 percent of world consumer population
But
will the US allow that percentage to go on a trajectory?
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday December 15, 2024
First published in the Malaysiakini Monday December 2, 2024
|
It was reported that US President-elect Donald Trump
has belted a threat that his government will impose 100 percent
tariffs on countries within the Brics bloc if they commit to creating
a new currency for international trade.
In late October 2024, Malaysia officially became a partner country
in the alliance following a confirmation by Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim in July that Malaysia had applied for full membership.
Trump’s warning, “Comply or kiss US market goodbye”
is a concern that calls for serious consideration by Malaysia.
This is a legitimate concern for all Malaysians given the fact that
in 2023 alone, the trade value between the United States and Malaysia
saw our nation “exporting goods worth US$35 billion (RM160
billion) to the US” (Scoop, Dec 1, 2024).
US’ warning that Brics countries “should expect to
say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy,” matters
much to countries like Malaysia given the disproportionate export
currency earnings that help to develop nations.
While we may seemingly take comfort in the fact that Brics now has
some 34 countries interested in the bloc, can Malaysia develop sizeable
markets in order to forgo US trade to reduce our reliance on the
US dollar?
Have we taken cognisance of the prospect that the “new”
currency within Brics is unlikely, “given the alliance’s
internal economic and geopolitical
disparities” ?
We could be taking comfort in the expansionary trade wings of China.
But have we taken into consideration that trade is never about charity
and sacrifice or sheer corporate social responsibility for any ambitious
nation?
It is no surprise that the two nations spearheading the Brics thrust
Russia and China are in partnership to challenge the “American
leadership”.
Suppose Trump bulldozes his painful tariff threat, what are our
safety net alternatives in so far as foreign (US and Europe) investments
in the country, our export earnings, food supply and supply chains
as well as the huge investments our government-linked companies,
government-linked investment companies and other government agencies
including entities like Majlis Amanah Rakyat are concerned?
Former Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill predicted first
seeded the notion that these Brics countries would challenge the
global dominance of Western economies.
But we must not lose sight of the fact that many analyses and predictions
have gone wrong too.
Today the Brics bloc comprising 45 percent of the world’s consumer
population wields power over 28 percent of the global economy.
But will the US allow that percentage to go on a trajectory?
While Anwar’s strategic aims to maintain the nation’s
economic and geopolitical independence should not dismissed in its
entirety, we nevertheless need convincing answers to what are our
assuring alternatives towards striking a balance in our national
trade and investment plans for the future.
Has Anwar’s assertion that Malaysia’s position along the
crucial Strait of Malacca - a key shipping route that facilitates
global crude oil transport - is our best bet for courting Brics
equally taken stock of China’s interest in alternative shipping
routes?
Indeed no leader or political party in power should trap our beloved
nation into a painful future.
We need a united, learned, national decision and all Malaysians
must be concerned as the ultimate responsibility and consequences
will fall on everyone’s shoulders - citizens, lawmakers and
rulers.
JD Lovrenciear,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
|
Philippines urge ASEAN
and broader global family
To
support initiatives that uphold UNCLOS
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday December 14, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday December
12, 2024
|
On the fateful evening of December 2, as the BRP Datu
Tamblot and its crew braved the calm waters near Hasa-Hasa Shoal,
they were met with an unexpected guest—a high-intensity laser
beam from an unidentified Chinese vessel.
As the green beam pierced the darkness, one could almost imagine
it as an unorthodox holiday greeting, albeit one that could potentially
blind our sailors.
Incidents like these remind us of the challenges faced by our courageous
men and women guarding the waters of the West Philippine Sea. Hasa-Hasa
Shoal, a part of our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), isn’t just
a spot on the map, it’s a resource-rich area teeming with marine
life, a haven for Filipino fishers, and a symbol of our national
identity.
While the laser incident might sound like a scene from a sci-fi
movie, it’s a stark reminder of the reality we face: a need
to assert our sovereign rights without losing sight of diplomacy
and peace.
Let us not be intimidated by these bright displays; instead, let
them serve as a spotlight on the pressing need for unity - both
domestically and internationally.
The Philippines has always been a nation that values dialogue, justice,
and mutual respect.
We have demonstrated our commitment to these principles through
the legal and diplomatic avenues we’ve pursued, most notably
the 2016 arbitral ruling that affirmed our rights in the West Philippine
Sea.
Yet, these rights are not just about us.
They resonate with all nations that believe in the rule of law and
the importance of maintaining peace and stability in international
waters.
Our maritime zones are part of a larger network that supports global
trade, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Protecting these waters
is a shared responsibility.
We call on our friends in the international community to shine a
light of their own on this issue. This is not merely a bilateral
matter between the Philippines and China; it’s a question of
respecting international law and ensuring that no nation can claim
what isn’t theirs through coercion or force.
From Asean partners to the broader global family, we urge you to
amplify your voices.
Support initiatives that uphold peace and the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
Stand with us in asserting that the future of these waters lies
in sustainable development, not conflict.
To our fellow Filipinos, let this serve as a rallying cry - not
to war, but to unwavering vigilance and unity.
Every fisher who sails these waters, every soldier who guards our
outposts, and every citizen who supports our claim, strengthens
our stance.
Together, we are a nation that believes in fairness, peace, and
sovereignty.
And to the unidentified vessel that brought a light show to Hasa-Hasa
Shoal, let this be our message: the Philippines does not stand in
darkness.
We are guided by the light of our laws, our allies, and our indomitable
spirit.
So, let us steer forward, navigating these contested waters with
confidence.
The beam of justice and unity will always shine brighter than any
laser.
Shermaine Anacleto,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Never
a good enough reason for the military to organise
An
armed coup and depose an elected government
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday December 13, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday December 10,
2024
|
Re: "Anutin says no to coup bill",
in Bangkok Post,
Tuesday December 10, 2024.
What an extremely sad and sorry state of affairs when Anutin Charnvirakul
- a leader of a major political party and Minister of the Interior
thinks so little of the parliamentary system and the citizens that
he is quite happy to allow the possible intrusion of the military
into political affairs.
There is never a good enough reason for the military to organise
an armed coup and depose an elected government, and any bill that
reduces that risk is worth voting for.
Does Mr Anutin really think so poorly of his past political friends
and party members that they deserved to be ousted by men in uniform,
and more importantly, did the generals improve the situation and
improve the democratic system that he purportedly stands for?
But then, as a man who once apologised for a statement that he insisted
he did not post, he may not be the best example for aspiring politicians
to follow.
Steve Merchant,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Australia
one of 157 countries that voted in support of UN
Recognition
of inalienable rights of Palestinian people
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday December 12, 2024
|
According to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu “
it is impossible to separate this reprehensible act [ the arson
attack on the Melbourne synagogue ] from the extreme anti-Israeli
position of the AustralianLabour government that supported the United
Nations resolution “ ( read details in ‘ Israel
PM says “ impossible to separate arson attack on synagogue
in Australiawith UN vote against Israel” in The Southeast Asian
Times 9 December 2024).
Netanyahu’s reaction is a classic case of blame shifting.
The blame should be put where it rightly belongs : with the far
right Israeli state under Netanyahu and his cronies.
It is on account of the illegal Israeli occupation, oppression and
since the Hamas October 7 attack in Israel the genocide against
the Palestinian people.
Australia PM Anthony Albanese politely reminded the Israeli PM and
like minded others that “ Australia was one of 157 countries
that voted in support of the United Nations resolution that recognised
“ the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, primarily
the right to self-determination and the right to their independent
state “, urging “ Israel to bring to an end its
unlawful presence in thee Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly
as possible “.
Netanyahu should focus on complying with the UN resolution to bring
the Israeli- Palestinian conflict to a peaceful and enduring end.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
|
China
shops in Thailand
Are
killing local entrepreneurs
First
published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday December 3, 2024
The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday December 11, 2024
|
Re: "Border trade up 6 percent in first 10
months", Bangkok Post, Business, Tuesday
December 3, 2024.
As an undergraduate student at Mahidol University International
College, I think it is great that Thailand's trade with its neighbouring
countries has grown over the past several years.
However, this growth in regional trade has caused some noticeable
changes in many areas.
Take for instance the area surrounding my university in Salaya neighbourhood
in Nakhon Pathom's Phutthamonthon district.
Many local businesses have shut down, replaced by various Chinese
restaurants which are rapidly mushrooming in the area.
This made me think that perhaps Thailand's government should introduce
some restrictions on businesses from neighbouring countries, especially
China, from setting up shop in Thailand, since their presence is
killing local entrepreneurs.
Smaller, local businesses will never have the capital to compete
with foreign investors looking to make their mark in the market.
