OPINION

Here's cheers to the 'Fab 6'

Re: "'Fabulous women' of Thailand", (BP, June 22).

Even though they didn't win many matches in the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League tournament, it was a wonderful pleasure to once again see Thailand's "Fab Six" in action. What a classy group of women. These delightful ladies reflect the very best of Thailand and are tremendous ambassadors for the kingdom. Win or lose, they project teamwork, tenacity, determination, good sportsmanship, grace, style and charm. They truly live the adage that, "it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game."

Sexism, pure and simple

Re: "Tired of PC nonsense", (PostBag, June 25).

Eric Bahrt's letter exemplifies brilliantly the traditional thinking behind those who object to transgendered people competing in sporting events according to their physical sex characteristics. Mr Bahrt's logic is also an excellent lesson in the persistence of demeaning sexism.

First, Eric makes an excellent point when he emphasises that competitors in sporting events, as in employment and elsewhere, should be sorted according to relevant criteria. In the case of athletics, this is teir physical characteristics. As Eric usefully points out: "It's estimated that men generally have 12 kilogrammes of more skeletal muscle mass than women."

There are certainly differences between an average man and an average woman, not only physically, but also cognitively and emotionally. This is precisely the reason selection for employment, competition, or other positions should be based strictly on relevant criteria, such as skeletal muscle mass, demonstrated academic ability in mathematics or law, or actual empathy.

To assume and make judgements based on the argument that women are less competent as lawyers, engineers or mathematicians because of possibly real statistical differences rather than treating each individual person, male or female, as an individual being objectively assessed according to the relevant criteria is rank sexism.

When Eric adds to his set of relevant physical selection criteria for athletes the extra condition that sex overrides other criteria, he assumes that all women are weaker than man and incapable of competing with them. That is sexism. The relevant criteria for Olympic events to ensure a level playing field for all competitors is discrimination based on height, weight, testosterone level, and so on.

There is no reason to bring competitors' sex into it.

forget about 'e-democracy'

Re: "Participatory democracy: A way forward for Thais", (Opinion, June 25).

Yes, participatory democracy is a hallmark of civil society. But can it be cultivated in Thailand? The answer is no. And the reasons should be obvious. The military and other institutions have a stranglehold on society. A small group of elites also willingly submits to this traditional arrangement of power-sharing.

There is no doubt that grassroots organisations and civil society can change this equation but they largely remain ineffective in stopping the coups. The same applies across the border in Myanmar.

Unless the role of the military is drastically changed, we will not see anything resembling democracy. Traditionally the Election Commission, judiciary, and public servants are subservient to whoever comes to power. The elections in Thailand resemble a mirage of democracy we usually see in a dry and barren desert. Constitutions are crafted or amended to hold on to power by hook or crook.

I am not sure about implementing e-democracy in Thailand. One of the pillars of the economy, immigration, is light years away from implementing anything that begins with "e" or electronic.

E-voting would be good if it is used to form a smart government. Sadly, votes are not enough. Winning opposition parties are either dissolved or succumb to judicial slaughtering. Surprisingly, in Thailand, the only sector that is thriving on the "e" platform is e-commerce. So, forget about e-democracy; it is too complicated and beyond the realm of Thai polity or possibilities!!

jab policy is unfair

My husband and I have lived in Thailand for 30 years.

The French embassy is vaccinating their nationals.

We are aged 78 and 79. We have paid British health insurance all our lives.

Thai teenagers are receiving the British formulated AstroZeneca Oxford vaccine. If the British Embassy vaccinates British nationals here, it is in no way "interfering with the Thai government"; rather, it is helping.