The rights stuff
Re "Migrant workers get a raw deal," (Opinion, Feb 7).
Fairness by host nations' legal systems is indeed crucial while dealing with migrant workers.
From this perspective, it seems unacceptable to ignore the existence of a comprehensive International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (1990) which has been in force since 2003.
In accordance with this convention, state parties undertake to respect and ensure all migrant workers and members of their families within their territory, or subject to their jurisdiction, receive the rights provided for.
Regrettably, this convention was ratified by only 56 out of 193 UN member states. Only two Asean members (Indonesia and the Philippines) are parties to this multilateral legal instrument.
It is only when this convention is taken seriously by all states can it be asserted that real legal progress will have been achieved in solving a crucial human rights problems.
IOAN VOICU
English apathy
Re: "Students don't care," (PostBag, Feb 8).
Why are students not more motivated to learn English?
They are given every opportunity from primary school, but I agree with Khun Jason that they view English lessons as something thrust upon them and react accordingly.
We must ask ourselves why.
Before Covid, I was a frequent visitor to Vietnam, and there the motivation of students to learn English is manifest around the country's tourist spots.
To a lesser extent, I experienced the same desire to learn English among young Cambodians in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
What are the cultural differences or economic imperatives between Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia that result in such markedly different attitudes?
If we could fathom that riddle, we might have the key to motivating Thai students.
DAVID BROWN
Eye on the air
I suggest you publish the Air Quality Index numbers every day for Bangkok and other cities.
One thing we should realise is there's nothing more effective and fearful than seeing facts in numbers every day.
Hopefully, if they see it every day the government and public will be forced to do something.
This is an urgent matter: no matter how developed you get or how big your GDP, if basic air quality isn't good enough, we will only become weaker as a human race.
As with Covid, we will have to live inside with masks and air purifiers -- a future no one wants for our children.
It should be your duty as journalists to inform people daily with numbers and colour warnings, which is way more informative than editorials and opinions.
RISHI JAIN
