Deadly deception
Re: "US investigation points to likely US responsibility in Iran school strike", (World, March 6).
We all know that military mistakes have caused countless civilian deaths in war. But the accusation and initial probe by the US itself that the US military bombed a school, resulting in the deaths of kindergarten kids, may be one of the most horrifying examples of military and political failure in recent memory.
First, "It's under investigation" is not an acceptable response to an incident of this magnitude. Yet it has become the standard answer from nearly every US official and expert at press conferences, as if they hope the issue will simply go away.
Even worse was President Trump's claim that Iran bombed its own school, killing 160 children. That explanation insults the intelligence of the American public and the rest of the world. Images published by The New York Times clearly show fragments of Tomahawk missiles recovered from the destroyed school. Tomahawk missiles are operated only by the US, the UK, and Australia -- not by "many countries", as Mr Trump claimed.
In effect, Mr Trump appeared to suggest that Iran somehow obtained a Tomahawk missile and used it to strike its own children during the same surprise first wave of attacks.
That claim reflects what the self-styled "President of Peace" and "Chairman for Life of the Board of Peace" seems to think of the intelligence of ordinary Americans -- and of the world at large.
No, Thailand should not join and donate $1 billion (32.2 billion baht) to Mr Trump's get-rich-quick "Board of Peace" scheme.
Americans, wake up!
ML Saksiri Kridakorn
Captivity kills tigers
Re: "72 tigers killed by feline virus", (BP, Feb 22).
Freeland is deeply concerned by the reported deaths of 72 captive tigers at wildlife tourism facilities in northern Thailand. This tragic incident highlights the serious risks associated with keeping wild animals in high-density captive environments, where infectious diseases can spread rapidly. Tigers are complex, wide-ranging predators whose welfare cannot be adequately safeguarded in commercial entertainment settings. If kept in captivity, they require serious specialized care.
Stronger animal welfare safeguards and disease prevention protocols must be implemented to prevent similar tragedies. Going forward, this event should serve as a catalyst for reforming wildlife tourism practices to prioritise genuine conservation and animal well-being. Freeland strongly believes that wild animals belong in the wild, not in entertainment venues.
Ricardo ForresterACET Manager, Deputy Director, Freeland
Cops' image problem
Re: "Fix the police", (PostBag, March 12).
Burin Kantabutra sensibly writes, again, presenting that traditional institution, the Royal Thai Police, in a negative light.
He even goes to the extreme of citing relevant opinion polls and well-known facts.
I can contradict nothing that his astute letter points out.
However, the obvious solution is overlooked yet again.
If all such negative commentary were harshly criminalised, the public reputation of the Royal Thai Police would promptly become as squeaky clean, as morally exemplary, and as universally admired as that of any other Thai institution equally well protected from transparency, honesty, and informed opinion of worth.
This being so, it must be wondered why the Royal Thai Police has been left with its reputation so richly shredded and stained?
Felix Qui
