1. Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine,
   Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
2. Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine,
   University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
3. Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
4. The Royal Society of Thailand, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand

Correspondence to Weerapong Phumratanaprapin (MD),
Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. Email: weerapong.phu@mahidol.ac.th

Abstract

Newspapers have a responsibility to report the truth to their readers, and the trustworthiness of the print media remains crucial in our age of decentralized, social media and online commentary. Honest reporting of the evidence and the uncertainties around health claims are especially important as there may be serious consequences if incorrect information is disseminated. Letters to the Editor can fall into a grey area where the responsibility for statements are unclear.

Recently there have been examples of misleading claims printed in letters appearing in many local and English language newspapers in many countries. One letter to a newspaper in Thailand made incorrect statements about vaccine safety which, if believed, could potentially discourage infant vaccination and thereby place children at risk of preventable infectious diseases. Another letter contradicted Thailand’s national policy for malaria treatment with artemisinin combination therapies and advocated instead the use of unlicensed, unproven herbal remedies, which if followed could result in the mismanagement of a potentially fatal disease. Both articles risked causing harm and should not have been printed without qualification.

Improved editorial guidelines may help avoid such oversights in future. Such guidelines might include additional steps prior to publication to verify and fact-check health claims, the adoption of a risk-based approach before deciding whether the public interest is best served by publication, and consultation with relevant medical experts. The public deserve to read a range of opinions from readers, including on health matters, but there is an editorial responsibility to ensure in as far as is reasonable, that such claims are evidence-based, appropriately referenced, and accountable.

Keywords: Ethics, evidence-based medicine, malaria, media, Thailand, vaccination

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1. Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
2. Royal Society of Thailand, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 Thailand
3. Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
4. Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom

Correspondence to Sasithon Pukrittayakamee (DPhil),
Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. Email: sasithon.puk@mahidol.ac.th, sasithon@tropmed.ac

Abstract

Epidemics of infectious diseases have threatened humans throughout our history. Devastating plagues are described in records from classical Greece and Rome and across the ancient world. Many epidemic diseases that now affect humans began from infections that originated in animals. In the 21st century, we live in a world in which there have been dynamic changes to the global ecology and expanded international travel, which has resulted in increased contact between humans, and between humans and animals. The result is that the emergence and spread of new contagious infections from animal reservoirs and between human populations has become both more probable and, in some aspects, also more difficult to contain. Pandemics in the 21st century are anticipated to have chiefly viral causes, such as influenza, corona and arboviruses. Unlike bacteria, virus proteins are readily altered through antigenic drift and shift. In the case of the latter, a new viral infection may enter an entirely susceptible human population who have never been exposed before and have no effective host immunity. Moreover, existing treatments may prove ineffective, and new vaccines will need to be developed. Another reason why animal-to-human, or “zoonotic” viruses are of great concern is that these can often be efficiently transmitted through droplets, from animal to person, and also from human to human. Unlike most viruses, the influenza virus exists as a seasonal epidemic and when a new influenza virus strain appears there is the potential for it to spread rapidly and widely across international borders and around the world, that is, to become a pandemic. In this short review we reflect on a several key aspects of past pandemics, with a focus on the influenza infections. We then present an overview of recent studies conducted by the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University to improve the treatment and prevention of influenza.

Keywords: Epidemics, Influenza, Pandemics, Mahidol, Siam,

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It is hoped that the variety of essays in this issue will catch a wider audience’s
interests and bring readers to join us in honouring and celebrating Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit’s 80th Birthday.

Long Live Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

(Srisurang Poolthupya)
Editor

Advisor

Professor Dr. Panya Borisutdhi, FRI.
President of the Royal Institute

Editor

Professor Srisurang Poolthupya, FRI.

Deputy Editor

Professor Dr. Somboon Suksamran, FRI.

Language Editors

Khunying Finola Chatamra
Professor Dr. Robert Exell

Editorial Board

Professor Dr. Likhit Dhiravegin, FRI.
Associate Professor Dr. Kris Chatamra, FRI.
Dr. Sobha Chupikulchai Spielmann, FRI.
Professor Dr. Sawasd Tantaratana, FRI.
Professor Dr. Prakong Nimmanahaeminda, FRI.
Professor Dr. Pornsan Watanangura, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Suthat Yoksan, AFRI.
Associate Professor Malithat Promathatavedi, AFRI.
Miss Kanokwalee Chuchaiya, Secretary-General
Ms. Saengchant Sansupa, Director of Moral and Political
Sciences Division
Dr. Cholthicha Sudmuk, Literary Arts Officer.
Miss Rattikal Sriamphai, Literary Arts Officer.
Miss Itsariya Lauhatiranonda, Literary Arts Officer.

