OPINION

Don't leave it to the 'experts'

In the online story, "Police reject scapegoat claim in Trang rape case", I was interested in the following as published.

"Physicians, forensic experts and other responsible officials were involved in the investigative work which had been carried out 'in a very discreet manner', " Pol Maj Gen Daoloy said.

My big question is, after the so-called "expert investigations" in the infamous Koh Tao murder case, how could anyone trust those who label themselves forensic experts, and who exactly are the "responsible officials", and who licensed the physicians?

I don't think I'd trust them or their DNA testing to identify a species of a dead fish, much less become involved with human DNA testing. But then, the Royal Thai Police seems full of experts in all different areas these days, especially those cases involving gambling and the big "C" word.

Re: "All gone quite absurd" (Postbag, May 27).

Judging from the tone of his letter, I conjecture that Steve T's letter was written in defence of the US government and its ambassador to Thailand concerning the US criticism of alleged human rights discrimination in Thailand.

I would like to clarify a few points concerning Thailand's lese majeste law. During the recent past, there have been two groups of Thais of almost equal numbers that have contradictory points of view over the country's lese majeste law: One group has tried to avoid offending it since the monarchy is the mainstay of the country, while the other has seemed bent on breaking it at every opportunity.

His Majesty the King himself has expressed his disapproval of the law, because it does more harm to the monarchy than good.

However, to change the law is not easy, since the prevailing situation is not suitable.

Personally, I am for changing the law so that it can be more equitable, but am totally against obliterating it. I have stated this in my letters.

It is absurd for anyone to claim that those who were arrested for lese majeste simply "criticised" the monarchy. The truth has shown that they have done far more than that. Many of those who were jailed as a result of committing this crime have also been pardoned by the King later on.

Lastly, if you want to criticise a country's law, go read it first.

Re: "US frozen out of defence deals" (BP, May 23).

The military's arms procurement plan is a recipe for waste and inefficiency. A little bit of this and a little bit of that: helicopters from Russia and Italy; tanks from China, Ukraine and Russia; jets from Korea and Sweden -- all layered on top of past purchases from the US.

Even elementary knowledge of defence systems highlights the benefits of maintaining uniform systems provided by a few common suppliers. Such an approach reduces waste by eliminating the need to maintain multiple stocks of replacement parts; reduces confusion of soldiers and the need for training on multiple weapons systems; and gives purchasers more clout in negotiating better prices by placing larger orders with fewer suppliers.

Unfortunately, the current approach of military procurement is likely to cost Thai taxpayers more than it should, and will almost certainly result in a less-than-ideal national defence capacity.

Recent developments at Wat Phra Dhammakaya have provided a new depth sounding confirming the precipitous decline of Thai Buddhism. Taken together with trafficking in wildlife and collecting rare and expensive automobiles, one cannot determine whether the subject under discussion is organised crime or religion.

Even the Sangha Council has been unwilling or unable to step in and discriminate between right and wrong in these circumstances.

Reform seems an elusive dream. There are many who know what is right but are perhaps too frightened to act. One wonders why the government does not enlist the active participation and help of citizens? Without it they are obviously doomed to fail.

How interesting to note the comments from PM Prayut Chan-o-chan on technology, especially that he carries four mobile phones -- two of which are to receive short public messages such as complaints.

Perhaps you could kindly publish the numbers for these as there are many here on Koh Samui who have something to tell him!