OPINION

Get ACT involved

Re: "Thanathorn defends virus jab criticism", (BP, Jan 22).

The question of which anti-Covid-19 vaccine we should rely on has become a giant political tussle, with even our high institution being dragged into the fray. But all we need, as taxpayers, is to ensure that good governance procedures have been rigorously followed so that you and I are assured of getting the best value for our hard-earned money.

I suggest the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) be invited to analyse our anti-Covid-19 procurement procedures and recommend improvements. The ACT's impartiality and being apolitical is accepted by all, and certainly, they have very long experience in analysing purchasing, including on matters of national importance.

Don't look to the US

Re: "The gullibility trap," (PostBag, Jan 20).

Michael Barber is correct in pointing out the so-called "lockdowns" in the US cannot be used as an indication of effectiveness in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. This is because there have been no effective lockdowns in the US. Even those touted as "rigid" or "severe" are a joke.

The list of "essential" businesses allowed to circumvent lockdown restrictions across wide swathes of the US includes surprising enterprises such as gun shops, marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, hardware suppliers and office-supply stores. Religious fanatics, invoking First Amendment rights, have regularly gathered in mass ceremonies in defiance of lockdown controls. "Freedom" champions, working with right-leaning legislatures and conservative judges have struck down mask mandates and bar closures in many American states. Even where lockdowns and mask decrees remain in place, large numbers of Americans defy the orders and there are no serious penalties for doing so. The former US president encouraged people to violate lockdown orders, stay-at-home guidance and mask mandates.

Taken together, it's impossible to assert that any state in America has effectively implemented a real "lockdown" so, based on US experience, we cannot say if lockdowns work or not.

About herd stupidity

Re: "The corrupt and clueless and President Biden," (Opinion, Jan 23).

Needless to say, many Republican leaders will miss their ringmaster and his fireworks, spectacles and Twitter tantrums.

Knowing the recent history of Republicans falling to the cult of "Trumpism", it will be a challenge for Mr Biden to overcome the herd stupidity of his followers. It is just possible the Democratic majority in both houses may help Mr Biden to repair the damage done to American democracy and its status on the world stage. The American people are capable of doing great things. I am quite confident that Mr Biden and his team may jumpstart a new chapter in American history.

Read the mask studies

How is it that for a non-lethal virus the government is sanctioning the destruction of Thailand? This virus has been non-lethal for almost a year due to early herd immunity arising from China tourism.

According to the CDC, Thailand sees 12–17% of total deaths caused by normal influenza each year. That means over 5,000 deaths per month from seasonal viruses, mostly the old and sick. Yet for a virus for which Thai doctors announced a treatment in February 2020, never rescinded, this government punishes us. We know there are over 30 effective medicines readily available and being used.

Doesn't anyone read the mask studies? Over 50 in the last 20 years and many in 2020. They don't even work in hospitals. They barely help prevent the spread when being worn by "symptomatic" carriers, much less the asymptomatic and everyone else. And there is zero evidence for spread through gyms and pools, yet we must become fatter and sicker "for our safety."

Give us the jabs

While everyone is aware the Covid-19 vaccine development and rollout is a modern miracle of science, I still have a couple of questions. I am trying to be patient but after reading about the slow progress of Thailand's acquisition and deployment plan after millions of people worldwide have already been vaccinated, I was wondering if it could be streamlined somehow? How many jabs have been done in Thailand?

What got me thinking was that some US states are already vaccinating prisoners. No disrespect, but we have to get moving now! I see 50,000 AstraZeneca doses are due next month and is front page news. I don't think that is enough.