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Abstract

Quinine and Quin-Ghao (artemisinins) both have a centuries old medical history as effective anti-ague remedies and remain natureûs two most important anti-malarial drugs. From ancient records of early discovery, it took less than a decade for quinine to be widely used in Europe in the 17th century. In contrast, it took over a thousand years until the 20th century for Quin Ghao (artemisinin) to become known and accepted outside China. These divergent timelines of the two drugs, partly reflect differences in the scientific heritage between the two civilizations i.e general publication in the West versus confidential ownership in the East. Quinine, but especially artemisinin derivatives, still play an important role in malaria control and treatment as witnessed in the WHO malaria treatment guidelines. Recent evidence shows that artesunate is superior to quinine in preventing death from severe falciparum malaria. Quinine is more wildly available and has remained the first line anti-malarial regimen for first trimester pregnant women.

Key words: malaria, quinine, Quin-Ghao, artesunate

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Abstract

Malaria infection is a major global health problem causing at least 1 million deaths per year. P. falciparm parasite in many areas has developed resistance to antimalarial monotherapy. The use of antimalarial combinations will delay the onset and slow the rate of spread of resistance. WHO recommends that all countries experiencing resistance to conventional monotherapies, such as chloroquine, quinine, amodiaquine or sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine, should use combination therapies, preferably those containing artemisinin derivatives or artemisinin-based combination therapies. Other alternative combination therapies are artesunate plus tetracycline or doxycycline or clindamycin and quinine plus tetracycline or doxycycline or clindamycin.

Key words: Malaria, Combination therapy

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Foreword from the President
of the Royal Institute of Thailand

In this second English issue of the Journal of the Royal Institute, I am particularly pleased that there are several papers promoting peace and harmony, of which our country now has great need, in order to ensure its continued survival and progress. Conflicts within the country and with our neighbour have been threatening peace and unity for some time, and if these conflicts cannot be amicably resolved, our country will be weakened. By uniting in our efforts to solve the serious political and economic problems facing the country and the whole world, we may succeed in bringing benefit to all. Practical strategies: academic, social, ethical and spiritual should be mapped out as a guideline. We need progress in every field of knowledge in order to contribute to the welfare of the people all over the world. The Journal of the Royal Institute aims to contribute towards this objective as much as possible.

(Professor Dr. Panya Borisutdhi)
President of the Royal Institute

Editor’s Note

Peace and Harmony is the theme of the Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume II, 2010. As the present world is facing many conflicts and terrorist activities, we are looking for ways to attain peace and harmony. We cannot leave it to peace activists alone to find the solutions leading to peace and harmony.
All of us must join forces to make the world a better place in which to live. The Journal Volume II is the forum.
All religions stress the importance of peace and harmony, yet religions themselves are often the cause of conflict and violence. However, to turn our back on religion is a worse course of action. To see or hear both sides of the story, to reason, to forgive and to seek the middle path or moderation are recommended for all. If we can get to the root of the conflict which may be racial, political, religious, economic, psychological or moral, we can find the right solution to end the conflict peacefully and avoid violence in any form. Speaking of peace and non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi’s words and deeds come to our mind. Many people have heeded his words and adopted his method of non-violence or Ahimsa very successfully. Nelson Mandela in South Africa, Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States of America, Vaclav Havel in Czechoslovakia (now Czech and Slovakia) can be cited as examples. Yet we must take note that to attain peace, truth and non-violence must join forces. Without truth, that is, if the cause is erroneous, non-violence will be an empty word that will not be achieved, and peace will not be possible. That is why Gandhi calls his method Satyagraha which in Sanskrit means “holding fast to truth” Non-violence or Ahimsa for Gandhi does not simply mean “not using the violent means.” Non-violence, according to Gandhi, also means love, compassion and tolerance. Not using weapons may be easy, but it is very difficult to achieve true non-violence. Gandhi says, “We may never be strong enough to be entirely non-violent,
in thought, word and deed. But we must keep non-violence as our goal and make steady progress towards it … The truth of a few will count. The untruth of millions will vanish even like chaff before a whiff of wind.”
This volume offers readers various views concerning peace and harmony. While Mahatma Gandhi offers the use of Satyagraha, this forum is open wide for all ideas and contributions within and outside the theme.

Professor Emeritus Srisurang Poolthupya
Editor, Fellow of the Royal Institute

Editor

Professor Emeritus Srisurang Poolthupya, FRI.

Deputy Editor

Professor Dr. Somboon Suksamran, FRI.

