OPINION

Better part of valour

Re: "Rich versus poor, the global gap is narrowing", (Opinion, Jan 26).

The Princeton University study on inequities during the Covid pandemic reached crucial findings relevant for the ongoing debate over the need and effectiveness of lockdowns. Based on a global review, the study concluded that countries that have taken a relaxed approach to lockdowns in the hope of protecting their economies have not fared well.

Importantly, the research revealed that: "It is not a matter of your money or your life, but your money and your life." The bottom line is that countries must control the pandemic and related deaths before their economies can begin to recover.

The vast majority of sound scientific studies have shown that widespread wearing of masks and physical distancing lessen the spread of the Covid-19 virus and death rates. Thailand would be well advised to remain cautious and continue the judicious use of masks and lockdowns until widespread herd immunity can be achieved through mass vaccinations. The corollary of this advice, however, is to accelerate vaccination programmes to the maximum extent possible.

Given Thailand's world ranking by Transparency International Corruption Perception Index at 101 out of 180, it is unsurprising that questions have been raised regarding the country's vaccine procurement and related technology transfer.

However, Veera Prateepchaikul in his Jan 25 article "Vaccine buy bears up to scrutiny" completely misses/ignores the crucial point, namely the indefensible use of the lese majeste law to stifle such questions. As Khun Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit commented: "The charges are politically motivated."

It is surely this aspect of the case that Khun Veera should be looking into.

Re: "Old solutions no answer to dust menace", (Opinion, Jan 25).

The only way to eliminate the menace of air pollution is to take drastic action.

First, Thailand must reduce the manufacturing and sale of petrol-based and diesel-based vehicles. Second, the government should increase the taxes on cars and trucks to 30%-35%.

Third, Thai banks should use more stringent income criteria to provide loans to buy cars and trucks.

Fourth, enhance public transport nationwide by improving railways.

Fifth, the public and private sectors should curb the use of cars, provide their employees with BTMA and BTS passes and give incentives for carpooling. Rhe government should also put a hefty fine on single-person occupancy in cars.

Lastly, wherever feasible, encourage people to work from home. Adopting the Singapore model on the sales and use of cars will go a long way.

The ongoing Covid crisis, combined with air pollution, has taught us one lesson: We must keep our lungs safe and clean, for breath is life.

It was appalling to see a photo of a person being sprayed with disinfectant. This is absolutely barbaric. The PCR testing conducted in Samut Sakhon shows about one positive result in 10. What makes the government think they have no cases in other provinces? It is inevitable that the virus will spread in a natural progression through the population until herd immunity is attained. Vaccinations, lockdowns and mask mandates will not alter this process.

I agree with Mr Bahrt that the successful approaches of Sweden and South Korea should be followed, combined with the highly effective prophylaxis protocols used in certain Indian states which are founded on government distribution of free ivermectin to all. Even schoolchildren could figure this out given access to the facts.