The most sensible reason for being a vegetarian
Re: “Foolish to judge Thailand by Western standards”, Have Your Say, January 30.
Obviously I do not believe that Britain’s National Health Service rules the world, as Ian Martin cheekily claims, but its website’s dietary advice is I am sure very similar to such advice issued by countless other medical institutions and experts around the world, including by the doctors I occasionally consult here in Bangkok’s excellent hospitals, which Mr Martin rightly praises.
I am sorry that Mr Martin finds the taste of meat vile, although I do think that is the most sensible reason for being a vegetarian. In my opinion, it is not necessary to add spices to meat since it tastes good on its own, although sauces and gravy add a delicious extra flavour. Eric Bahrt mentions hamburgers, (“Burger-lovers, take the McBahrt’s challenge”, yesterday) and for once I agree with him – they are a culinary abomination.
As regards what happens in Thai slaughterhouses, well, that’s a matter for the owners and operators of such establishments, and for the relevant authorities, who should ensure that effective regulations are in place and are being followed.
Robin Grant
Bangkok