Many of these foreign businesses also come armed with knowledge
of the market that Thai businesses do not have, and they are able
to take advantage of the free trade agreements between Thailand
and China, allowing them to undercut their local competitors - which
could never bring their prices down as low as their foreign competitors
without going out of business.
I experienced this firsthand as I was walking around my campus.
A new shop selling ice-cream for 10 baht a cone recently opened
up next to a local ice-cream hawker that was selling theirs for
15 baht.
You can guess which shop most people ended up going to.
Tanagone
Songvatanakamchon,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Free trade is seen as
the best antidote
To the economic slump
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday December 10, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday December 3, 2024
|
Economically speaking, the statements the Asian region
sent are pretty encouraging.
Sincere efforts and mutual cooperation are needed to expand potential
trade platforms like Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) and
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which are aimed
at encouraging regional business activities through free trade.
Free trade is seen as the best antidote to the economic slump, in
contrast to a trade war intended to harm other countries.
My first job was, in fact, in export and import activities through
the Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu.
Any attempt to place an embargo on trade activities will only entail
a strong backlash. My native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin,
Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, and Tirunelveli have thrived on easy and
free trade, selling locally procured farm produce like paddy, banana,
and betel within the region and to outside areas too.
The idea of protectionism will never go down well with people.
Free trade is the way forward.
Countries from the East and West should strengthen their global
economic status through bold business steps like multilateral negotiations
and transboundary free trade.
P Senthil Saravana Durai,
Bangkok,
Yhailand
|
Call to stand up and speak
out against arson attack
On Adass
Israel synagogue in Melbourne
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday December 9, 2024
|
All good men and women in Australia and around the
world would find the arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue abhorrent.
It should not happen here.
All good men and women in Australia and around the world also find
the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip abhorrent.
It should not happen there.
We must stand up and speak out against the violence of race hate
wherever it raises its ugly head.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australias
|
When
will something else fall on our heads
As we drive by the Rama II motorway
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday December 8, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday December 6, 2024
|
Re: "Rama II motorway construction put on
hold after fatal crane collapse", in Bangkok Post, Sunday
December 1, 2024.
As an undergraduate student living in Thailand, I feel extremely
sad and ashamed about another accident that happened during the
construction of the Rama II motorway.
It reflects a lack of security and questionable standards of engineering
safety.
Unfortunately, this is not the only accident that has happened on
the Rama II motorway.
There have been many construction accidents on highways.
It is unacceptable that we cannot drive on the road and feel safe.
When will something else fall on our heads as we drive by?
It is not just the construction companies who are to blame.
Government departments responsible for overseeing construction on
public highways are also at fault.
Do they not owe a duty of care to us, the general public?
Tassapon Angspatt,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Call
for Filipinos to show respect
For
the constitution and institutions
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday December 7, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday December
4, 2024
|
It is highly irresponsible for anyone to advocate
for a coup d’état in the midst of the ongoing tensions
between President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte. Such actions
would only bring harm to the people of our nation, as the stability
of our country hangs in the balance.
A coup d’état, which is a sudden and illegal seizure
of power from a government, often leads to violence, instability,
and loss of lives. It disrupts the democratic process and undermines
the rule of law, which are essential for a peaceful and prosperous
society.
History has shown us that coups often result in long-lasting damage
to a country’s political, social, and economic stability.
As a concerned citizen who firmly believes in upholding the rule
of law, I urge my fellow Filipinos to show respect for our Constitution
and the institutions that
uphold it.
Our Constitution is the supreme law of the land and provides the
framework for our democracy.
It guarantees our fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as outlines
the powers and limitations of our government officials.
By respecting and upholding the Constitution, we ensure that our
democracy remains intact and that the rule of law prevails.
Let us refrain from allowing our emotions to dictate our actions
and refrain from inciting our military to intervene in the political
turmoil between our leaders. Emotions can cloud our judgment and
lead us to make decisions that are not in the best interest of our
nation.
It is important to approach political conflicts with reason, tolerance,
and a commitment to dialogue and compromise.
Inciting the military to intervene in politics is a dangerous precedent
that can have far-reaching consequences.
The military’s primary role is to protect the country from
external threats, not to meddle in domestic political affairs.
Instead, let us demonstrate our compassion and concern for the well-being
of our children and the future of our nation by rejecting any unconstitutional
methods to resolve the current political crisis.
Our children are the future leaders of our country, and it is our
duty to set a positive example for them.
By advocating for peaceful and lawful ways to address political
disagreements, we show our commitment to democracy, stability, and
progress.
We must work together to find common ground, respect each other’s
viewpoints, and uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
Let us remember our shared responsibility to protect the country
and work toward a better future for all.
May God bless the Philippines.
Reginald B. Tamayo,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Buddha's teachings
Focus on inner peace and personal awakening
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday December 6, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday December 5,
2024
|
Re: "Buddhism is always oddly political",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Sunday November 29, 2024.
The article by Guanxiong Qi sheds light on the political use of
Buddhist relics. While the historical account is interesting and
informative, I would like to highlight some critical points.
It is unfortunate to see how Buddhist relics are instrumentalised
for political purposes.
This contradicts the Buddha's teachings, which focus on inner peace
and personal awakening.
The emphasis on relics as national treasures and their use for diplomatic
missions neglects the universal and apolitical nature of Buddhist
teachings.
Buddha himself taught compassion and wisdom beyond national boundaries
and political agendas.
The Post's removal of critical commentary on these issues shows
a worrying tendency towards censorship that hinders open discourse.
It is crucial that opinions and criticism can be heard and discussed
in public to promote deeper understanding and a balanced perspective.
It is important to preserve the original teachings of Buddhism and
not to distort them with political interests.
An open and respectful dialogue on these issues is necessary to
preserve the true meaning and essence of Buddhism.
If the Post allows Guanxiong Qi to spread nationalist Buddhist ideology
among readers, it should also allow readers to articulate their
opposition to this political instrumentalisation of Buddhism.
Nang Tani,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
It's
not hard to see why there is skepticism
And cynicism about future COP talkfest
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday December 2, 2024
|
I should like to remind Ioan Viocu that the “
turning point in the global effort to protect life on our planet
“ ( The Southeast Asian Times 2 December 2024 ), was a
long time ago.
Humanity failed to take the concrete action that was imperative
to avert climate catastrophe despite all the bloated COP gatherings
at exotic locations.
Now we have reached the tipping point.
That’s why there is skepticism and cynicism about future COP
talkfest.
It’s not hard to see why.
Rajend Naidu,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Climate lockdowns
Would include steep carbon taxes
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday December 4, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday November 30,
2024
|
Re: "Making public investment work",
Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday November 21, 2024.
Those unelected elites who presume to be our masters have decided
that this is the time to implement a strategy presented several
years ago by Mariana Mazzucato of the World Economic Forum.
The first thing one sees upon visiting the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) online is, "The world is sitting on a razor's
edge, and the potential deciding factor between future prosperity
and potential runaway climate disaster is a single number - 1.5."
The IMF and other globalist organisations suggest we must achieve
a net zero carbon goal by 2030 to avoid the "climate cliff".
The theory is that once the Earth hits warming of more than 1.5C
there will be an irreversible environmental disaster of inconceivable
proportions.
Of course, this is complete nonsense, but fortunately, they haven't
been able to get monkeypox and bird flu up to snuff, so this is
Plan B.
To achieve our collective salvation, these globalists have decided
to roll out climate lockdowns, draconian measures under which "governments
would limit private vehicle use, ban consumption of red meat and
impose extreme energy-saving measures, while fossil-fuel companies
would have to stop drilling". – Zero Hedge.
Climate lockdowns would include steep carbon taxes, which act like
interest rate increases commonly used by central banks to slow economic
activity during inflation.
An indirect economic shutdown of this magnitude would be devastating
for Western nations, resulting in crippling energy shortages, food
shortages, job losses and eventually total collapse, decimating
populations worldwide.
Despite paid fact-checks to the contrary, this is what they want
to occur, what the pandemic was about, and what our future holds
in store unless we collectively do something to stop them.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Indebted
Thai's spend with one main supplier
Leaving them with little to spend elsewhere
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday December 3, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday November 27, 2024
|
Re: "Govt gets tips to run economy",
in Bangkok Post, Monday November 25, 2024.
Monday's Bangkok Post had an article about the country's economic
prospects and stimulus measures and even a suggestion that removing
interest payments from their debts would leave debtors with more
money to spend.
A few days previous, we were informed that Charoen Pokphand Foods
reported a net profit increase of 937 percent almost 7,000 million
baht in Q2, with 30 percent coming from its Thai businesses.
This leaves me feeling that the ordinary indebted Thai person with
very little choice is spending their money with one main supplier,
leaving them with little to spend elsewhere.
