OPINION

Stars in their eyes

My (Chinese) New Year resolution -- to respect local customs and beliefs -- is already beginning to waver.

Upon seeing large numbers flocking to the temples last week to "make merit" and "seek good fortune" as "the planet Uranus entered the constellation of Taurus" -- I couldn't help wondering how many of those merit-makers could say, roughly, where Taurus lay, or why that cluster of stars should have any particular significance for them or their country.

It was explained to me by a Thai friend that astrology was a science that has been in existence for possibly 5,000 years dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. But how, I wondered, could the transit of Uranus, a planet not visible to the naked eye and undiscovered until 200 years ago become part of this "ancient" astrological design?

It also occurred -- if you could sell this stuff to a significant portion of the population -- there would be little difficulty selling them the idea of a 250-member, non-elected Senate made up of members of the NCPO with a tenure of five years.

"This week, it was announced that about 300,000 officials were punished for corruption in the last year alone. That includes 80,000 who received 'severe punishments'". This is a direct quote from the BBC online magazine section, a story headlined "Why Chinese officials are afraid to look too smart".

Just imagine this happening in Thailand. Politicians and government officials flaunt their jewellery and some top police and army brass wear rings and gold chains that would keep a whole village in food for a year if sold.

But, within the next 50 or so years China will have taken over Thailand, and perhaps the Chinese policy of prosecuting for corruption might take hold as well. So I guess this generation might as well flaunt it while they can.

I am an American who was teaching English in Phnom Penh until January, when my health suddenly deteriorated. A friend got me to Bangkok just as my kidneys totally failed (acute renal failure), and I was close to death. He took me to Chulalongkorn Hospital, where they managed to save my life, not once, but twice, over a three-week period. I am now back in America recuperating.

The doctors were young and competent, the nurses and the rest of the staff were hard-working and knew what they were doing, and even the food was pretty good. They saw me through my crisis and got me prepared for the long flight home.

So, thank you Chulalongkorn Hospital, for looking after me so well.

Are we getting to the point where sports drug testing, and banning of more and more drugs will finally end sports as we know it? Are we coming to the point where any athlete caught taking anything stronger than a Bayer aspirin for a headache, will be banned from sports for life?

Maria Sharapova failed a drug test for taking a heart medicine containing meldonium. She has been taking this drug for several years, and it was not on the banned drug list. It was only added in January, 2016, before the Australian Open, so yes, traces of the drug could still be present in her body.

Andy Murray says Sharapova should be banned. His racquet sponsor, Head, said it plans to continue to use Sharapova as a spokeswoman. Andy says: "It is not something I believe in. I personally wouldn't respond like that."

OK Mr Murray. It's time to put your money (sponsorship) where your mouth is, and tell your racquet sponsor you are cancelling their sponsorship agreement with them, as you refuse to be party to a sponsor that supports drug cheats.

postbag@bangkokpost.co.th