This article points out that Thailand still permits the use of white asbestos, called chrysotile, as a raw material in manufacturing. Scientific evidence clearly shows that all kinds of asbestos, including chrysotile, can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma (asbestos-specific cancer) 25-40 years after exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation has classified chrysotile as group 1 (carcinogenic to humans). The International Programme on Chemical Safety has classified chrysotile as a carcinogen. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that asbestos kills 100,000 workers a year worldwide. The extensive use of asbestos in the 1970s in industrially developed countries lies behind many of the asbestos-related cancer cases we see today.

Some 40 countries have banned the use of all kinds of asbestos, including chrysotile, as an efficient way of eliminating asbestos-related hazards. This is in line with the ILO's Asbestos Convention, which prescribes comprehensive protective measures. The ILO's Occupational-Cancer Convention urges carcinogenic substances to be replaced by less-hazardous materials. Asbestos substitutes, although not perfectly safe either, are much safer than chrysotile. None of the stringent regulators report any negative consequences for national economies that switch to asbestos substitutes.

The Public Health Ministry of Thailand, in cooperation with the Labour Ministry, will host the Asian Asbestos Conference from July 26-27 in Bangkok, in order to provide a forum to discuss protection measures. The ILO will co-sponsor this important conference. Workers and the general public need accurate and up-to-date knowledge about the health hazards of asbestos, in order to protect themselves. Business communities can increase their efforts to replace asbestos with safer materials. These efforts will contribute to their long-term business success. A local Thai construction-materials company, for example, has already started selling a non-asbestos product in response to customer demand. It is time for Thailand to find effective measures to protect workers and the general public from asbestos.

Dr Tsuyoshi Kawakami

Senior specialist in occupational safety and health

ILO Subregional Office for East Asia

Dr Chalermchai Chaikittiporn

Dean, Faculty of Public Health

Mahidol University

Bangkok

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Is spiralling cycle of violence tacitly condoned at the top?

Re: "Supporters of troubled EC turn to violence", News, May 18.

It remains fresh in my memory that our caretaker PM, on many occasions, kept lashing out at supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) as "hoodlums", "rabid dogs", and so on and so forth. What is the truth? Things went contrary to all his malicious allegations. The PAD waged peaceful anti-Thaksin mass demonstrations for more than two months running, peaceful demonstrations that were unprecedented in Thailand's history.

Unfortunately, what is the other side of the coin? Reports of violence provoked by supporters of the outgoing government led by Thaksin Shinawatra kept souring the eyes of the public, both at home and abroad. Last week, people simply were not able to believe their eyes when they saw on television fresh violence by supporters of the head of the Election Commission, Vasana Puemlarp, who assaulted reporters and cameramen and demolished the site of the PAD protesters. And all this happened before the very eyes of the police, who just looked on unconcernedly, doing nothing to stop the riot. A question occurred to me then: what would have happened if the violence had been perpetrated by PAD supporters?

Dear Thaksin and dear Vasana, did you see that scene, which was shown on several television channels? If not, please have it replayed and watch it. And your conscience, if you still have any, will guide you to decide who are the hoodlums and rabid dogs and who are not playing by the rules.

I don't know who the masterminds behind any of this violence are. I have no evidence at hand. But Thaksin, who always advocates "Thais love Thais", and Vasana, who most lately has been seen as tender-hearted, should urge their supporters to behave in accordance with the law.

Abee

Bangkok

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Common sense would dictate we should be good neighbours

Re: "Laos on the receiving end", News, May 19.

Thank you for this article. I appreciate it, because it defends my birth country. I understand that it is human nature to belittle people who are in humble circumstances, because it makes them feel superior.

But I am glad to know that your organisation is taking a stand by telling those who mock the "little people" that their behaviour is inappropriate. Thank you for reminding people to be kind.

Sirivanh Spackman

Bangkok

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Indonesia's islands are like Thailand's way back when

Sadly, once former scenic Thai islands with relatively friendly Thais have become places for farangs to avoid like the plague. Even Bangkok Thais tell me how rudely they are treated on these islands. There is so much trash piled up on the beaches on Koh Samet that that island is an eyesore.

In Hawaii and the West Indies, they clean up the trash on the beach every day. It only takes a few minutes.

And the surly attitude of greedy, lazy locals only makes it more unpleasant. Thank Buddha I live in Bangkok, where I am treated very well.

When I want to visit an island, I go to Indonesia. They have more than 18,000 of them, more than any other nation in the world. I have been so pleasantly surprised by the kindness and patience of the Indonesians. They are very kind to visitors, like Thailand used to be before they got rich off of all the people that they make fun of now.

Is this the kind of reputation Thais want to have with visitors and foreign residents? Many Thais care only about cash and not rude behaviour.

Sad for Siam!

Concerned Farang

Bangkok

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Young teacher's hopes and dreams nipped in the bud

Re: "Juling's vision of peace", News, May 22.

I was very touched by this article. I feel sad that Thailand is likely to lose this fine young teacher, due to the severe damage to her brain.

Juling Pangamoon has become another victim of the conflict in the South, which is fuelled by the government's misguided policies. The hatred towards the government by the southern Muslims is so deep that they will vent their anger on anyone they can put their hands on, even an innocent girl like Juling.

I feel sorry for her. She was so dedicated in her work and had such a wonderful dream of devoting her life to teaching children in the South, regardless of the danger. I admire this courageous young girl and pray to Lord Buddha that her life be saved.

Wan T

Bangkok

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A few soft words often work better than a lot of bluster

Re: To avoid 'foreigner' prices, just learn to speak Thai", Letters, May 23.

I am a British national who has been living and working here for six years. I concur with Kong. When I speak politely in Thai, explain my situation and on occasion produce my social-security card as evidence of residence, more often than not I am charged the Thai price rather than the inflated farang price. As every true Brit knows, politeness always pays.

Guy Ridgeon

Bangkok

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It's not the economics of dual pricing, but that it's accepted

I seem to have woken a few people up with my recent letter about dual pricing ("Besides the bad impression two-tier pricing leaves, it is constitutionally prohibited", May 20). Let me mention that I feel using the terms "two-tier pricing" and "dual pricing" almost gives an aura of respectability and acceptance to the practice of extortion based on racism.

To those who feel the use of a Thai driving licence or residence permit or speaking Thai is an acceptable means of ensuring that they pay the same price as a Thai, I would ask them to consider whether they feel this is, in fact, condoning the practice of dishonesty. I have Thai driving licences (two), can speak passable Thai and generally hold a conversation and can read Thai (albeit slowly), but I do not use these as a means to pay a lower price. Do people not understand that it's not about the price? It's about morally acceptable behaviour.

Those who suggest that other countries increase their prices for Thais fail in two respects: one, the legislation in other countries would not permit such a practice; and two, condoning the practice in another country would only justify the behaviour here.

To those who say it is okay to pay more because they have more money, well, how would they feel if, in their own country, they had to pay more than their neighbour for goods or services simply because the shop or venue perceived them to be wealthier than the aforementioned neighbour? Should I pay more than the Thai in the same queue as I but who has a Mercedes or a Ferrari or has sold a big corporation to a Singaporean firm, simply because I am foreign? I beg to differ with some of the advocates this practice.

As I said earlier, I would like The Nation to compile and publish a list of places that practise this. Are you brave enough? I think you are.

Bernard Walker

Bangkok

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