A tough dig
Re: "A miner's work", (PostBag, Dec 31).
While Burin Kantabutra's call for Cambodia to be held responsible for clearing the mines it laid on Thai soil is sound in principle, it overlooks one obvious fact.
He assumes the Cambodians made -- and have retained -- accurate maps of where these illegal weapons were laid.
I doubt this is the case. It is far more likely the mines were planted randomly, with no proper records made or kept, which is typical of ragtag armies that show little regard for international law or for the consequences of their actions.
David Brown
Words of wisdom
Re: "World bids farewell to 2025 on NYE", (World, Jan 1).
Let's start the year positively and ignore the great orange grinch, Donald Trump. Let's ignore the bluster and bellowing. Let's ignore the tariffs and sell elsewhere.
Let's ignore the distractions.
But let's not ignore those in need -- people facing war or poverty, or those subjected to restraint or harassment.
And let's remember that most people are good.
Dennis Fitzgerald
Like with like
Re: "Falling fortunes", (PostBag, Dec 31) and "New moves seek to calm baht", (Business, Dec 27).
David Brown's letter on the baht cannot go unanswered.
The first time I came to Thailand, I received 24 baht for one euro, calculated from the value of the guilder at that time. Today, I receive 37 baht for one euro.
Brown makes the wrong comparison. He should instead use a standard basket of goods and services and compare its cost in Australia and Thailand in 2002 with its cost today.
I believe Mr Brown is better off in Thailand now, even after taking the exchange rate into account. Prove me wrong, Brown!
Last but not least, material living conditions in the two countries differ greatly, as does one's emotional state. Money is only one aspect of a good life, and non-material circumstances are difficult -- if not impossible -- to quantify.
E L Wout
Animal values
As Thailand welcomes 2026, the New Year offers a moment to reflect on the values we choose to carry forward.
Across the world, public pressure has driven meaningful progress for animals -- from exposing abusive practices to the rapid growth of vegan dining and animal-free science.
Thailand can be part of that progress. Yet institutions that claim to champion conservation still profit from captive animal displays and animal-based entertainment, sending mixed messages about respect for life.
PETA's investigations into the coconut and frogs' legs industries, along with celebrity campaigns, have opened many eyes to animal suffering in the country over the past year.
Moving toward vegan food choices, rejecting animal entertainment, and supporting cruelty-free products reflect a culture evolving with conscience and care.
Kindness toward animals can be part of Thailand's future -- starting now.
Jason BakerPresident, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia
