Re: “The scourge of fake news”, (Life, July 9). Fake and false news goes back to ancient history. Later examples include the German corpse factory myth of World War I, Orson Welles’ 1939 radio bluff about a “war of the worlds” and Saddam Hussein’s supposed weapons of mass destruction.
Whereas in the past only governments and powerful individuals could create havoc, now anybody with access to social media can potentially create havoc.
Governments worldwide will inevitably respond by attempting to ban and criminalise news which they themselves have not originated or approved. Some countries, such as Cambodia and Germany, are already on that road. Donald Trump and many others would love to follow.
By all means enjoy your freedom of speech. It is a disposable commodity.
BARRY KENYON
Unsung Dutch hero
I enjoyed reading “Peeing on our Parade” in the Big Issue section, (Opinion, July 8). I was glad, as a proud Brit, that it mentioned by name John Volanthen who first made contact with the lost boys.
However, I was disappointed it and many other articles do not also mention Ben Reymenants of Blue Label Diving, Phuket.
He is leading a team of technical cave divers who also laid guide ropes in conjunction with the British Cave Rescue Council team for Thai Navy Seals to follow. As we know in Phuket, it might just as easily have been Ben who found the boys, but for the luck of the draw.
None of the brave divers involved in this rescue want or expect praise or adulation. To them, they are just doing their job.
However, I feel I should pee on your parade in an otherwise excellent article by drawing attention to this brave and dedicated Dutchman’s vital contribution to this rescue.
ANDY PHILLIPS
BTS passes buck
Re: “Consumer group rounds on BTS boss”, (BP, July 9).
The chairman of the BTS Group Holdings Plc, the Skytrain operator, was reported as saying that numerous system malfunctions besetting operations and inconveniencing tens of thousands of commuters “were not anyone’s fault”. Therein lies the problem as the Thai language seems not have any use for the word “accountability”.
Surely, someone is to blame for all the problems but, in typical Thai style, no one accepts any blame. I can imagine if this had happened in countries like Japan or UK, heads would have rolled and resignations would have been the order of the day. But here, nothing of the kind.
MARTIN R
Watery graves
While everyone is busy rejoicing for the rescue of the young football team and their coach in Chiang Rai, and rightly so, people should also spare a thought for the 42 dead and over a dozen missing in the recent ferry disaster in Phuket.
Thank Buddha for the international help in finding the trapped young footballers and getting them out with only one unfortunate death so far.
Let’s face it, boating and ferry accidents are far from unusual here, and how many will die on the roads before the New Year slaughter begins again?
Is all this Thainess or carelessness? Whichever it is, accident prevention and safety is sadly lacking in this kingdom.
PETER FAIRLESS
Fairytale ending
I wanted to express my deeply felt, sincere best wishes for a successful and happy ending to the rescue efforts to save the young boys and their coach. It is a heart-warming story and people in Thailand should know how much this story has gripped the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
My heart goes out to the parents and friends of the young lads, and also to the family of the brave former Navy Seal who lost his life attempting to help. I just hope this ordeal does not affect them too badly in the future.
VERA E M KEOGH
Canada
Take a joke, mate
Re: “Grammar bunkum”, (PostBag July 9).
Loosen up, Linguistic Mango. You need to recognise when someone is having a bit of fun and a leg pull.
DAVID BROWN
