OPINION

Justice finally taking its course

Eyes opened and ears suddenly perked up across North America with the Bangkok Post story, "Red Bull heir ordered to meet prosecutors".

Could it be that at long last, justice is about to be recognised in Thailand, much to the chagrin of the police involved, who have always portrayed the attitude of, "We don't give a damn one way or another"? Too bad guys.

You might have to spend more time doing paperwork. What a shame, isn't it. Gen Prayut might be many things to different people, but for many Thais in California, he is a good man who wants to see things right, and will pursue justice. Good for the general.

Thailand needs more principled leaders, not just rich sycophants and "yes" men, (and women), who look out only for their own interests and enrichment, such as the Silpa-archas, Shinawatras and a few more. Bravo to Prime Minister General Prayut. Now, let's see if the Red Bull case is followed through to a just conclusion. Time will tell.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Post reporters, be diligent and don't let the story lapse. Only you have the ability to generate national and international interest, and we are all following, thanks to the internet.

The current US president -- what's-his-name -- suggested in recent remarks that the top Democrat contender for the US presidency can be trusted with classified information, but possibly not the Republican contender. If there should be a US president Donald Trump, then this would be my advice to him concerning classified information: don't ask, don't tell.

Potential future president Trump, if you do not ask about classified information, and if you do not get any, then you cannot possibly divulge any -- and that problem is solved.

Secondly, potential future president Trump, please consider using this reply in any or all circumstances: your problem, not mine.

If the US Department of Defence or the US Department of State were to come to you with an issue, then you could simply say: "Your problem, not mine. Go fix it."

Being Leader of the Free World could be so easy if approached with basic logic.

Thai-Pan revealed (again) with clear evidence that the state is not capable of being the primary actor in safeguarding the quality of our food. Its "Q-mark" for safe food and the "Organic Thailand" seal for organic food fail to live up to their claims -- failing in their responsibility to protect the health of citizens. However the headline of the BP column on Thursday, " 'Organic' in our country means unsafe", also sends the wrong message.

There are alternatives to government-driven quality schemes that are more trustworthy. Organic Agriculture Certification Thailand (ACT) is accredited by IFOAM. The quality of organic food certified by ACT has earned broad confidence.

IFOAM Organics International is a global independent platform for organic growers, traders, consumers and scientists who together in a democratic process set the quality standards and the monitoring procedures to guarantee organic quality. The complications and expenses incurred in "third party" certification however form an obstacle for small-scale organic farmers. That is why a new -- in fact older -- approach has gained popularity: Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS). This approach to quality development, supported by IFOAM, is being independently shaped by local communities and mindful consumers by means of direct interaction and active networking, like in traditional farmers' markets where all actors know each other.

Quality standards and monitoring procedures are shaped by direct human collaboration, including farm visits and volunteering. Often independent social enterprises play a mediating role between the demands of the consumers and the capacities of the farmers, under various conditions like drought, floods, massive chemical use by neighbouring farms, unfavourable government policies including flawed health protection and climate change.

Given the crucial role of social enterprises in supporting these independent producer-consumer partnerships, another warning on the role of the state should be released: Big Food plans to hijack the social enterprise movement with government support allowing huge tax incentives to so-called "Big Brother" companies, based on similarly distorted claims.