The few that are not in debt, the wealthy 5 percent who hold large
amounts of Thailand's wealth and money, now need to spend extravagantly
to make up for the indebted poor.
It's not going to happen, is it?
This economy that needs stimulus seems to be only for the benefit
of businesses, and I can see little reason why the working poor
should be responsible for keeping it all afloat on their poor wages.
Steve Merchant,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
COP30
in Brazil should be a genuine turning point
In
the global efforts to protect life on our planet
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday November 2, 2024
Frist published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday November 30,
2024
|
Re: "Pricey policies to curb climate change
'dead'", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday
November 28, 2024.
It is controversial and disheartening for Bjorn Lomborg to assert
that COP29
"has been as hypocritical and dysfunctional as every one
before".
In reality, this conference held in Baku concluded with several
agreements addressing climate finance, carbon markets, transparency,
and adaptation.
Significant gaps indeed remain, but we should wait and see how states
will implement this conference's recommendations and properly prepare
the work for next year's COP30 in Brazil.
This should not be a sanctimonious event but a genuine turning point
in the global efforts to protect life on our planet.
Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand's draconian defamation
law
Allows
dishonest operators to just keep on going
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday December 1, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday November 29, 2024
|
Re: "Lawyers in the spotlight", Bangkok
Post, Editorial, Tuesday November 12, 2024.
The real contentious issue with Thailand's draconian defamation
law is that it allows lawsuits even when a victim was defrauded
and has clear evidence of such.
In the past I used to regularly visit listed companies but long
ago stopped this, as if I was told some fragrant dishonesty I can't
point this out for fear of this strict Thai defamation.
Unlike in other countries, this can or could allow dishonest operators
to just keep on going because if they are singled out, they threaten
lawsuits.
Paul A Renaud
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand to become an
unmatched
Hub
of Buddhist meditation
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday November 30, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday November 29, 2024
|
"Monks under probe for keeping 73 corpses
in Phichit province", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday
November 26, 2024.
If, as explained by the monks collecting a sufficiency of human
corpses, 73 at the latest count, dead bodies are valuable "as
aids to meditation," does that not mean that those who
meditate without at least one corpse present are missing out on
something?
That doesn't seem fair to them.
To ensure the full fruits of meditation for all, it is necessary
to protect this venerated traditional custom of Thai Buddhism. Thai
Buddhism's guardian, the National Office of Buddhism, should ensure
all temples used for meditation, at least the popular ones turning
a sufficient profit, be provided with the requisite human leftovers.
Perhaps a deal can be legalised where the faithful can pre-sell
their bodies for extra merit.
A greater sufficiency of merit always comes in handy when dead.
This will fast-track Thailand to become an unmatched hub of meditation.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Bua
Noi the gorilla
Has
committed no crime
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday 29 November 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday November 28,
2024
|
Re: "Caged in misery", in Bangkok
Post PostBag, Tuesday November 26, 2024 and "Forget
me not", Bangkok Post Sunday November, 24.
Gorillas share 98.3 percent of their DNA with homo sapiens, just
0.3 percent behind chimpanzees, who share 98.6 percent of their
DNA with homo sapiens. These are both less than 2 percent different
from what makes us what we are.
This means that gorillas are our second cousins.
Despite this close relationship, a wealthy Thai owner of a shopping
complex has chosen to keep a gorilla imprisoned behind bars for
nearly 40 years.
It has committed no crime but has suffered day after day in a small
enclosure, being gawked at by his homo sapien cousins.
If Bua Noi had just 1.7 percent more of our DNA, this family would
be charged with serious crimes, including unlawful incarceration,
deprivation of liberty, and yes, torture.
Bua Noi cannot speak for herself.
So I join Rose Bellini in calling for justice to be done and for
this sentient being to be released into an open-air environment
it is too late to return her to the wild.
Bua Noi's owners have ignored all previous calls for her release,
so let us call on government agencies concerned with the welfare
of animals to investigate the circumstances of this imprisonment.
David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Philippines is a country
where schools are Roman Catholic
And where divorce is still illegal
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday November 28, 2024
First Published in the Philippine Inquirer Wednesday November
27, 2024
|
The Philippines consistently cements its reputation
as a vanguard of Catholicism in Asia - boasting old churches and
a predominantly Catholic population.
In 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that about
four out of five Filipino households declared themselves to be of
the Roman Catholic faith.
The country is no stranger to the interactions between the Catholic
Church and the state.
The national hero, Dr. José Rizal, famously wrote about the
power that priests wielded during the Spanish colonization in his
obra maestras.
In 1986, Manila’s Archbishop Cardinal Sin appealed to the people
for peace, which led to the people power revolution.
The influence of the Church on the country cannot be denied even
today, where it is still common to see politicians display themselves
as devout or to hear about political aspirants courting religious
groups to secure block votes.
With another round of elections coming soon in the Philippines,
the spotlight is once again on the political aspirants to prove
to the public that they are upright citizens and morally sound people.
Speaking as someone who grew up witnessing how Catholic values shaped
and influenced the Philippines, it makes me wonder why corruption
is so prevalent in the country even though public institutions such
as schools and media outlets regularly emphasize the importance
of embodying moral values whether it be through formal curriculum
or entertainment.
This is the country where churches are found in every other town,
where religious-themed shows like ''May Bukas Pa'' became
mainstream nationwide, and where the opinions of award-giving bodies
such as the Catholic Mass Media hold weight.
This is the country where a lot of the top schools are affiliated
with the Roman Catholic Church, where the process of legalizing
universal access to contraceptives became ripe with protests, and
controversies, and where divorce is still not legal.
Despite Catholic-influenced institutions preaching about moral values
to Filipinos, corruption still seems prevalent among people of power
in the country.
In 2023, the Philippines ranked 115th out of 180 countries in the
2023 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index.
With each new administration, there seems to be a new scandal that
comes to light at the expense of taxpayers and the common folk.
Dishonest behavior and money almost always seem to be involved in
corruption cases of public officials.
Even though quite a number of public officials identify as Roman
Catholic or were educated in Catholic-affiliated schools, they may
still commit these dishonest acts.
This is not to say that religion should bear the brunt of the ills
of society.
After all, other countries influenced by Catholicism or other religions
also have their fair share of concerns.
On paper, the Philippines should also be a secular state, and religion
should not be the guiding hand behind people’s actions in service.
It is interesting though how in truth, the country is still very
much influenced by Catholicism.
For a society that views itself to have a collective nature and
prides itself on being a vanguard of Catholicism, the country remains
plagued by behavior rooted in individualism and issues contrary
to the Church’s teachings.
If Catholic views about the sanctity of marriage can deter the legalization
of divorce for all, how come Catholic views about the evils of greed
do not deter corruption? If state-wise, Republic Act No. 3019 Anti-Graft
and Corrupt Practices Act and church-wise, the 10 Commandments,
cannot stop corruption among public servants in the Philippines
- then what can?
What should?
But then again, maybe it is actually Catholicism that inspires a
generally forgiving nature among Filipinos, enabling corruption
to propagate and go unpunished.
After all, didn’t Jesus say let the one without sin be the
first to cast a stone?
Alyssa Y. Go,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Call
for Thaksin Shinawatra
To
pay his employees the minimum
wage
The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday November 27, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday November 25, 2024
|
Re: "Ex-PM proposes reforms amid global shifts",
in Bangkok Post, Saturday November 23, 2024.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra can easily prove that he
knows how to run an organisation better than academics - but will
he dare put his money where his mouth is?
He incessantly urges the Bank of Thailand to increase Thailand's
cash flow to stimulate consumption, insisting that academics who
demand a prior productivity rise to boost Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) are hopelessly isolated from reality.
To prove his logic, Thaksin should unilaterally immediately increase
the flow of money from the 10,000 employees of his clan's InTouch
Holdings, Advanced Info Service (AIS) parent, by giving them a 20
percent monthly income raise, equivalent to the minimum wage increase
to B400 nationwide that the Prime Minister is proposing - and see
how they fare.
Thaksin, show us your success!
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Under
President Joe Biden
There are at least 172 sanctuary cities in
the US
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday November 26, 2024
First published by the Philippine Inquirer Monday November
25, 2024
|
As a regular reader mainly of your Opinion columns,
I was intrigued by the opinions of the following columnists—Richard
Heydarian, former chief justice Artemio Panganiban, Michael Lim
Ubac, and Randy David. Each tried to dissect how Donald Trump won
over Kamala Harris.
Heydarian sort of blamed United States President Joe Biden for the
late withdrawal of his candidacy leading to a Democratic Party reshuffle
and the rejection of liberalism.
Panganiban discussed mostly the legal aspects of President-elect
Trump with his 34 convictions.
