OPINION

Justice not done

Re: "Have faith in the justice system," (InQuote, April 18).

Prinn Panichapakdi, ex-Democrat Party leader -- charged with sexual assault by many women -- wants us to believe that our justice system can be relied upon.

But let's look at the record. The colonels and generals responsible for Tak Bai (83 bodies) and Nong Chik (4 bodies) haven't even been identified, let alone court-martialled. Praewa Thephasadin Na Ayudhya (aka Rawinpirom Arunvongse) accidentally killed nine, yet served not one day in jail. Red Bull heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhaya has run free for a full decade. PM Prayut has swept under the rug the report of ex-NACC commissioner Vicha Mahakun on reforming the police and prosecutors -- with no apparent intention of resurrection.

When a hi-so, highly influential defendant tells us to have faith in our justice system, that should add to our worries that justice will not be done.

Re: "Expose skeletons," (PostBag, April 16).

Burin Kantabutra's letter asked whether we will end up having a kangaroo court in the case of Prinn Panitchapakdi. Although our system of justice is not 100% perfect, in all cases an accused is, however, always given a chance at defence or to confess.

Similar to the American Fifth Amendment, an accused shall not be deprived of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law". In Britain, the media can be held in contempt of court if acting as judge and jury or voicing its opinion too far.

Re: "Prinn's case, party's fault," (Editorial, April 19).

Your editorial was spot-on in saying that the Thai version of #MeToo -- the global campaign to seek justice for victims of sexual assault -- has arrived and is in full swing when one of the country's prime minister hopefuls has been accused of sexual harassment and multiple rapes.

As a long-time supporter of the Democrat Party, I am ashamed -- no, disgusted is a better word -- to learn that the party leader and party executives refuse to recognise the mistake they have made and take proper responsibility, because they are the ones who appointed this person as party executive and deputy party leader.

A close aide to the party leader -- a lady whose name is too stomach-churning to mention here -- has asked whether party executives should be investigated for an individual's personal conduct. What a shame and what irresponsibility for her to say such a thing.

That said, all party executives should resign en masse.

Re: "Age-old problem," (PostBag, April 13).

J Jones is 100% correct in zeroing in on the need for an intensified campaign to vaccinate seniors who still have not been fully vaccinated. Thai officials and the media remain unreasonably obsessed with travel restrictions despite the fact that incoming visitors account for a negligible percentage of infections. If we want to reduce deaths and severe illness from Covid-19, vaccinations along with timely medication for the ill are the way to go. Stop wasting efforts on meaningless travel restrictions that serve only to further crush the economy.

Re: "Will Coachella bear fruit for mango farms?" (Business, April 20).

Having seen with my own eyes the overwhelming reaction to Milli's "mango and sticky rice" rap, I wonder whether we should commission another performance based on stopping at pedestrian crossings or speaking out against corruption in high places. Worth a try, surely?