Superstition won't detect bombs
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So now we hear, yet again, that the bomb detector devices don't work. Those of us who follow such news have known that for years. Apparently Thai armed-services procurers didn't know, or didn't want to admit their mistake in wasting tens of millions of ba
The bomb detectors use the same principle as dowsing rods used for finding water underground. In other words, they’re hocus-pocus. Years ago there was a double blind experiment done by the American debunker known as Randi. A dozen of the most prestigious water dowsers were invited to a site to test their skills. The site was a large sandbox with a hose full of running water, buried a few inches under the surface of the sand. Guess how many of the 10 professional dowsers, using their personal dowsing rods, correctly detected the course of the water? None.
The better versed the populace regarding science, the less likely it will be duped by hocus-pocus. Most Thais, with their belief in ghosts, godly trinkets and other types of hocus-pocus, have a way to go. It’s not altogether bad to believe in make-believe (perhaps little kids benefit from believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy). However, sometimes it can lead to costly mistakes.
Ken Albertsen
Chiang Rai
