Postbag: Let Chitpas hold forth

Postbag: Let Chitpas hold forth

I have no problems with letting Chitpas Kridakorn lead her fellow graduates in taking the traditional oath-taking ceremony at the Chulalongkorn University graduation. Those against her say she is wanted on a treason charge for her protest activities, including laying siege to state buildings and barring people from voting. But all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and she has shown no signs of seeking to escape accountability.

Other critics say that by co-leading the anti-government protesters, she represents partisanship and divisiveness, not unity. I agree that we sorely need unity, but I suggest that diversity is fine — and that our unity should come from using peaceful means to understand each other and accept, even celebrate, our differences. For example, Thais are much more accepting of gender preferences than in, say, America or some Arab nations, and I hold that we are the richer for it. Thus, rather than condemn Chitpas for protesting what she perceived as injustice, we should condemn her — and ourselves — for not finding a less disruptive way to understand the valid needs, if any, of those with whom we disagree.

Dear reader, if she fought for the cause dearest to your heart, acting precisely as she did, would you object to her leading the oath? If not, then let the lady have her say.

Burin Kantabutra


Too late on trafficking

The generals may be right in blaming graft and inadequate enforcement for the US TIP report downgrading Thailand’s status due to a lack of progress regarding human trafficking. The NCPO claims to be in the process of making the necessary changes, but alas, they were too late. If they were smart they could have made statements regarding the Rohingya situation, especially over the absurdity of the Thai navy’s lawsuit against the Phuketwan newspaper in Phuket. The other relevant case is the lawsuit filed by the Natural Fruit Co Ltd against activist Andy Hall who released a report on working conditions for Myanmar migrants at the factory. These two incidents point to heavy-handed tactics to silence the reporting of activities in Thailand that must be exposed. By ignoring the two cases the NCPO is giving de facto support to these tactics.

Watson


Wake up, America

Re: "Aussies want Prayuth", (PostBag, July 1).

Barry Rumpf wishes to have our coup leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha help solve Australia’s problems.

I just hope the US wakes up and realises it needs someone like Gen Prayuth to help clear up its internal troubles too.

There are three main problems that look to be extremely hard to solve in the US:

First, on the economic front the US is like a python that is swallowing its tail right up to its own neck.

Instead of US taxpayers enjoying a normal and happy life, they are now being forced to pay for the greed and foolishness of the US banks. Bank executives are receiving billions in salaries and perks; this despite their banks being deep in the red. Inequality among the citizenry is more evident now than ever.

Second, the proliferation of war weapons that has led to the shooting and murdering of innocent schoolchildren that we so often hear about.

Third, the faulty belief that whatever America does is always good and beneficial to other countries. The fact is very often the opposite. Just take a look at Afghanistan and Iraq for examples.

Vint Chavala


The art of ideals

Re: "One-sided font plea", (ThaiPulse, June 30).

The right to art or design is granted naturally, immediately and exclusively to the artist or designer who created it. I don’t think Pairoj Theeraprapha owes anyone an explanation why he allows his art to be used by one group and not another. When an artist contributes his art to the public, royalty free, it only means he offers us a chance to enjoy without asking for compensation. Pairoj has expressed the true spirit of Silpakorn University and its founding fathers that ideal art must be created for the public so it will inspire a better society. Therefore, it is up to him to forbid his work's exploitation by a supporter of a corrupt regime.

Pornnapa Changpakorn


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