In addition, he stated that the chance of impeachment of any Supreme
Court justice is nil because the Republicans control both houses.
Ubac voiced the opinion that Americans are worried about the economy,
immigration, and crimes.
He wanted to know what would be the dynamics of Philippine and US
relations under the Trump administration.
Like Panganiban, Ubac questioned why America is not ready for a
woman president. On the other hand, David had a more sociological
explanation.
Trump managed to tap into the despair and resentment of America’s
marginalized communities.
However, when he discussed the elections of former president Rodrigo
Duterte and President Marcos, I tend to disagree with him that these
happened against the backdrop of simmering disenchantment with the
promises of the Edsa People Power Revolution.
I am just a simple Filipino-American whose home for many years is
New York City.
I read, listened, and saw on the news commentaries why Trump won
and Harris lost.
The two common reasons are economy inflation and immigration. According
to latest statistics, NYC is the most expensive city to live in
the US.
A loaf of regular white bread will set you back between $4.50 to
$5.00. All other commodities are more expensive than elsewhere.
NYC is a sanctuary city. Sanctuary is used by politicians, advocates
and critics, referring to policies put forward by local governments
to limit how or if they share information with federal immigration
authorities about non-citizens.
In other words, unless it is really a heinous crime, the New York
Police cannot report or give information to the Immigration and
Customs Enforcement about the status of an illegal immigrant or
a migrant.
There are at least 172 sanctuary cities in the US.
As an immigrant myself, I cannot hate other immigrants, but since
the start of the Biden administration, almost 11 million had poured
through the borders, initially more than 100,000 and now about 60,000
in NYC.
Being a sanctuary city, in addition to giving good government help
like housing families in hotels, debit cards for food, etc., and
even cell phones, NYC tries to help the migrants.
We differentiate the legal immigrants who came to the US with proper
documentation and migrants from the borders. America cannot afford
to give economic asylum to the migrants.
Abortion rights which the Democrats thought may play a big role
was insignificant. Likewise, race and the sex were not instrumental.
The US voted for the right person they think will bring back America,
whoever he or she is.
On one side, Harris was very faithful to the person who gave her
a chance to be a vice president or even to be president.
Some interviewers tried to pry negative remarks from Harris about
Biden, but she stood her ground, and protected him.
To me, this is a test of character.
In the Philippines, we call it utang na loob.
In spite of the doubts of most people, both in the US and abroad,
democracy will always prevail in the US.
We just hope that Trump at the age of 78 will be a better president,
with the lessons he learned from his experiences. God bless America.
Ida M. Tiongco,
New York,
USA
|
Nai
Harn was once Thailand's third most beautiful beach
No
longer
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday November 25, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday November 24, 2024
|
Re: "1 more dead dugong found", in
Bangkok Post, Tuesday November 19, 2024.
Your attention to dugongs dying in Krabi is admirable.
Our Loy Krathong celebration was moderated on Rawai Beach because
dugongs have been in the water recently, and it was decided that
krathongs were forbidden. We would suggest coastal protection like
this is in short supply.
Around the corner on Nai Harn Beach, there is no shortage of cement
being poured and landfills being dumped into without any oversight.
Nai Harn was once voted Thailand's third most beautiful beach.
No longer.
From the Department of Special Investigation's busted money laundering
houses built illegally past the Nai Harn Hotel to development on
Ao Sane Beach to the condo mania that is fouling the water of Nai
Harn Lake, there is zero ongoing consideration for the natural environment.
After the tsunami, many sea turtles came and laid eggs at Nai Harn
as the turtles knew that a natural event had cleared the path to
lay eggs safely.
Some of these returnees laid eggs seven years ago which were removed.
I doubt we will ever see a turtle again.
Maybe we should try a bit harder and stop pouring cement.
Nature Man,
Phuket,
Thailand
|
Fugitive
former PM Yingluck Shinawatra
To return to Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday, November 24, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday 22 November 2024
|
Re: "Thaksin expects Yingluck to return home
around Songkran", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday November 19,
2024.
As if running away from justice is already awful enough, when Thailand
allowed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to face
justice and granted him amnesty, the aftermath was disastrous for
the image of the justice system and the Department of Corrections.
Thaksin did not spend a day in prison, claiming that he was critically
ill. This was under the government's nose and upset public sentiment.
Nowadays, there are so many unethical events and widespread financial
losses among residents in our country.
Maybe former Prime Minister Yingluck's return will again challenge
the power of the judicial system.
Or will it be just another movement to show the power of family
politics?
Somwut S,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Former
president Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs
Has left thousands of orphans and widows
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday, November 23, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Friday, November
22, 2024
|
Diabolos. Satan. Beelzebub.
We call him by different names and he is unaffected and never finds
it wrong to kill. The ”war on drugs” has killed
thousands of poor people, at least more than 6,000 as documented
by police in their operation reports and likely more than 30,000
overall.
The murderous project, tagged ”kill, kill, kill,”
left thousands of orphans and widows.
In April 2017, former president Rodrigo Duterte was overheard telling
an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) at the Ninoy Aquino International
Airport: “Pag wala kayong trabaho bigyan ko kayo… patayin
ninyo lahat ng addict.”
“Tulungan mo akong patayin ang mga addict,” he
told another OFW. “Magpatay kayo ng addict araw-araw.”
His scorn of the poor seemed endless and his distance from Christian
practice evident, as the former president admitted, “Kaya
ako hindi nagsisimba. Kasi ’pag magsimba ako, ‘Forgive
me, father, for I have killed last night three.‘
Balik na naman ako kinabukasan, ‘Father, forgive me
because I have killed 10 drug lords.’
Pabalik-balik ako, bakit pa ako magpunta doon? Useless.”
I have collected many quotes from Duterte on his ”tokhang”
project.
They don’t just make your stomach churn, but challenge your
imagination with prayers, so that nightmares will not visit you.
I appreciate deeply that the ongoing Congress hearings on extrajudicial
killings have opened up a window to affirm the correctness of making
Duterte accountable for his war on drugs - extra-judicial killings.
Dss. Norma Dollaga,
Kasimbayan,
Philippines
|
Don't
be surprised if Myanmar will wait
Like Fiji to return to original democratic state
The Southeast Asian Times, Friday November 22, 2024
|
Myanmar’s new free, fair and just elections would
return Myanmar to original democratic state ( The Southeast Asian
Times 20 November 2024 ).
Good luck with that.
I think building castles in the air might meet with greater success
than returning Myanmar to “ original democratic state “
with elections planned for next year under the Myanmar military
regime that “ seized the civilian elected National League
of Democracy ( NLD ) government of Myanmar in February,2021
“.
Fiji had a military coup in 1987 and nearly four decades later Fiji
is still to return to original democratic state.
There is, to be sure, a pretty good masquerade of democratic governance
in the country without genuine commitment to the established norms
and values of democracy.
Don’t be surprised when the same happens in Myanmar.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
|
The
capitalisation of a pygmy hippo
Does
not improve Thailand's intellectual image globally
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday November 21, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday November 19,
2024
|
Re: "Moo Deng releases song in 4 languages",
in Bangkok Post, Thursday November 14 and "The hippo, the
pumpkin and the haggis", Bangkok Post, PostScript, Sunday
November 10, 2024
The capitalisation of this pygmy hippo via inane TV coverage "and
the Gang", puerile songs "lyrics" featured on
your front page, krathongs, and bogus religious souvenirs, does
not, I think, improve Thailand's intellectual image globally.
But it is a money-maker, and that's what matters.
Similar to the exploitation of the worrying "Luk Thep"
phenomenon a few years ago that mercifully seems to have become
history.
Ellis O'Brien,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Rice exports in Thailand
are in a rosy situation
But farmers have been drowning in a sea
of bad debts
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday 20 November, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday November 16,
2024
|
Re: "Rice exports expected to tally 9m tonnes",
in Bangkok Post Business, November 13 and "Rice
Measures get approval", in Bangkok Post, November
10, 2024.
Taxpayer money budgeted to subsidise rice farmers should be repurposed
to empower them to reduce debt and keep it down.
In 2023, rice exports were up 13 percent in quantity and 28.4 percent
in value year-on-year.
This year's Q1-Q3 has been even better: rice exports soared 32 percent
in volume and 45.8 percent in value. In such a rosy situation, farmers
don't need price subsidies.
But farmers have been drowning in a sea of bad debts, and the Paetongtarn
government should encourage and help them to boost productivity
to increase their revenue.
Some 40 percentof farming households earned less than Thailand's
poverty line of 32,000 baht a year against the average annual household
income of 450,000 baht.
Farmers are ageing; those aged 15-40 have dropped from 48 percent
of all farmers to 32 percent over 2003-2013.
