BoT to go bold
Re: "Name of new BoT chief to be presented to cabinet today", (Business, July 22).
On Tuesday, the Thai government is expected to announce the name of the new governor of the Bank of Thailand (BoT).
Many welcome this change, as it likely indicates an intention to adopt a more active role for the central bank.
While the baht has risen excessively over the past year or more, Thai inflation has remained near 0%.
This itself is not healthy, as it endures a stagnant economy.
For years, the central bank has sterilised its monetary policy while sitting on an excessive US$240 billion (7.8 trillion baht) in foreign reserves.
Such a strategy stemmed from the horrors of Asian financial crisis that began in 1997.
It created a sort of "never again" disposition/mandate, and ever since, the BoT has been way-overly stingy.
Unlocking this now-outdated mantra, along with increasing Thai worker productivity, are key elements in getting the Thai economy to re-emerge.
The news of a more progressive BoT, at last, may well be the caveat that broke the bearish SET trend, which has been in reverse since late June this year and has been on a rally mode ever since, despite many uncertainties, such as US tariffs and unsettled politics.
Paul A Renaud
A cry unheard
Re: "Israeli gunfire kills 67 people seeking aid", (World, July 22).
I have an equally low opinion of all religions and no strong nationalistic views, but I used to have a quiet admiration for the resolve of the Jewish people and Israel. However, I am amazed at the deafening silence of world governments at Israeli behaviour in Gaza.
There is no disputing that the deadly Hamas attack in October 2023 was evil and violent, and a strong response from Israel was entirely justified. But the response has not been targeted and has failed to attempt to distinguish between Hamas terrorists and innocent civilians.
Collateral damage is a fact of conflict. But dropping bombs with a 300-metre blast range in areas of densely populated high-rise buildings is deliberately targeting a population, not individuals.
Over 40,000 women and children have been killed. That is two-thirds of all deaths and cannot be considered "collateral". Presumably, some of the other deaths were probably civilian men, not Hamas terrorists. BBC News today is reporting that people, including children, are starving to death. That cannot be excused, and there can be no justification for allowing it. Aid, food and water are being deliberately withheld. And the silence is deafening.
Phil Cox
Hiring with heart
Re: "BMA hires 400 disabled locals", (In Brief, July 21).
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) employment of 414 persons with disabilities under its "3D Model" is a welcome and commendable move. Its aim to reach the full quota of 629 employees under the Disability Empowerment Act sets a valuable example for both the public and private sectors.
Despite this progress, nationwide implementation still faces challenges. Only about 6.8% of working-age Thais with disabilities are employed. Many employers opt for alternatives to direct hiring, and barriers such as accessibility issues, negative stereotypes, and limited education and skills training remain significant.
Nonetheless, developments from NGOs, businesses, and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security offer hope. The BMA's model proves what is possible when there is real commitment. Scaling such efforts nationwide will be key to achieving true inclusivity.
Concerned Observer
