OPINION

About time

Re: "Cabinet gives nod to polls in city, Pattaya," (BP, March 9).

I'm glad that PM Prayut has approved elections for Bangkok and Pattaya, both of which have had direct elections for many years now. But we should have had local "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" (Abraham Lincoln) throughout Thailand decades ago. Given that such elections have worked well for so long even in small towns like Pattaya, our next governor polls should include our larger cities like Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Phuket. Also, if the governor is directly accountable to those who elected her -- not the Bangkok mandarins -- she'll put her heart and soul into helping them. More governor elections now!

Re: "First pig heart transplant patient dies after two months," (BP, March 10).

As I noted in a PostBag letter shortly after the transplant occurred, cross-species organ transplants do not work. If the medical establishment gave a hoot about human life, which they don't, there would be a massive campaign urging humans to donate their organs after death. I would even support legislation making it mandatory. If the state can cut people open after they die (autopsies, don't require family consent) why can't they remove the organs to save people's lives?

Re: "Listen to late king," (PostBag, March 9).

I would just like to thank Khun Burin for reminding us all of the wisdom of King Bhumibol.

King Rama IX was aware of the politics that surround this law and he wished its connection to the monarchy to be ended.

Thailand would not be the proud country it is today without the monarchy.

Done with respect, criticism will not bring the monarchy down, it will strengthen it.

Re: "Hiding something?," (PostBag, March 9).

Khun Eric has been complaining, again! This time because he lost access to RT Television with his current television provider.

A simple solution is to use an inexpensive TV box connected to the internet and he will regain access not just to RT but to the BBC, CNN, Euronews and many others transmitting in real-time a continuous stream of their current programmes, most of the time in HD (high definition).

As I write this, RT is running one of its regular propaganda (Crosstalk to be precise), which is -- if swallowed with a grain of salt -- always very entertaining. The bias against everything West is impossible to miss, but as Mr Bahrt also pointed out it is better to keep an open mind and be ready to listen to the other side.

RT is trying hard to support the megalomaniac currently in charge of their country, but they are no match to Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky who is also appearing daily on televisions worldwide and has conquered the hearts and minds of most of the free world.

In the two weeks since the tragic death of Dr Waraluck Supawatjariyakul, while simply crossing the road, it is quite refreshing to see now the number of vehicles that actually stop voluntarily, at least on Rama IV Road in Phra Khanong, before the crossing to let us cross safely with the baby in the push-chair.

In the UK we have the famous zebra crossings and "Pelicon" (Pedestrian Light Controlled) crossings. I can find no reference to Dr Waraluck's nickname but wonder if renaming these crossings in Thailand in her memory might be a good idea.