OPINION

Clean produce drive

Re: "Early-onset cancer shift", (Editorial, July 26).

For many years, a certain non-profit network has been randomly sampling fruit and vegetables from the market to test for potentially harmful chemical residues. The test results are shared through various media outlets, specifying where the testing was conducted, which types of produce were tested, how many samples were collected, and how many of them contained chemical residues.

This information has raised public awareness, encouraging consumers to be more cautious when choosing fruit and vegetables, as well as to follow recommended cleaning methods before consumption.

However, over time, we have learned that even fruit and vegetables labelled as "organic" can contain harmful chemicals. Moreover, cleaning methods can only remove surface residues, not chemicals that have penetrated deep into the tissue.

Thus, the current strategy of random testing and public reporting has become increasingly less effective. The network has not provided clear guidance on how to identify or purchase produce that is truly free from chemical contamination.

I would like to propose a strategic shift: allow producers to voluntarily register for testing. If a sufficient number of samples pass without detecting any chemical residues, the producer should be awarded a certification or a "star" that they can advertise on their products --similar to how restaurants are awarded Michelin stars.

This would empower consumers to choose safer products and motivate producers to compete in offering higher-quality, safer produce.

Thailand is globally renowned for its agricultural products. How wonderful it would be if we were also known for our food safety.

Disabled need a break

Re: "Hiring with heart," (BP, July 23).

Three chai-yos for Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's commitment to hire more people with disabilities. But the BMA would be even more useful if it led others, especially at the national level, to train the physically handicapped and helped them find jobs that are more than menial.

The handicapped can lead well: FDR led the US to victory from a wheelchair, and wheelchair-bound war heroine "Tammy" Duckworth, of Thai ancestry, is now in her second term as US senator.

Thais give only lip service to its physically handicapped, as evidenced by sidewalks that have wheelchair ramps that are too narrow/steep for wheelchairs, or tactile paving with grooves/bumps that lead nowhere.

Bangkok's Chong Nonsi BTS station, on the Silom Line, is in the middle of a traffic island, inaccessible to its intended users. As a result, only 6.8% of working-age Thais with disabilities are employed.

Train and hire the disabled; Thailand needs them.

Gaza riff

Re: "USAID finds no signs of massive Hamas aid theft", (Opinion, July 26).

According to a Haaretz report in June, a poll conducted by Hebrew University in Jerusalem found 64% of Israeli adults agreed with the statement "there are no innocent people in Gaza."

In other words they believe even Palestinian children who are being starved or slaughtered are getting what they deserve.

Meanwhile, Israel is considering plans to build a concentration camp for Palestinians in Gaza.

As a Jew I'm begging other Jews to immediately end your support for Israel.

Down with intrusive tech

Re: "Facial recognition to help manage Maya Bay crowds", (BP, July 18).

The news that digital surveillance will be introduced at 11 locations nationwide is disconcerting.

Why is the government "hurtling towards technocracy faster and faster, without a second thought for people's connection to nature, and their aversion to the invasion of privacy"?

The abrogation of the people's right to privacy is already being infringed upon by banks which use facial recognition scans on their apps to monitor large money transfers. No one voted for this Orwellian Chinese-style technology to be rolled out here.

Is that why the data can be used to distinguish between foreigners and Thais? Don't people have a right to enter a national park?

Don't the people own those parks? In a democracy, don't the people own the government which serves at the people's pleasure?

Not any more.