Re: “King of hearts” (Dec 5, 2014).
Many thanks to the Bangkok Post for having recited in its editorial column His Majesty the King’s sage advice as follows:
“Unity and reconciliation does not mean that everyone must say the same thing. Life is meaningless that way. There must be diversity [of views].”
That should serve to remind some people — Thai and foreigner alike — who keep saying Thailand is backwards and undemocratic because it has maintained a monarchic system, that what they believe is quite off the mark.
Poll after poll has shown that the majority of Thais have love and respect for their king — as a result of his hard work and dedication to his people.
Therefore, it would be a good thing for the Bangkok Post to keep quoting his Majesty’s wise words once in a while.
That way, hopefully the outside world will see us Thais and our King in a better light.
Vint Chavala
The fact of racism
I must agree with some writers that before people make comments about race relations in America they should examine the facts.
In the case of Michael Brown, a grand jury dominated by black people did favour the police action. However, one must not forget that police in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Texas and many other places in America have a long history of mistreating minorities.
Throughout American history, minorities, especially Native Americans, have suffered insults and indignities. Prejudice against minorities runs deep in American society. For decades, Native Americans, blacks and Hispanics have been mistreated by police.
After World War II, Asians were isolated as enemies. After 9/11, Sikhs became the target of hate and ridicule.
The largest number of people incarcerated by American police and courts are black and Hispanic. This is a fact anybody could verify. Mahatma Gandhi put it well: “You can judge a society by the way it treats its minorities.”
Kuldeep Nagi
Dog rights a concern
I read with dismay the Animal Rights Bill section concerning stray dogs.
The sentence, “Stray dogs have the right to stay where they are” is a typical Thai cop-out concerning this never-ending and ever-increasing problem.
It will perpetuate ad nauseam one of Thailand’s glaring problems. It is a major issue continuously swept under the carpet in the hope it will disappear.
But no, it will grow exponentially as dogs breed unceasingly to become an uncontrollable plague.
As it already helps to make Thailand a third world country, no matter what the authorities say, one day it will overwhelm it.
I wonder if the rats have that right too? Especially those big fat ones that loiter and stroll about in or near restaurants.
Isan Proofreader
Say ‘no’ to diet drugs
I read with disgust that dieters are taking drugs to prevent carbohydrates from being digested (Life, Dec 2).
Although refined carbs, which are found in such foods such as sugars and white bread, are not healthy, complex carbs found in fruits, whole grains and vegetables are essential for good health.
Still, it’s true if you don’t consume carbs you may lose weight. It’s also true if you undergo chemotherapy or contract Aids you’ll lose weight. Losing weight in an unhealthy way is dangerous.
The only healthy way to avoid obesity is to load up on fruit and vegetables — if you get hungry between meals eat an apple or a banana — and limit your consumption of fats (especially animal fats) and refined carbs.
Winning the war against obesity is really that simple.
Eric Bahrt
Quest for Brits’ justice
The parents of the two Koh Tao victims say the evidence against the two Myanmar men is “convincing” (BP, Dec 6).
Could they have said anything else? Probably. Being parents, they want justice, as do the rest of us. But do we want a lynch-mob type of justice when it has been reported that some of the evidence is botched?
I don’t think even the parents of the deceased want to see a conviction if there is any doubt. Is the evidence really as “convincing” as we have been told?
Jack Gilead
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