Grace in mourning
Re: "Tributes continue to pour in for late Queen", (BP, Oct 28).
I would like to share my experience surrounding the day when Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's body was taken by procession to the Grand Palace. During a morning walk in the vicinity of the palace. I met some volunteers, who explained the day's programme. Out of respect, I went home to dress in black and returned later to attend the procession.
It was an impressive and emotional day, one where the solidarity and respect of Thai people were deeply felt. The volunteers were exceptionally kind -- they shared water, food, and warmth with everyone present. Their dedication and commitment made a deep impression on me and demonstrated a great reverence for the royal family.
Vito Appeldoorn
Mercy when eating
Re: "Absurd logic" & "Vegan future", (PostBag, Oct 25 & 23).
PostBag contributor Jason A Jellison seems confused. PETA Asia's Jason Baker was encouraging readers to make sure that vegan foods don't contain fish sauce or shrimp paste, to ensure their meals are truly cruelty-free.
As Jellison admits, fish "register pain, just like our bodies do". Cows, pigs, chickens, and all other animals do, too. Whatever your faith (or none), it's so easy to eat well without causing others to suffer or die: Go vegan.
Ethan C
Kind Thai traditions
Re: "Absurd logic" & "Vegan future", (PostBag, Oct 25 & 23).
There is nothing absurd about choosing not to eat meat, milk, eggs or other animal products. Jason A Jellison misunderstood PETA's Asia head Jason Baker's article.
Mr Baker did not say that dishes with fish sauce or shrimp paste are vegan -- he said that if we check for those ingredients, we can find many Thai dishes that are already naturally vegan.
Thai people know this well. During the recent Kin Jay Festival, yellow flags mark food that is kind to animals, and many Thais happily eat this way for spiritual and health reasons. Fish and shrimp also feel pain when they are caught and suffocate, which is why true Jay food avoids fish sauce and shrimp paste completely.
Whether in Eastern or Western traditions, suffering is still suffering. Choosing vegan food is not "Western virtue signalling"; it is part of Thai tradition that comes from compassion and a wish not to harm any living being.
Ning Nunt
Joy in silence
Re: "Silence no option", (PostBag, Oct 26).
PostBag's services as a confessional are legion.
I suggest to all, while sitting here in my confessional seat and reading the newspaper, that it might be wiser to cut to the root of the matter and transcend habitual wanting need which afflicts the illusory separate self through the practice of self-understanding.
Only then does it become possible to enjoy the true joy which inheres in perfect silence. That is the ultimate option, the very same offered in Gautama Buddha's instruction and which is always available to everyone.
Michael Setter
