OPINION

Needs must not

Re: "Japan prepares to provide $500m soft loan," (Business, March 11).

The government will have to borrow from banks to support the diesel subsidy programme. At the same time, the government is seeking a US$500 million (16.67 billion baht) loan from Japan and has already "spent" 80% of this money before it has arrived in the national coffers. They are also proposing a matching bond to offset budget deficits.

Everyone understands the financial devastation that Covid policies have created because we are living through them. This dire economic condition was imposed by government lockdowns and policies.

That would mean no extravagant purchases of subs/tanks/fighter jets/military equipment. None of these purchases can be classified as "needs". Their claim that they need to replace equipment does not stem from its usage by defence, but the opposite -- lack of use. If the equipment is not being used for the intended purpose, it obviously is not needed.

Re: "Thailand affirms neutral stance," (BP, March 11), and "Thailand must take stand on Ukraine", (Opinion, March 11).

The juxtaposition of these two articles with their diametrically opposed arguments makes for interesting reading.

In the first article, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says Thailand remains committed to a balanced foreign policy that is in the country's best interests.

In the second article, the writers posit that Thailand has much to gain by supporting Ukraine, and argue that common decency demands that Thailand do so.

From my perspective, I wonder how the government can remain neutral as Russia deliberately targets schools, maternity hospitals and civilian residential areas.

The barbarity of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine has even shaken Switzerland, which has the oldest policy of neutrality in the world (dating back to 1815), into supporting United Nations resolutions against Russia.

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

One of your perennial letter writers, Eric Bahrt, so often grinds the wrong axe as he did with his couched approval of Russia's dictator, Vladimir Putin.

The unprovoked attack on Ukraine to wilfully decimate its heroic leader and the people of Ukraine has no comparison to ridding the world of fiendish dictator Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

Tell me, Mr. Bahrt, how do you feel about Israel's incursions? You should know.

Re: "Ex-PM Anand says coups have retarded Thai democracy," (Online, March 6).

It was most encouraging to see former PM Anand Panyarachun bluntly speaking the truth: that coups committed by those with lame excuses for trampling Thai people's aspirations for democracy, in Anand's words, "retarded Thailand's democratic development, leaving a legacy of failed administrations and corruption". Spot on.

The single greatest cause of Thailand's persistent corruption is the military coups committed against Thais.

Mr Anand's conclusion is fitting in light of the latest spate of arrests and imprisonments of Thais peacefully protesting for openness, transparency and accountability.

They believe that free speech that is foundational to democracy and that it is essential if corruption and other abuses are to be dealt with. As he reminds us: "The law should not be used as a tool for persecution."

Re: "Euthanasia is a service, not a sin, for the elderly," (Opinion, Feb 4).

The writer makes a valid point that euthanasia should be made more widely available, at least for the elderly.

As he made clear, fewer and fewer Thais are getting married or having children. Hence, there often is no one to take care of elderly Thais.

So, if they are sick and suffering with no hope of getting better, it could be useful for the aged to have euthanasia as an option.

Of course, another option would be for the government to provide better support to the aged in Thai society, instead of passing all of the burden for taking care of the elderly to family members.

In this way, more elderly Thais could truly enjoy their "golden years".

Re: "Light tribute," (PostBag, March 11).

It has been suggested that pedestrian crossings could be named after the good Dr Waraluk who sadly met her end on a crossing. A Waraluk crossing springs to mind.

But given the everyday driving habits and disregard of road rules here, I'm sure it would soon be renamed Hard Luck, Good Luck, Bad Luck and Chance Your Luck crossing. Rest in peace, doctor. Your knowledge and talents have been wasted.