OPINION

Courting disaster

Re: "An Asean country might be near a crisis", (Opinion, Oct 20).

As usual, Chartchai Parasuk provides us with a clear, concise and well-written article on economics.

He makes a compelling argument for why a certain undisclosed Asean nation may be on the precipice of economic disaster; however, I might add, that its not just one, but at least a few more other Asean countries who are at risk of courting disaster in the coming year.

Re: "Pata Zoo denies acquiescing in deal to sell prized ape", (BP, Oct 23).

I believe in karma and Confucius saying that "Don't do unto others what you don't want done unto you."

I like to say to the guy in the news maintaining that the ape imprisoned at Pata is not truly imprisoned.

Then, in his next life, I hope he would be limited in his freedom just like this ape has gone through for 30 years.

Re: "More tension or hope to come from COP27?", (Opinion, Oct 21).

Oct 24 is the United Nations Day celebrated worldwide since 1945 when the Charter of the United Nations (UN) entered into force.

In 2022 this day is being celebrated under unprecedented circumstances. Multilateral diplomacy under the auspices of the UN system cannot function properly.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message on this event said: "As we mark UN Day, let us renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity".

During UN Day it is appropriate to remind the topicality of the 2004 report submitted by Anand Panyarachun, chairman of the UN High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change entitled "A More Secure World: Our Shared Responsibility."

One of the fundamental conclusions of the report, fully valid today, is that major changes are needed if the UN is to be effective, efficient and equitable in providing collective security for all in the 21st century characterized by global vulnerabilities, perplexities and discontinuities.

Re: "Director gets 385-year term for shoddy school lunches", (BP, Oct 22).

It is heartening to learn that there is some humanity in the Thai justice system, with Somchao Sitthichane having his 385-year jail term halved because he cooperated and confessed to dishing up shoddy meals to his infant charges. That leaves 192 years and 6 months to serve. Such compassion! Perhaps with time off for good behaviour, he can be released in 100 years. That is something he can look forward to. Despite the nastiness of his crime, this sentence is a joke.

"The authorities must do this!" "The authorities must do that!" "The authorities have to blah do blah de blah!" The authorities will do no such thing. They will do whatever they want, just like they always have. I doubt the powers that be even have much awareness of the Bangkok Post, and your letter writers ought to be thankful for that. At least half of them would probably be deported if they ever made it onto officialdom's radar.

I have been reading the Post's letters page for 40 years. It used to be informative and entertaining. For so long now, it has been neither. Nowadays, I read it merely out of habit. Skim over it really. Once my generation is gone, no one will bother.