OPINION

Mask or no mask?

Re: "Flu vaccine 'a top priority' this year", (BP, April 3).

On March 28, I attempted to board the #204 bus in front of Indra Square. I wasn't wearing a mask, and I was under the assumption that masks were "suggested" but not required.

The fare collector made various hand gestures indicating she wanted me to put on a mask. I refused. She then went to the front of the bus and came back with a pack of KF94 masks. I again refused. I was asked, again by hand gestures, to leave the bus.

A Google search turns up a number of rules, orders, suggestions, and requirements, all of which seem to be contradictory, but it boils down to masks seeming to be a suggestion as opposed to a requirement.

A few minutes later, I boarded a #73 bus without a mask without a problem, paid my fare and travelled to my stop.

It's time for whoever is in charge, if anyone is in charge, to clarify this mask issue once and for all. Covid is no longer a threat, and most virologists seem to agree that only those with health issues or compromised immune systems should wear masks in crowded public spaces.

With the massive public relations blitz by the thousands of people running for elected office, it might behove someone to take a stand and relieve the Thai people of this burden. As tourists return, the number of unmasked people continues to grow, and each group must be wondering what is wrong with the other.

Re: "Heed his words", (PostBag, April 3).

All three of the "serial letter writers" who I mentioned in my original letter have responded, but unfortunately, all three of them have missed the point of my letter.

My letter was not a criticism of them and their frequent and repeated letters, for they are entitled to write to PostBag as often as they like.

My letter was a criticism of the editor of PostBag for not using more discretion in the publication of so many repeat letters.

Unfortunately, he has not cared to respond to my letter and offer us all an explanation of his selection criteria.

Re: "Youth need more opportunities", (Opinion, Jan 30).

I fully support online learning. The rest of the "online junk food" should be outlawed or carefully regulated if current and future generations of young people are to have a fair chance to develop their minds and bodies to successfully overcome the challenges of growing up in the high-tech modern world.

Yet, the dangers of mobile phones in the hands of current and future generations are online addiction to gaming apps and toxic social media platforms.

The consequences of these electronic addictions are serious. Increasing numbers of young people are becoming obese, developing diabetes and other disorders -- physical and emotional -- at rates never before seen.

Parent must actively encourage their children to leverage the amazing opportunities of electronic devices and the internet to gain education, knowledge and skills.

Governments must also play a role if these kids are to be saved.

More public education campaigns to warn of online addiction dangers are needed. Some countries restrict young people's access to gaming websites and certain addictive apps during the evening and overnight hours when kids should be studying and sleeping.