re: "PM Srettha vows to eliminate speed pills" (BP, September 17, 2023)
Dear editor,
How thrilling to hear that new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's "government will eliminate the abuse of methamphetamine pills within its tenure." Two of his flagship policies now copy the renowned of two former prime ministers. Under his watch as prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra also famously eradicated illegal drugs, and Prayut Chan-o-cha with equal righteousness reformed the Royal Thai Police with the blessing of all. Thaksin and Prayut having set the crown on their new-found relationship as best mates with that most gracious pardon signed off on on September 1, it is only fitting that the new government should adopt their well-remembered policy promises. The known historical record sets a memorable standard for PM Srettha to match.
That said, it must be conceded that whatever qualms decent people might have about its role in forming PM Srettha's well-cobbled government, coalition partner Bhumjai Thai does have a proven solution to solving illegal drug problems. Legalizing cannabis really did pretty much end that illegal drug problem literally at a pen stroke. It is also the just policy, recognizing that adults have a right to engage in reckless behaviour that directly harms only themselves. But if that sensible approach to solving illegal drug problems is to be followed, the same legal regulations must also be applied to that socially most harmful drug of them all, alcohol.
Of course, when drug users go on to commit other crimes, such as domestic abuse, which is so often fueled by alcohol, fatal traffic accidents when under the influence, fights driven by drunken rage, and rape driven by alcohol induced lust, those auxiliary crimes must still be strictly punished. The right of adults to seriously harm themselves by reckless drug use does not extend to directly harming others absent their consent as participants in the high fun.
Felix Qui
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The above letter to the editor is the text as submitted by Felix Qui to the Bangkok Post.
The text as edited was published in PostBag on September 20, 2023, under the title "Pick a just policy" at https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/postbag/2649995/murder-cover-up-
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