OPINION

Youth voice vital

Re: "DLA says it's time to listen to youth", (BP, Jan 29).

Listening to youth is a very good thing. They, too, are part of the society whence a democracy chooses its government. Youth, too, must, therefore, have the right to contribute their voice to the forming of that society, even if some minorities do not like what is heard.

The reported official concern for basic democratic principles goes to such an extreme that Surabhon Jarernmee, deputy director of the Ministry of Interior's Department of Local Administration (DLA), is reported as having said that "young people have the right to express their opinions, especially under the United Nations Children's Fund's Convention on the Rights of the Child".

Except, of course, when unjust law and its institutions in conflict with democracy arrest and throw them into prison for years, if not decades, for the peaceful expression of exactly such honest opinion and political participation.

End the griping

Re: "Unsettling trend", (BP, Jan 27).

Kuldeep Nagi has again returned to his obsessive subject of expressing what is wrong with America. For a man born in India, who elected to leave his own country and emigrate to the US to obtain a coveted citizenship, then move to Thailand, and now continually criticises the very country that gave him new citizenship, it seems more than ungrateful. Why does he choose to write that hubris so often? He is in Thailand now and could write about any concerns he has about his newest chosen country. One has to think his disdain for "America" was deep-rooted before he made his several moves. Every country has perceived problems, and it would seem that the country that gave him his "American" citizenship in the country that he chose to abandon would allow the people who reside there to make deriding comments, not an ex-pat from two different countries. Surely, Mr. Nagi, you could comment on submarines, hospital "prisoners", bar closings, red meat, watches or Red Bull fugitives, all of which are situations in the country in which you now live and should be more pertinent for you. You chose to leave "America" behind. Leave your gripes behind, too.

Common sense win

Re: "Industry leaders support Pita ruling", (Business, Jan 25).

Your report reflects exactly the consequences of the Constitution Court favouring Pita Limjaroenrat last week as not holding shares of a media company. The flag of Thailand has now shown that there is justice in Thailand irrespective of political forces. This is a plus in the minds of overseas investors. The judgment is based on substance over form. That is, though, in the legal book, Pita is registered as a shareholder; in substance, the media was not active ages ago and, therefore, not forbidden to politicians. It is a victory for common sense.

Too many adverts

This year, TrueVisions Golf HD+ is basically airing more commercials than ever before. There are now major breaks every ten minutes or less, and on top of that, mini-breaks are shown in the middle of putis, etc. Someone from the authorities should talk to the management of HD+. After all, we are paying for it, and in my experience, no other channel has the same problem.

Marathon dismay

Re: "Buriram Marathon 2024 Gold Label", (Sport, Jan 28).

Is that the best you can do? One photo only and no mention of this event on your sports page, with just a brief caption -- Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati bestowed the trophy for this event.