I defend the right of Nida Poll director Arnond Sakworawich to publish the findings of his poll on the watch scandal, (BP, Jan 29).
His opinion survey titled, "Borrowed luxury watches: Twisted or true?" was about whether respondents believe DPM Prawit Wongsuwon's claim that his 25 ultra-luxury watches, worth several million baht even though his current monthly income is only 250,000 baht, were, in fact, loaned to him by an anonymous friend.
NIDA rector Pradit Wanarat halted publication of the poll results because Gen Prawit's case is still being investigated by the authorities and the results might influence public opinion. This is blatant interference in academic freedom, which is defined by dictionary.com as: "The right of teachers and students to express their ideas in the classroom or in writing, free from political, religious, or institutional restrictions, even if these ideas are unpopular."
Rector Pradit evidently accepts the findings are valid, eg, that questions are not leading. An academically rigorous survey, such as the one in question, helps a military junta keep close touch with how the citizenry at large feels about vital issues of the day, since it doesn't have elected representatives to fulfil this function. Corruption is one of the key raisons d'etre given by the junta leaders for their takeover. But does the citizenry feel some of the coup leaders have themselves been corrupted? If, as alleged, 85% of respondents don't believe DPM Prawit's explanation, that's all the more reason for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to investigate the matter quickly and transparently, instead of continuing to stonewall.
Burin Kantabutra
Tourist anti-magnet
The last week has seen some very serious problems highlighted in your newspaper, things which should cause great concern for Thailand's major money spinner, tourism. Air pollution in all big cities is now bad enough to gain international attention and is something that needs attention, not just for tourism, but for the health of all citizens. Deforestation remains a serious problem in its own right but coupled with soil erosion and the possible effects of temperature rises this is a catastrophe just waiting to happen.
Today it's plastic waste and the danger to reefs and fish. When the air, seas and land are suffering pollution to this extent, massive government effort is needed to counteract the dangers. Yes, we all know certain male tourists attracted to the joys of bubbly baths, sexy women and abundant booze will still come, but a fouled environment could easily result in the loss of billions of dollars if tourists stay away. Please Thailand. before it's too late, get active on environmental issues.
Lungstib
Propaganda 2.0
The article on fake news and the Holocaust museum in the Jan 29 edition is interesting. Fake news is a weapon of propaganda which has been around a lot longer than World War II and not just used against the Jews.
The history of propaganda is almost as old as that of history itself. In the last Roman civil wars, Octavian and Mark Anthony told slanderous lies about each other to gain the upper hand (at that time the word propaganda wasn't used). After World War I, the Germans blamed British propaganda for their defeat. That was many years before US President Donald Trump started to complain about it.
Motoguzzi Bob
Nuts over Nutella
"Nutella riots" as reported in the international media reflect France's deep societal distress. Videos taken in various stores shows dozens of customers fighting to get as many packs as they can. There were even reports of injuries.
Unlike some third world countries where food is almost nonexistent, thus obliging those starving to use violence as a way to feed their families, in France people have food to eat.
These riot-like scenes reflect of a society that has been subjected to the worst side of "consumerism".
It may be linked to high unemployment (10% countrywide). Most riots erupted in the North, where the jobless rate is particularly pronounced.
It's sad to see people fighting for something that isn't vital to their nutrition. It would have been more understandable to see them rushing for meat or other other forms of nutritious produce such as leafy greens.
Raphael Blet
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