Our rice yields have stagnated for the past decade and now are only
half of Vietnam's.
Our largest group of farmers uses the same methods as their forefathers.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra should allocate more resources
to subsidise and train farmers to grow high-yield, high-value crops,
like organics, using highly efficient methods.
Train them to use crop forecasts and be financially literate.
In short, please use hard-earned taxpayer funds to solve problems
sustainably.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand watches Moo Deng
mooching around
Rather than news on government debates
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday November 19, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday, November 9,
2024
|
There is a rather peculiar mindset in Thailand that
apparently tunes in to watch live footage on cable of a celebrity
pachyderm (Moo Deng) "and his gang".
The beastie performs no tricks but just mooches around, eating and
looking rather bored and bewildered at the gawping tourists.
"Grandad once told me never to leave Africa" must
have been mum's belated apology.
I seem to remember similar coverage of pandas a few years back.
Must cost a packet to produce and air.
However, I'm being unfair. Such harmless TV is infinitely preferable
to endless news hype on government debates, road carnage, dysfunctional
families, murders, con artists etc, etc.
Ellis O'Brien,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand's
foreign policy formulation
Offers Buddhist values
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday November 18, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday October 20, 2024
|
Re: "Thailand needs middle power ambition",
Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday October 18, 2024.
The comment by Ajarn Thitinan Pongsudhirak is well made and seemingly
intends to inspire Thailand's foreign policy formulation by the
present government into the future.
While the positioning of Thailand as a "middle power"
may be cited as a convenient "testing the waters" strategy,
one also has to keep in mind that as a traditional Indo-China regional
power, Thailand has anchored several initiatives which propelled
Asean to where it is today.
For starters, Western countries have often leveraged Thailand's
immediate strengths through wartime manoeuvres and green-field investment
since the 1960s and prior to that in the 1940s as the prime choice
for engagement.
One also has to keep in mind Thailand's foreign policy roles in
the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 and its balancing
act in the Cold War era's Non-Aligned Movement in the 1950s.
The strength of Thailand has always been its hospitable disposition
and neighbourliness.
Thailand has to signal to the world that while not compromising
its sovereignty, it can offer its Buddhist values of mindfulness,
kindness and peace as it anchors what it first proposed in the United
Nations: its multilateral diplomacy in ushering in new world amity
and coexistence.
Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Department
of Trade and Industry could achieve more
By partnering with existing Philippine-based
B2B platforms
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday November 17, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Thursday November
14, 2024
|
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recently
announced plans to launch a business-to-business (B2B) platform
aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs by providing easier and
broader access to wholesale trading.
While this initiative reflects the DTI’s commitment to empowering
Filipino businesses, the approach raises questions about efficiency
and practicality.
Rather than developing a new government-run platform from scratch
- a process that entails a significant learning curve and considerable
public spending - the DTI could achieve more by partnering with
existing Philippine-based B2B platforms.
The Philippines already has established B2B players with the expertise,
infrastructure, and resources to facilitate effective wholesale
trading.
These private sector platforms understand the intricacies of wholesale
trading and have invested in building robust networks, customer
trust, and technological know-how.
By leveraging these established platforms, the DTI could save on
public resources that would otherwise be used to develop and maintain
a new platform while also avoiding the steep learning curve that
comes with managing a tech-based marketplace.
Setting up a successful B2B platform requires continuous maintenance,
user engagement, and security measures, all of which demand significant
expertise and funding.
A more sustainable and impactful approach would involve the DTI
tying up with private B2B providers to create a regulated framework
that fosters fair trading, transparency, and easy access to local
businesses.
By collaborating with these players, the DTI can provide guidelines
that encourage inclusivity, support data privacy, and protect small
businesses, without the need for extensive financial outlay.
Additionally, the DTI could use its resources to provide technical
support, workshops, and training for local entrepreneurs to navigate
existing B2B platforms effectively.
This approach could empower business owners to fully utilize B2B
tools for expanding their networks, improving procurement, and scaling
their operations.
A partnership would also allow the DTI to regulate and oversee the
B2B space, ensuring that these platforms operate fairly and equitably
while fostering an environment that drives sustainable business
growth.
Jerome Babate, RN, MBA, Ph.D.,
Manila,
Philippines
|
New head of Bank of Thailand
was involved
In disastrous rice-pledging scheme
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday November 15, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday November 14,
2024
|
Re: "Thailand to name Kittiratt as central
bank chair", Bangkok Post, Tuesday November 12, 2024.
Kittiratt Na-Ranong got a pass from the court for his involvement
in the disastrous rice-pledging scheme, and hey presto!
He is the new head of the Bank of Thailand.
Because he may be a Thaksin insider, this does not bode well for
furthering transparent, citizen-centred governance in the nation.
Many contributors have considered in this column the nebulous constitution
of Thailand's central bank.
I have opposed the generally accepted idea of a central bank joined
with fractional reserve monetary policies extant in most countries.
Thus, the recent news that Elon Musk intends to do away with the
United States Federal Reserve was heartening.
Mr Musk also intends to reduce annual government spending by US$2
trillion as part of Mr Trump's efforts to restore vitality to the
US economy.
Eliminating the Federal Reserve will allow the $35 trillion national
debt to be paid down and reduce interest rates across the board.
The US will create its own money, and central bankers will be kicked
out of their position of riding on the backs of the American taxpayer.
One hopes other nations will consider this bold move.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The
war on drugs has been waged
For more than 60 years
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday November 15, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday November 11, 2024
|
Re: "Drug war beckons", Bangkok
Post, Postbag, Sunday November 10, 2024.
If one engages in war, militarily or otherwise, one must possess
the resources to win and commit those resources to win unconditionally.
In June of 1971, the "War on Drugs" was declared
by US President Nixon, rather ironically given that at the time
the American CIA was busy ramping up the production of drugs in
SE Asia, and later continued to do the same in Afghanistan and South
America.
Our writer hopes for "a definite all-out war on drug cartels."
For more than 60 years the drug war has been waged. Billions of
dollars have been spent for little or no result, and not only by
the US.
Since the beginning, authorities have lacked the commitment to conduct
an all-out war.
Apart from that, the monetary value of the drugs ensures power,
influence and protection far exceeding what the money to fight the
war buys.
Until the monetary value of these drugs is significantly diminished,
which only a form of legalisation or regulation can achieve, talk
of a decisive victory in the war on drugs is just talk and will
amount to nothing, the same as the last 60 years have.
Sibeymai,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Taiwan urges Filipino's
to support Taiwan's bid
To
participate in 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly
The
Southeast Asian Times Thursday November 14, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday November
5, 2024
|
The 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly is to be held from
November 4 to 7, 2024 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
The rapid advancement of information and communication technology
has transformed crime in recent years.
Criminal activities are of an increasingly cross-border, organized,
and anonymous nature, with financial transactions taking place in
virtual spaces.
This puts all countries and peoples at risk.
To combat transnational crime, nations must work together, provide
mutual assistance, and share information—notions fully commensurate
with the Constitution of INTERPOL.
According to Numbeo’s safety index, Taiwan is the fourth-safest
country in the world, with a crime rate fourth-lowest among 146
countries. Moreover, in 2023, the Expat Insider annual survey published
by InterNations ranked Taiwan the fifth most-livable country, second
for quality of life, eighth for safety, and first for quality of
health care. Although Taiwan enjoys strong law enforcement capabilities
and cooperates with friendly forces as part of criminal investigations,
Taiwan can only access critical intelligence indirectly due to its
exclusion from INTERPOL.
By the time that information is received, it is often outdated,
creating a challenging situation that allows transnational crime
to thrive and exacerbates the harm done all around the world.
For example, with Taiwanese passports providing visa-free entry
to more than 160 countries around the world, Taiwanese police authorities
have already uncovered numerous cases of Taiwanese passports being
illegally traded by criminal groups in other countries.
Criminal elements in a number of countries have fraudulently used
Taiwanese passports to engage in illegal activities that have threatened
international security and caused serious breaches in global order.
Taiwan’s exclusion from INTERPOL prevents Taiwan’s law
enforcement authorities from accessing the organization’s communication
system or international crime database.
It also prevents Taiwan from obtaining the latest criminal information
in a timely fashion or from sharing intelligence on wanted persons
associated with major cases such as fraud and drug trafficking.
Likewise, Taiwan is unable to provide crucial information—such
as information on emerging criminal methods and experiences of investigating
these crimes, and data on forged passports—to other countries.
This hampers efforts to prevent and stop criminal activities at
their source.
Without Taiwan, the network of maintaining international security
is incomplete. Taiwan’s exclusion from INTERPOL is a significant
loss to the global community. The resolution adopted by INTERPOL
at its 53rd General Assembly in 1984 did not preclude Taiwan’s
participation.
