OPINION

Give her a chance

Re: "Wallet scheme to resume in 2nd quarter", (BP, Feb 10).

I don't understand why many in the Thai media like to jeer the outfits of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Would her performance as prime minister be improved by her wearing lesser brand names?

Many like to criticise the way she speaks, especially her English, as if they are examining an English teacher. Having been in office for six months as PM, she has implemented two phases of the largest-ever handout programme for poor and needy senior Thai citizens.

Prior to her official visit to China last week, the Thai cabinet approved the construction of the second phase of the high-speed railway connecting to China via Laos, a project that the Prayut government had not been able to implement after 10 years in power.

Corruption and abuse of power happen in every Thai government, but it is important that major national projects can move on and be accomplished.

Suvarnabhumi airport is a good example. If this international airport has not been completed in 2006 after decades of delay, what would the Thai tourist industry look like today?

Let's be fair and give Ms Paetongtarn a chance as prime minister.

Influence seeker

Re: "Chinese tycoon's abuse claims rejected", (BP, Jan 29) & "5 more China 'spies' in custody, (BP, Jan 1).

The Philippines early this year arrested five Chinese spies. At the same time, She Zhijiang, the gambling tycoon arrested by Thai police, told them he was a Chinese spy, after being incarcerated. That should be an exemplary lesson for PM Paetongtarn, who has just met Chinese President Xi Jinping.

That reflects the footprint of the CCP here while the government is so open to being bought that political subversion may merely take the form of a gradual increase in influence, which corresponds to growing Chinese direct investment in infrastructure and an influx of Chinese nationals on corporate sponsored visas. Make no mistake, the CCP is taking aim at all of Southeast Asia.

Aid-work blow

Re: "Aid freeze a blow to global efforts", (Opinion, Feb 7).

The dismantling of USAID is a devastating blow to Thailand and Southeast Asia. Thai families who worked for USAID and its partners now face job losses, threatening their livelihoods and economic stability. The impact goes beyond employment -- USAID-funded scholarships for Myanmar scholars studying in Thailand have been lost, stripping young people of the opportunity to rebuild their country.

For decades, USAID has supported Thailand's development, from fighting human trafficking to funding renewable energy projects. It has provided life-saving vaccines, humanitarian aid, and critical education programmes. Shutting it down not only weakens Thailand but also strengthens authoritarian forces in Myanmar by crippling pro-democracy efforts.

This decision will have long-term consequences for Thailand, Myanmar, and the region. I urge US policymakers to reconsider and restore USAID before more lives and futures are lost.