Language Editors

Khunying Finola Chatamra
Dr. Gordon Hamilton

Editorial Board

Professor Dr. Likhit Dhiravegin, FRI.
Associate Professor Dr. Kris Chatamra, FRI.
Dr. Sobha Chupikulchai Spielmann, FRI.
Professor Dr. Pornsan Watanangura, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Prakong Nimmanahaeminda, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Sawasd Tantaratana, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Suthat Yoksan, AFRI.
Associate Professor Malithat Promathatavedi, AFRI.
Ms. Saengchant Sansupa, Director of Moral and Political Sciences Division.
Dr. Cholthicha Sudmuk, Literary Arts Officer.
Miss Rattikal Sriamphai, Literary Arts Officer.
Miss Itsariya Lauhatiranonda, Literary Arts Officer.

Cover Design

Associate Professor Asanee Chooarun, FRI.

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the Royal Institute of Thailand 

Vol. I, 5 December, 2009 

The Relevance of Arts and Sciences in the Modern World.

“We shall reign with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people.”

Long Live His Majesty the King

Foreword from the President of the Royal Institute of Thailand

The Royal Institute was established in 1933. The function of the Royal Institute is chiefly to undertake and encourage research in every branch of knowledge which will be beneficial to the nation and to the people of Thailand. The Institute’s activities are to maintain relations and to exchange knowledge and information in all fields with other learned institutes in Thailand and abroad; to compile dictionaries, encyclopaedias and terminologies. In addition, the Institute also oversees the birth of new terminology in the spectrum of the academic world and ensures that the new vocabulary is appropriate to the preservation and promotion of the Thai language, and to coin new words, to establish the criteria of Thai usage. 

There are at present three academies in the Royal Institute: the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, the Academy of Science and the Academy of Arts. Each academy has fellows and honorary fellows who are appointed by the Royal Proclamation on the basis of their academic excellence. Each academy also has associate fellows. 

The Royal Institute has been publishing the Journal of the Royal Institute in the Thai language, four issues per year. To befit the age of globalization, it is decided that there should be also the Journal of the Royal Institute in English, one issue per year. 

On behalf of the Royal Institute of Thailand, I wish the editors and the editorial board every success in their endeavour. I hope that the first English issue of the Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand 2009 will mark the auspicious beginning of a fruitful exchange of knowledge and information through the medium of English, which is widely known across the entire world. 

Professor Dr. Panya Borisutdhi
President of the Royal Institute 

Editor’s Note

This is the inaugural issue of the Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand in English. It contains academic contributions from the Fellows and Associate Fellows of the Royal Institute. Hopefully, this first issue will launch a forum for international academics to share their knowledge in subsequent issues. Original research papers and commentaries are welcome from everyone who is interested in the advancement and exchange of knowledge in all fields. As the editor and the editorial board are new to these positions, we are ready to consider creative suggestions and comments from all readers to improve the journal. 

In this issue, papers on arts and sciences are based on the theme “The Relevance of Arts and Sciences in the Modern World”. The journal offers a variety of topics of relevance and interest to readers in many fields. Contributors are responsible for the content of their respective paper which they proofread themselves before printing. 

Srisurang Poolthupya
Professor Emeritus and Fellow
of the Royal Institute

Editor

• Professor Srisurang Poolthupya, FRI. 

Deputy Editor

• Professor Dr. Somboon Suksamran, FRI. 

Language Editors

• Khunying Finola Chatamra
• Dr. Gordon Hamilton 

Editorial Board

• Professor Dr. Likhit Dhiravegin, FRI.
• Associate Professor Dr. Kris Chatamra, FRI.
• Dr. Sobha Chupikulchai Spielmann, FRI.
• Professor Dr. Pornsan Watanangura, AFRI.
• Professor Dr. Prakong Nimmanahaeminda, AFRI.
• Professor Dr. Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, AFRI.
• Professor Dr. Sawasd Tantaratana, AFRI.
• Professor Dr. Suthat Yoksan, AFRI.
• Associate Professor Malithat Promathatavedi, AFRI.
• Ms. Saengchant Sansupa, Director of Moral and Political Sciences Division
• Ms. Naiyana Vara-Asvapati, Director of Science Division
• Mr. Visarn Oucharearn, Director of Arts Division
• Dr. Cholthicha Sudmuk, Literary Arts officer
• Miss Rattikal Sriamphai, Literary Arts officer
• Miss Itsariya Lauhateranonda, Literary Arts officer

Cover Design

• Assistant Professor Dr. Manote Kongkanandana, AFRI.

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