OPINION

Good money after bad

Re: "Bankruptcy an option for debt-stricken THAI, says Uttama", (BP, May 15).

I praise Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana for admitting that Thai Airways International might have to go into bankruptcy. We are in one of the greatest economic crises the world has had in decades. PM Prayut doesn't even have enough money in hand to give 5,000 baht a month to unemployed Thais for three months -- and he wants to guarantee a 50 billion baht loan to THAI? Over 20 airlines, including some big ones, have been shuttered. THAI's already accumulated 250 billion baht in losses, and we should not throw good money after bad.

Our low-income countrymen must depend on community pantries for day-to-day meals. We must put their needs far before those of THAI. Let us emulate the royal example of our beloved national father, the late King Rama IX, whose life was one of devotion to the common man and woman in the fields, and put them first.

'Productive' comments?

Re: "Masks minus helmets", (PostBag, May 15).

The usage of "productive" and "non-productive" people evokes the ethos of the Nazis and subsequent totalitarian regimes.

I suppose I am teetering on the brink of dotage but I still regard myself as functional and so far have evaded the non-productive issues referred to. Otherwise the correspondent makes a point about the reduction in driving death tolls.

More fake news

Re: "'Deep state' panic", (PostBag, May 15).

Mathman has apparently fallen victim to one of the countless conspiracy theories being floated by right-wing wackos who would like to deflect attention from the pitifully inadequate performance of the Trump administration in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. As much as we may wish it to be true, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not adjusted its reports of the number of deaths attributed to Covid-19 in the US from 80,000 plus to 45,000, as claimed by the letter writer. A quick check of the CDC website indicates the number of Covid-19 deaths in the US to be 83,947 as of May 14.

FactCheck.org, a reputable website dedicated to debunking false stories on the internet, has posted a thorough review of this adjustment claim, concluding the CDC has clearly not reduced the US Covid-19 death toll. Netizens are reminded to obtain their information from reputable, evidence-based sources only.

Image problem persists

It is reported that a police lieutenant in Kalasin was fired for being drunk and trying to sexually assault a teenager. I was wondering if, according to the Prachin Buri police chief, this constitutes or does not constitute tarnishing the country's image.

Finding global solidarity

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted through silent procedure the resolution titled Global Solidarity to fight the coronavirus disease.

By this resolution, the UNGA, on behalf of its 193 members, expressed inter alia optimism that the unprecedented crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic can be mitigated and successfully reversed through leadership and sustained global cooperation and solidarity.

Acting in this spirit, the Republic of Korea, Canada, Denmark, Qatar and Sierra Leone decided to launch the "UN Group of Friends of Solidarity for Global Health Security".

This is a forum for free discussions and stronger cooperation on health security issues, including Covid-19, within the United Nations system. It will operate as an open-ended group, and other UN member states can participate in its activities.

Mixed mask messages

Re: "City Hall warns parkgoers", (BP, May 15).

It is reported that "almost 80% of parkgoers are challenging the rules by not wearing face masks..." And yet just a few days ago the Thai Public Relations Department released an information sheet that says exactly this: "The Department of Health advises against wearing a face mask when exercising." So, which is it for runners in the park? Face mask or not?