Taiwan’s police authorities are willing to participate in INTERPOL
mechanisms on the basis of equal status, and remain determined to
resolve law and order issues, minimize loss of life and property,
and protect people’s well-being.
Taiwan is committed to working with the world to fight transnational
crime.
We urge our Filipino brothers and sisters to speak up for Taiwan
on the international stage, and to take action to support Taiwan’s
bid to participate as an observer in the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly
in Glasgow, UK, and to engage in INTERPOL meetings, mechanisms,
and activities, including access to the I-24/7 global police communications
system and INTERPOL training programs.
Wallace Minn-Gan Chow
Representative
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines,
Manila,
Philippines
|
Why does the draconian
Lese Majest Law run counter
To
the advice of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday November 13, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday November 11, 2024
|
Re: "Dodging S112 debate", in Bangkok
Post PostBag, Saturday November 9, 2024.
Burin Kantabutra, a prolific contributor to the PostBag forum, rightly
questions why the draconian lese majeste law runs counter to the
advice of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.
This could lead an observer to assume that, despite its claimed
intention of protecting the monarchy, Section 112 was designed by
the military government to provide it with an extra-constitutional
means to retain its hold on the levers of power.
The observer would also see it as convenient that anybody can file
a charge under this section, thereby distancing the string-puller
from the puppet.
If this were the case, the only hope for amending this section is
when the institution of the military gives way to younger leaders
more in tune with the times.
As another regular PostBag contributor, Felix Qui, said in one of
his typically cryptic comments in the Nov 8 edition: "It
is the case, however, that Thai reptiles of dinosaur bloodlines
do not evolve, let alone be revolutionary."
Vichai,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The reviled Thailand crocodile
has suddenly been turned
Into an object of attraction by venal entrepreneurs
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday November 12, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday November 7, 2024
|
Re: "Monitor Misery", in Bangkok
Post PostBag, Wednesday November 6, 2024 and "Minister
to allow farming of water monitors, bird nests", Bangkok
Post Tuesday November 5, 2024.
Regarding Mr Reptile's objections to exploitation of his race today,
I agree with his outrage at abuse and what will be perceived as
a new hub for the leather industry.
In a typically Thai U-turn, this formerly reviled species has suddenly
been turned into an object of attraction by venal entrepreneurs.
This is paradoxical considering that water monitors are the subject
of a strong expletive in the Thai language that can land you with
a punch on the nose, or worse.
As such, how are the hi-so's going to explain the source of their
new exotic handbags and footware if this noxious project is carried
out?
I haven't touched on beady Thai eyes ogling expansion of the bird's
nest soup market which is as equally repellent as the one for shark
fin soup relished by billions quite close by, whose manners as tourists
are outrageous but tolerated as they are cash cows to be milked
for all they've got.
Rose Bellini,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Lèse-majesté
charges against Thai's should be dropped
Thai's
in jail for lèse-majesté should be released
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday November 11, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday November 9,
2024
|
Re: "S112 won't fix itself",
in Bangkok Post, Thursday November 7, 2024.
Pheu Thai's refusal to discuss amending our lese majeste law, Section
112 of the Criminal Code, makes no sense.
Pheu Thai earlier pledged to support such amendments and bail for
defendants. It now claims that amending Section 112 cannot be discussed
as the political climate is too sensitive and involves security
matters.
But Section 112 was amended in 1976 in the wake of the October 6
massacre because of the then-unstable political climate and the
need for more protection of the monarchy.
Why would the same reasons demand amendment then but not now?
The 1976 amendment made the lese majeste penalties much harsher.
If the earlier "solution" wasn't harsh enough,
shouldn't we make penalties even more draconian?
The matter cries out for full, open discussion on how to protect
our high institution. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej told us,
"The King 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.
The use of the lèse-majesté law ultimately damages
the monarchy'" (source: Grossman and Faulder, King Bhumibol
Adulyadej: A Life's Work 2012).
What kind of children are we to act directly against our national
father without discussion?
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
Island close to Surat Thani province
Sees a rise in tourists from Israel
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday 10 November 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday October 25, 2024
|
Re: "Samui seeks longer stays for Europeans",
Bangkok Post, Business, Wednesday September 13, 2023.
Koh Phangan, a small island close to Koh Samui in Surat Thani province,
sees a rise in tourists from Israel.
According to the Jewish Independent news site's recently published
article in June this year, locals in Koh Phangan say "Many
of the 400 to 500 Israeli families living here have arrived in the
past few months."
It would be naive to think this was unconnected with the war in
Palestine. People can make their own minds up as to the motives
of these recent arrivals.
But we sincerely hope that tensions in the Middle East do not replicate
themselves on Koh Phangan.
Ian
Hollingworth,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
The 2024 Nobel Prize for
Economics awarded to
Socialist-leftist mob that has taken over
US academia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday November 9, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday October 19,
2024
|
Re: "Nobel economics prize goes to inequality
researchers", Bangkok Post, World, Saturday October 16,
2024.
The 2024 Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to three white men
whose work focused on inequality.
Your article's summary, "Nobel economics prize goes to inequality
researchers", revealed absolutely nothing noteworthy or
new.
It appears this award is for another bit of political trivia by
the socialist-leftist mob that has taken over US academia.
One of the recipients, Simon Johnson of Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT), was quoted by Reuters as saying just three
weeks before the election "that established institutions
in the United States were under stress, notably due to Donald Trump's
refusal to acknowledge he lost the 2020 election".
Yesterday, in the US State of Georgia, a judge ruled that election
officials have to certify results even if voter fraud is suspected.
Democrats are also suing to prevent the surveillance of voter drop
boxes, a common target of voter fraud.
This news might lead one to conclude that Democrats do not want
free and fair elections and that Trump may have been right about
the 2020 election.
Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu, also of MIT, said, "Authoritarian
growth is often more unstable and doesn't generally lead to very
rapid and original innovation," referring to China as "a
bit of a challenge".
Give that man a prize - absolutely brilliant!
The third recipient, James Robinson of the University of Chicago,
said of his research, "The first thing is to think about
a question that's relevant to those people, to their context and
to their aspirations."
He mentioned the word "aspirations", currently a buzzword
in Kamala Harris's meaningless stump speeches, a second time saying,
"all humans have the same aspirations…".
Reuters should have had a political disclaimer tacked onto this
pile of garbage.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
United States of America
Votes
for Trump
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday November 8, 2024
|
Waleed Aly from Channel 10 The Project is in America
to cover the 2024 presidential election.
He went to a Republican stronghold state and got this reaction from
a couple.
They said they voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020 but they were going
to vote Kamala Harris in this election.
Waleed asked why?
They said they could not vote Trump after his blatant disregard
for the Constitution and the established rules governing the election
when he instigated the January 6 violent insurrection to remain
in power after losing the election.
In so doing he undermined the very foundation of America’s
democracy ( The Project 5/11/24 ).
We will know soon how many other Republicans have changed their
minds on Trump’s fitness to be President again.
Rajend Naidu
Sydney,
Australia
|
Traditional
Thai Buddhism cannot be sullied
By exposure to reason, reality, or good
morals
The
Southeast Asian Times Thursday November 7, s2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday November 3, 2024
|
Re: "Reform, or repeat monk scandals"
Bangkok Post Editorial, Sunday October 27, 2024.
he Bangkok Post is hopelessly naïve when it opens the editorial
by proclaiming that "A senior monk promoting what is alleged
to be a pyramid scheme disguised as an online direct sales company
reveals just how far the clergy has strayed from Buddha's teachings."
Hype to the contrary notwithstanding, the current path has been
the tradition for many decades at least.
Nor can it be imagined that reform will be permitted by the establishment,
as opinion writer Thitinan Pongsudhirak's opinion on August 23 accurately
calls them, for whom that supremely traditional Thai Buddhism is
another pillar that cannot be sullied by exposure to reason, reality,
or good morals.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
BRICS has not as yet found
common ground
To be effective and meaningful
The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday November 6, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday November 3, 2024
|
Re: "Brics could be catalyst for global
revamp", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday October
22, 2024.
Brahma Chellaney sounds a tenuous optimistic tone on the potential
for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) to emerge
as one more force in the multi polarisation of countries.
Indeed, we need to assess the efficacy of BRICS members from the
time in 2001 that Jim O'Neil of Goldman Sachs offered his thesis
on the grouping of these countries based on their potential as emerging
economies, which they still are.
Evidently, BRICS has not delivered on its economic promises.
With wars flaring in key global regions, economies cannot afford
to trust BRICS to be an economic panacea.
