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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Abstract

It is a great pride for Thailand and the Thai people, that Her Majesty Queen Sirikit takes a deep interest in the conservation of biological resources and the environment. While visiting the local populace and following up the royally initiated projects in rural areas across the northeast, Her Majesty has become fascinated by the unique, seasonal wetland habitat of multicolored wild flower fields or ‘seasonal blanket marsh vegetation’. This fragile habitat is represented by the ‘Lan Dusita’ and ‘Pha Taem’ wild flower fields in Sakon Nakhon and Ubon
Ratchathani Provinces respectively. At ‘Lan Dusita’ the beauty of the miniature flowering plants dominating the field has immensely pleased Her Majesty. And she has promptly granted the most common wild flowers the royal names: ‘Dusita’ (Utricularia delphinioides), ‘Soi Suwanna’ (U. bifi da), Thip Kesorn (U. minutissima), Sarassa Chandhorn (Burmannia coelestris), and Manee Dheva (Eriocaulon smitinandii). As regards the conservation status, the miniature plants mentioned can be classifi ed under the vulnerable category due to the habitat loss at an alarming rate by deforestation and urban development. Her Majesty has brought in earnest the splendour of the wild fl ower fi elds to the attention of the public and offi cial authorities. She has instructed the government agencies concerned to take immediate action on the proper conservation measures for a revival of the neglected wild fl ower fi elds in northeastern Thailand.

Keywords: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Thailand, wild flower fields

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Abstract

The genus Hedychium J. Koönig (Zingiberaceae) in Thailand is taxonomically revised, result of which 21 species and 6 varieties are enumerated. One taxon, H. forestii Diels, is recognized here as one of the four varieties of
H. coronarium J.Ko..nig. Key to species and varieties, together with description, ecological data, geographical distributions and illustrations of the first 10 species and 4 varieties (in alphabetical order) are provided. Diagnostic characters of each taxon are also discussed.

Key words: taxonomic revision, Zingiberaceae, Hedychium J. Ko..nig, Thailand

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Abstract

Chrysotile, a serpentile asbestos, has been used in a number of Thai Industries for several decades. The material is known to be carcinogenic to humans especially of the serous lining of cavitary organs, producing the rare and
highly malignant tumour named mesothelioma. In the period of 57 years (1954-2011) there were only 57 known mesothelioma cases in Thailand, and none of these had pathological evidence of asbestos etiology; one single case among them had a history of asbestos exposure in a factory. The first patient was diagnosed in 1954 as a case of mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis. The first reported case appeared 14 years thereafter.

Studies concerning asbestos in Thailand have been few and almost being carried out under my guidance, i.e. surveys for asbestos bodies in 330 randomised autopsy lungs, determination of air-borne asbestos dusts in heavy traffic streets in Bangkok, verification of asbestos contaminant in vermiculite used in planting, and durability testing of asbestos and non-asbestos cement tiles. Details will be described in the text.

Key words: chrysotile, asbestos, vermiculite, mesothelioma, Thailand

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Abstract

Two rare Thai medicinal plant species of the genus Gagnepainia K. Schum. (family Zingiberaceae), G. godefroyi (Baill.) K. Schum. and G. thoreliana (Baill.) K. Schum., are enumerated. Descriptions and illustrations of both taxa are given.

Key words: Gagnepainia K. Schum., Thailand, G. godefroyi (Baill.) K. Schum., G. thoreliana (Baill.) K. Schum.

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Fellow of the Royal Institute, Academy of Science. 
Pharmaceutical Botany and Pharmacognosy Research Unit, 
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, 

Abstract 

Two species of the genus Hemiorchis Kurz (Zingiberaceae), H. burmanica Kurz and H. rhodorrhachis K. Schum., are enumerated for Thailand. Descriptions and illustrations of both taxa are given. 

Key words: Hemiorchis Kurz, Thailand, H. burmanica Kurz, H. rhodorrhachis  K. Schum. 

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