Re: "Put an end to conscription for good of all", (Opinion, April 23).
I agree with the author that it's past time that Thailand ended conscription, because aside from the South, we face no real military threat -- and that's likely to continue into the foreseeable future. Our need for soldiers should thus be filled by willing citizens, not conscripts. Also, making joining the military voluntary will encourage the military to treat its members with more humanity.
On the other hand, I agree that as Thais, we all owe a patriotic duty to serve the nation. But there are many ways to serve, other than the military. For example, our education system is bottom of the barrel, especially in rural areas; why not have a counterpart of the US's Teach for America, which accepts only the best and the brightest graduates to teach in underprivileged areas? Or, our rural areas are woefully underdeveloped; how about a Thai Peace Corps-type unit to help close the gap?
In any case, I see no reason to exempt women from national service, including combat. US Senator Tammy Duckworth is of Thai ancestry, and served very honourably as a helicopter pilot, losing both legs in combat. Our women can fight!
Burin Kantabutra
Conscription equality
Re: "Put an end to conscription for good of all", (Opinion, April 23).
If Thais truly believe that it is the "patriotic" thing for youth to serve the country, perhaps mandatory service by everyone -- not just a lucky (unlucky?) few -- should be established. Such compulsory service by all young citizens, rich and poor, has been fixed in several countries, including Israel, Singapore and several European countries. A mandatory service programme should include everyone -- men, women and transgenders -- with options covering not only military service but also medical support, rural development, education and other sectors, to advance the country.
Samanea Saman
Pork protectionism
Re: "A swinish proposal", (Editorial, April 23).
Could it be that the Thai government's ban on the importing of pork meat from the United States is more to do with protectionism and not the fact that the drug ractopamine is used by the Americans to make the meat leaner prior to slaughter? After all aren't the Americans eating the same meat? The drug has been not been proven to have any harmful effects on humans as opposed to the imported chemical paraquat, which is banned in most countries of the world, but imported from America and used by farmers on crops in Thailand.
If there is a reluctance to purchase pork, shouldn't this also be applied to chemicals that are known to kill people?
Brian Corrigan
Calling out to the BMA
I would like to submit a request to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for their care and attention. Unfortunately, there is no email address for the BMA on the www. Only telephone numbers which are useless for submitting my list. I would appreciate if anyone could provide me with an e-mail address of the BMA so that I can get my grievances off my chest and perhaps improve my neighbourhood.
Ernest Hilton
Mighty Moriya
Well, I'm in love with Thailand, have been since I first entered the country in 1969. But, now I'm in love with Thai women's golf, and Moriya Jutanugarn in particular. Wow!
She won the LPGA tournament in Los Angeles on Sunday. I watched all four rounds and on Sunday was on the edge of my seat, nearly in tears when she won. Good for her and good for Thailand.
The Korean girls have been on top form for many years, and I have wished and waited for Thailand. This is great. Good going for Moriya, and hopefully more wins for her and Ariya, and other Thai girls on the tour.
Harry McCaffrey
Bangkok
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