Moreover, within individual economies there are systemic and structural
problems. Russia has its challenges with oil prices compounded by
Western sanctions against it due to its engagement with Ukraine.
Brazil's financial markets have remained shaky and China's crackdown
on the tech industry has destabilised the world markets.
Compounding these problems is BRICS' rather random assertion of
control on member state affairs.
Even with the newer members being inducted into its grouping, BRICS
has not as yet found common ground to be effective and meaningful.
It thus will remain amoeba-like until it can deliver on the potential
it holds to become a real force to contend as a credible multipolar
option to the world.
Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
America
Will
survive with its warts and all
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday November 5, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Sunday November
3, 2024
|
I am a Filipino-American professional who lives and
works in New York City and an avid follower of your opinion columns.
The column of Randy David on testing America’s political stability
is very educational in discussing the intricacies of the Electoral
College, but a bit premature with the consequences of the outcome
of the election.
He tried to be “balanced” but reading between the
lines and his use of words like “puts one of the most racist
and misogynistic of America’s politician,” he tends to
“favor” Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.
Professor David’s dissection of the Electoral College established
by the founding fathers through the Constitution was quite thorough
and very educational.
I am sure that if you ask an American on the street about this Electoral
College, probably only half will know what it is and half will not
or don’t care at all.
It may depend on the location of the state.
In one of the recent surveys regarding the Electoral College, about
70 percent wants it to be dissolved.
However, to do it, a constitutional amendment is required.
Political scientists, though, believe that the Electoral College
protects the interests of the smaller states.
I consider the Electoral College of the United States quite similar
to the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church when it
votes for a new Pope in an enclave.
All these cardinals were chosen by the Pope, but the Electoral College
is usually elected by their own party in their states.
Few are appointed.
He was right when he mentioned the things that polarized American
immigration policy, abortion and women’s rights, racial equality,
wealth distribution, etc. are based mostly on the party affiliations.
Most people think that Filipinos as a minority group will vote Democrat
like most minorities.
Most Filipinos, however, vote on their conscience, so that there
is no Filipino bloc. That is one of the advantages of the two-party
system where you know offhand what the party believes and practices.
I wish that the Philippines will go back to the old two-party system
instead of what they have now: multiple parties.
Let us wait until we get the results of the election.
It is so unpredictable as of today that even after midnight on November
6, we still would not know who the new president will be and just
hope for the best.
I am sure that most Americans are aware of the aftermath of January
6, but democracy prevailed.
America will survive with its warts and all.
Ida M. Tiongco,
New York, NY
USA
|
Call
for investigation into Department of Land Transport
After students and teachers killed in school
bus inferno
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday November 4, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday October 25, 2024
|
Re: "5 percent of checked CNG buses have failed
inspection: DLT", Bangkok Post, October 19, 2024.
Is the Department of Land Transport (DLT) corrupt in inspecting
compressed natural gas (CNG) buses for non-compliant CNG installations?
On October 1, 20 young students and three teachers burned to death
in an inferno that made headlines worldwide.
Preliminary findings showed that the bus relied on illegally installed
CNG tanks - just like every single other bus in that company's fleet.
That strongly points to DLT corruption, yet the police are not investigating
possible DLT corruption.
Of the 1,331 CNG-fuelled buses that the DLT has checked in the past
14 days, the most common problem found was expired gas cylinders
and equipment; there's no mention of illegal installations.
How plausible is it that all illegally installed tanks were in the
one company whose bus burned?
We have 13,400 CNG-powered buses on the roads; at the current rate,
it'll take DLT 140 work days, or 6.41 months, to complete all checks,
which will be enough for crooks to fix what's illegal.
Technical schools and universities should form flying squads, each
with one DLT inspector as supervisor, to check all CNG buses nationwide
for non-compliant CNG and safety equipment, including tanks and
emergency doors.
All inspections must be concluded within November 30.
Working with the technical teams, the police should investigate
the DLT for systematic corruption.
Let our children and teachers not be burned to death in vain.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Time will tell what impact
the first ocean declaration
Adopted in the Blue Pacific has had on the
ground
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday November 3, 2024
|
Commonwealth member nations adopt Commonwealth Ocean
Declaration in the Pacific ( Southeast Asian Times 28 October 2024
).
No shortage of lofty declarations even though this is the “
first ocean declaration to be adopted in the Blue Pacific “.
Time will tell what impact the declaration has had on the ground
- in this case the Pacific Ocean.
Meantime the trashing of the ocean continues.
People interested and concerned can check out the many well made
documentary films on the nature and extend of the trash problem
in the Pacific Ocean.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
|
The potential size of
the Thai startup ecosystem
Is underrepresented
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday October 2, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday October 29, 2024
|
Re: "Researcher offers pointers on shaping
a startup nation", in Bangkok Post, Thursday October
24, 2024.
According to Tech in Asia and the World Bank, there seem to be only
180 funded startups in Thailand, a figure dwarfed by that of neighbouring
rivals like Singapore 1,800, Indonesia 900, or Vietnam 400.
Thai startups also raised a record high of US$1.25 billion in 2022.
The sheer potential size of the Thai startup ecosystem is underrepresented,
and many viable business seeds may, unfortunately, go under the
radar.
The way I see it, Thailand faces hurdles to overcome to thrive and
nurture a bustling hotbed for startups.
Thai startup communities need more seed or series A capital, talented
local and international professionals like Chief Financial Officers,
seasoned accelerators, well-designed Human Resource incentive schemes
or career development opportunities, and compelling equity stories
for upside potential beyond the border. Moreover, when it comes
to exit alternatives, Thai entrepreneurs and venture capital may
look to go to initial public offering outside of Thailand eg, Nasdaq
to maximise their monetisation through more attractive multiples,
global outreach, and tapping into a diverse set of investors and
deeper capital pool.
The Thai government should also support infrastructure and ease
Small and medium-sized enterprises regulations for aspiring Thai
entrepreneurs.
All these collective efforts could drive the Thai transition to
a thriving and accommodative ecosystem for transformative startups
with venture and global mindsets, which would help address the pressing
issues in Thailand and beyond. If this grand endeavour results in
a critical mass of positive steps, Thailand can be better positioned
to create an innovation loop and the next wave of unique Thai unicorns.
The government should focus not only on distributing wealth equitably,
with the top 10 percent wealthy accounting for 75 percent of the
country's financial wealth, but also on growing the pie through
collaborative facilitation to foster game changers in the private
sectors.
Ninja Kun,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
advocates most unThai approach
To children killed, injured or abused in education system
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday November 1, 2024
First Published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday October 23,
2024
|
Re: ''Sick students deserve better", in
Bangkok Post Editorial, Friday October 18, 2024.
Perhaps led astray by foreign notions, the Bangkok Post's editorial
advocates a most unThai approach to the issue of children being
killed, injured or abused in the education system.
In those good old days of yesteryear, no injuries, deaths, sex abuse
or the like were suffered to reflect guilt on teachers or their
institution.
Any mishap was the fault of the student or their classmates or parents.
If students die because they are sick, or are abused because they
are vulnerable, how is that the fault of the institution that is
doing so much to selflessly educate and nurture?
How is that the fault of dedicated teachers setting the hallowed
example according to themselves and their institution?
The properly traditional Thai response to all this open talk now
undermining respect for teachers and their institution is obvious.
What is needed - what truly comports with venerated Thai tradition
- is to criminalise all negative comments regarding teachers, schools
and the education system.
The institution and its figures will then be respected exactly as
they have always deserved.
Could it be otherwise?
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Thailand
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai
Expected
to bring Tak Bai massacre defendants to justice
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday October 31, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday October 23,
2024
|
Re: "Don't blow up the Tak Bai issue",
Bangkok Post InQuote, Tuesday October 22, 2024.
How things can change, considering Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai,
who was a student activist himself, fled after the crackdown of
the student protest October 4-6, 1976 and joined Thailand's communist
party.
Wouldn't one expect him, of all people, to leave no stone unturned
to bring the culprits of the Tak Bai massacre to justice on time?
S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Philippines Kingdom of
Jesus Christ church
Run as a predatory capitalist enterprise
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday October 30, 2024
|
From the numerous bank accounts, properties, vehicles
and an aircraft in the name of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the founder
of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ ( KJC ), and his associates you get
the distinct impression that the Pastor and his cronies were running
a predatory capitalist enterprise with religion as a convenient
front and masquerade ( Southeast Asian Times 25 October 2024 ).
Whereas there seems to be prima facie evidence against him the relevant
authorities will no doubt make appropriate finding on the the charges
of money laundering, child sexual abuse and human trafficking against
the pastor.
Many people in the Phillipines and elsewhere will keenly await the
finding.
