Protected no more
Re: "Songbirds for sale", (Editorial, Dec 16) & "Bulbul to be cut from protected list on trial basis", (BP, Dec 13). "Should the red-whiskered bulbul (pycnonotus jocosus) be removed from Thailand's legally protected wildlife list?" This discussion arose because the Thai government is preparing to revoke the legal protection of this species, despite it having been protected since 1992.
The stated rationale is to promote widespread captive breeding for bird-song competitions and to stimulate the country's sluggish domestic economy. In reality, however, gambling is implicitly involved. Moreover, with a nationwide general election approaching in two months, political pressure has been exerted on civil servants to advance this policy for electoral gain.
As a former chairman of the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST, the BirdLife Partner in Thailand) and wildlife conservationist, I have opposed this measure resolutely for more than 20 years. Unfortunately, my efforts are now close to being overwhelmed by the immense power of money and politics, which far exceed that of nature. This situation will inevitably lead to a serious deterioration of Thailand's international reputation in wildlife conservation.
Furthermore, the future of Thailand's red-whiskered bulbul population is placed at grave risk from hunting, killing, or capture for captivity, under the claim that such actions are now legally permitted. Nevertheless, I remain fully committed to continuing my opposition with unwavering determination and will not surrender in my efforts to protect Thailand's red-whiskered bulbul.
Kaset Sutasha
Show some grace
Re: "Hollywood star found dead in LA home", ( World, Dec 16).
President Donald Trump has written about Rob Reiner's passing and its cause "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". Whatever happened to the social convention of either speaking well of those who have passed or saying nothing?
He also spoke poorly about the war hero, John McCain, "He's not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured."
It will be interesting to see how history portrays him. Be the best you can and look for the best in everyone else.
Dennis Fitzgerald
Respect the vote
Re: "Democracy denied", (PostBag, Dec 17).
I agree with Michael Setter's observation that Pita Limjaroenrat won the confidence of the majority of voters and, by democratic convention, should have been allowed to form a government. To dismiss him as "not suitable" while ignoring the will of the electorate undermines the very principle of representative democracy.
This pattern did not begin with Mr Pita or the People's Party. It started with the dissolution of the Future Forward Party, followed by the Move Forward Party, and now the continued obstruction faced by its successor.
Each time, a party with strong popular support, particularly among younger voters, has been prevented from governing not at the ballot box but through procedural and legal manoeuvres and appointed senators.
Critics may disagree with a party's policies, but in a democracy, disagreement should be resolved through elections, debate, and the parliamentary process. When election winners are repeatedly blocked from governing, public faith in democracy is inevitably weakened.
Thailand deserves a political system that respects the people's mandate and forms governments through votes, not vetoes.
Only then can genuine democratic governance take root.
Somkid Sirikumarkul
