What about Arnon?
Re: "The price of demanding justice", (Editorial, June 1).
The Post's cited examples are all pertinent; however, the telling point in Sunday's editorial on the traditional failure of Thai legal bodies to deliver justice is the failure to mention even once Thailand's internationally honoured human rights advocate, Arnon Nampa. That genuinely patriotic Thai citizen knows too well the high personal cost that intrinsically unjust law, created to ward off democracy, imposes on Thais seeking justice.
The Thai nation has these many decades paid a very high price politically, socially, morally, and economically, in forced obeisance to such a law created at the behest of those who commit coups to further a plainly anti-democratic agenda that is inherently unjust, especially when the rule of such law is strictly followed.
Felix Qui
Traditional triumphs
Re: "Weed no panacea", (PostBag, Jun 1).
Unfortunately, Mr Jellison, an engineer, chooses to disparage Thai traditional medicine (TTM). He writes, "What's next from traditional medicine doctors, leeches?" Surprise! Modern medicine employs leeches in microsurgery and reconstructive surgery procedures to improve blood flow and circulation. Their saliva contains natural anticoagulants and anaesthetics, which help prevent blood clots and reduce pain. Mr. Jellison calls cupping "an outdated, pre-medieval medical procedure to move blood around". Surprise! Western medicine practitioners use cupping for musculoskeletal issues, focusing on biomechanical and neuromuscular approaches to relieve pain.
He also claims Thai doctors will refuse to provide cannabis scripts "because cannabis is quack medicine". Surprise! The human body has its own endocannabinoid system, and receptors in tissues throughout the body respond to a variety of cannabinoid molecules. Of proven value are CBD oil (medically useful in treating cancer, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems), cannaflavins A & B (painkillers considerably more powerful than aspirin), and a variety of other constituents of the cannabis plant.
While I agree that unlimited use of high THC content marijuana for recreational smoking is harmful, the medical uses of cannabis extracts are very promising adjuncts to conventional pharmaceutical drugs, which can be extremely expensive and have numerous dangerous side effects.
Michael Setter
Blame it on the junta
Re: "It's time for Paetongtarn to step up", (Opinion, May 31).
The 2017 junta-drafted constitution is a prime example of the strategic use of lawfare. It was designed to shift the balance of power in favour of the ultra-conservative elite and control democratically elected governments.
A new constitution must limit the court's role to its fundamental duty as the guardian of the constitution.
Beyond the judiciary, powerful independent institutions such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Election Commission (EC) benefit from the shifted power balance. They play a key role in political actions against parties and politicians. Instead of serving as tools for political influence, their functions must be restricted to their core responsibilities -- anti-corruption efforts and election oversight.
The constitutional section on the legitimisation of coup orders (Section 279) is the clearest expression of lawfare. It states that all orders and actions of the NCPO junta and its leader are deemed constitutional, lawful, and effective. This provision shields the coup leaders from retroactive legal prosecution and solidifies the power they gained through the coup.
Nang Tani
