OPINION

Do as the King did

The multitude of articles about His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's approach to help underprivileged Thais show that our beloved King and national father focused on: (a) Local input, gathered first-hand from the ordinary Thai, and (b) solutions that were tailored for the local culture and traditions.

The King, persuaded by a desire to be a role model, was walking the walk as well as talking the talk.

Thus, for example, he listened intensely to local farmers, asking why they grew opium despite its danger to society. He then planted new species suited to local conditions that would yield higher incomes than opium, using methods the locals could apply. He led the way, raising the plants he recommended. No wonder he was successful and generated commitment.

Contrast that with our not welcoming local inputs, as in the edit: "you can think, but don't express your thoughts" (by DPM Prawit Wongsuwon), or PM Prayut's frog-marching the youngster who suggested that students be taught the rationale for each of Gen Prayut's 12 Values off for an "attitude adjustment", or our one-size-fits-all approach to educational reform nationwide. Nor does the government lead the way, as in living each of the 12 Values, but simply issues orders.

Instead of giving lip service to the King's wisdom, we should show our deep love for him through emulating his approach and actions.

The Bangkok Post recently printed an article in which the "f" word was fully spelled out on two occasions. In the Oct 20 edition, an article, titled "HK swearing-in rites blocked", contained the words "the People's ref***king of Zeena".

Is the Bangkok Post starting a trend where previously offensive words are not being edited, or has it been careless in its editing?

Also, some time ago I wrote to you about the inaccuracy of the warning at the top of the crossword. It reads "Use the grid with the cryptic or the easy clues, but beware: The answers are different". Regularly this is proven to be incorrect.

Since launching its first satellite, Dong Fang Hung 1, in 1970, China has gone from strength to strength in its space programme.

This has been a milestone year for China's space programme. After launching the world's first quantum communications satellite and finishing construction of the world's largest radio telescope, a manned spacecraft Tiangong 2 was launched two weeks ago, in a plan to place a multi-module space station in orbit by 2020.

For those contributors who regularly write to PostBag criticising China, such as branding Chinese submarines as "rusty" just a few months ago, they need not have to prove their allegation in the deep sea. On a cloudless night when they lift their head they may just be able to catch a glimpse of the Chinese spaceship among the sparkling stars. This time though, don't mistake the red Chinese flag as rust stains.

Re: "Casino raid results in top cop transfers", (BP, Oct 26).

Five senior police officers ranging from a police captain to a police colonel have been transferred to inactive posts after soldiers raided a casino in Bang Khen district under their jurisdiction.

I know it has been commented upon before, but when are we to hear that these apparently corrupt officials are dismissed, prosecuted and sent to prison?

Those transferred to the infamous "inactive posts" must be laughing their heads off at their good fortune. Hardly an incentive to stamp out rampant corruption when those caught land a nice cushy job and retain their ill-gotten gains.

Re: "Govt to limit mourners at throne hall," (BP, Oct 25).

Perhaps the dress requirements for paying respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej could be eased for those who deeply love His Majesty but don't have the means for clothes and shoes considered appropriate?

Or perhaps attire could be made available to them?

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