OPINION

Dubious claim

Re: "Online arrival cards for Thailand take effect May 1", (BP, April 11).

Really? Does the Pheu-Thai Party think this forced online TDAC will increase tourist traffic?

More than doubtful.

Re: "US tariff hike prompts new trade strategy", (BP, April 8).

Thailand should propose a "zero tariffs for zero tariffs" agreement with the US. Such an arrangement would build on our successful experience of free trade agreements with 22 countries and the trade and investment agreement with the US.

Crucially, President Trump seems to be receptive to the concept, for he tweeted "Just had a very constructive conversation with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who informed me Vietnam wishes to lower their tariffs to ZERO if an agreement can be reached." He then expressed gratitude and mentioned his anticipation for a meeting.

The EU also proposed such a "zero" deal with the US -- so if all goes well, Thailand will have turned a massive crisis into an opportunity to kickstart our economy. Rise to the challenge, PM Paetongtarn!

Re: "The killing field", (PostBag, April 11).

Eric Bahrt is still making the outlandish claim that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. It is a baseless lie fabricated by the propaganda wing of the Hamas terrorist organisation then repeated ad nauseum over and over again by others like Mr Bahrt who really should know better.

Yes, some children have died as have some journalists, though according to news reports, Hamas members has also masqueraded as journalists or held dual roles, particularly within Hamas-affiliated media.

It is of course tragic and unfortunate that people have died but Israel is at war with Hamas which has a policy of using civilians as human shields.

It should be noted the IDF (Israeli military) has taken more measures to avoid needless civilian harm than virtually any other nation that has fought an urban war.

Re: "Killed Gaza medic 'loved helping people'", & "Palestinian activist faces removal", (World, April 13).

As a Jew who despises Zionism, I'm often asked why I don't support "my people".

Let me give two examples of what "my people" means to me. Years ago, I was at an animal rights march in Washington DC and there were speakers there representing the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu religions. And I remember thinking at the time these are "my people".

Around that time, I also attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration, and I marched alongside Jews, Christians and Muslims.

"My people" are represented by every race and religion imaginable. And so are my enemies.

Get it?

Re: "Americans can't win from trade war by Trump ", (Commentary, April 11).

Politicians and economists worldwide have come up with trade tariffs or negotiations only.

The USA's (unsustainable) trade deficit in 2024 with other countries stood at more than $918 billion and its national debt at $36 trillion (12 zeros!).

Virtually every country in the world today is up to the hilt in debt. Take Thailand for example. Its corporate, national and household debt ratio to GDP in 2024 stood at 130, 63 and 90 percent respectively.

Its annual trade surplus with the USA stands at US$27 billion. Let's go back to not living beyond one's means. There's a lesson to be learnt here from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's philosophy of "sufficiency economy".

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