OPINION

Lesson in relations

Re: "Israeli embassy urges tourists to be respectful", (BP, Feb 23).

It is refreshing to read about an embassy publicly warning its compatriots in Thailand to behave following the outcry from Thais in Pai district of Mae Hong Son instead of keeping quiet about the misbehaviours of its citizens.

The action of the Israeli embassy has literally reversed one's negative feelings towards Israelis, and other embassies should also follow up on the conduct of their countrymen.

One ambassador used to say to me: "In general, Thais are tolerant and kind but do not ever step on their corn."

Re: "The lies we fund", (PostBag, Feb 22).

Michael Setter, in his most recent tirade, makes a curious claim that only selected individuals are qualified to make a judgment about culture, ie: "Ask a political prisoner who has had organs removed one by one while he is still alive".

Since I was a political prisoner (Poland, 1968 and 1981) and had a tooth and tonsils removed, I meet Mr Setter's criterion. So, Mr Setter, what is your question?

Re: "System limit means biometric data lost", (BP, Feb 22).

The failure to collect the biometric data of about 17 million travellers who entered/left Thailand is the latest fiasco to need a quick, thorough, transparent investigation and decisive action by PM/Police Commissioner Paetongtarn.

The Immigration Bureau is to be lauded for having brought up the issue with the House's National Security Committee not once but seven times -- and the IB presumably informed their superiors also. However, higher authorities sat on their hands, even though "This was a complete failure of police organisation [and] likely explains why so many transnational criminal groups continue to operate freely in Thailand" (People Party's deputy leader Rangsiman Rome).

We keep stonewalling vital cop reforms -- making the stink worse. For instance, in October 2020, ex-graftbuster Vicha Mahakun submitted his report on police reform to then-PM Prayut, who buried it and never made it public. Then, last year, top cops Big Joke and Big Tor each accused the other of being on the take. The findings evidently were so explosive that no probe committee member dared face the press to present their incredible finding that "nothing was amiss".

PM/Police Commissioner Paetongtarn, help honest policemen do their noble duty. Clean up the police force and public prosecutor's office, starting with (a) sending Khun Vicha's report to parliament for updating and implementation and (b) investigating the biometric fiasco.

CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING 136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Fax: +02 6164000 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th

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