Re: "Overcrowded prisons need reforming", (Opinion, April 10).
To get an insight into the inside of a Thai prison, I would suggest watching the film, A Prayer Before Dawn. Based on the experience of a reformed British ex-convict, Billy Moor. A Thai or any prison is something to be avoided at all costs. Some manage to do so.
Re: "OAG delays Thaksin indictment decision", (BP, April 11).
Once again, the disparity in the treatment of lese majeste cases is highlighted by the fact that Thaksin, who faces lese majeste indictments, is walking freely around the streets.
In the meantime, Arnon Nampa is denied bail, and other political activists awaiting trial on lese majeste charges continue to be incarcerated despite calls by human rights groups for their release and for a review of court regulations.
Re: "Survival tips, please", (PostBag, April 3) & Re: "Time to stop making empty promises", (Opinion, March 7).
Related to your suggestion that economist/columnist Chartichai Parasuk, known for repetitively warning about economic crises, should offer solutions, Paul -- just use your common sense. I am a layman and don't pretend to be an economist.
First: ensure yourself of a secure job with a decent salary.
Second: buy/build a house and land when the crisis has hit and pay in cash; this way, you can sustain yourself by having minimal fixed expenses and being able to grow your own food without the risk of the bank taking away your house in case it's mortgaged.
Third: if you still have money to burn, don't dabble in shares and bonds but buy physical (pure) gold and/or silver (beware: Thais don't prefer or buy silver) and don't keep it in a bank vault. Purchasing gold might be a bit of a gamble right now since the gold price has already skyrocketed in the last few months (after all, what goes up may likely come down). The gold standard was abolished in the early 70s by then-president Nixon. Despite this, countries like China and Russia, but also the central banks of many countries, have started buying huge amounts of physical gold lately. So what do these countries and central banks know that we laymen don't?
Fourth: you can wait for our economist/columnist Chartchai Parasuk's survival tips.
Last but not least, I don't take responsibility for my suggestions.
Re: "Thin-skinned", (PostBag, April 11) & "Swords drawn", (PostBag, April 7).
While not one of my so-called "friends" came to my defence when Songdej Praditsmanont treated me with a lawsuit, Ray Ban, who is frequently critical of me, defended my right to free speech. As an American, I lived in a country where I'd frequently engage in heated debates with even my friends, and we'd exchange insults. But we realised the insults were political and not meant to be taken personally.
Still, I had no intention of hurting Songdej's feelings, and I also realised I unintentionally misinterpreted his letters when I called him a strong supporter of the junta. His views are different from Vint Chavala. Again, I apologise.
One thing Songdej and I have in common is that we love great quotes. So, I'll conclude my letter with a John Locke quote: "I disagree with everything you have to say. But I will defend until death your right to say it."
11 Apr 2024
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