Digital blame game
Re: "PM to launch second phase of B10,000 cash handout today", (BP, Jan 27).
I am confused about the handout of digital wallet money after reading this article.
"Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivet warned senior citizens who are eligible to receive the cash not to repeat the same mistakes this time round".
He is such a caring person about his constituents that he places the blame for not receiving the digital wallet money on the elderly, most of whom, according to Thai statistics, are not well educated nor very familiar with the use of mobile phones.
The article then finishes with Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivet saying, "The digital wallet development has progressed quite a bit. The system itself is ready for testing in February-March."
This is still January, so the system is still in the development stage.
Usual political deniability, or just bad digital timing.
Simon
The forgotten six
Re: "Fate of Thai hostages is unclear as 6 still held", (BP, Jan 8).
While most of the world celebrates the peace deal that has finally brought about the release of the first seven Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct 7, 2023, it is sad and extremely disappointing that most people in Thailand have either forgotten or seemingly don't care about the fate of the six missing Thai hostages.
For the record, Bannawat Seathao, Watchara Sriaoun, Pintha Nattapong, Surasak Lamnau, Sathian Suwannakham, and Pongsak Tanna should be released immediately. What was their crime? Pursuing a better life for their families. Why have Thais not been out protesting their illegal abduction and inhumane incarceration? Could it be because they are only agricultural workers from the Northeast?
Paul Bromberg
Peace starts within
Re: "Ripe time to end hatred to create a better future", (Opinion, Jan 27).
Israel Ambassador Orna Sagiv is a regular contributor to the Post and often succeeds in providing quality content to the opinion section. Readers should note that the editorial department provides the headlines for most articles, and in this example, their efforts have missed the mark. Why? It is self-evident that an end to hatred and realisation of a better future is not attainable through top-down measures instituted by government policies intended to achieve idealistic goals.
Referring to the holocaust and recent attacks by Hamas, Ms Sagiv laments, "We are compelled to face the painful truth: the world has failed to honour the pledge of "Never Again". Unfortunately, the ambassador addresses this issue from a myopic perspective, as if the world has made a singular promise to the 12 tribes of Israel. The article also blames Hamas in a manner that will be construed by some to legitimise hatred for Islamist organizations as opposed to the realities suffered by the people in Gaza.
It is not only the Jewish people who have suffered. The earth is a place of unhappiness. There are an infinite number of examples littering the landscape of history with needless human suffering, torture, and death. Where is the "Never Again" for all of them? For all the ubiquitous separation and beings howling in pain?
The truth is that it can only be found in the hearts of those who forgive completely (until the heart aches unbearably), who have thereby realised tolerance and thus can live cooperatively with others. This is only achievable individually, each one by one, and never through political promises and mandated cooperation.
After eight decades of failure, Ms Sagiv and the government she represents so well should understand this first principle and act accordingly. If the Tibetans have managed to do it, so can the Jews.
Michael Setter
