Curb S112 abuse
Re: "Thaksin acquittal sparks debate", (BP, Aug 31). To prevent abuse of our lese majeste law, S112, we should follow law Professor Olarn Thinbangtieo of Burapha University's suggestion that all lese majeste complaints be vetted by a body of prosecutors, judges, academics, and civil society representatives, operating like a prosecutor's screening panel but with broader representation, before proceeding to court.
As Law Faculty Dean Jade Donavanik of Dhurakij Pundit U noted, it's not S112 itself which is the problem, but rather its application and interpretation. Many court verdicts leave the public with questions about the court's logic, which can damage the court's credibility. For example, mega-tycoon Thaksin had been on the run for 15 years -- yet the court granted him bail while awaiting trial. But young low-income activists are routinely locked up in pretrial detention despite being active students without funds to flee.
Having a proactive, broad-based vetting body would help develop a consistent and strategic approach to lese majeste cases that most observers, whether they agree or not, could accept. For instance, in his 2015 interview, when he used the pronoun "he", was Thaksin referring to King Rama IX or the military, privy councillors, or palace officials? The court acquitted Thaksin. Will future activists be given the same benefit of the doubt? The panel could clarify this point.
This multi-party panel, impartial and broad-based, might make it acceptable to keep our S112 as is while preventing political abuse, thus easing constitutional revision.
Burin Kantabutra
Pseudo science
Re: "Cancer claim checks", (PostBag, Sept 1).
Unfortunately, it seems regular PostBag contributor Khun Michael Setter still can't read anything other than fantasy conspiracy theory websites, and is still convinced that the "turbo cancer" myth is real.
As usual, I will leave it to the experts to elucidate that no peer-reviewed studies have been published proving the existence of a turbo cancer epidemic. The National Cancer Institute has explicitly stated that "There is no evidence that Covid-19 vaccines cause cancer, lead to recurrence, or lead to disease progression".
In addition, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre has stated that "None of the vaccines interact with or alter your DNA in any way. They cannot cause cancer".
I hope Mr Setter can actually break away from his confirmation bias and try looking at science.
Tarquin Chufflebottom
List match dates
Re: "TV match meltdown", (PostBag, Aug 20) & "Streaming woes", (PostBag, Aug 16).
Based on reader reaction to sports broadcasts, I am probably one of a small group of individuals still subscribing to TRUE Visions. This is a personal choice based on many factors that have no relevance to my comments other than giving me fodder for them.
I would ask that TRUE consider making a minor change to their on-screen display during some of their sports broadcasts. This suggestion may also benefit the few of us using the on-screen menu to locate programming. I have seen this idea implemented in broadcasts from other countries, and it does make one's choices simpler.
Since the "Leader in Sports Programming" currently depends primarily on replays of past events for many of its offerings, it might consider adding the original air date on its screen overlays.
It adds numerous logos already, so the addition of a small indication of when the actual event was held should be a simple matter. It could also be added as a crawl shown periodically throughout the broadcast at the bottom of the screen.
As to the offerings of sporting and entertainment options, that requires a post of its own.
Thank you for your consideration in this small matter.
Fred Prager
