OPINION

Russian ballet

Re: "Media war on Russia", (PostBag, Dec 5).

Thank you Pyotor Ivanovich for the letter that may be correct in saying that Russia is being victimised. Russia seems to generate some media hype. However, I don't think the build-up has been denied, or explained; it certainly looks like a military offensive. But maybe they are just making a point -- sabre rattling? Of course, I was amused by your claim that, "Russian authorities at various levels have repeatedly refuted all speculation of an 'imminent conflict' with Ukraine."

If this is the key evidence in support of your argument, I suggest you take stock of Russia's line of command. I am sure the denial is well choreographed; from ballet to politics, choreography is central to their success.

Re: "Impatience costs protest leaders dear", (Opinion, Nov 29).

Veera Prateepchaikul hit the nail on the head when he said Thailand's youth-for-democracy movement "has never had mass public support".

Khun Veera also went further in saying the movement has never reached out to the masses "to connect with them or address their problems or grievances".

I would like to go further to say that most of the movement's leaders displayed detestable behaviour during their gatherings. Their use of foul language and obscene gestures in public are common.

At one time, a movement leader sent a message to Chuan Leekpai, the president of the National Assembly of Thailand, referring to a Thai word that signifies the male genitals commonly used among slum dwellers, to show she disagreed with his comments.

Most Thais were aghast at such base behaviour. That is why the youth movement in this country has never gathered much pace.

Re: "Please publish rebuttals", (PostBag, Dec 5).

In his latest tirade, Khun Ray Ban implies it was an anti-vaxxer website that referred me to a particular article in the European Journal of Epidemiology. Aside from the fact that's not true, it's irrelevant.

What is relevant is that I read that article and it definitely said that some of the highest rates of Covid-19 infections were in countries and American counties that also had the highest rates of vaccination. And vice-versa. None of my critics even claimed that I misrepresented the article.

The letter reminds me of the old saying: "Don't confuse me with the facts, I've already made up my mind".

Re: ''Mutation dangers", (PostBag, Dec 1).

Eric Bahrt is right that being vaccinated does not stop you getting Covid, but there is substantial evidence that it stops you from dying.

In the UK between January and the end of July approximately 57,000 died of Covid-related illness. All but 600 were unvaccinated. Of the 600 vaccinated, most had only had one and the others some underlying illnesses.

Right now over 90% of the Covid patients requiring ICU beds are unvaccinated. Their selfish acts have resulted in precious ICU beds being taken up and others with serious illnesses not getting treated.

I do not agree with mandatory vaccination, but it is time that countries like the UK followed Europe and made a vaccination pass the requirement for getting into bars and so on.

It may not stop you getting Covid, but it will stop you dying and may stop you infecting others.

As a regular visitor to Thailand I hope Thailand starts to require a vaccination certificate to keep the population safer.