OPINION

Abbot not above law

Re: "No 'human shield' for abbot", (BP, May 19).

The point of controversy is the condition of the abbot who claimed to be sick. He has been diagnosed and treated by doctors of the clinic attached with the temple. Why can't the DSI and the court issue an order to move the abbot to the Police General Hospital, or other reliable public hospitals, for further diagnoses and necessary treatment.

It is just too bad that the disciples of abbot Phra Dhammajayo are upset over his arrest warrant. The abbot has intentionally snubbed the DSI for a long time. In the end he thought he'd win the battle of wills. But mishandling 1.2 billion baht is nothing to be scoffed at. If the abbot can thumb his nose at the DSI and the law in general, he is demonstrating that the rest of us can do the same with the same impunity, and, immunity.

Re: "Older-worker hiring scheme mulled", (Business, May 18).

While the government is mulling over a proposal to hire older workers to help reduce the national debt, perhaps it might also mull over amending the immigration laws to permit older, retired Westerners to work as well. Hiring older Thais might help reduce the national debt. Hiring professional and experienced retired Westerners might contribute to adding to the country's wealth as well. Don't kill off the goose that lays the golden eggs.

449900

Re: "Wanted: Love of chicken and iron stomach", (Life, May 19).

This story, about a competition to see how fast people can ram BonChon Chicken down their throats gives a new definition to vulgarity, gluttony, stupidity and uncivilised behaviour all in one. This sort of eating competition is also highly dangerous, and while I wish the competitors no serious harm, I hope they all end up with a 24-hour case of reflux and heartburn.

Again, we have made another trip to check on the progress of obtaining Thai ID papers for my Thai daughter and her brothers. The papers were submitted months ago and we were assured that the papers would be forthcoming as soon as a police clearance was given, a one-month process, That was about six months ago. Now we are told there needs to be written proof about the kids' parents: Date of birth, nationality and so on. That is rather difficult if not impossible when your father was killed when you very young and then your mother abandoned you to your grandparents.

We were told by officials they would do everything they could to help these students but that their hands were tied until such time as the laws changed.

The law can be changed by the prime minister and I would suggest this is a matter he should concern himself with immediately. It certainly would help the Thai image along with many deserving young people.

These are young people who have done very well in school, received many honours and are headed for universities. They will be solid members of the Thai society when they are given the opportunity to use the skills they are developing.

Northern Mom

Nothing to joke about but in the past when Thais killed someone they made an apology and checked into a wat and all would be forgiven.

Maybe the lecturer is hiding out in a wat.

Where is the Benz driver?

Who were the Thais named in the Panama Papers?

What's the status of the policemen's children? On a lighter note a 100-baht reward will be given for information leading to the whereabouts of "Boss".