OPINION

Pot calling kettle...

Re: "Thamanat saga a blight", (Editorial, May 7).

That editorial is correct in most aspects but it inadvertently exposes a fundamental flaw by suggesting Gen Prawit Wongsuwon could "salvage the image of the government" by setting up a committee to review whether Captain Thamanat is "morally and ethically fit to be a cabinet minister". This highlights the problem of asking for a judgement to be made on the captain by a general many believe should have tendered his own resignation three years ago.

A pill overlooked

The pharmacist informs me 6mg Ivermectin pills in Thailand cost 200 baht per pill or 4,000 baht for a pack of 20.

Why does Thailand not produce generic Ivermectin pills as it is not in patent and very cheap. As a preventative, Ivermectin -- medication used to treat many types of parasite infestations -- appears in many studies to prevent deaths and reduce the effects of Covid-19. The medicine has gained acceptance as an alternative medical treatment for Covid-19 patients. In March, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised that Ivermectin was used to treat Covid-19 in clinical trials.

By preparing to produce Ivermectin as an alternative treatment, instead of relying solely on anti-viral Favipiravir, Thailand can reduce the suffering and deaths of its citizens.

His eyes are on you

Re: "PM eyes huge vaccine stockpile", (BP, May 8).

Why is it always PM eyes, contemplates, thinks about, and more. Very rarely do we read any affirmative action adjectives. If the PM would be a doer instead of an eyer, maybe so many people would not be contemplating leaving the kingdom.

Still more beds!

Re: "Capital needs beds as Covid cases soar", (BP, May 8).

After having read today's paper which says the government has plans to open another Covid-19 treatment facility capable of handling 1,000 patients, it must be said that enough is enough.

Last week it was announced that Muang Thong Thani would be turned into a treatment centre for 5,200 patients. Now another 1,000 are to be sent to a convention centre in the Chaeng Wattana area to be treated.

There are only two such facilities, the Miracle Grand on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road or the Novotel in the government complex on Chaeng Wattana Road. So why are an additional 6,000 patients being herded into the Laksi area making it the largest treatment area in Thailand?

Oh, and did I mention that some say the new wing of Mongkut Wattana Hospital across the street from the government complex is now being used to treat Covid-19 patients?

That makes a total of nearly 7,000 patients within a 4-kilometre area. Is the government planning to call this area a super-duper, deep-red area and seal it off from the rest of Bangkok? It is bad enough that Laksi is already surrounded by clusters in Bang Khen, Nontaburi and Pathum Thani. We don't need imported cases of Covid-19 brought into our area.

Sleeping Covid risk

Re: "City slum clusters demand special care'', (BP, May 6).

The Klong Toey super-spreader cluster of Covid-19 cases comes fast on the heels of the Thong Lor nightclub one -- and once again, was totally foreseeable. These two super-spreaders are more examples of Gen Prayut's and Mr Anutin's lack of vision. Klong Toey has been a slum for decades, just as illegal sexually-oriented activities in Thong Lor have been known to the authorities for decades.

Thailand's first Covid-19 case appeared on 13/01/2020; in the year-plus since then, why haven't we had extensive pro-active testing in our biggest slums and crackdowns on illegal Covid-inducing activities, rather than play catch-up after such events occur?

Looking forward, Gen Prayut, are you and Mr Anutin doing intensive pro-active testing nationwide in big urban slums and major urban sex-oriented spots? if not now, when?

Rocket visa needed

Re: "Returning rocket will be safe", (BP, May 8).

Somebody should tell the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs that by allowing its rocket to crash on Earth, China is interfering in the internal affairs of whatever country it lands on. The nations of the world must rebuff and condemn this outrageous violation of their sovereignty. The rocket doesn't even have a re-entry permit, much less a visa.

I call upon UN Secretary-general Antonio Guterres to summon Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi give him a proper dressing-down. Should the rocket cause any damage to people or property, the Chinese government must be subjected to severe sanctions.