OPINION

We're at a crossroads

Re: "Don't protect the culprits," (Editorial, April 15).

This editorial tells us everything there is to say concerning the rotten, corrupt culture among some politicians, the police and military. The three outbreaks of Covid-19 were the result of government mismanagement: the first being the Chinese tourists being allowed into the country despite a warning by medical experts, the second being the scandal of the army boxing stadium and the third being corrupt immigration police allowing the entry of illegal labourers along the Thai-Myanmar border. Now we have a more serious fourth wave because of a politician visiting hi-so Thong Lor pubs.

While the culprits go free without being reprimanded, it is the average people who suffer. The emergency decree for Covid-19 only applies to the democracy protesters and the justice system is a sham. The Thai mentality of worshipping the rich and powerful has been engrained in the blood for hundred years of our feudal society and it will take much time to change. However, history tells us that once the idea of change is implanted, there is no turning back. Never in Thai politics have we faced such a dire situation as we do now, while this government is in power. If Siam Thevathiraj indeed exists, we just hope that the spirit will instill some sense into the powers-to-be to think of a way to save this country.

Re: "Covid spreaders to face legal action," (BP, April 15).

Yet another committee will be formed, headed by the deputy police chief of Phuket. To do what? The profits have been made. All the attendees have disappeared. The owners will face the "law for the rich". Whilst I was visiting Kamala, Phuket on holiday last week, the majority of venues serving food were shut down for two weeks, after the Cafe Del Mar event. The only trouble with this wonderful country which I dearly love, is how the poor always suffer and the rich get richer. That is the only reality.

Eric Barht in his April 15 letter, "Bug not going away," seems to ask why doesn't the government allow kids to run around as they are not likely to die from the Covid-19 virus. Yes, the people most likely to die from Covid-19 are definitely those with life-threatening diseases, like heart disease, cancer or diabetes, as he says. I agree -- but let's not forget very old people too.

Then, let's ask the big question: who are these people with life-threatening diseases and old age likely to catch the virus from?

Does it magically appear in their homes or bodies? Could it be, and there should be an "uh-oh" moment here, those very same young and possibly infected people that the writer wishes to unleash upon society? How else are the old and infirm most likely to catch it and die? In a society that has an extended family social system, the spread of the virus to the old and sick is much more likely than among the nuclear families of the West.

Some people seem to have this cavalier attitude that we have a freedom to hurt others as long as we are not hurt. Masks and isolation are to prevent others from possibly becoming sick or dying: it isn't all about one group surviving, it's about everyone surviving.

Re: "One million more Sinovac doses arrive," (BP, April 11).

Thai authorities keep coming up with ever more creative excuses for not securing an adequate number of doses of Covid-19 vaccines. But the latest one from Public Health Minister Anutin is a doozy, standing above all the others.

Mr Anutin is reported as saying Thailand does not need too many vaccine doses because the virus may mutate, rendering existing vaccines ineffective. Taking that logic a step further, I guess if two-thirds of the population perishes from Covid-19, we will need far fewer vaccines for those remaining.

Re: "Driver of fatal-fire tour bus charged," (BP, April 14).

The driver of the tour bus that burst into flames, killing five, has been charged with reckless driving causing death. But are the authorities -- again -- satisfying themselves with a superficial investigation that fails to get to the possible many factors that culminated in this tragedy? And was the driver really reckless?

For example, the driver thinks that a rear tyre burst, starting the fire. Were all tyres in roadworthy condition -- or threadbare, in an effort to save money? Had the bus been built to approved specifications -- including protection against a burst tyre starting a fire and adequate emergency exits for passengers on both decks -- especially the top? Was all equipment in working condition, including fire detection and extinguishing equipment?

Had the driver been trained and tested regularly on demonstrated ability to handle emergencies, as certified by the Land Transport Department? Had the driver been tested for alcohol and drug usage before his trip? Was there reasonable time allowed for the trip, so the driver would not be under pressure to rush and cut corners?

Insurance coverage of two million baht per death is very low, and should be quadrupled to encourage road safety.

Absent answers to the above, and lacking evidence of reckless driving, the driver looks like a scapegoat.

Thailand is now looking to attract foreigners. Naturally, they once again don't have a clue as to why the well-healed foreigner should want to invest/live in the "Land of Smiles". I don't think they have a clue as to what the foreigner wants. Heaven forbid they set up a panel where foreigners can advise the government as to what is in the mind of the foreigner.

Until Thailand finds a way for dealing with gambling it will suffer compared with other countries which make foreigners feel welcome and comfortable.

Maybe some foreign advice may help you see out of the box.

Pattaya

A lot of people have lauded new American President Joe Biden for instituting a comprehensive social stimulus package in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, it should be mentioned that former president Donald Trump unveiled a package before his term was up, depositing thousands of dollars into most Americans' bank accounts, among other things.

And, right from the beginning of his presidency, in a bid to create many jobs, Mr Trump made it clear that he was going to improve the transportation network in the US.

Now, I am not so sure what transport projects the former president actually started, but he put the plans in place and money was set aside to go on building numerous new roads and train tracks etc, if re-elected. This is something that numerous people (such as Kuldeep Nagi in his April 5 letter "Sour Grapes") have conveniently forgotten.

While it may be true that Mr Biden is doing a lot to improve the infrastructure network of the United States, I think that it is high time that the members of the left-wing American media give Donald Trump his due.

They should finally admit that the former president was the first person to come up with ambitious plans to update the travel network of the most powerful nation on earth.

Having been a resident (Non Imm-O) expat here for the past 12 years, I have paid for all my medical care at a local private hospital. These visits have included multiple surgeries, dental and medical care, two hospital stays and bi-annual exams.

Due to the virus I have put off returning to the US for the past two years, but need to go back to maintain my US veteran's coverage.

My concern has been the insurance requirements for re-entry. Presently the COE (Certificate of Entry) remains unchanged on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website since its inception. They still ask for a 14-day, pre-booked, quarantine, fit-to-fly certificates, boarding pre-test, and US$100,000 (3.1 million baht) Covid-medical insurance.

And therein lies the issue. At 76 years of age, not one of the approved sources will even allow me to submit a request for insurance that will meet the requirements. Additionally, their failure to cover pre-existing conditions combined with huge yearly deductibles, means that I will still have to self-pay for most of my medical care anyway.

The website makes no mention of the recent changes to the quarantine or how being fully vaccinated prior to reentry will affect one's requirements. I can get vaccinated immediately upon my return to the US and, as one of those "at risk", cannot wait for mid-summer or end of year for Thailand to put together a realistic vaccination programme.

With the currently large escalation of cases nationwide and the government claiming everything is under control, it is quite possible the "new" rules will change. We need some clarity from the government as to the current requirements for reentry and how being vaccinated will affect us.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul seems to stumble from one poor decision to the next.

His latest media release regarding his faith in an inferior vaccine is a classic example. This is despite the best advice from international experts and, sadly, his own department. His reliance on social media to prosecute his argument is breathtaking, without thinking and appropriate research.

Mr Anutin has been a disappointment from day one. He, in his important role, has not served the Thai people as expected, and therefore should be replaced immediately.

He would better serve the country in a defence role as the "Minister for Loose Cannons".