OPINION

Proven track record

Re: "China seeks stronger Asean ties", (Opinion, July 28).

Asean has already demonstrated its diplomatic maturity by its successful negotiations over the years with all the big powers, including the European Union. This success is due to the fact that this regional organisation is genuinely committed to the requirements of effective multilateralism and its conduct is firmly guided by the fundamental principles of international law.

Asean specifically emphasises on the world arena the importance of mutual trust and confidence, enhanced dialogue and cooperation in inter-state relations, and supports a fruitful multilateral approach in addressing emerging challenges.

In clear diplomatic and pragmatic terms, Asean regularly calls its 10 members to actively contribute to constructive efforts in shaping a more effective multilateral architecture that is capable of tackling pressing common regional and global issues. It also militates for a rules-based regional and international order, anchored in international law.

Eric Bahrt in his letter, "No threat from us", suggests Thailand and its neighbours relax the rules for lockdown, shutout and whatever else. What he says has partial merit.

Thailand needs the tourist currency to boost its economy. However, Vietnam relaxed its rules and has now had to evacuate 80,000 people suspected of having the Chinese virus in one area.

Thailand, on the other hand, was rated number one in the world by the World Health Organization for its rules, regulations and enforcement in keeping this virus at bay. It is a bit difficult to "have one's cake and eat it at the same time", as the old cliché says.

It is a difficult choice to make, but discretion is the better part of valour, and the prime minister is doing an admirable job with his adamant stance.

Regretfully, it is indeed affecting and inconveniencing many incoming, outgoing and trapped people. Personally, though, I'd rather be safe now than sorry later.

I would like to compliment the Yoovidhya relatives for their public letter (BP, July 30) in which they disassociated themselves from Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya's infamous hit-and-run case and strongly urged him to come out publicly, be transparent and accept the judicial process.

In my letter to the Bangkok Post (July 1, 2020), I urged the Yoovidhya family to seriously consider with good conscience their "accountability" to Thai society and people. I stressed: "If not and Boss is not brought to justice, your whole family (including younger ones) will suffer mentally and live with this lifelong sin for the rest of your lives."

This letter by the Yoovidhyas should be a positive step, small as it may seem, in the healing process of our confused society and judicial system.

While it is true that protesters may eventually feel "protest fatigue" and take a rest, there is so much inequality and injustice here and so little effort by this government to change that, that there will be something for someone to protest here for as long as this government exists.