Re: "Let's ban ivory here", (PostBag, Jan 3).
While I applaud the author's sentiments, I am afraid it is highly unlikely that a complete ban on the sale of all ivory will actually stop "the senseless slaughter of elephants". If there is one thing that history teaches us, it is that blanket prohibition never works -- think of the prohibition on the sale of alcohol in the US in the 1920s, on narcotics worldwide over the past 50 years, and even gambling in Bangkok.
Indeed, is it likely to drive the trade of ivory even further underground into the hands of organised crime (who couldn't care less if elephants become extinct).
Rather, a well conceived and implemented licensing system, such as the one now in effect in Thailand or presently being proposed in the UK, allows the sale of antique ivory (pre-1947 in the UK) while prohibiting the sale of modern ivory in any shape or form.
Paul Bromberg
Job ahead for Asean
Re: "Reinventing the Asean-Sino relationship", (Opinion, Dec 29).
There is no doubt that the 10 Asean members will have to move beyond self-serving diplomacy and opt for more far-sighted approaches in their relations with China. It demands a well-shaped multilateral diplomacy, fully adaptable to a world characterised by global vulnerabilities, perplexities and discontinuities.
The guiding light for such complex diplomacy is expected to be provided by the Asean charter, which came into force on Dec 15, 2008.
Indeed, in accordance with this multilateral legal instrument Asean shall be the primary driving force in arrangements that it initiates and maintain its centrality in regional cooperation.
Moreover, in the conduct of their external relations Asean member states shall, on the basis of unity and solidarity, coordinate and endeavour to develop common positions and pursue joint actions.
It should be also remembered that the strategic policy directions of Asean diplomacy are being set by the Asean Summit, upon the recommendation of the Asean Foreign Ministers Meetings.
This year will offer persuasive illustrations about the capacity of Asean to give tangibility to its diplomatic objectives in its relationships with China.
Ioan Voicu
Who's crazy here?
Wow! Right winger Steve Bannon, once a close friend of Donald Trump who worked closely with him during the presidential campaign, has now said the Trump campaign indeed colluded with the Russians and were guilty of treason. Gosh! I thought only the leftist "fake news" people made such accusations.
Predictably, Mr Trump responded by calling Mr Bannon a crazy man. I guess it takes one to know one!
Eric Bahrt
It's a legal matter
I'm tired of reading about US citizenship for illegals living in the US. You enter the country illegally so you are a criminal plus an illegal alien. It's a slap in the face to all who enter the country legally.
Mr P
Education pipe dream
Re: "Universities ask: What do students want?", (BP, Jan 5).
It is a very good news that Thai universities in the near future may have more partnerships with the world's top universities as well as provide more international programmes to attract students from neighbouring countries.
But this requires overhaul and immediate reform of Stem (science, technology, English and maths) curriculum at every level in Thai educational system. Enhancing Stem will definitely act as great equaliser and bridge the gap between urban and suburban schools.
As earlier mentioned, the only students who will benefit from collaboration with foreign universities will be the ones whose parents have paid millions to get them admitted in reputable international schools located in Bangkok.
All others studying outside Bangkok are stuck with a substandard curriculum and poorly trained teachers.
As has been indicated by many national and international rankings, the average achievement or scores of students on Stem is alarming.
Attracting students from neighbouring countries will require making English the medium of instruction from primary to college level, which seems like a pipe dream.
Kuldeep Nagi
Contact: Bangkok Post Building
136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110
fax: +02 6164000 Email:
All letter writers must provide full name and address.
All published correspondence is subject to editing at our discretion.
