OPINION

US not entrapping

Re: "US creates 3 new entrapments in Asia," (Opinion, April 20).

Mr Kavi seems to ignore the fact that for most of the last century, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan were the ones following the lead of the US. They all flourished because of their trade relations with the US and Europe. Although the Soviet Union had all kinds of missiles and bombs and remained engaged in the Cold War, it has never acquired the status of an economic superpower.

Let us not forget that after China embarked on economic reforms in 1978 it gradually climbed the ladder to replace Japan as the No.2 economy in 2010. In the past 10 years, China has gained lots of ground but it still lacks the kind of leadership and influence the US has enjoyed.

Although China has invested heavily in many countries, most of them are in debt or are at the losing end. So, Mr Kavi, there is no entrapment by the US. All the three reasons you have given are the result of high-handed Chinese policies. Its role in Asean and issues of the Mekong are China's own creation. The current crisis in Myanmar and other places China has invested heavily (Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Brazil, and scores of African countries) is indicative of its lacklustre approach. So what is the use of striving to become a superpower with no influence? Do you wonder what is left of the old Soviet Union?

No hope for jab fiasco

The government's Covid-19 vaccination programme is staggeringly inept. There are a few obvious things that should be rectified immediately.

Without the correct target, there's no hope. To achieve herd immunity, we need about 70-75% of the population inoculated, which means at least 100 million doses (plus extra boosters), not 60 million, and the target date must be now, not the end of 2021.

The healthcare system of Thailand is one of the most pervasive in the world. The hospitals supported by the "Anamai" network (public local health stations in every village nationwide) have the ability to provide basic healthcare including vaccine shots.

Putting a vaccine in people's arms is not the problem. Nor is distribution a reason to delay. I can buy a frozen ice cream in every corner shop in Thailand, so why can't they distribute a chilled vaccine? Can't deliver from overseas? How about utilising the fleet of grounded Thai Airways jets?

The worst thing is the lack of action. It is OK in normal times that every vaccine producer must go through a normal bureaucratic process in which the government takes a considerable time to check on its merits. But it is definitely not OK under such an emergency situation.

Why not follow the qualified authorities in the USA, UK, Japan or Europe and proactively grant emergency approval to as many vaccines as others have? No more excuses. Take responsibility and action now.