Kickstarting farms
Re: "Act to defuse depopulation timebomb", (Opinion, Aug 14).
Thailand should move quickly to enlist those fleeing Myanmar's civil war to slow our ageing problems -- especially in the farming sector.
Farmers are one-third of our labour force, but their income totalled just 8.57% of 2023 GDP. They are poor, swamped with toxic debt, elderly, and poorly educated. The average farmer had a household income of 57,032 baht a year and average household debt equals 7.89 years' household annual income.
Young Myanmar men and women, plus older engineers and medical staff, are fleeing the Tatmadaw's draft en masse. They are precisely those we need to kickstart our farm productivity.
Repurpose the digital wallet funds to boost farmer productivity, such as planting high-yielding rice strains or organic crops. Give these immigrants an acculturation programme and a merit-based path to citizenship so they'll help us develop for years to come. Make their crisis a win-win for them and us.
Hi-tech to the rescue
Re: "Heavier rain to blame for landslides", (World, Aug 15).
The recent devastating landslides and floods in Wayanad, Kerala, India, have captured global attention.
All Asian countries, especially those in the Himalayan region, must take steps like the strategic application of advanced technologies and large-scale afforestation to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.
Large structures such as skyscrapers must be banned across the board. Strict regulations on high-rise construction in earthquake-prone regions would also help.
More importantly, we should shift our focus from concrete jungles to verdant landscapes. My native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Marthandam, Nagercoil, and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu exemplify the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
By resorting to reforestation and sustainable land use, we can restore ecological balance.
Dynastic peril
Re: "No happy ending after Sheikh Hasina's downfall", (Opinion, Aug 9).
The persistence of dynastic rule within democratic frameworks is indeed a significant concern, as it often leads to the concentration of power within a few families rather than a broader representation of the populace.
This phenomenon is evident across South Asia, Asean, and other parts of the world, where political power often remains within certain families, creating de facto monarchies within democratic systems.
The rise of dynasties in democracies can erode the very principles of representation and accountability that these systems are meant to uphold. Instead of prioritising the public good, these dynasties often prioritise their interests, leading to corruption, nepotism, and weakened institutions.
As Mihir noted, the political landscape in India has seen a shift with the rise of the BJP, which has challenged the dominance of traditional dynastic powers.
However, the battle against dynastic politics is far from over. As seen in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and even in more established democracies like the USA and parts of Europe, the allure of power and wealth continues to draw individuals into politics, often with the backing of family legacies. In Pakistan, the governance has become a family affair. Thailand also suffers from the same malaise.
The public must remain vigilant and demand stronger democratic institutions that prioritise merit and accountability over lineage. Only then can democracies truly serve their intended purpose of representing the will and welfare of the people.
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