Rajend
Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
|
Thailand's old rich, the
military, courts and middle class
Stall economy and democracy
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday, October 29, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday October 8, 2024
|
Re: "Next chapter in Thailand's political
saga", in Opinion, Thursday August 22, 2024.
This Canadian syndicated columnist who regularly contributes to
your publication, Gwynne Dyer, is one smart guy, let me tell you.
He states something which would take most foreigners, and probably
even Thais, many years of living in the kingdom when he proclaims:
"What has stalled the growth of both the Thai economy, and
its democracy, is an unusually strong and united establishment that
includes the old rich, the army, the courts and a substantial part
of the Bangkok middle class."
The above-mentioned man shows both incredible foresight and insight
by making the above quote that he did.
What it shows to me, more than anything, is that one does not have
to be born in a particular nation to understand how that nation
is run and operated, be it Thailand, the United States of America,
or any other country for that matter.
Paul,
Bangkok.
Thailand
|
Call for Thailand PM to
deny Extradition request
For activist Y Quynh Bdap from
Vietnam
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday October 27, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday October 26,
2024
|
Re: "Behind Thailand's winning UNHRC bid",
I Bangkok Post Opinion, Tuesday October 22, 2024.
Khun Kavi Chongkittavorn correctly questions if Thailand's election
to the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHRC) will
have any more meaning than a hollow boast of successful lobbying
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Thailand UNHRC membership
brings enormous challenges to the fore. There will be heightened
expectations from civil society and Western countries with close
ties to Thailand regarding domestic human rights issues that require
long-awaited reform and action."
How PM Paetongtarn responds to the letter from over 30 national
and international rights organisations calling on her to release
Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, who has United Nations refugee
status here and who has been ordered to be extradited to Vietnam
to face imprisonment on terrorism charges, will be an important
signal reflecting her government's commitment to honouring Thailand's
election to the UNHRC.
In the letter, 33 human rights groups suggested Bdap "faces
a real risk of torture, prolonged arbitrary detention or other grave
human rights violations" if he is returned to Vietnam.
Bdap is the co-founder of the Montagnards Stand for Justice group.
He fled to Thailand in 2018 to escape persecution in Vietnam, which
has long been criticised for its treatment of the country's predominantly
Christian Montagnard minority.
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Thailand will be violating
domestic law and its international refugee law obligations if it
sends Bdap back to Vietnam.
Thailand's Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance
Act prohibits extradition when there is a substantial risk of torture
or ill-treatment upon return.
In addition, according to HRW, "Thailand is obligated to
respect the international law of nonrefoulement, which prohibits
countries from returning anyone to a place where they would face
a real risk of persecution, torture, or other serious ill-treatment,
or a threat to their life. This principle is codified in the UN
Convention Against Torture, to which Thailand is a party and customary
international law."
Our cordial relations with Vietnam notwithstanding, the PM should
demonstrate her new-found resolve to uphold international human
rights standards by denying Vietnam's extradition request and freeing
Bdap.
Sad Optimist,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Financial
crimes garner more media attention
Than past crime of mass homicide at Tak
Bai
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday October 27, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday October 22, 2024
|
Re: "iCon to face more charges",
in Bangkok Post, Monday October 21, 2024 and "Expiry
of Tak Bai charges 'linked to surge in unrest'", Bangkok
Post, Monday October 21, 2024.
The highly commendable arrest of 18 alleged miscreants on charges
of "public fraud and putting false information into a computer
system" and other matters relating to the iCon Group scandal
has received much recent media attention.
However, the inability of the police to bring but one of the seven
"former or high-ranking officials" accused of "murder,
attempted murder, and illegal detention" for witness questioning
and evidence examination in the Narathiwat Provincial Court before
the statute of limitations expires on October 25 stands in stark
contrast.
How convenient that financial crimes should garner so much media
attention compared to the past crime of mass homicide at such a
critical time in the latter case.
How unwise it would be should the "deep state"
represented by the CIB not offer at least a nod toward soothing
the sense of gross injustice and consequent resentment the victims'
families and wider population of the deep South must feel towards
Thailand as a state regarding the Tak Bai atrocity!
Kuntree Bumkhin,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri
avoids arrest
For
Bac Mai Massacre
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday October 26, 2024
First published in Bangkok Post Monday October 7, 2024
|
Re: "MP defends Gen Pisal's sick leave",
in Bangkok Post, Sunday October 6, 2024.
Pheu Thai Party's list-MP, Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, is on two
months' sick leave to receive medical treatment overseas.
Gen Pisal, former commander of the Fourth Army Region, is wanted
by the court to stand trial for involvement in the 2004 Tak Bai
tragedy in Narathiwat province.
Many of my friends, quite successful in their careers, could not
afford such treatment in a foreign country, I wonder how a Thai
general retiree has the funds to do this - a rich wife maybe?
Karl Reichstetter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Charges against those
accused of Lese Majeste
Should be dropped
The
Southeast Asian Times Friday October 25, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday October 19, 2024
|
Re: "House to finally debate amnesty for lese
majeste cases", in Bangkok Post, October
15, 2024
At last, we get to debate whether or not we should honour our beloved
national father by harmonising our application of Section 112 with
his wishes.
In His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great's 2005 birthday
broadcast to the nation, the late monarch noted that: "The
king 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,'" according to the
book King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life's Work, Grossman and Faulder,
Editions Didier Millet, 2012.
Some say that the late monarch's wisdom is outdated but refuse to
defend their stance.
If your children acted directly against your clearly expressed wishes
in high-visibility cases - and stonewalled discussing the matter
- would you feel that they honoured you?
I doubt it.
Let us honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great with
a full and open discussion about whether his wisdom still holds
true through the years.
I say, "Yes!"
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Call for realistic, readable,
common-sense analysis of AI
Would be a useful contribution to public
discourse
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday October 24, 2024
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday October 22, 2024
|
Re: "China's interface with AI development",
Bangkok Post Opinion, Monday October 21, 2024.
China is already using AI to monitor and control the lives of millions
of its citizens, including in the Xinjiang autonomous region and
in the 2024 Taiwanese election, in which the Chinese Communist Party's
(CCP) extensive use of AI is accused of spreading disinformation
and swaying public opinion.
Professor Vitit Muntabhorn diplomatically describes China's proposed
Global AI Governance Initiative as a cooperative, consensus-based,
people-centred approach to AI development. But realistically, China's
AI initiative is just a smoke-and-mirrors show designed to accommodate
the abovementioned tactics.
At the root, artificial intelligence is inherently risk-laden, and
its use is fundamentally ungovernable. The folly of registering
algorithms and making them transparent to the public, as suggested
by Professor Muntabhorn, is an example of the inherent danger of
AI. But there are, in fact, many others which are clandestine in
nature and remain effectively ungoverned. Does the good professor
imagine the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will register their drone
swarm algorithms or that the Pentagon will make their AI programs
that control high-energy discharge low orbital satellites part of
the public domain? Obviously not, and this is why a realistic, readable,
common-sense analysis of the subject would be a useful contribution
to public discourse.
Michael Setter
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
Urgent need for Philippine
Health Insurance Corp
To
settle mounting individual and hospital debts
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday October 23, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Sunday October
20, 2024
|
In light of recent pronouncements by its executives
that “bankruptcy is not in the vocabulary of Philippine
Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) right now,” there is
an urgent need for it to settle both individual and hospital debts
that have reportedly been mounting.
Doing so would assure us that hospitals can continuously provide
the necessary medical services to PhilHealth beneficiaries.
Just recently, PhilHealth has increased its benefits for members
and further plans to implement a 30 to 50 percent increase in benefits
by November 2024, on the coverage of 10 burdensome diseases, among
them pneumonia, severe dengue, acute stroke, chronic kidney disease,
asthma, sepsis, ischemic heart disease, cataracts, and cancer of
the lung, liver, ovary, and prostate.
It also plans to reduce the premium contributions from 5 to 3.25
percent.
This move, however, has to be further validated since a provision
under the universal health care states the need for a continuing
increase in premium contribution among members to sustain the program
amid rising health care cost and demand.
Just how feasible are these plans?
Can PhilHealth increase member benefits while reducing premium contributions,
as well as acceding to the transfer of P89.9 billion of its unutilized
budget to the national treasury?
This, despite protests from some sectors that deem such transfer
as unconstitutional.
The fund transfer, some say, is necessary since, over the years,
PhilHealth has allegedly been less aggressive in disbursing its
funds to provide the much-needed and improved benefits to its members.
This is a wake-up call. It is never too late for PhilHealth to recover
from its lackadaisical stance in improving the delivery of benefits
to its members.
Emiliano M. Manahan Jr.,
Manila,
Philippines
|
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 October 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 Shasnghai-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