OPINION

No hell in Buddhism

Re: "Macabre deity statue to be obscured from public view", (BP, Aug 19) & "Keeping the faiths", (Editorial, Aug 19).

I find the whole excitement about the Khru Kai Kaeo statue quite ridiculous. I find the statue quite pretty and not scary at all. What does it have to do with Thailand being a mainly Buddhist country (which I do not find to be the case -- the majority of Thais have no clue what real Buddhism is)?

As to the disgust felt, I would recommend the author visit some Thai "Buddhist" temples, where life-size gruesome depictions of hell scenes are exhibited. I find them funny and pretty too, nothing scary about them. And by the way, there is no hell in Buddhism.

Re: "Macabre deity statue to be obscured from public view", (BP, Aug 19).

I doubt occupancy rates are going to soar now at the Bazaar Hotel (refit to Bizarre?) owing to the demonic presence that now resides in its compound.

Indeed one speculates that rates are likely to plummet. Imagine waking up in the morning, newly arrived to the Land of Smiles and most certainly Amazing Thailand, drawing the curtains and nearly collapsing with heart failure to find this monstrosity glowering at you.

For peace of mind, it is better to dismiss thoughts about what "worshippers" of this creature pray for despite Felix Qui's interminable and egotistical platitudes. However, he does make a point in terms of politicians in the sinister context.

However, hotel corporate strategy might find a niche market in diabolists' conventions, which would attract eccentrics from all points of the compass.

Re: "Protecting dissent", (PostBag, Aug 19).

The "law of limiting factors" was proposed in 1905 by the British plant physiologist Frederick Frost Blackman. According to this law, a process that depends on multiple factors will have a rate limited by the pace of the slowest factor. This law also applies to freedom of expression and other aspects of human behaviour in a civilised society.

Sadly, it is human conditioning cultivated by religious fanatics, extremists, profiteers and other stakeholders, including politicians. Some call them the "religion mafia". They are everywhere, including Thailand.

Like any other aspect of a society, the "freedom of expression" must also abide by the laws of limiting factors. All our senses perform following this law. We cannot hear or see beyond a distance. We cannot live forever using our free will; it is against the laws of nature. Hence, whatever we speak should not go beyond the limits of decency.

Freedom of speech or expression is not regarded as absolute, particularly when it conflicts with other rights and protections, such as in the cases of libel, slander, pornography, obscenity, insulting words and intellectual property.

If we land or start living on the Moon or Mars, such a law will have no meaning. There is nothing to protect or promote. So all the controversies about "freedom of expression" are self-serving, nothing more.