S112 fit for purpose
Re: "MPs take up amnesty proposals", (BP, July 10).
It is sensible to screen allegations of criminal conduct before filing charges, which is all that the People's Party is recommending that we do for Section 112, known as the lese majeste law. This would help ensure Section 112 serve its purpose to protect our monarchy, rather than muzzle dissent.
For instance, ex-Naresuan University Professor Paul Chambers was charged under Section 112 recently for a brochure advertising an event in which he was a speaker. He neither authored nor approved the document and could not have been found guilty.
Yet by the time the case was dismissed, Thailand had again been held up for unwelcome attention before the world, with even The US government objecting to the charge. The timing couldn't have been worse, with Trump deciding on tariffs for our goods. Naresuan University fired the distinguished scholar for an act he didn't do, depriving us of his expertise.
Having a multi-faceted committee of judiciary, parliamentary, and government representatives vet allegations as the PP proposes will reduce perceptions that we use the law to silence opponents.
Burin Kantabutra
Narco status old hat
Re: "Druggie's paradise", (PostBag, July 7).
I have news for Jason A Jellison: Thailand has been a "narco nation" for a long time.
Perhaps Mr Jellison does not know that in the late 19th century the government operated a legal opium monopoly. In the early 20th century, this monopoly accounted for as much as 15% of government revenue. The monopoly only ceased in 1959. On to a more recent case, can I suggest to Mr Jellison that having a government minister who was convicted on drugs charges overseas firmly establishes Thailand as a "narco nation".
Sibeymai
Drug paradise reigns
Re: "Druggie's paradise", (PostBag, July 7).
Could Jason A Jellison please clarify the statement in his penultimate paragraph regarding Thailand's status as a druggie's paradise?
Since he believes Thailand is already a "narco nation", I believe he meant to say Thailand will rein in the "weed for everyone" policy or face consequences. I believe it's already "reigning" in the world's eyes in that questionable national ranking.
Shane
Anyone for a Musk statue?
Re: "Trump says Musk's party ridiculous", (World, July 8).
The new party proposed by Elon Musk as a third alternative could be a great divider with just a few wins in the House and Senate.
The problem, however, is the basis of this party seems to be both spite and an attempt to gain power and thus favour, by having it gain the balance of power and using it as best suits the party. Although most countries seem to have two main parties (in simple terms, a left and a right party), some, like Australia, have two major parties, two or three minor parties, and a number of single-issue parties. The single-issue parties rarely get any seats or respect, and the minor parties are not that effective.
A rival party is not a positive idea. It might be better for Musk to step away and spend his time and money solving the world's problems. A cure for cancer would see statues of Musk in every country, and his name would be respected forever. It is a massive task, although as the philosopher Lao Tzu said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
It's time to take that first step, Elon.
Dennis Fitzgerald
Letter limit, please
The petty punch and counterpunch of some of your regular contributors has often led me to think that no contributor should have more than two letters published per month.
Today, however, we have one correspondent with two letters in the same PostBag column. Are you that short of potential contributors? I would urge more readers to contribute to PostBag (and not just criticising other contributors) and implore the editors of Postbag to limit the contributions of any one writer to a maximum of two letters per month.
Michael Sim
