OPINION

Hard to justify

Re: "Thaksin 'met with Malaysia's Anwar' ", (BP, May 9) & "Thaksin in Myanmar rebel talks", (BP, May 8).

I am an expat here in Thailand and have been for more than 23 years. I work and pay more than my share of Thai taxes yearly. I love this country, but I have to say that it is getting harder and harder to explain to my family and friends how great this nation is, as the pure in-our-faces corruption, greed, and money continue to rule the people against their choice, as shown in the last election.

How else can this government explain that a convicted criminal, who was so sick and on his death bed for six-plus months, needing assistance, a neck collar and sling to help him get up and about, who is on parole for his crimes against the people, who supposedly has a warrant out for violating the lese majeste law in the same manner that the party the people chose in the election are being prosecuted for, is allowed to travel out of the country for political reasons?

Between the worst levels of corruption in the police and government, how will this beloved home away from home for me ever grow up and become what its great people deserve: a free, great country?

I guess we should just ask the head crook himself, when he's done gallivanting internationally representing the Thai government and people.

Re: "Economists back Bank of Thailand's autonomy", (BP, May 8).

Central banks understand well that fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, and business activity are favourable to their goals, both short- and long-term, despite disingenuous comments by professional economists, such as, "The Bank of Thailand (BoT) must be independent to pursue its role of maintaining economic stability."

Most citizens of countries with central banks imagine that they create money. However, in actuality they lend money at interest to privately held and government owned banks, which in turn lend to corporate and individual customers. New loans secured by fractional reserves are what creates the ever-growing national money supply.

In short, central banks are among the wealthiest and most powerful institutions in the world, and they utilise the latest sophisticated methods and information to make their shareholders among the world's wealthiest people. Wars, real estate bubbles, pandemics, climate change paranoia, bull markets, recessions, depressions -- all are music to their ears.

Therefore, we should not be fooled when the BoT doesn't dance to the prime minister's tune. PM Srettha is just angling for lower interest rates for his diddlybot wallet scheme, the misguided land bridge project, and navy stuff, which everyone knows are primarily intended to create dark political energy and dark money for those who are standing over the trough.

Re: "Road deaths recorded at around 290", (BP, April 19).

As a reasonably long-term guest in this wonderful land, with a great family, I do treat same with respect and care. However, the Bangkok Post's report on the annual "Seven Dangerous Days" is missing, in my opinion, a word.

The word? "MORE".

Post figures over said period that 287 folk died without mentioning about the injured. If this is published, reader, please imagine 283 people lined up in front of your, roughly same in metreage, and then think they shall all be cremated within one week! Same proportionate figures in UK or Australia there would be an outroar. RIP to families left behind.