OPINION

Too hard to fathom

Re: "Panel clears 229 of Senate collusion" & "NACC rejects petition against Saksayam", (BP, March 14).

Today's news brought some of the most astonishing reports I have read in my many years in a country renowned for its corrupt and biased "independent" agencies.

Regarding the allegedly rigged Senate selection, the report said: "DSI investigators used artificial intelligence (AI) to uncover suspicious voting patterns and identified a financial footprint connecting 1,200 individuals, including senators and their assistants across 45 provinces." Nevertheless, the Election Commission would have us believe this was all a mistake. Wow.

And that's not all. On the same day we hear that the former transport minister -- already found guilty by the Constitutional Court and removed from office for using a nominee to hold shares in a construction company, Burijarearn Construction Limited Partnership, which was awarded contracts worth billions of baht by the Transport Ministry -- is totally innocent.

He says he only discovered he owned the company at the very moment the court found him guilty. And we are expected to believe this nonsense? It's truly farcical.

The will to care

Re: "Macabre menagerie" & "Tiger deaths sicken", (PostBag, March 3 & Feb 26).

While I appreciate Vichai's concern -- even outrage -- at the apparent mercantilism in Thailand's wildlife trade and the indifference shown towards animal welfare, I believe there is still a spark of goodness among Thais when they are made aware of the need to care for wildlife.

From my own experience as an academic in 1993, at a time when the country was mourning the deaths of 10 elephants at Khao Yai waterfalls and the killing of renowned forestry official and conservationist Sueb Nakasathien by poachers, I worked with my students on a public relations project in which I challenged them to plan and run a month-long campaign promoting care for the environment and wildlife.

As I coached and monitored them, I saw deep commitment among both younger students and older students who were working and studying at the same time.

The campaign included a seminar on the environment involving the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), the Embassy of Canada and the Thai Red Cross; a press conference hosted by the Landmark Hotel's PR department; and a concert featuring Thai pop star Nanthida Kaewbuasai.

Through poster campaigns, press events and music, the students reached the hearts of fellow students and the wider public. I was amazed not only by how much they cared about wildlife and the environment, but also by their initiative in raising funds to donate to WWF Thailand.

Later, some of these students went on to start their own businesses, others joined organisations, a few entered Thai and international media agencies, and at least two pursued academic careers.

My point is that Thais -- like people everywhere -- can be considerate towards nature. They are willing to care for wildlife and the environment.

While mercenary and heartless attitudes do exist, there is always scope to change hearts and minds.

Governments around the world should launch nationwide campaigns to save wildlife for the benefit of humanity as a whole.

Sports grump

Re: "Coverage confusion" & "Patchy lineup", (PostBag, March 13 & Feb 8).

Let's all chip in and get Fred Prager a TV sports programming package that will finally keep him happy.