Hymn to power
Re: "'Soft power' is not built upon sweet music", (Opinion, April 19), and "Milli's sticky rice and mango stunt grabs world's attention", (BP, April 18).
Again with the "soft power" references, regarding T-pop sensation Milli's appearance last weekend at California's taste-making Coachellla music festival. Please, in the name of responsible journalism, stop.
The tenuous concept of "soft power" (primarily promoted by a single academic, Joseph Nye) relates to a country's overall positive and progressive attributes to which other nation states might aspire. Talented though they might be, Milli's and Blackpink's Lalisa's highly-programmed and predictable rise to entertainment-world notoriety fall far short of the standards of "real" soft power indicators, including global media image, immigration and tourism, and integrity in rule of law.
Sadly, at this moment, Thailand's performance in all three areas may generously be considered a "work in progress". To her credit, according to the music publication NME, Milli did get in a jibe at the government as she rapped the lyrics: "The country is good, people is good, our food is good, but the government is bood (rotten)." Rather than trying to export its hollow version of "soft power", Thailand's regressive policy makers might find more success reflecting the "soft power" influence of countries that blaze a forward path in education, health care, human equality, and other key areas.
KHUN BILL
Potty humour
Re: "Don't remove face masks in toilets, scientists warn", (BP, April 16).
All the reporters who put that article together should be given the Pulitzer Prize. Thanks to that article, I will never again drink out of a public toilet! I would add that only those who have had four vaccines (preferably a hundred) should be allowed to use public toilets. There should be armed guards in front of the toilets ready to shoot on sight anyone who tries to enter the bathroom without taking a Covid test.
My fellow readers, have you ever wondered how unhealthy we'd all be if we didn't have the Bangkok Post looking out for us? We're such lucky-duckies!
ERIC BAHRT
Flying high
Re: "Leased 777-300ERs to join THAI's fleet", (BP, April 8).
THAI Airways just announced the lease of three new planes each with a three-class configuration, including First Class (which is currently unavailable on any routes serviced).
This acquisition begs questions:
1) While in bankruptcy, how can they secure credit for the leases -- what kind of fiscal shenanigans are at work here?
2) Undoubtedly theses planes have a state-of-the-art First Class at the behest of those "senior people" who bemoan the loss of their comforts (and rarely pay for their seats).
3) The article in the Bangkok Post said that TG is in the process of selling or has sold 45 planes from the fleet … Hogwash!!! They have not sold a single one.
4) Why not retrofit some of the existing planes, as there are still some in the fleet with many years left on the clock ... surely a cheaper option. The soap opera never ends and once again the taxpayer (who owns a substantial share) is being abused. Will it never end?
REV MICHAEL PALMER
