Let's see the names and the faces

I read the article in Sunday’s celebratory edition with resigned incredulity. The first reason given was that, because Chevron was involved in the research project, Thailand’s economic and energy security was at risk. This was probably the most sensible of them all. A marked downward trend then set in.

We next had the assertion that sensitive data would be used for military purposes. Interesting. I was not aware that the study of clouds had such great military value. Then there was the possibility that cooperation with the Americans might offend the Chinese. The fourth really made me chuckle: the project would include flying over Thailand’s security-sensitive areas. Has the NSC heard of spy satellites? 

Should they wish, the Americans can take photographs of all the Thai generals relaxing in their encroached holiday homes with a clarity that can identify the colour of their shirt and what newspaper they’re reading. The fifth is just a ludicrous as the fourth, and the sixth spins into the realms of Alice in Wonderland.

I am unaware as to who the esteemed members of the NSC actually are and what qualifications befit them to sit on this august body and pronounce.  Indeed I wonder if anybody outside the NSC actually knows who they are. Perhaps The Nation could run an article informing its readers who the members of the NSC actually are, and perhaps the Council of State, and for that matter other appointed bodies. It is very healthy for a democracy to ensure that those entrusted with such important work are known to the electorate, to which they are ultimately responsible.

Fred Morrice

Bangkok