Aids fight cut short
Re: "US funding cuts for Aids-HIV fight", (BP, April 17).
The biggest problem is that the most unusual US president has cancelled both the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief programme, a legacy of President George W Bush, and closed all USAID programs. For example, the blood testing services provided have been stopped.
There is no vaccination for preventing HIV/Aids. But continuous blood testing and new medicines can help the world win the battle against HIV infections. Any delay or hindrance to blood testing and medicine will be remembered as the footprint of the current US president.
John Kane
Ads over articles
Is there any hope for readers who read the Post via the net to overcome "teething issues"? Scroll down to the opinion section to read today's articles, and we find yesterday's content. Choose an article, and an ad must be removed before it can be read. Flashcards are driving me crazy. Reading one detailed article, I had to remove six or seven ads to get to the bottom. Come on Post, shape up.
Steve Merchant
Form faux pas
Re: "All foreigners must file digital arrival card", (BP, April 20).
I'm surprised to see such misinformation in various newspapers, including yours, regarding the new digital arrival card. You and others clearly state that the form has to be submitted "at least" three days before travelling, which is clearly wrong. The TAT says the form must be submitted within three days of travel, which obviously makes more sense.
Rod
A rare nod
Re: "No global parent", (PostBag, April 20).
I want to respond to Michael Setter's latest comment in a letter, which criticises the Beijing government's socialist market economy.
Wow! I am utterly amazed as he finally has words of praise for the Communist Party of China (CCP). "...China raised hundreds of millions out of poverty...because the CCP ceased directing communal enterprises and allowed foreign investments".
Well done, CCP (at least according to Khun Michael). Washington and Brussels, please take note.
Przemo Kranz
Neglect at the top
Re: "Cracks in the state health system", (Editorial, April 18).
This editorial, measured and well-reasoned, was quite brief. Problems with the administration of public health in Thailand are endemic.
Ask any Thai citizen, and one will hear nothing but horror stories. The examples presented in the editorial regarding the resignation of doctors and the circumstances in which they are required to work represent egregious abuse and exploitation of those who are most essential to maintaining public health.
Doctors who toil endless hours for low wages in poorly equipped and often antiquated facilities are obviously among the most compassionate people in Thailand. Why exploit them, especially when the government lavishly appropriates disproportionate sums on the armed services, which do comparably little for the Thai people?
Those who are clearly not among the most compassionate people in this country are often found in government agencies, particularly at the top. Most of them are inordinately wealthy and do not give a hoot about others' welfare.
One would think that the Ministry of Health should at least have an MPH or MD running the show, and preferably someone with extensive experience working in a public hospital.
The issue of tariff negotiations pales in significance to the health of the Thai people.
Michael Setter
