From Trump to libel
Re: "Stop name-calling", (PostBag, Nov 23).
Not for the first time, Songdej Praditsmanont raises the possibility of suing for defamation over comments in a PostBag letter, which he regards as libelous. I suspect Khun Songdej may sometimes misinterpret what is merely a disparaging remark as reflecting more seriously on his character and integrity.
While he is well within his rights in taking umbrage at Michael Setter's description of him as suffering from "Trump derangement syndrome", it should not be because that accusation means he is mentally unstable by virtue of an obsession with the ex-president's many deficiencies, but rather because it implies an irrationality that prompts him to support the mirthless Trump back into power.
This is certainly a significant insult but hardly actionable, even under Thailand's capricious defamation law.
Dead calm
Re: "Monks under probe for keeping 73 corpses in Phichit province", (BP, Nov 26).
If, as explained by the monks collecting a sufficiency of human corpses, 73 at the latest count, dead bodies are valuable "as aids to meditation," does that not mean that those who meditate without at least one corpse present are missing out on something? That doesn't seem fair to them.
To ensure the full fruits of meditation for all, it is necessary to protect this venerated traditional custom of Thai Buddhism. Thai Buddhism's guardian, the National Office of Buddhism, should ensure all temples used for meditation, at least the popular ones turning a sufficient profit, be provided with the requisite human leftovers.
Perhaps a deal can be legalised where the faithful can pre-sell their bodies for extra merit. A greater sufficiency of merit always comes in handy when dead. This will fast-track Thailand to become an unmatched hub of meditation.
Ban is a step back
Re: "Trans US congresswoman in GOP crosshairs", (World, Nov 24).
Like many baby boomers, I grew up in a time when there was little support or acceptance of diversity in gender, but that was almost 70 years ago and yet some still have the same approach.
It has been reported in the media that the Trump transition team is looking at removing all transgender people from serving in the US military. This will be about 15,000 people no longer protecting their country and its constitution.
Indeed, in his first term in 2018, his administration tried to impose his blanket ban on transgender people serving in the military.
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has also said on X that this will improve recruitment and save money.
Sacking people will save money but how will it get more people to join up?
Those that serve should be supported, respected and honoured, they are never "losers" and "suckers" as it is alleged Donald Trump called them.
Support all those that serve as you may one day need their support.